#trr rashad
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Love Drabble
(Maxwell Beaumont x OC*Sherry Alcantar) in a Choices The Royal Heir Drabble
A/N In my Dark TRR AU, All Through the Night, I created Sherry to be Maxwell's love interest. She chased after him, determined to make him love her like she did him in that mystical AU and I loved her for it. I've been wanting to see what she could do in a normal world without magic and monsters. So, in this drabble, she is still a cousin to Rashad, and has decided to chase down Cordonia's celebrated author when he travels to Hollywood to discuss The Royal Romance's sequel.
I've lost my tag lists 🤦🏻♀️ So I have no clue who might want a Maxwell Beaumont drabble 😂 So whoever sees this and likes it. It's for you.
Masterlist
One Way or Another
Cordonia...
"Sherry," Rashad ran his hands down his face, "I'm not going to do that."
"Please!" Sherry pleaded. "You actually know him! All we have to do is fly to California-"
"No." He interrupted.
"And find out where he's staying. Then--"
"No." Rashad said a bit more emphatically.
"We'll then just casually bump into him and you can introduce me," She smiled a tad deviously, "your beloved cousin, and then I'll take it from there."
"Sherry." Rashad dropped his head back. "I'm not going to help you chase down another man. I've played this role in the past, and it always makes it awkward for me when I run into them after you've gotten tired of them."
He waved around the luxurious main drawing room of his duchy.
"I actually live near him and see him regularly at court functions! I'm on the council with him!"
"And Lady Hana." Sherry reminded him
"And Lady Han--," he abruptly cut off what he was about to say.
"Ugh." Sherry flopped back on his couch. "Why don't you just tell her you like her already?"
Rashad leveled a glare upon his cousin. He adored Sherry, but she was entirely too pushy and too sure when it came to matters of the heart. She didn't understand that normal people needed to move at their own pace.
"Fine. Don't end your, how many years is it now? Three?" She asked.
Rashad barely nodded.
"Don't end your three year longing from afar for Hana." She pushed herself off the couch. "I'm not waiting on Maxwell Beaumont to notice me."
"Why him?" Rashad perched his hip on the arm of a chair. "What made you finally notice him?"
Sherry shrugged. "While stuck on a photoshoot in Bora Bora, I read the first Royal Romance and I knew he was the one for me." She winked at him. "That's why I rushed home."
"Uh huh." Rashad studied her a few silent seconds. "If I do this-"
"I knew you wouldn't let me down!" Sherry bounded over to hug him.
"Once I introduce you to him, I'm done. No more helping you chase him until he dates you." Rashad gripped her upper arms. "Agreed?"
"Agreed." She clasped her hands together. "I'll go finish packing. Our flight leaves in three hours."
"Our flight leaves in..." Rashad couldn't believe her nerve in assuming he'd just give in to her demands.
He watched her skip out of the room as if this was something normal.
Shaking his head in exasperation, he wondered how Maxwell would react to being in a relationship with her.
He knew it was inevitable. No one stood a chance against his cousin. He only wished he could warn the poor guy.
************
"Which one?" Sherry held up two dresses.
Rashad sighed as he set a contract he was studying aside.
"I like the black one." He responded.
She dropped the red one and dashed to her room to change.
"You sure he'll be at the premiere?" She yelled out.
"Yes." Rashad got to his feet to pour a needed glass of bourbon. "Liam told me that they'd all been invited to Ryan Summers 's latest film." He took a long sip. "Ever since he played Maxwell in the first film, they've become good friends."
Sherry stepped back out and did a slow twirl. "Well?"
"You look nice." He straightened his tie. "Let's get this over with."
"Cheer up." She walked over to help him when he made it even more lopsided. "Hana will be there." Her lips turned up in a teasing smile. "Maybe you'll be able to get ten words out this time instead of the usual five."
"I can talk to her." He grumbled.
"I know you can." Sherry grasped his arms and shook him. "Remember that you're a catch too. She'd be lucky to have a man like you love her."
His frown turned into a shy smile. "You really think so?"
"I know so." She stepped behind him to push him towards the door. "Now let's go get our love stories started.
***********
Afterparty...
"Great movie." Maxwell responded. "I give it five stars."
"Thank you." Ryan replied, including the rest of the Cordonians he'd come to know in his gratitude. "It means a lot to me that you all came for this event."
"Are you kidding?" Riley teased. "We couldn't disappoint Maxwell 2.0 by missing this."
"Maxwell 2.0?" Ryan repeated with a laugh.
"That's what he calls you." Drake rolled his eyes. "What is it he says about Summers?"
"Ryan is an excellent imitation but he'll never be the OG." Hana promptly quoted.
The group chuckled while Maxwell sputtered to assure Ryan that he really did do an excellent job as The Royal Romance version of Maxwell Beaumont.
"Thanks." Ryan didn't bother to smother his laughter. "I have some more guests to greet." He waved as he walked away. "But come find me later to talk about the next book."
"Now what do we do?" Drake asked.
"Enjoy the party, of course." Riley told him.
She linked her arm with Liam's, smiling when he asked her to dance.
"I'm going to the bar." Drake snagged a few hors d'oeuvres along his way.
Maxwell breathed out a long breath.
"Are you all right?" Hana gently placed her hand on his arm.
"It's hard keeping up the Maxwell Media Mogul persona." He looked about at all the famous, important faces. "I feel out of place half the time."
"Well, we think you are doing great." Hana told him.
"Really?"
She nodded with an encouraging smile.
"Thanks Hana." He slung his arm around her shoulders, squeezing her close. "You're the best."
She hugged him back. "I think I'm going to see what desserts they have, would you like me to bring you back a plate of something?"
"Yes, please." He begged. "I think this is a night to both stress eat and stress dance."
She giggled while promising to bring him back enough treats to relax.
He watched her leave and felt his nervousness return.
"Maxwell?"
He turned around with a ready smile, only to stare in surprise at the sight of Rashad with a stunning date on his arm.
He'd always thought the man was in love with Hana.
My powers of love detection must be way off, he thought to himself.
"Hey." Maxwell greeted warmly. "I didn't know you were coming to this."
"Neither did I." Rashad let out an oomph when Sherry elbowed him. "Have you, uh, met my cousin, Lady Sherveen Alcantar?"
Maxwell studied the gorgeous face for a few seconds.
"I don't think I have." He held his hand out.
She took it, smiling up at him. "I've been hoping for a chance to meet you."
"You have?"
She nodded, stepping closer. "I'm a huge fan of your books."
"You...you are?" Maxwell colored some under those mesmerizing gray eyes of hers. "Thank you."
Rashad rolled his eyes as he stepped away. "Excuse me a moment, I see someone I need to say hello to."
"Say hi to Hana for me." Sherry told him, keeping Maxwell dead in her sights.
Maxwell swore he heard Rashad curse as he walked away.
"So, uh, Lady Sherveen--"
"Call me Sherry." She insisted.
"Sherry." He smiled once more at her. "What's been your favorite part from my books?"
She bit down on her bottom lip while gazing up at him through her long lashes.
"I loved every part you were in."
The tips of Maxwell's ears turned red over that complement.
"Ah. Um." He took a step back when she moved even closer. "I, I was around for a lot of the uh drama and romance."
"I know." Sherry cornered him back against a wall. "You became a man I have been very anxious to meet."
He swallowed nervously, eyes darting around for one of his friends to help him. He didn't know why he felt the need for backup, but something about this woman made him anxious.
"In fact, you're the reason I am ready to come back to Cordonia."
He stilled, brow furrowed in confusion. "Me?"
"Yes." She grinned up at him. "I thought the court would be filled with proper, dull people obsessed with etiquette and waltzing. If I'd known someone fun like you was there, I'd have quit my job and come straight back home for good."
"You would?" He began to relax in finding a kindred spirit. "I'd um, I'd have liked that." His dimples deepened with his grin. "I mean if you'd have been there."
Her eyes cut to the crowd at the party once more as she felt the beginning of a plan form. "You want to get out of here?"
"And do what?"
"Have a night on the town of course!" She grasped his hand giving it a playful tug. "We're in the City of Angels! The club scene alone here kicks this party's butt much less all the cool places one can get into trouble."
"Trouble?" He felt his desire to escape with her fight his brother's dogmatic teachings that he couldn't embarrass his family and friends. "Maybe we should stay here."
Sherry pouted playfully. "You're really going to let me go off alone to have a good time?"
His eyes widened again. He didn't know this woman. He knew she was Rashad's cousin, but other than that he had no clue who she really was. And yet, hadn't he not known who Riley was when he first invited her to Cordonia?
Look how great that turned out, he thought to himself. I ended up with a new best friend and helped Liam find the love of his life.
Maybe Sherry is destined to become a new friend. A really, really hot friend.
"Let's do it!"
Sherry's effervescent smile caused his heart to feel like it was doing somersaults.
Her eyes darted around the room until she found the closest exit. She leaned in even closer to Maxwell, allowing him not only a generous view of her cleavage but also the enticing scent of orange blossoms to tease his senses.
"When I give you the signal, go out that door." She whispered.
"What's the signal?"
Sherry flopped her long back hair over her shoulder, winked at him, then took off running.
Maxwell let out a startled whoop and ran after her.
This, he thought with a grin, was going to be one crazy night.
*************
Outside, Maxwell whistled in appreciation when the valet drove up in a red Aston Martin DBS.
"This yours?" He asked.
Sherry slid into the driver's side and winked at him. "Maybe."
His eyes widened. "Whose is it?"
"I'll tell you later." She shifted into first gear, revving the engine. "You coming or what?"
Swallowing with a quick glance around for cop cars, he hopped over the passenger door. He landed perfectly in the seat, snapping his seatbelt in place.
With a delighted laugh, Sherry hit the gas and sped off into the night.
"So...where to?" Maxwell asked.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?"
He gulped. He didn't know why he was filled with the need to impress this serendipitous woman, but he was.
"Let's do something unexpected!" He exclaimed.
"Unexpected..." Sherry pulled out her phone and made a quick call. "Hey! I'm calling in that favor you owe me."
Maxwell watched her charm her way into getting what she wanted.
"There we go." She tossed her phone into the cupholder and shifted into a higher gear. "Something unexpected coming up!"
***********
A little while later...
"Where are we?" Maxwell whispered as they walked up to the back of a large building.
"You'll see." Sherry took his hand, guiding him towards a plain looking door.
She carefully knocked in a tempo that he swore was Queen's We Will Rock You song.
The door cracked open, giving a bare sliver of light.
"You got mud on your face." A voice whispered.
"You big disgrace." Sherry whispered in response. "Kicking your can all over the place."
The door opened all the way much to Maxwell's shock.
"After you." Sherry gently pushed him through the pitch black doorway.
He reached back and gripped her hand. He had the most uneasy feeling that he'd just entered the beginning of his downfall.
And for some strange reason, he believed the woman who had brought him here would save him.
As they followed a shadowed figure up six flights dimly lit stairs, he began to imagine all the nefarious activities that awaited him when they reached their destination.
They'll cut me open and harvest my organs leaving me in a tub of ice. Or, they'll kill me. Maybe hold me for ransom. Bertrand will never pay what they ask for. Sherry could sell me as a sex slave.
That last thought had him thinking about Sherry possibly wanting him for her own slave.
They'll want to steal my ideas for my next book. Get all the dirt on Liam and Riley. Nothing they can do will make me reveal anything! They'll--
"Here we are." Sherry turned around towards Maxwell with a black cloth in her hands.
Oh my god, she's going to kill me!
"Close your eyes and lean down."
He blinked and slowly did as she asked.
Her smile was so excited.
Are all murderesses this happy with their intended victims?
She tied the black scarf around his eyes.
"Can you see anything?" She asked.
"No." His voice cracked.
I hope I don't see the weapon she chooses.
She took his hand again, lacing her fingers with his.
He was tugged forward. He thought he heard some clicks and then a door shut off in the distance.
"Keep your eyes closed." Sherry ordered.
"Okay." He mumbled, bending down once more so she could untie the scarf.
Sherry felt her heart melt over his face being so close to her own. His eyes were shut tight like a little boy's would be waiting on a present. She thought he was so adorable that she couldn't resist trying one more thing with him before he opened his eyes.
She tenderly cupped his face between her hands and pressed her lips to his.
Maxwell jumped in reaction, yet kept his eyes shut.
So it is a sex slave thing.
His arms wound around her waist the moment she moved closer to his body.
This definitely isn't the worst way she could kill me.
Sherry broke away, breathing hard from the passion in his response. She looked up at him in awe that she'd finally experienced the perfect kiss.
She'd certainly kissed enough men in the past to know when it was the one she'd been dreaming of.
"Can I open my eyes now?" Maxwell asked.
"What?" She ran her fingers through her hair then straightened her black dress. "Let me um, let me get you into position."
She moved him a little to the left then turned him around. "Now."
He opened his eyes then blinked until the room came into focus. His lips parted on a gasp as he looked around.
"What is this place?"
"I brought you to MoDS." She grinned up at him. "The Museum of Dream Space."
"Wow!" He stepped forward into a room of colored lights that made it look like something from another world. "This is incredible!"
Sherry beamed as he exclaimed over how cool this museum was.
"What made you think to bring me here?" He asked, darting into another room designed to give a new light experience.
She lowered her eyes. He could tell in the softer lights of this room that a blush was forming.
"I don't know." She clasped her hands behind her back. "I guess I thought from the way you write, that you would appreciate something like this."
"You thought right!" He twirled about in the next room they came to, trying to take it all in.
He noticed her mysterious, onset bashfulness and reached behind her for her hand.
"Dance with me." He yanked her into his arms.
"Dance?" She laughed, returning to her former confident self. "Here?"
"We have different colored sparkling globes all around us." He explained. "This room is crying out for a dance."
"Then we need music." She told him.
"Already taken care of." He held his phone up with a grin.
"A slow song?" She slipped her arms around his neck. "I pictured you picking something more up tempo."
"Maybe I wanted an excuse to hold you close." He grinned, leaning down to kiss her.
"Maybe you don't need an excuse." She rose up on her tiptoes to meet his lips with her own.
Sherry felt her heart nearly beat out of her chest with how much this second kiss was more perfect than the first.
"Wow." Maxwell mumbled against her lips. "We really should do that more often."
All she could do was nod in absolute agreement.
"You want to see the other rooms?"
He shrugged. "I don't think they'll be near as perfect as this one."
Sherry giggled, pressing another quick kiss to his lips. "We won't know how perfect they are until we get in there."
"So an experiment, hmm?" He winked at her, taking her hand once more in his. "I'm down for that."
**************
A few hours later, the two were sitting near a brightly lit fountain, eating fast food, and talking about everything that came to mind.
"Okay, I gotta know." Maxwell waved toward where they'd left the car. "Whose is that?"
"Part of me wants to mess with you some more and either leave it a mystery or say I stole it." Sherry grinned at him. "But since you are so cute, I'll tell you the truth."
"I knew my adorableness would open doors for me one day." He mumbled around a huge bite of his burger.
She giggled, stealing some of his fries. "It's mine. Or at least, exactly like mine. I rented this one here."
"Nice. Is yours back in Cordonia?"
"Uh huh." She finished off her burger and searched for a napkin. "Domvalier."
Maxwell reached over with his napkin to wipe some mustard off her chin.
Their eyes met. Grins formed the longer they looked at one another.
"So? Since you clearly have the best taste in cars," Maxwell got to his feet, snagging her hand along the way, "Wanna take me out another night on the town once we're back home?"
With a smooth move, he had her back in his arms, forehead touching hers.
"Ummm," she replied with a laugh, "no."
Maxwell jerked back in surprise. He'd been so certain she liked him as much as he liked her.
She grasped his tie, pulling him down into a long, deep kiss.
Her silvery gray eyes held his ocean blue as she whispered.
"I'm going to need a lot of nights on the town with you."
#choices trr#the royal romance#choices the royal heir#trr maxwell#maxwell x oc#maxwell x sherry#maxwell beaumont#choices#trr hana lee#trr rashad#choices the stories you play#choices the royal romance
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Dad's on the Edge: A Bad Romance One-Shot
Series: Bad Romance
Fandom: The Royal Romance
Pairings for series: Riley x Liam, Liam x Max, Riley x Max, Riley x Drake, Riley x Rashad
Paring this chapter: None, this all the guys dealing with the children.
Rating: R
Warnings for this chapter: Language
Word Count: 3,784
Disclaimer: It came to my attention, after I named these kids, that both Alexander and Charlotte are names used by @debramcg1106 for the children in her Driam pairing. (If you haven't read it, you should, because it's AMAZING!) I reached out to her and offered to change my kids names but she graciously declined my offer. As always, any similarities to other people's works are unintentional and coincidental. My DM's are always open if you see something that you feel I should be made aware of. Thank you.
A/N: This is my offering for @txemrn father's day fic idea! Can you imagine all the Bad Romance guys trying to wrangle kids that have BR Riley's DNA? 🤣 You don't have to imagine it....here it is, hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
A/N2: Habibti means sweetheart in Arabic
A/N3: Ellie (Eleanor) and Xander (Alexander) are Liam's. Jax (Jaxon) is Drake's, Jace (Jason) is Max's and Charli (Charlotte) paternity is unknown.
My other stuff: Master List.
“Why am I here, again?” Rashad asked with a slight frown. When Liam had asked him to attend the public celebration of the queen mother’s years of service to Cordonia as she prepared for her retirement, he had assumed it was in his capacity as Riley’s lawyer or as a member of the Cordonian court and Liam’s inner circle. Not as a babysitter.
“Because Riley is quarantined with the flu, and we needed backup. You are their godfather.” Liam stated matter of factly.
“Yes.” Rashad responded carefully, “But I’m not the only one. Leo is too, and he has more experience with-”
“Not to put too fine a point on it, but Leo isn’t sleeping with my wife.”
“Touché.” Rashad held his hands up to indicate surrender, “But they have godmothers. What about Hana or Olivia?”
“Hana is also down with the flu.” Liam replied.
“And Olivia?”
Liam waved his hand dismissively in the general direction of where Oliva was seated, “Oh, feel free to tell Olivia she’s more suited for this because she’s a woman.”
Rashad’s eyes went wide as they flicked to Olivia and back, then he cleared his throat, “So, what do you need me to do, exactly?”
“You’re just going to help us corral the kids during the ceremony. Here they come now.”
Rashad watched apprehensively as Drake made his way over to them with a diaper bag slung over his shoulder, Jax and Jace in tow, both trying to wriggle free as he gripped a small hand in each of his own. Max followed carrying a squirming, two year old Charlotte. Xander and Ellie trailed behind, bringing up the rear.
“You’re going to be in charge of Charlotte.” Liam informed him.
“Me? Why me? I think I’d be better suited to watch over Ellie or Xander!” Rashad protested.
“Of course, you think that.” Drake smirked at him, “They’re the easy ones!”
At 12 and 9 Ellie and Xander had more maturity and more experience with these types of events and were, indeed, easier to contend with during one. Usually.
The younger boys, Jax 6, and Jace 4, were more rambunctious and much harder to convince to sit still for any length of time. Then there was Charlotte, who had whole heartedly embraced the entire tenor of the terrible twos. High spirited was the term Riley used for her.
“Not gonna lie, Charli scares me a little. One time I woke up and found her standing next to the bed just staring at me like she was in a trance.” Max shuddered.
Drake rolled his eyes, “You know she was sleepwalking, right Beaumont?”
Max ignored Drake and leaned closer to Rashad, “Did you know Riley originally wanted seven to nine children?”
Rashad blinked, “What?”
Max nodded somberly, “Charli is the reason she tied her tubes after five.”
Rashad’s eyes shot to the small child in Max’s arms, her angelic face arranged in the most brilliant innocent smile he’d ever seen. No, that wasn’t true. He’d seen that exact smile on Riley’s face. Innocent and brilliant was her most disingenuous and potentially dangerous smile. He swallowed, hard, his mouth suddenly dry.
“We can do this, guys!” Liam asserted, he ran an entire country for God’s sakes, how hard could it be to wrangle his own children for one event? “I mean Riley does it all the time, she handles all five of them by herself at these things and they behave perfectly.”
“Yeah.” Drake responded drily, “Because they know better than to cross their mother. But they know some of us are pushovers.” He looked right at Max when he said it.
“Hey! I am not a- “
Liam gave him a look, “You let them eat flaming hot Cheetos for breakfast last week.”
Drake asked, “Why do we have a water slide in our backyard at Valtoria?”
Even Rashad joined in, “I believe I was called in last month to coordinate appraisals of a fleet of BMWs after an art project gone awry….”
Max huffed, “Ok, you know what? I believe in letting children express themselves, ok? They need to know it’s ok to be themselves-“
“Sure, Max,” Drake interrupted as he put the diaper bag down, then turned to address his question to Liam, “How are we going to divide five kids between four adults?”
“That’s easy.” Liam replied, “Ellie and Xander go together because they’re the easiest.”
“I’ll take Jace.” Max volunteered.
“No!” Liam and Drake both shouted at the same time.
Max looked at them in confusion, “Why not?”
“Because you don’t reign in his worst impulses, you tend to encourage them.” Liam said. Drake nodded in agreement.
“Jace needs a firmer touch. Here.” He pulled Jace over to Drake, “Max, you take Jax. Ellie and Xander can come with me.”
Backpacks, water bottles, jackets, toys that they had been told to leave home but had been brought anyway and various electronic devices were shuffled around so the appropriate adult had possession of the items belonging to the children in their care.
“Ahem.” Rashad interrupted the activity, directing his question to Liam, he asked again, “Why do I have to take the little one?”
“Because” Liam stepped closer, leaning in so they wouldn’t be overheard, “She might be yours. Look at it as a bonding opportunity.”
“Mine?” He asked in astonishment, “No, I mean….”
“Look at her features, Rashad. Those eyes…”
“Green, like her mother’s!”
“Hazel, there’s brown around her irises.”
“That might rule out Max, but not Drake, that’s still three potential-“
“She has Riley’s features, but our coloring, mine and yours. There’s brown in her eyes and black in her hair. Not to mention, Charli can be a very serious, calculating child. She’s extremely intelligent and studious, already at two. I love them both, but there’s no way she has Drake or Max’s DNA.”
Rashad and Liam both tilted their heads as they studied the curly headed quiet child in front of them.
She was the spitting image of Riley, but her hair had undeniably darkened as she had gotten older, trending now more toward the ebony hues of both Liam and Rashad than the russet brown of Max’s or the even lighter chestnut shade of Drake’s hair. She had Riley’s curls and the auburn was in there, streaking the black with brilliant shades of red when the sunlight hit it just right. Her nose, her lips, her chin, all her mother’s.
The seriousness and intelligence might come from one of them, but her intensity and temper was all Riley. Which was why none of the other men wanted to deal with her during a long, boring proceeding. A bored Charlotte was a dangerous Charlotte. She was Riley, with a two year old temper and lack of impulse control.
“Here.” Max thrust Charlotte into Rashad’s arms before he could protest again.
Drake tossed him the diaper bag, “Good luck.”
“Ah…..” He looked wildly around at the other three men, but they had all turned their backs to him, dealing with their own charges.
“Ok.” Liam breathed out a sigh of relief, sure that they had this under control, “Xander, Ellie, come with me.”
Rashad’s head snapped up in panic, “Wait, you’re leaving?”
Liam shrugged, “Sorry but, you know, I’m the king and this is a state event. Responsibilities and all that. I have to go give a speech. Ellie, Xander, let’s go.”
“It’ll be fine,” Max assured him, “Liam gives a speech, Leo gives a speech, a bunch of other people give speeches, we all applaud and then there’s a parade or something.”
“That sounds horribly boring for young children.” Rashad responded doubtfully.
“Oh, it is.” Drake laughed at him, “Why do you think I said good luck?”
Max and Drake situated themselves between the boys, so there were two adults between them. Drake turned his attention to opening a pack of goldfish crackers for Jace as Max pulled out his cell phone and stared trading Pokémon with Jax. Rashad turned his head to peer into Charli’s eyes. She was adorable. He decided that it couldn’t be that bad. She was only two after all.
As he stared down into her bright, sparkling eyes, he felt a twist in his chest. What if she was his? The idea of this beautiful child being part him and part Riley wasn’t the worst feeling in the world. He’d never wanted fatherhood, and his lifestyle and work schedule wouldn’t permit it even if he had. But then, no one was asking to him to fill that role. Regardless of DNA, Charlotte had a father. She had three, actually.
It wasn’t surprising to him that Max was a good father, he had a nurturing side to him that Rashad assumed was critical for parenting, as well as having managed to maintain a playfulness that endeared him to children.
And Liam, of course Liam was a good father. His love for all five of the children was evident in all his interactions with them and in the unmistakable pride in his voice when he spoke about any of them.
Most surprising, to Rashad at least, was Drake. Rashad didn’t dislike him, precisely, they’d been friends since their teenage years, but that was more a function of them both being friends with Liam rather than any real connection between them. They were too different. It was more that Rashad had never understood what Riley saw in him. He understood why she was in love with Liam. Or maybe that was a function of conceit since he considered Liam and himself to be very similar in many ways. And while Max could be exuberant and irreverent at times, those things were also true of Riley, and he could also be respectful and decorous when the situation called for it.
But Drake was pure force of will, often getting his way through brute force and intimidation. He lacked subtlety and finesse. Which is why it was so surprising to Rashad that Drake was possibly the most competent of the three when it came to parenting. Though perhaps those qualities were precisely what made him good at parenting. Rashad considered that as he watched Charlotte’s face slowly collapse into a scowl. “Oh no…. what’s wrong, Charli?” He tried for a soothing tone.
Her face reddened and her brows drew together as she leveled the full force of her two year old fury at him, “Want Mommy!”
“Mommy’s home sick, Habibti, remember?” He patted her back and rocked her gently as he’d seen Riley do many times.
Her face got even darker, “Want. Mommy! Now!”
“Listen sweet baby girl, what if I get you a snack?” He said cajolingly as he dug through the diaper bag with his free hand.
“No snack!” She started to wail.
“Ooooh, look! How about some cheerios?” He offered.
“No snack!” She struck his hand, sending cereal pieces flying everywhere, “Want mommy!”
“Charli, please, we don’t scream in public-“
“M-m-mo-moooooooommmmmiiiieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!” Big, fat tears slipped down her face as the wailing increased in volume and pitch.
“Oh no, oh no, oh no!” He began to jiggle her faster, “Shhh-shhh-shhh, it’s ok, it’s ok.”
“NO!” She screamed as she pulled a chubby little hand back and smacked him in the face as she kicked him then went rigid in his arms and slid right through them onto the ground.
Rashad scooped the truculent toddler into his arms, kicking and wailing and hissed at the other two men, “Let’s trade!”
“With who?” Drake demanded.
“Both! I’ll take both the boys and the two of you can take Charlotte. That’s two adults to one child, this is a deal you should take.” Both boys were sitting quietly, Jace kicking his little legs out in front of him as he consumed his weight in goldfish crackers and gummy bears, Jax completely absorbed in a video game.
Max protested, “I don’t know…Liam said-“
Drake tried to explain, “They seem easy because we have them separated; I don’t think you appreciate-“
“No, I don’t think you appreciate how little I understand toddlers! Please!” Rashad shoved Charli into Drake’s arms and motioned for Jace to follow him.
Jace shot a questioning look at Drake, who was trying to soothe Charli. When Drake shrugged, Jace followed Rashad back to his seat asking, “Do you have any snacks? What about a juice box? Are you coming to the palace later? Daddy says they’ll have baklava at the party tonight and that we have to be good because this boring speech thing is for grandma and Ellie says I talk too much, but I don’t think I do. I talk the normal amount, Jax is the one that talks a lot. How long are you staying this time? We’re not in trouble again, are we? The thing with the cars wasn’t our fault, Xander said-“
Rashad gritted his teeth and tuned out the barrage of questions as he settled back into his seat and tried to focus his attention back on the speeches. Liam was at the podium. Ellie and Xander were standing on the stage behind him with Leo, some members of the royal council, Leo’s oldest son, a few visiting dignitaries and the queen mothers long time personal assistant standing behind him. Regina was in a private box looking out over the stadium where the event was being held.
As Liam shuffled the notecards, laughter rippled through the crowd. He looked up and out over the audience in confusion. The laughter got louder. His face paled. He whipped his head around to look behind him.
“Eleanor! What are you doing?” Then cursed himself because it was caught on mic.
She froze before responding with, “Uh…dabbing.” With a tone that clearly implied he was an idiot for not knowing that.
“Well, please stop.”
“Yeah, please stop.” Xander shoved her in the side.
There was some more laughter in the crowd and a few appalled gasps.
“Hey! You little shit!” Ellie elbowed him, hard.
This time the appalled gasps and the laughter were louder. Leo moved over to place himself between the two, effectively forcing a détente. Liam gave him a grateful smile before apologizing to the crowd and continuing with his speech.
In the crowd, Rashad whispered, “I thought they were the easy ones?”
Drake gave Rashad a conspiratorial smile as he tried to snuggle a wriggling, fussing, climbing on him like he was a jungle gym Charli, “Usually. Looks like Liam’s not getting off as easy as he thought he was. Ellie is a firecracker and Xander is just usually sneakier than the other two boys. When Jax and Jace get caught doing something they’re not supposed to be doing, Xander is almost guaranteed to be the one that put them up to it, he just retreats before suffering the consequences. But if anyone can bring out his inner demon, it’s Ellie.”
Rashad marveled at the way Drake carried on a conversation as if a rabid toddler weren’t using him as an obstacle course, while continuing to keep said toddler on his person despite her obvious attempts to be put down so she could run amuck. He was so busy being intrigued by it that he completely missed what was going on with the children he was supposed to be watching, as a quiet tussle over the video game started behind him.
Max snickered as he leaned toward Drake, “Remember the time she tricked him into cussing by insisting that a cat is called a putty tat, like tweety bird says?”
They had gone back and forth with the putty tat, pussy cat argument until Ellie had finally raised her voice and yelled, “Putty”, causing Xander to shout out, “Pussy!”
“Yeah.” Drake chuckled softly, “Poor kid. The look on Riley’s face when Regina heard that!”
Drake’s focus was on Charli who had placed a foot on his shoulder and attempted to launch herself into the row behind them when Rashad’s voice pulled his attention as he whisper screamed, “Jace! Jax! Get back here right now!”
It was too late, both boys were off and running down the aisle, Jace gleefully screeching with laughter as he ran away with his brother’s Nintendo Switch, Jax in hot pursuit, murder in his eyes.
“Fuck!” Drake swore, shoving Charlotte into Max’s arms. As he passed a distraught Rashad he muttered, “You’re fucking useless.”
The boys were running up the stadium steps as Drake raced after them. He caught up just as Jax tackled Jace to the ground. A scuffle ensured as they fought for possession of the Switch. Drake picked Jax up and lifted him easily with one arm while glancing down at Jace, holding his other hand out, “You ok, kiddo?”
Jace took Drake’s hand as he scrambled up, “Jax hit me!”
“Uh huh. And what have we said about taking other people’s stuff?”
Jace crossed his arms and stuck out his bottom lip. Drake sat Jax on the ground and knelt down in front of him, “I know he took your game, but you know that hitting is not ok, right? Remember your conflict resolution lessons?”
The lessons had been Liam’s idea, Drake had scoffed at it, but he couldn’t deny that it had helped. Too bad it hadn’t helped today specifically. Drake presided over the exchange of the game and apologies. As they headed back down the aisle, a woman smiled at him, “Good parenting skills.”
Jax looked up at her, eyes going directly to her very pregnant belly. “You’re pregnant!” He informed her.
“Yes.” She smiled at him as she lovingly cradled her bump.
“I know how that happens. The daddy puts his peanut in the mommy’s kerchina and then-“
The lady’s face went red as Drake’s hand clamped down over his son’s mouth. “Sorry.” He muttered as he ushed the boys back to their seats. He settled them back in their original seats as he told Rashad, “I told you they have to be kept separated at these things.”
“Tata, who’s that?” Jace’s voice was unnecessarily loud.
Drake’s head spun to look in the direction Jace was pointing, and staring, mouth opened at the jumbotron. Drake answered him, “Uh….that’s the pope. He couldn’t make it in person, so they are having him video call in to give his regards to grandma.”
“No. They guy behind him!”
Drake’s brow furrowed for a moment because there was no one behind him. Then understanding dawned on him as he noticed the huge crucifix with the image of Jesus with the crown of thorns hanging on it. “Oh. That’s Jesus.”
Unfortunately, there was a pause while the pope gathered his thoughts, so Jace’s voice carried clearly over the hushed crowd as he loudly exclaimed, in horror, “JESUS IS DEAD?!”
“Uh….Max?” Drake turned to Max in panic as Jace started to cry, loudly.
“On it!” Max traded seats with Drake, passing a squirming, whining Charli back to him in the process.
Max tried to soothe him, “Hey buddy. It’s ok, that’s not real, it’s a plastic statue.”
“So they can make Jesus look fake dead?”
“Yeah, yeah, exactly.” Max nodded, feeling pleased he’d explained it so well.
Jace’s face crumbled again, “Why would they do that?”
Drake’s attention was drawn away from Max and Jace as Charli slipped from his grasp and crawled under the seats. Drake had to get on his hands and knees to reach her. He reached under the seats then cussed softly through clenched teeth as he jerked his hand back when she bit into it, her teeth digging into the tender area between his thumb and index finger.
Drake crawled around on the ground trying to reach Charli as Max continued to try calm down a very distraught Jace. When he finally managed to pull her out, he handed her back to Rashad, “Your turn.”
Rashad looked up in surprise as Charli crashed down into his lap. “Oh..uh…hello again.”
She glared at him, “Want down!”
“How about a new toy?” He asked in desperation.
She stopped fighting and cocked her head curiously, “What toy?”
He dug around in his pockets and came up a keychain made from a heavy medallion. It was silver and green with a crescent moon and star on it. Rashad did not consider himself to be a religious man, but his grandmother had given it to him as a symbol of the faith she devoutly believed in, and he had kept it because it reminded him of her. He detached the medallion and held it out to Charli.
Her eyes widened in delight as he offered it to her, “Oooh, pretty!”
Rashad sighed in relief as she took it and settled into his lap, then anxiety surged through him again as she shoved it directly into her mouth. “No, no! You can’t swallow that, you’ll choke!”
Drake was about to offer Rashad some advice when Jax tapped him on the arm. He looked down and asked, “Yeah, buddy?”
“I have to pee.”
“Can it wait?”
“No.”
“Shit.”
“Mommy said you’re not supposed to say shit in front of us.”
“Oh, fuck me.” Drake mumbled.
“You’re not supposed to say fuck either.”
“Oh for the love of- You know what? Come on, all of you, it’s time for a break anyway.”
Drake stood and took Jax by the hand, Max followed behind him with Jace. “You coming?” He asked Rashad.
“No, I…I think I’m good.” Rashad replied.
Drake shrugged, “Suit yourself.”
“Grandma’s really old, isn’t she?” Jax asked as they stepped out into the aisle, “Is she going to die soon?”
Drake sighed as he guided him up the aisle, “We really need to have a talk about what is and isn’t an appropriate question.”
“He’s not wrong, Drake.”
“Really, Max?”
Rashad settled back into his seat after having shifted a little to let the others out, his arms tightening around Charli to keep from disturbing her. She had finally settled and was rubbing her eyes sleepily. She mumbled something as she rubbed her face against his chest. It sounded like shod. “What, habibti?” He asked.
She lifted her face and gazed up at him with heavy lids, her little hand coming up to pat his check softly, “You. ‘Shad.”
He jolted in surprise; she was trying to say his name. “Yes, I’m Rashad. And you’re Charli.”
She smiled at him sweetly, “Luf ou, ‘shad.” She mumbled before dropping her head back onto his shoulder and falling asleep.
He felt his heart melt into a molten puddle inside his chest as he gripped her closer. Her breathing became even and deep, her back rising and falling evenly under his hands. He kissed the top of her head, inhaling her sweet baby smell and whispered, “I love you too, habibti.”
#fathers day 2022#angelasscribbles#bad romance#trr#choices fic writers creations#cfwc fics of the week#the royal romance#why choose#trr poly#polyamory#polycule#drake walker#liam rys#maxwell beaumont#rashad#rashad faheem#riley brooks#throuple#nonmonogamy#open relationship
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BOOK: TRH
Summary:Maxwell spends quality time with his boys and friends.
Warning : None
Rated: Teen
The best Ramsford has to offer.
One shot
It had only been a day since Juliana had left her husband with their two children under 3
Julian was getting used to sleeping on his own,so his parents thought Maxwell turned over feeling something wet. "What the." Stopping himself from saying the rest when he saw Julian.
Maxwell woke his son and he immediately started crying. "It's okay buddy daddy got you, come on, he ran his bath water and picked out a new set of pajamas he, once he was done his son had no problem with falling asleep, he placed him in his bed then went down to the Landry room.
Juliana had taught him how to do laundry and some simple homework, besides it was after 1am and everyone was sleeping, he started a load of laundry and watched a movie. He was not sleepy at all, he heard the baby monitor come to life it was near 3 am at this time
"Hey little guy, are you looking for this?" Yes you are." He said as he waved the bottle in front of his son. He sat in the rocker feeding Cam and thanking God for his family.
After his feeding, he changed his diaper and burped him before placing him back in his crib.
Cam was a quiet baby. He only cried when hungry or he needed to be changed, completely opposite of his brother Julian, who wanted to be held a lot and cried just because.
Maxwell made it back to his room and went to the hall closet and replaced the Mattress pad and the sheets and duvet cover. He fell asleep as soon as he hit the pillow.
___________
"Maxwell get up it's after 7, this little guy is hungry and Julian is up also; Bartie at a sleepover. So I'm afraid you're on your own with the boys today." Bertrand said
" It's okay, I can handle them. " Did Juliana ask you to help me?"
"Maxwell we are family, it's been plenty of times that you and Juliana has helped with Bartie."
"Thank you brother, go enjoy your day."
__________
"So little ones, what are we to do today?
He took the boys to kitchen placing both in their high chair. Both boys laughed as he danced around the kitchen while cooking Julian scrambled eggs, you could definitely tell that his son got his eating habits from his mother, Max, couldn't stand eggs not eating them.
After they all ate he let Julian play with his cars , he heard a vehicle pulling up. Max wanted to surprise his son so he didn't tell him that Drake was coming.
Julian got up and ran over and peeped out the window "Uncle Drake Yay Uncle Drake! Max watched his son jump up and down in total excitement.
He opened the door. "Drake my friend you do love me." he said as a joķe.
"Pipe down Beaumont, I'm here to see my Godson and see his cute brother too, besides Hana went on the trip too."
Patience, his 1 year old, was hiding behind his leg, Julian went around Drake leg "Pactance he giggled. " I got you," do you want to play with me?" She shook her head "yes,daddy can we play?"
They all went towards the playroom.
" Man I can't believe you have two children, me and Hana can't wait to meet our son soon."
A few hours had passed when Liam and his four year old twin boys Wyatt and Leo
Rashad with his two year old son pulled in around the same time
"Hope you don’t mind, Liam said."
"Not at all buddy, I consider all of us as brothers, that includes you Rashad."
"Daddy, I think Cam needs changing." They all laughed
After changing him, they went to fix the children's launch. Everyone was surprised at the meal Maxwell made for children.
After the kids ate, they all took a nap, except Zane, who no doubt was a lot like his mother Olivia.
After the kids woke up, Liam scheduled for a nearby Theme park to be closed down for them.
The kids loved Fun World Theme park, they rode several kiddie rides, visited the haunted house, they were now playing in the bouncy house, when all the kids started saying they were hungry, even little Patience.
Maxwell took everyone to Dilights in downtown Ramsford, it was one of Juliana's favorite restaurants, they ordered spaghetti and meatballs for the kids. Maxwell asked for 4 extra plats. For Patience and Julian, Zane, he put a spoonful of spaghetti, a small piece of garlic bread and a small amount of salad,
They all were amazed that all the smaller children ate all their food, especially Drake because Patience was very picky and oftentimes didn't eat.
Zane and Julian had very similar eating patterns. Maxwell phone rings
"Hello beautiful, I hope your trip is going well, oh glad to hear it, the guys and I took the kids out; can't wait until you get home love you."
Cameron started to cry, Maxwell went to the bathroom to check Cam's dipper and ask one of the staff members if they could his bottle.
"Thank you so much for this fun day with the kids, you have changed a lot since you meeting Juliana and had children." Liam said.
"Thank you buddy, Jewel changed my whole life when she blessed me with Julian, then Cameron I knew I had to change my ways to be a better man."
"Beaumont don't make me regret this, but you are a wonderful father and I'm learning a lot from you." Maxwell rushed over to Drake, thawing his arm around his shoulder.
"I love you guys; best friends in the world, we should get them home, they're all worn out.
"Hey if you all want you all can stay over, it's after nearly 9, I'm sure the kids are pretty tired "
Once they got back to Max house, all the kids were sleeping, they put them to bed, then the guys met in the media room, they had a few drinks, watched a movie and talked.
________________
The next morning, it was time to go to the airport to meet their wives, he was grateful for the friends he had but even more for his beautiful queen and his boys, he was pretty sure the guys felt the same.
He watched as Olivia came into sight first picking up Zane and hugging him, then she remembered her husband and pulled him in for a hug Rashad smiled because he knew how tough she acted, but she was so gentle with their son.
As soon as Hana emerged Drake wrapped his arm around her, and Patience hugged her leg until she picked her up .
Mia was attacked as soon as Liam and her boys saw her, they gave her a group hug.
Finally my beautiful wife stepped out, of course Julian was the first to hug her and then she grabbed Cam, and hugged me,right now everything feels right again.
_____________
@honey358luv @angelasscribbles @maxwell-beaumont-appreciation @choicesficwriterscreations @harleybeaumont @dcbbw @bebepac @bertrandbeaumontfan @tessa-liam @kingliam2019 @mom2000aggie @yolandawalker @yaniradolton @queenjilian @queenrileyrose @queenmiaandkingliam @ao719 @alj4890 @luvquit @twinkleallnight @
#SoundCloud#MBAW#Maxwell n friends#Maxwell x Juliana#Drake x Hana#Olivia x Rashad#Liam x Amelia#TRH#TRR
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The Offer: Minefields
Books: The Royal Romance 1-3 to Royal Heir and crossover characters from other choices universes.
Rating: M (18+) Sexual situation and adult themes.
Trigger Warnings in this chapter: Infidelity
Pairing: M!OC x F!OC * these are both original characters
Disclaimer
A/N - Throwing my hat in the ring for the choices prompts #3. challenge. The prompt appears in bold Italics.
Series premise: This is a canon divergent series set after TRR 3 Tariq has not been found. Liam’s duty to his country forces him into marriage. Jessica and Liam enter a Cordonian arrangement, but in Cordonian society, where house prestige is everything. An offer gives her a chance to restore her reputation and have what she wants the most.
Story inspiration: “I choose to love you in silence because in silence I find no rejection, and in silence, no one owns you but me.” - Rumi
Song inspiration song: Faouzia & John Legend - Minefields
Reading time: 4 Minutes
Word count: 836 *please excuse typos and grammatical errors*
“This isn’t working for me anymore.”
“Excuse me?”
“You heard me.”
“This was the agreement. This has always been the agreement. Or have you forgotten?”
“I’ve forgotten nothing. But everything is different now.”
Ibrahim closed his eyes, and the tears he held for what seemed like an eternity spilled. Everything indeed was different now. His wife Jadiya was everything a man could want, but she was vain and entitled, and after years of trying desperately to win her favor so that she could fall in love with him, he had enough. Jadiya failed to catch the eye of a newly crowned King during his social season, and as most failed social season suitors did; she attended Social Season Tea, an event for noblemen to find a wife from the pool of women that the King dismissed ‘or did he?’
His ailing father chose Jadiya Al-Abdullah because of her ties to the Moroccan Monarchy, which the Duke thought could help procure the favor of parliament, further securing his house’s station in business and high society. Cordonian nobles seldom marry for love; they marry for connection. Whether the connection is social or financial, love is always second. The marriage would benefit both families. Jadiya would be a Duchess; she would enjoy the Duchy’s riches, prestige, and surname that granted her access to the place she failed to reach during the social season, and the Duke would have the connections he desired.
Ibrahim and Jadiya’s marital bed was cold and unloving; his young bride seemed more interested in the pomp and circumstance of being in court than she ever was in trying to learn to love her husband. Although this was a marriage centered on social connection, Ibrahim remained hopeful that he would find love and acceptance instead of rejection in his wife. Divorce would not be an option in a world where house honor is valued over happiness, and Ibrahim thought it would be better to learn to love each other than be unhappy for the rest of their lives.
The young lord wanted so desperately to be loved and to please his wife he was devastated that no matter the effort, she never showed any genuine affection. He did all he could for her and spared no expense in getting her all that she wanted in hopes that he could warm her heart, but it seemed Jadiya took more than she gave in the marriage.
One day while entering his office in his father’s law firm, he was taken aback by a recent transfer from his father’s firm in Marrakesh to a young legal secretary named Farrah; she had big brown eyes that to Ibrahim resembled two La Vian chocolate diamonds that sparkled in the light. Farrah was intelligent and humble. She made him laugh. He found himself staying in the office to be around her all too soon, and Farrah always returned his advances with tenderness. Ibrahim found love in the arms of another, and so Farrah became his mistress.
Jadiya sucked her teeth and said, “Get rid of it.”
“Jadiya, I can’t do that.” Ibrahim openly sobbed
“What will the people say, Ibrahim? We are nobility. We must keep our station in life. I will not share my wealth with your bastard.” Jadiya stood up from the table and smoothed her dress.
“Jadiya, let me out of this marriage, return to Morrocco. I will pay you handsomely.”
“We must come to a resolution that I can accept,” Jadiya responded.
“Jadiya, I know. I have always known you had your arrangements.”
Jadiya snikered “Prove it… I am not carrying the child of my lover.”
"Can you carry a child at all?" The Duke snickered, "You have been married for five years, and yet there is no heir. But your connections matter more than your womb at this moment." The Duke leaned back in his chair, the wheels in is head-turning going unnoticed as the couple argued the fate of a child.
“Jadiya, you are beautiful. You can have any man you want. You will recover nicely from this separation. Please set me free.” Ibrahim pleaded to no avail.
The Duke slammed his cane on the floor and yelled, “There will be no divorce. This house’s prestige means more to me than your happiness, and the stigma will follow us into ruin. People will assume that we neglect our commitments. Jadiya, I am sure that I can leak to the news who your lover is, and I will end your reputation in this society, affairs are acceptable for men, but women are expected to be faithful. If it is discovered you are barren, no nobleman worth his weight in salt will touch you. Jadiya, you will fake a pregnancy and raise the child as your own when the time comes. Farrah will need to be relocated I will not risk the chance of the child's resemblance to her becoming court gossip. I will discuss her future with a family representative of hers.” The Duke tapped his cane on the ground, which meant the negotiations were over. This was the directive, and they both had much to lose in life or limb should they rebel against him. The Duke would see to it.
Ibrahim knew his father to be ruthless and cold. He wouldn't risk the life of his love or their child by defying him. Jadiya was ever the social climber, and there was truth to Duke's speculation about her fertility and her lover indeed was not one she could run to... he was a King after all. A spoiled reputation would mean she would be a laughing stock in both the courts of Cordonia and Morocco. Her station would be reduced to nothing, but if she played the part, she would have wealth and a title at least.
Fez, Morocco
… Months later
Ibrahim held his child in his arms and rocked the newborn.
“What shall we call him.” Farrah quietly smiled as she looked at them.”
The new father proudly said,“رشاد (Rashad).”
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Traditions
This is a special holiday edition of School Dayz. To catch up on the series in general please click School Dayz
I am participating in @choicesdecember2023 for Christmas
I am also participating in @choicesprompts holiday rewrite challenge in which I used the candy cane gram scene from Mean Girls.
I am also participating in @choicesflashfics christmas prompt # 59: "Ice-skating? Do you seriously trust me with knives on my feet?" will appear in bold. I also used a previous prompt as well Are you seeing this too or am I having a stroke?
Series: School Dayz
The Book: TRR (no royals)
The Pairings: Liam x Riley
Word Count: 1464
Warnings and Ratings: None. This is for anyone who has eyes. A total fluff piece.
Original post: 12/31/23 at 7:15PM EST.
Science class was different for me now that I no longer sat next to Liam, and shared a table with my sister, since Mrs. Barbour decided to make the class sit in alphabetical order, which I think the only reason for the change was to make taking roll easier. I glanced across the room to Liam whose partner was now Rashad.
My adorkable boyfriend who caught me watching him, smiled and held up his hot cocoa cup to toast me from across the room. Liam was the sweetest boyfriend and stopped by the local coffee shop Brew Bros and always got hot chocolate every morning the way that I liked it.
So I smiled while holding up my cup.
“Oh my God, can you two be any more nerdy?” Taylor asked.
“He’s nice, and you reap the benefits of it too. My boyfriend brings us both hot chocolate, or in your case a coffee drink you like every day without us asking.”
Taylor cocked her head to the side and air toasted Liam, taking a sip from her drink when the door opened.
“Ho , Ho, Ho!!!!! Candy Cane Grams, sponsored by the National Honor Society.”
“Make it quick, Santa.” There was a hint of sarcasm in Mrs. Barbour’s voice as she went to sit at her desk for a moment.
“And his lovely assistant Max Noel!”
“Wait… a sec… Are you seeing this too or am I having a stroke?”
Taylor doubled over in laughter “It is!!!! It’s Drake Walker-Claus.”
Taylor’s laugh seemed to antagonize Drake for a second, but good thing he had his assistant Maxwell. His brooding mood was offset by Max Noel making the class laugh with his dance versions of Christmas music as he followed around the room behind him.
“Hana Lee one for you.”
“Chris Powell four for you, you go Chris Powell!”
“Do we have a Riley Brooks here?”
“That’s her Max Noel. She’s Riley Brooks and looks nothing like the girl sitting next to her. Those two can’t possibly be related.”
“Riley Brooks here you go, one for you.”
“Thank you Santa.”
“Um….”
“And nothing at all for Taylor Brooks, not even coal or black licorice, bye.”
Drake and Max ran out of the room.
Taylor looked at me with curious eyes at the candy cane gram in my hand.
“Who’s that from?”
It wasn’t any of her business. I opened the envelope and read silently to myself.
Liam’s sweet words made me smile, and I didn’t have to answer her, and I looked at him from across the room.
“Oh my god. You guys are too much.”
Taylor looked upset, even though she shrugged it off. Later I found out why at her locker.
“I told you to get me a candy cane gram Nico!!!!”
“Well you telling me to do it, takes the surprise out of it. Me not doing it, guess what you were surprised weren’t you?”
My sister who was always loud looked at him and said nothing.
Before I knew it the words flew out of my mouth.
“Wow, you’re a really bad boyfriend Nico, my sister deserves better than you.”
I slammed my locker walking away from the two of them. I found out later that day, my sister broke up with him, in front of everyone in true dramatic Taylor fashion. I was proud of her.
Christmas Eve
Everyone had come over and was enjoying mom’s Christmas cookies and snacks. My dad brought in a big box sitting it down on the floor.
“I want to thank everyone for coming over tonight to spend time with our family. Our children picked people they care about to spend this time together with you. Ren and I are happy to have you in our home. We both grew up in the foster care system, and learned early in life, sometimes the people that care about you most, are not your blood relatives. So we try to celebrate that.”
“And when we had the opportunity to open our home up to two adorable identical twin girls, we couldn’t say no.” My mother chimed in.
“It’s the best decision they ever made. I went to sleep one night wishing I had a little sister. The next morning I woke up with two.” Jaiden spoke up.
“And we know what it’s like to be alone on Christmas, or missing someone special on Christmas that you were once close to. So we wanted to do something special. Liam would you mind sharing the Christmas Eve tradition you had that you told me about?”
“Christmas was my Mom’s favorite holiday. Every Christmas Eve that I can remember she’d dress us up in these ugly Christmas sweaters
and we would go ice skating on Lake Pine. She loved to ice skate. Then she’d make us take these dorky pictures in our Christmas sweaters that matched. I miss her a lot.”
“I miss her too. I’m not adopted, but Liam’s Mom always made me feel like I was her son too. So I really get what you’re saying about family not always being blood related. She was my mom too.”
Liam hugged his brother.
My dad opened the box.
“With a little help from Riley I found some what I would think are hideously awesome ugly Christmas sweaters, and am secretly happy for your love of Star Trek too. I’m sorry Liam, you can’t be the Captain, this is mine. But this one is yours.”
“Well if I can’t be Captain, being the science officer is the next best and most logical choice.” Liam took his blue sweater graciously.
“That’s what I said! Dad please say you got me a blue sweater too.”
“I did.”
After all the sweaters were handed out, there was still one left in the box.
“Guess you guys bought this before I broke up with Nico. No big deal.”
Once everyone was dressed, they headed out to the vehicles, and Liam stuffed the extra shirt into Leo’s trunk.
“I really don’t know how this is going to go Liam.”
“What do you mean?”
“Ice skating? Do you seriously trust me with knives on my feet?”
“Well good thing you’re not just Riley Brooks today, you’re the science officer for the USS Enterprise. Live long and prosper.”
Liam expected Riley to be as horrible on ice skates as she had been on roller skates, but Riley amazingly was incredibly balanced.
“Have you ice skated before?”
“No! I don’t know how I'm good at this! I usually have no natural balance.”
“You’re a natural at skating…”
“Ice skating. Let's clarify that.”
Taylor was still sitting on the bench watching the couples skate by. “She still hasn’t gotten out on the ice yet. I think she’s feeling lonely and the extra shirt probably made her think of Nico.”
Liam’s phone beeped. “Why don’t you go sit with her for a little bit, and I’ll be back in a few with some hot cocoas for us all.”
“Is cocoa your favorite drink?”
“Yes, and my mom used to always say your heart won’t feel cold if you always have a nice warm cup of cocoa. It always makes me feel better.”
I went to sit with Taylor and Liam continued walking toward the concessions stand.
“You okay?” I asked Taylor.
“I just don’t feel like skating, and look over there.”
Nico was there, with another girl on his arm.
“To be honest I never liked him Taylor. He called you T, like you were a drink or a shirt or something. He wasn’t even really that nice. Good riddance, I say.”
“I never thanked you for standing up for me that day Riley. It really meant a lot.”
“You’re my sister Taylor. I will always have your back, even when you pull me into a tornado.”
“Not on purpose!” She laughed.
“Oh it never is.” I remarked pulling Taylor closer to me in a hug. After a few seconds she pulled away from me.
“What are you doing here?”
“Helping Liam deliver hot cocoa. This one is yours.
I don’t like all the extra stuff in mine.”
Drake handed Taylor her cocoa, as he sat down next to her.
“Just hot and cocoa pretty much then right?”
“Exactly. I’m not that difficult to understand.”
“Do you like to ice skate, Drake?”
“Like it? It’s okay, but I can. Would you like to skate Taylor?”
Drake took off his coat wearing the remaining ugly sweater.
“Okay.” Taylor said in a nonchalant voice.
Taylor’s mood picked up immediately as she skated around with Drake on the ice. She never once glanced in Nico’s direction.
“That was really nice of you to do Liam.”
“He really does like her, you know. Maybe now she can finally see him with Nico out the way.”
“You’re so adorkably sweet Liam.”
“I know Riley, I know.”
#bebepac writes#bebepac still writes#christmas fic#choices fandom#trr fanfic#trr fandom#trr liam x riley#school dayz#adorkable liam#adorkable riley#trr no royals#choicesprompt#choicesflashfics#choices monthly challenge#choices fic writers creations#fic of the week
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Best Kept Secrets
Best Kept Secrets - I’ll Take The Fall (Chapter 16)
Characters belong to Pixelberry.
Summary: An unforeseen encounter with the past proves that even the best-kept secrets eventually make their way into the light.
Title inspiration: Villain - Lucie Silvas
Book/Pairing: TRR; Liam x F!OC
A/N: Thank you to @burnsoslow for prereading. Please excuse any errors.
Rating: M • Warning: This series will contain NSFW material. If you read, you acknowledge you are 18+
Catch up here
Sitting inside his study, Liam anxiously drummed his fingers against his desk, staring at his laptop screen. He was waiting for a call from Amalas and Olivia, who were currently in Auvernal, attending their Fleet Week event.
Olivia met with Amalas in Monterisso a couple of days ago to hash out their plan. They’d arrived at the Auvernese palace that morning with the intention of sneaking off to do some digging; it was now late afternoon, and Liam had yet to hear from either of them.
A knock on his study door pulled his attention; Liam called for them to enter, and Rashad stepped inside a moment later, shutting the door behind him. “Anything?”
Liam shook his head. “Not yet …”
Rashad could see the worry in his old friend’s eyes. “I’m sure they’re fine.”
“I just don’t want them to get themselves into a bind by getting caught.”
“They’re not going to get caught,” Rashad retorted. “They both have plenty of experience in this area and know what they’re doing. Just relax.”
“This is my best chance at getting something concrete enough to get out of this damn alliance.” Liam sighed as he raked his fingers through his hair. “If they don’t find anything …”
“If they don’t find anything, we’ll keep looking,” Rashad said. The stress of this — among other things — over the past month had certainly taken its toll on his friend, and he could both see and sense it. “We’ll get out of this, Liam, one way or another. You have my word.”
Liam blew out a breath and nodded. “I hope so.” He looked at Rashad again. “Did you just come from the council meeting?”
“Yes,” Rashad answered. “They want to meet tomorrow so we can discuss the announcement. Should Olivia and Amalas get what we need, they want to make sure we’re ready with a statement so we can stay ahead of Bradshaw on the matter and get it out before he tries anything.”
“Understandable,” Liam nodded.
“They also made a request …”
Liam tilted his head. “And what’s that?”
“They want to bring Amara in on these discussions,” Rashad replied, and Liam’s brows slightly rose. “She is Sophia’s mother, so they feel it would be for the best to have her involved in the plan for the announcement and so she’s kept in the loop … and I have to say I agree. Daniel said he’d let her know. I just thought I’d give you a heads up that she’ll probably be there …” Liam glanced away, silently nodding. “Have you spoken to her at all since everything happened?”
“No,” Liam answered, staring out the window. “I haven’t.”
It had been a few days since Liam had spotted Amara playing with Sophia out in the gardens. That was the first time he’d even seen her since that day they spoke in his study a month ago. Any communication they had was still done through Riley and Daniel. They hadn’t spoken at all. Not a word.
“Are you going to be ok with that?” Rashad asked. “With her being there?”
“Yes,” Liam nodded. “I’ll be fine.”
“And are you sure you two can be cordial?”
“I will be,” Liam replied as he met Rashad’s gaze again. “I can’t speak for her. As I said, we haven’t spoken.”
“Do you think she’s going to have any qualms about the announcement?”
“I’m sure she’ll have some worries … because we’re obviously going to have to be forthcoming in the statement about our past. It’s not like it will be a secret once it’s out there that we had a relationship while Madeleine and I were married; it’s simple mathematics. I know she was worried before about any scrutiny Sophia and I could face if our history got out, so I don’t doubt that will still be a concern of hers.”
“Not a concern for herself?”
“I’m sure she’s worried about herself as well,” Liam said with a shrug. “I just mean that she specifically said she was trying to protect Sophia and me, so I’m assuming that will more than likely be the biggest concern she’ll have, more so regarding Sophia.”
Rashad nodded, letting his thoughts on the matter stir for a moment. “Well, I guess we’ll find out tomorrow how she feels …”
Liam nodded. “I guess …”
“Alright, well, if you hear any—”
Rashad was cut off by the sound of an incoming video call on Liam’s laptop; they both looked at each other, and the look on Liam’s face told him exactly who it was. He hurried toward the desk to listen in just as the King answered.
“Olivia,” Liam said in a relieved tone, able to see they were settled in their seats on the jet. “Are you and Amalas alright?”
“Of course we’re alright,” Olivia scoffed.
“You weren’t doubting us, were you, Liam?” Amalas playfully asked.
“No, I just … I hadn’t heard from either of you since last night, and … I may have started to worry a bit.”
“It’s heartwarming to know you care,” Amalas quipped.
Olivia chuckled as she looked back at the screen. “We’re fine. We’re on the jet headed back to Monterisso.”
“Did you find anything?” Rashad asked.
“Right to the point. I like him,” Amalas said. “Yes … maybe.”
Liam furrowed his brows. “What does that mean?”
“We were able to sneak into his study,” Amalas answered. “I found something that piqued my curiosity …”
“Go on,” Liam urged.
“While snooping, I found multiple past correspondences between Bradshaw and the former Queen of Rivala.”
“Reena?” Liam questioned.
Amalas nodded. “We just got done speaking with her before we called you. It took some persuading to get her to tell us any of this because she’s afraid … but did you know that Rivala had an alliance agreement with Auvernal two years ago?”
“What?” Liam’s brows rose in surprise. “No.”
“According to Reena,” Amalas began, “her daughter was set to marry Isaac Achilles in a betrothal alliance just like the one they approached you with. As part of the proceedings, she had her physician perform a routine medical exam on their twins, but before she could see the results, Bradshaw and Isabella seized them. When Reena refused the alliance after that, feeling as though they were hiding something, she claims Auvernal sent their troops in to occupy Rivala, and she had no choice but to accept the alliance and step down as monarch to avoid an all-out war.”
Both Liam’s and Rashad’s eyes widened. “Holy shit,” Rashad gasped.
“Wait,” Liam shook his head. “If that’s true, how the hell has no one heard about it?”
“They rebranded her concession as a willing alliance and made it appear as though the two nations combined to be one,” Olivia answered. “They forced her hand into giving up her kingdom because they knew she would want to protect her people from unnecessary bloodshed. I think Bradshaw had the same intention with Cordonia, but he found something else to use against you instead of brute force …”
“Amara,” Liam said quietly.
Olivia nodded. “Sending his troops there would have been a last resort, but you folded when he threatened to out your past, so he didn’t need to.”
“Plus,” Amalas interjected, “having Auvernese troops in Cordonia after having them in Rivala would have looked a little too suspicious for Bradshaw’s liking, so it worked out better in his favor to not have to send them in.”
“Do we have any proof of this other than Reena’s word?” Liam asked. “It’s not that I don’t believe her, I do. But this isn’t concrete enough. If they had her sign an alliance as they did with me, it won’t hold, and Bradshaw will just accuse her of fabricating it all two years after the fact.”
“No … we don’t have any proof,” Amalas shook her head. “Not yet. I did find a flash drive hidden in a secret compartment in Bradshaw’s desk drawer, but I don’t know what’s on it. It’s encrypted, so I’ll need time to decode it.”
“Considering it was hidden and is encrypted, my guess is there’s something there,” Olivia added. “Whatever’s on it, they don’t want anyone to see.”
“My thoughts exactly,” Amalas nodded.
“And Reena offered to be of assistance in any way she can in hopes of exposing Auvernal’s illegal siege of Rivala,” Olivia said. “She said she hopes to spare Cordonia from the same fate.”
Liam shared a look with Rashad before glancing back at the screen with a nod. “So we just need to hope there’s something on that flash drive we can use …”
“Pretty much,” Amalas nodded.
“Also, I snagged you a little gift while rummaging through that shithole,” Olivia smirked.
Liam arched his brow curiously; she held up a piece of paper in front of the screen, and his eyes slightly widened once it came into focus. “Is that—”
“The original alliance document that you were forced to sign,” Olivia grinned. “That way, when we do take this asshole down, you can destroy it.”
“Thank you,” Liam smiled. “Thank you both.”
“I’m going to start working on this flash drive,” Amalas said. “I’ll be in touch …”
****
That night, Liam sat in the cushioned glider in Sophia’s room inside his quarters, staring down at her as he attempted to rock her to sleep. Having had her stay overnight with him the past few nights had been going well, but they were both still adjusting to the new routine. The first night, getting her to sleep wasn’t an issue.
The last couple of nights, however, was another story.
Sophia stared back at him, and he tucked his lips between his teeth to stifle a laugh when she offered one of her adorable toothy grins. “You need to go to sleep,” Liam said through a quiet chuckle. She let out a little squeal as she sat up in his arms, and he positioned her to stand on his thighs as he held her. “This is not going to sleep.” A sound like a raspberry escaped her as she leaned forward, pressing her forehead against his as she scrunched her nose. “You’re too cute for your own good. You know that?”
Another toothy grin.
Liam shifted her to lay against his chest and she rested her head on his shoulder as he rubbed her back and started to rock again. “Dada,” she murmured, and he froze. “Da da da da da.” He moved so he could tilt his head to look at her as she turned her face to snuggle into the crook of his neck, clutching the front of his shirt in her tiny hand. “Daaaaaa Dada.”
Liam wasn’t sure if she was actually saying the word or was just listening to herself make the sound, but he didn’t care. He smiled and let out a breath, blinking the tears from his eyes as he rested his cheek against her head and resumed his rocking. “That’s right, Soph. Daddy’s got you.”
As Sophia finally started to drift off to sleep, Liam found Amara at the forefront of his mind. Truthfully, she’d been lingering there since that afternoon when Rashad came to see him.
Knowing they would be coming face-to-face for the first time tomorrow had Liam feeling a little more nervous than he wanted to admit. He wasn’t sure what or how he was going to feel. He’d spent the last month trying to process everything; he’d had time to think, spending some nights awake and replaying everything he’d been told. He tried to put himself in Amara’s shoes and inside her head during that time in order to try and better understand where she was coming from. And while some things had been put into a different perspective, helping to assuage his anger and resentment, he’d be lying if he said the hurt and betrayal he felt wasn’t still there.
Liam was worried that seeing Amara could reopen wounds that only just started to heal and destroy any progress he’d made in trying to come to terms with everything. He also knew, however, that Amara had just as much right as he did to be a part of these discussions, to know what the plan was for announcing their child to the world. Sure, he could fire back his own request that the council just meet with them separately and relay their suggestions and opinions on the matter to the other, but regardless of where they currently stood on a personal level, this wasn’t about them.
Liam also thought that just maybe this had the potential to be a good thing. Yes, he’d been actively avoiding Amara as he spent time with Sophia to build a bond and relationship with her while simultaneously wading through all of his thoughts and feelings about everything as best he could. And from what he’d been told, Amara had been actively avoiding him as well out of both a desire for him to have time with Sophia on his own and a fear of upsetting him and tainting that time.
Perhaps being forced into a room together with other people could be the first step in getting them to a place where they were both comfortable enough to talk on their own.
*******
Late the following morning, Liam sat inside the council chambers with Rashad and a few others as they waited for everyone to arrive. He and Rashad were speaking in hushed tones as others began to file into the room.
Liam glanced up at the door just as Daniel stepped inside followed by Amara; his eyes locked on her as he slowly straightened himself in his chair. Her eyes shifted around the room, hesitant and afraid in a way. Daniel gestured for her to take the seat beside him, the one across from Liam at the opposite end of the long table. When she sat, she folded her hands in her lap and kept her gaze cast downward. She appeared to be nervous, which wasn’t like her at all; Liam wasn’t sure if it was the meeting, seeing him, or both.
Still looking at her, Liam watched when Amara glanced up at the door as the last few people filed into the room … including Madeleine. He saw Amara’s throat bob as she swallowed thickly and looked away, closing her eyes; it was obvious seeing Madeleine had caught her off guard and made her more uncomfortable than she clearly already was.
Despite the purpose of these meetings being how to announce Sophia’s existence to the world, Liam thought Madeleine should be included as well because his relationship with Amara during their marriage would also be made public. He and Madeleine still held a deep respect for one another, and because this had the potential to throw her into the middle of a media frenzy, he asked if she’d like to be there, to which she said yes.
Madeleine walked over to Liam, and he stood from his chair, greeting her with a kiss on the cheek before she took her seat. When he sat back down, his eyes lifted to Amara again; she still hadn’t looked at him.
“Alright,” Rashad spoke up, quieting the murmurs of the others in the room. “Everyone is here, so let’s get started.”
As they began to discuss the reasons for the meetings, Amara inconspicuously lifted her gaze to Liam; he was looking at Bertrand, who was currently speaking. She’d been trying not to look at him, afraid of seeing the utter disdain for her in his eyes if she did.
When Daniel came to her yesterday and told her the council had requested her presence in the meetings and the reason why, Amara agreed to go. She appreciated being kept in the loop, and she wanted to know exactly what their plan was regarding the announcement of Sophia; she’d have heard it from Daniel regardless, but she was glad to be included in the discussions. She’d be lying if she said the thought of coming face-to-face with Liam for the first time in a month didn’t keep her up last night, however. Nervous didn’t begin to describe what she was feeling.
Amara had continued to struggle in the weeks since everything came to light, and she continued to keep it to herself. Knowing she was going to be sitting in the same room with Liam had her feeling more than just on edge all morning; she was worried about keeping her composure and not breaking down in front of him.
The moment Amara stepped inside the council chambers, she felt Liam’s presence. She felt his gaze shift to her. And she couldn’t bring herself to look at him, not only because she couldn’t bear to see exactly what he thought of her in his expression, but because she was afraid that if her eyes met his, any bit of strength she was holding onto in order not to fall apart would dissipate.
“So, what are your thoughts on how to go about this, sir?” Hakim asked, pulling Amara’s attention to him; she couldn’t help when her gaze flickered to Liam again a moment later.
Liam leaned his elbows against the table, pressing his clasped hands over his mouth as he sorted through his thoughts. He’d been thinking about this the past few days, and he knew what he was about to say would surprise some, Amara included. “I’d like to keep everything as … simple and civil as possible,” he said. “I’d prefer this announcement to be done in a way that doesn’t point fingers at any one person in particular.”
“With all due respect, Your Majesty, I’m not sure that’s possible,” Bertrand spoke before looking at Amara. “I’m not trying to come off as though I’m passing judgment, so please don’t take it that way,” he glanced back at Liam, “but the facts are the facts, sir. You were kept in the dark about the existence of the child.”
At that moment, Amara wished the floor would open up and swallow her whole.
“I have to agree, sir,” Landon chimed in. “I’m not sure if there’s truly a way to get around not pointing any fingers.”
“There is a way,” Liam said matter of factly. “We flub the truth.” His gaze lifted, meeting Amara’s for the first time; she looked more taken aback than anyone else in that room by what he was saying. He glanced back to his council. “We don’t give all of the details as to why I didn’t know. We chalk it up to miscommunication and misunderstanding. We focus on the present instead of the past.”
“Sir—”
Liam held his hand up to silence Bertrand. “I just feel that it would be the best way for the people and press to keep their focus on what matters now. To say, yes, this happened, this is where we are, and we’re dealing with it. It would just make things easier for everyone to move forward and not dwell on anything else.”
Amara imperceptibly shook her head in disbelief.
Yes, Liam was well aware that he could potentially save himself, his reputation, and that of the monarchy should he just tell the truth and attempt to shift the attention to Amara and what she had done. He didn’t want to do that to her, though. Despite his lingering anger and hurt, he still loved her and cared about her well-being. He wasn’t out for revenge and didn’t want to offer her up as a proverbial lamb to the slaughter in order to save himself, which wasn’t a guarantee anyway.
“I understand what you’re saying, sir,” Hakim said. “However … I’m not sure that is the best path going forward. The people are going to be made aware that you had this relationship during your marriage, which will have the spotlight and attention on you and the monarchy. You should be strategic about this and use the details — the facts — to your advantage. I understand you don’t want to throw anyone under the bus, but I believe it’s in your and the crown’s best interest to do so.”
“We can’t act like you wouldn’t be in this predicament had you known from the beginning,” Landon added.
Amara closed her eyes, feeling the Duke’s words like the slap they were intended as.
“Even if I’d known, had I been made aware from the start … we still would have had to deal with the fallout of our relationship during my marriage to Madeleine.” Liam sighed. “I’m looking at it that way … I’m taking the fact I didn’t know out of the equation and using how we would have dealt with it back then now.”
“I see where Liam is coming from,” Rashad said as he looked at the others. “To show that he’s focusing on the present, that his main concern is having a relationship with the Princess … it could just as easily keep the attention off of the scandal aspect of it all.”
Liam nodded in stern agreement before looking to the other side of the table. “Daniel, this is your area of expertise. What do you think?”
Daniel cleared his throat. “Honestly, I think it will mainly come down to how yours and Amara’s relationship will be portrayed and perceived by the Countess in front of the public.”
Liam glanced beside him. “Madeleine?”
“Liam and I have spoken at length,” Madeleine said. “I told him that I don’t have any issue letting it be made known that I knew about their relationship.”
Amara struggled to keep her expression neutral and her surprise at bay over Madeleine being willing to flat-out lie on her and Liam’s behalf. She didn’t know about their relationship, not until the day it was over, but she was willing to make the people believe that they had her blessing.
“We openly stated during our divorce announcement that the marriage was nothing more than an arrangement,” Madeleine continued. “So I don’t think it would come as too much of a shock to the people to know that because of that arrangement, we both sought attention and affection outside of our marriage. And that’s something we can also play to our advantage … to get a little sympathy for the loveless marriage we were forced into due to archaic traditions. Not to mention, this news will probably have people questioning whether Amara’s return to Cordonia with the child was a reason for our divorce because of the timing. Showing my support and understanding in the matter would certainly help to deter those assumptions.”
“If that’s how it’s going to be handled, I don’t see why we couldn’t do it the way Liam wishes,” Daniel said. “Having him focusing on the present and the future could shift the attention away from the affair if we zero in on the positives, which are that Liam is thrilled to be a father and that Cordonia has their long-awaited heir to the throne. However, it’s still a risk. There’s a chance that it doesn’t go the way you’re hoping and you and the monarchy could still take the brunt of the criticism and backlash.”
“Ms. Onasis.” Everyone’s eyes shifted to her, including Liam’s, when Bertrand said her name; she let out a quiet breath. “What do you think?”
Amara swallowed thickly, blinking away the sting in her eyes; she wasn’t even sure why she felt so emotional at that moment. She cast her gaze downward. “I just want what’s best for Sophia and Liam,” she said quietly.
Liam stared at Amara for a moment before looking at Daniel again. “I understand that it’s a risk … but it’s one I’m willing to take.”
****
An hour later, after more discussions on how to construct the announcement the way Liam wanted, the council decided to pause with plans to reconvene over the next several days while they waited to hear from Amalas.
As everyone began to file out of the room after bidding their goodbyes to their King, Liam watched Amara at the end of the table, where she stood talking to Daniel. He’d been surprised at how quiet she had been during the meeting. This was her area of expertise as well, with more experience and success than Daniel, so he’d been certain she would have tried to take control of the reins of the discussion, but she hadn’t. She offered no opinions or suggestions; her only spoken words were that all she wanted was what was best for him and Sophia.
Liam started for the door at the same moment Amara did. She didn’t look at him and he kept his gaze leveled above the top of her head as he followed her out the door. They both turned, going in separate directions down the corridor without a word or glance back at each other.
*******
Over the next few days, Liam and Amara had been in closed-door meetings with the council and Daniel, sometimes more than once a day.
The pair had yet to speak.
During the discussions, Amara would answer questions only when asked, and Liam did much more talking than she did, but their words were never directed specifically at one another. And at the end of every meeting, they always seemed to be the last two to leave the chambers, but they’d go their separate ways at the door, still not sparing a word.
Amara wanted to talk to Liam, but she didn’t know how to even approach him. She was certain he despised her under that stoic facade he was wearing in front of his council, and she still worried about upsetting him should she even try to speak to him. She was struggling with the silence and all of the things she wanted to say, which among a hundred more apologies included wanting to tell him that she wasn’t sure his approach on the announcement was the best.
During the meetings, Amara remained quiet about her thoughts on Liam’s plan, but she silently hoped he would realize that he needed to prioritize himself and Sophia. The subject was brought up a couple more times by other council members who still felt he should reconsider, but Liam remained resolute in his choice not to point the finger where it would be easiest: at her.
After the end of a particularly heated meeting, Liam let out a breath as he leaned back in his seat while the others stood from theirs and began to leave. They discussed how exactly they should deal with Auvernal in the announcement since speculation and questions had begun to float through the media regarding an alliance; those talks flared the tempers of some of his council members who wanted Bradshaw to be held accountable for what he’d done. Liam promised them that he was already looking into it, and as soon as he had more information to share with them, he would.
Liam looked across the table at Amara, who seemed to have the same idea he did about waiting for the others to clear the doorway before attempting to make her escape. The last couple of days, he found himself watching her more often during the meetings, studying her. He couldn’t help but notice how she hadn’t seemed herself; she was a far cry from the opinionated and outspoken woman he knew her to be. She was quiet … too quiet. And she just looked … disheartened.
And the last couple of days, at the end of each meeting, Liam thought about approaching her to talk … but then he’d think better of it before making his way in the opposite direction. He knew, however, that one of them needed to take that first step, and after their last conversation, he was pretty sure that person would have to be him; based on what he’d heard from Riley and what he’d seen for himself during these meetings, she wouldn’t be approaching him.
Amara rose from her seat, and her eyes flickered up for a brief moment to catch Liam doing the same. Just talk to him, she told herself before she started for the door. You need to talk to him. When she stepped into the hall and turned, instead of making her usual beeline down the corridor toward the North Wing, she stopped, hesitating. She closed her eyes, trying to work up the courage to turn around and say something … anything.
When Amara finally turned, expecting to see him halfway down the corridor by now, she froze when she saw Liam standing in front of her.
Liam stared down at Amara, both of them standing there in awkward silence. Just say something, he urged himself. He parted his lips to speak … but then closed his mouth before he let out a quiet breath and turned, walking away.
Amara didn’t call after him. Instead, she made her way down the opposite end of the corridor.
*******
A few days later, inside his study during a late lunch break, Liam was on his hands and knees, chasing after Sophia as he pantomimed a bear. He rose up on his knees, lifting his arms high above him with a playful roar before he scooped her up and tickled her belly.
“Dada!” Sophia squealed through giggles as she wriggled in his embrace, and he could feel his heart swell.
When he gently set her feet back on the ground, Sophia toddled over to the table; she grabbed a piece of cut-up apple and shoved it into her mouth before grabbing another and outstretching her arm to him in an offering.
Liam opened his mouth and she shoved it in. “Thank you,” he chuckled.
“Riley said her favorite food is apples. She’s definitely Cordonian,” Drake quipped from his seat on the sofa.
“She eats more apples than I do,” Liam chuckled.
“That says a lot,” Drake snorted.
Sophia moved around the table to Drake with a piece of apple for him; she raised her hand and he leaned forward, taking it. “Thanks, squirt,” he smiled.
Just then, Liam’s laptop chimed with an incoming call; he got to his feet and hurried to his desk, and when he saw the name, his heart started to race. “Hey, I gotta take this. Can you take her back down to Amara for me?”
“Sure,” Drake nodded.
Liam quickly rushed over and scooped Sophia up, kissing her cheek and saying goodbye before passing her off to Drake. When they exited his study, he rushed back to his desk and answered the call. “Amalas,” he nodded in greeting.
“I want you to repeat after me,” Amalas said with a subtle smirk. “The Queen of Monterisso is the greatest of all.”
Hope flooded Liam’s entire body from her smug tone. “You got into the flash drive and found something?”
“I didn’t just find something, Liam. I struck gold,” Amalas grinned.
“What is it?”
“I’m sending over what I found through a secure channel so you can see for yourself.”
A moment later, Liam’s phone pinged with an alert. He grabbed it and opened up the documents Amalas had just sent, skimming over their contents. He froze on one particular section, and his eyes widened as he snapped his gaze back at the screen.
“That’s right,” Amalas grinned triumphantly. “Seems as though Bradshaw couldn’t keep it in his pants. The twins aren’t Isabella’s biological children, meaning—”
“They have no legitimate claim to the throne because they have no royal blood,” Liam breathed.
“Rendering the alliance null and void.”
“This is why they seized the medical reports before Reena could see them …”
“Exactly. They didn’t want her to know the truth.”
Liam let out a breath, feeling his heart thump in his chest from the sheer relief he felt. He looked from his phone back to his laptop. “Amalas, I … I can’t thank you enough.”
There was nothing but sheer gratitude in his voice. “You’re welcome,” Amalas nodded. “Now … there is the small matter of what I get for doing all of this for you …” Liam stiffened at her words, and she smiled. “I’m not going to ask for your Crown Jewels, Liam. Relax.”
“What is it that you want?”
“All I want is for Cordonia and Monterisso to be allies. I want to know that if ever needed, you would have our back, and I would extend the same to you and your kingdom in return. I think I’ve more than proven my allegiance …”
Liam let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “You certainly have,” he smiled. “And Cordonia would be both lucky and honored to have Monterisso as an ally.”
Amalas smiled. “I won’t make you sign anything right away. I wouldn’t want you to have war flashbacks to what you just went through.” Liam snorted at her words. “We’ll consider it a vocal agreement for now until we can draw up some friendly terms we both agree upon, which I promise will not include a betrothal.”
“Thank you, Amalas. Truly. I’m in your debt.”
“I’ll let you go so you can get going on getting yourself out of that mess you’re in,” Amalas smiled. “I’ll be in touch.”
When the screen went black, Liam let out another breath, pressing his palm to his chest as though it would help to slow his heartbeat. His mind flooded with everything that needed to be done. He checked his watch before he grabbed his desk phone and dialed a number.
The voice greeted him on the other end. “We need to meet to finish the statement and make the calls to have the press meet tomorrow morning …”
****
Amara walked around the corner from the entryway of the North Wing after Drake had brought Sophia back to her; as she set her down and watched her toddle toward her toys, she glanced up to see Daniel on the phone. He wore a look of surprise, nodding to himself as the person spoke on the other end.
“I’ll be there in a few minutes,” Daniel said. “You’re welcome, sir.”
When he ended the call, Amara furrowed her brows. “Everything ok?”
“He did it.” Daniel looked at her with a grin. “Liam got the information he needed to get out of the alliance. He just called … he wants the statement made in the morning so he’s calling a last-minute meeting with the council.”
Amara stared at him and her vision began to blur as tears filled her eyes. “He … he got Sophia out?” her voice cracked.
“He did, Buttercup,” Daniel nodded with a grin. “She’s a free little bird.” Amara covered her face with her hand as a relieved sob escaped her; Daniel was there a moment later, wrapping her in a hug. “Now all you need to do is prepare yourself for the announcement. Are you ready for this? For it to all be out in the open?”
Stepping back, Amara wiped her cheeks as she let out a shuddered breath. “I-I’m ready as I can be … but …” She trailed off.
“But what?”
Amara shook her head. “Daniel, you can’t give that statement … not the way Liam wants you to.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean that it’s not right, the way he wants to do this,” Amara answered.
Daniel’s brows furrowed before realization struck. “Tell me you’re not suggesting what I think you are …”
Amara dropped his gaze as she nodded. “I am.”
“Amara, no—”
“I’m not your client,” Amara interrupted, looking back at him. “He is.”
*******
The following morning, after a brief and final meeting with the council and Liam to discuss last-minute details regarding the statement, Daniel met with Amara in the North Wing to talk with her about it.
Imogen had already left to take Sophia to Liam since he had cleared his schedule for the day, something Amara was thankful for; it would give her time to decompress and think once the announcement was over.
Daniel glanced over at her, wondering if she’d perhaps changed her mind. He took in a deep breath before slowly exhaling, finally breaking the silence. “You know what I have to do to make this work, right?”
“Yes,” Amara nodded, staring straight ahead.
“And you’re sure about this?”
Amara nodded again. “Yes.”
“Buttercup …”
“I’m sure,” Amara reiterated. “This was my doing. When I said all I wanted was what was best for Sophia and Liam, I meant it.”
Daniel shifted his body to face her. “But what if I can spin it, though? I can. And I can make it more of a—”
“This needs to happen first,” Amara interrupted, knowing where he was going with his question. “In order to control both the criticism and narrative … this is the only way. We can talk about what comes next afterward … if this works.”
Daniel sighed. “Well … I was taught by the best, so — I actually hate that I’m saying this — I’ll do everything that I can.”
“You do whatever you need to do.” Amara finally looked at him. “You can’t go into this with any emotional attachment because I’m your friend. Don’t worry about me. Liam is your client. He is your priority.”
“I know …” Daniel reluctantly nodded.
“And you’re prepared for after?” Amara asked.
Daniel scoffed. “As best as I can be. If he doesn’t kill me, I’ll consider it a win. And if he does … it’s been a pleasure knowing you.”
“Thank you … for doing this.”
“Only you would thank someone for something like this,” Daniel shook his head as he rose from the sofa. He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I’ll come find you when it’s done …”
“You don’t have to do that,” Amara said, looking up at him. “I think I’m going to need some time to myself. I’ll let you know …”
Daniel nodded in understanding before he turned and started toward the door. When Amara heard it latch shut a moment later, she closed her eyes, feeling her heart drop into the pit of her stomach as she sank deeper into the cushions of the sofa.
****
After sending Imogen to his quarters with Sophia, Liam, Drake, and Riley sat inside his study. On the television was the image of an empty podium as the news station waited for the exclusive statement from the palace.
“You feeling alright?” Drake asked.
“As best I can be,” Liam nodded.
“Nervous?” Riley questioned.
Liam hesitated for a moment. “A little …”
“It’s going to be fine,” Drake assured him. “They’ll be surprised, sure. But I don’t think it’ll be that bad.”
Riley saw Liam give her a questioning look; she had experience in this area just like Amara and Daniel. “Truthfully, I think it could go either way,” she said. “But I agree with Drake. I don’t think it’s going to be all that bad.”
Liam nodded before glancing at his watch; with only a few minutes to go before Daniel would be at the podium, he had a call to make. “Let’s get this over with.” He walked to his desk and grabbed the phone, dialing the number.
“King Liam,” Bradshaw greeted on the other end of the line. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“We can skip the pleasantries, Bradshaw,” Liam bit back. “Plus, I think this call will be anything but a pleasure for you.”
“And why is that?”
“I’ll just get straight to it. The alliance … it’s done. I’m out.”
“Oh, Liam,” Bradshaw laughed wryly. “It’s too early for jokes.”
“I can assure you, I am in no way joking,” Liam replied. “You know, I thought the way you tried to blackmail me was bad enough, but come to find out, the alliance and betrothal you proposed was never even valid or legal.”
“What are you on about?”
“The twins,” Liam hissed. “I know they’re not Isabella’s children and therefore have no legitimate claim to the Auvernese throne.” Silence filled the other end and a smirk tugged at the corner of Liam’s lips. “What’s wrong, Bradshaw? Cat got your tongue?”
“How did you—”
“It’s not important how I found out. What’s important is that I know and I have the proof. So, as I said, this alliance is done.”
“If you so much as utter a word of this to anyone, I will make it my life’s mission to destroy you and Amara with your little secret.”
“You might want to turn on the news, Bradshaw.”
Liam could hear him rummaging on the other end through grumbles at the same moment he looked up at his television screen; Daniel had just appeared behind the podium, and he lifted the remote, turning up the volume.
“Good afternoon. On behalf of King Liam, I’d like to thank you all for coming this morning. I’m going to get right to it because there’s a lot to cover and I’m sure there will be questions to answer afterward. There has been speculation circulating regarding an alliance between Cordonia and Auvernal. I’m here to tell you that there is no such truth to those statements.
With that said, it’s important for you to know that the King and Queen of Auvernal tried to stoop to a despicable level of intimidation in hopes of seeing that alliance through. They tried to blackmail His Majesty by threatening to out a romantic relationship he was involved in two years ago with his then public relations specialist and press liaison, Amara Onasis. Auvernal tried to use that against King Liam in order to secure the alliance they wanted …”
Upon hearing the gasps and murmurs among the crowd, Liam lowered the volume as he turned his attention back to his call with Bradshaw while Daniel continued with his statement, explaining how Bradshaw brought Amara in to work for him as an unknowing participant of what that work was truly for and about the parentage of the twins.
“As I said, consider this alliance severed,” Liam said. “And by the way, I’ve been in contact with an old friend of yours, and they wanted to send you a little gift.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” Bradshaw seethed.
Just then, Liam could hear a knock on a door in the background of the call. When the door burst open, Bradshaw began yelling, but his shouts were interrupted when Interpol announced themselves.
“What is the meaning of this?” Bradshaw barked.
“Queen Reena sends her regards,” Liam said in a smug tone.
Liam could hear ruffling on the other end and Bradshaw’s shouts as Interpol agents closed in on him, taking both him and Isabella into custody for their illegal siege of Rivala. He ended the call before he, Drake, and Riley turned their attention back to the screen as he raised the volume once again.
“The stakes of getting out of the alliance he was being forced into, one that included an eventual betrothal between heirs, was even higher than most knew because a month ago … King Liam found out that from his relationship with Ms. Onasis two years ago … he had a child …”
“Here we go …” Riley whispered under her breath as more gasps were heard and the shocked faces of those in attendance were shown on a split screen.
“This past month, His Majesty has spent time with his daughter, Crown Princess Sophia, getting to know her and building a relationship with her …” When Daniel trailed off, Liam furrowed his brows at the flicker of hesitation that he saw cross his expression before he let out a breath and continued speaking. “It was a relationship he was robbed of having by Ms. Onasis herself, who purposely kept her pregnancy and birth of their daughter a secret from him …”
Riley and Drake stared at the screen slack-jawed as more murmurs whipped through the crowd on the screen. Liam was wide-eyed. What the hell is he doing?
Daniel continued to throw Amara under the bus, easily painting her as a villain by stretching and twisting some of the truth. He said she chose to leave Cordonia after the relationship with Liam had ended, that she had gone out of her way to keep the truth about Sophia hidden from him, showed no intention of telling him, and how her actions forced Liam to miss out on more than a year of his child’s life until she was left with no choice but to come clean after being caught trying to leave again.
Liam ran his hands through his hair, clasping them together at the back of his head as he stared at the screen in stunned and angered silence.
When Daniel finished, the hands of dozens of reporters shot into the air as people clamored to ask the questions they had.
“What just happened?” Drake asked as he and Riley turned to look at him. “I thought you didn’t want any fingers pointed?”
“I didn’t!” Liam shouted. “I don’t know what the fuck that was but it certainly wasn’t what was discussed at all!” He let out a shuddered breath. “This is unbelievable!”
Riley turned her attention back to the television, watching Daniel flawlessly answer the questions he was asked. And she noticed that none of the questions were about Liam and his affair; most were about Amara, her betrayal to their King, and how he was feeling regarding it. He did it on purpose, she thought to herself as it suddenly clicked. “She told him to do it,” Riley said just above a whisper, but neither Drake nor Liam heard her over their own conversation.
“Ok, just calm down,” Drake said. “I can’t … for the life of me understand why he’d throw her under the bus like that, but I’m sure he’s got a reason.”
“I’m about to find out,” Liam growled, looking at the screen, watching Daniel ask for privacy for both Liam and Sophia for the time being before he turned away from the podium and headed back inside.
Liam flung the door to his study open so hard it bounced off its hinges as he stormed into the hall. Riley and Drake shared a look before they followed him.
Daniel stepped inside the foyer just as Liam reached the top of the grand staircase; he glanced up, seeing his narrowed gaze boring into him as he flew down the stairs. “What the hell was that?” he barked.
“Liam—”
“That was not what we discussed, Daniel! Not to mention, you completely stretched the truth out there!”
“I did what needed to be done.”
“You threw her under the bus!” Liam shouted. “Hell, you might as well have been fucking driving it! Why would you do that to her? What the hell is wrong with you?”
Despite Liam’s flaring temper, Daniel remained calm, having prepared himself for this reaction. “I did what she asked me to do.”
Caught off guard, Liam took a step back. “What?”
“She knew it was the only way for you and Sophia to come out of this as unscrutinized as possible … to take the focus off of you and the affair and make it about her … to make her the villain. Everything I said up there … she told me to say.”
No, Daniel hadn’t been at all thrilled with Amara’s suggestion or what she asked him to do, but she was right in her reasons why. Throughout their conversations about it yesterday and that morning, however, she never told him that he had to keep quiet about why he did what he did.
Liam let out a breath. “She … why? Why the hell would she do that?”
“Because she loves Sophia,” Daniel replied. “And despite what you may think or how you feel, she loves you …”
“I … I don’t understand,” Liam shook his head.
“She’s a fixer, Liam,” Daniel said. “This is what she does. She’s someone who thinks everything is salvageable … everything except herself in this particular situation. So she made the choice to stick her neck out and sacrifice her reputation in hopes that it was enough to save yours.”
Liam ran his trembling hand down his face as what Amara had done and why she had done it sank in.
****
Late that afternoon, Amara sat with her knees curled to her chest on the sofa in the North Wing. It had been hours since the announcement was made and she hadn’t moved from her place in the living area. She had turned off the television once Daniel started to delve into the details of her betrayal; she didn’t want to see or hear how the press and people reacted.
Amara had been sitting in silence ever since, emotional as she mulled over everything in her head. She was hopeful that she’d gotten what she wanted out of it: for most — if not all — of the negative attention to be off of Liam and in turn, Sophia. If the press and the people needed someone to be their villain, she was more than willing if it meant that they left Liam and Sophia alone. They could lift them up and tear her down; it was the least she deserved.
Lifting her hand, Amara wiped her cheeks with the cuff of her sweatshirt; she sniffled as more tears started to fall. Knowing she’d more than likely be emotional was the reason she asked Daniel to give her time after the statement. She could feel it cresting that morning and knew she was going to need to be alone; everything from the past month had seemed to catch up with her all at once. She was already overwhelmed, sinking into a state of despondency and teetering along the edge. The statement had been her tipping point.
When she heard knocking on the door of the North Wing, Amara’s gaze slowly slid toward the entryway; she didn’t move. She assumed it was Daniel, Riley, or both, but she wasn’t up for talking or company at that moment and knew they’d leave after she didn’t answer.
A few moments later, more knocking came.
Sitting up and letting out a breath, Amara wiped her cheeks again as she stood from the sofa. As she moved toward the entryway, another knock came. She rounded the corner and reached for the knob, prepared to tell Daniel or Riley or both that she was fine and still needed and wanted time to herself.
Amara opened the door and she froze when she saw Liam standing on the other side.
***************************************
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WIP Wishlist 2024
Hello tumblrs , and Happy March 2020-4! I’m still waiting for the new year to actually feel like a new year instead of a continuum of the year before it. Can anyone else relate?
At the very beginning of the year, while battling a never-ending case of RSV, I saw posts here about people’s writing resolutions and goals for this year. Me? I have a wish list of stories I want to start, continue, and/or finish. I will still be writing original stories, but thinking this may be the year I settle down and write/publish my own Great American Novel. We’ll see.
Meanwhile, below is a glimpse of what immediately came to mind when I thought to put this together. Where applicable, snippets will be posted. As usual, everything is in states of rough drafts and flux, and final publication may vary from what you read here.
Newbies:
These are stories that are in the creation conception stage; ideas, thoughts, some words.
The False Queen
A long ago battle between the True Queen (Ravika/Riley) and her usurper (Magda/Madeleine) resumes during the Cordonian Social Season. Think Xena, Warrior Princess with some time travel thrown in.
Untitled
An unlikely pair (Justin/Anton x Kiara) finds love during the Engagement Tour. But with Anton having other plans in mind, the path to happily ever after is anything but smooth.
Wolves and Sheep
Combining my Riam, Anton, and Secrets of Cordonia AUs, this is the story of the trial of Anton Severus.
At the prosecutor’s table sits the Duchy’s High Counsel and Lord Rashad Domvallier. Folders and papers are stacked neatly on the table while the men converse quietly as they type on laptop keyboards.
The defense attorneys sit at a table across the aisle from them: a statuesque blonde woman wearing a gray pantsuit and an African man in a pinstriped three-piece navy suit. The woman is reviewing a document, her pen occasionally scribbling on the paper. The man is speaking in hushed tones into his cellphone.
Security is omnipresent: King’s Guards work and stand side-by-side with the local constabulary and guardians of the Court.
A side door swings open; two guards, followed by the defendant and two additional sentries enter. The guards part, allowing the public its first glimpse of Anton Severus in over five years. The quiet of the courtroom is broken by rustling and whispering as everyone strains forward. Members of the Cordonian Court are no exception.
A sneer of disdain twists the mouth of the Duchess of Lythikos, Anton’s ex-wife. Her fingertips unconsciously begin rubbing the area on her abdomen where his dagger tore her flesh.
The King leans forward intently, his dark-ebony eyes hard as obsidian. His expression is stoic, betraying nothing.
The Queen is sitting ramrod straight, her eyes wide. “Holy FUCK, he’s hot!” she murmured. “I could make that man a King.”
Without breaking his gaze on his nemesis, the King lightly slaps her thigh, causing his wife to frown at him. “I said what I said,” she hisses. “I did it for you, I can do it for him.”
“I was royal long before I met you, and King when I married you,” Liam reminds her in a slightly reproving tone, his eyes still fixed on Anton.
“There you go, twisting the narrative,” Riley huffs as she reaches for her husband’s hand. He readily allows her to hold it.
Affairiage
I thought I was making Leo Rys and Savannah Walker leads in my version of Same Time Next Year, but it appears I’m doing a fanfic of 28 Summers
Heartland
Back in the Year 500 BC, I came up with the idea of a late 1950s period piece featuring the TRR crew, and promptly never said another word about it:
Well, cauldrons are beginning to bubble, and plans are being made to rework plot and premise to turn this into an anthology series set in the American Midwest during an era where Dick Clark reigned, Jim Crow ruled, and innocence began to lose its bloom.
Sixteen Candles
Another story that popped into my brain and left just as quickly. But thoughts of Drake Walker as Jake Ryan and Liam as Long Duck Dong are back and this time, I don’t think they’re going anywhere.
Small Town Secrets
This was originally titled Life in a Southern Town aka The Political AU and was going to follow the political campaigns of five mayoral candidates: Riley Brooks, the incumbent; her ex-husband Liam Rys (they still live together in the same house and co-parent their two daughters), a former state senator; Madeleine, District A councilmember; Leo Rys, the dark horse candidate; and Drake Walker, Riley’s former (?) lover who calls her a demon and a plague on the town.
However, life events and imagination are collaborating, and I am repurposing the story to include political intrigue, hidden secrets, and humor in inappropriate places.
Debating if this will be a Great American Novel nominee, and whether to use OCs versus the usual cast of characters.
Little Nobles
A (somewhat) light-hearted look at the childhoods of my favorite noble gang, along with the friendships and rivalries between their parents.
In Progress:
Stories that are nagging me to write them/finish them
City Girl, Country Boy
Tis the season, and Liam finds himself alone on holiday in Manhattan where he runs across an old friend.
From the corner of my eye, I glimpse height and dark wool; hands stuffed in pockets. Perfectly combed dark hair and Asiatic features on a half-shadowed face. I mentally shake my head as I continue walking. It’s been over a decade since we last laid eyes on each other; there’s no way it’s him.
I’m disappointed that after all this time, I still search for his face in the crowd, that I still hope he will pursue me despite the different trajectories our lives have taken. My steps are quicker as I pass apartment buildings, skyscrapers, and storefronts gaily decorated in the theme of the season. Street vendors hawk bootleg wares
I’m nearing Canal Street subway when I hear running footsteps behind me. Automatically, I step to aside, so I don’t get barreled over but the steps slow as they near me.
“Excuse me, miss,” a familiar baritone says, and I stop walking.
It can’t be.
I haven’t heard that voice in 12 years, but I don’t need to look to know who it is. I turn anyway so my ears and eyes can be in agreement. I am hoping my expression is neutral despite my insides being a squirrel in traffic.
He hasn’t changed.
His hair is still black with that streak of gray on the side; his face still unlined. Or maybe the New York night softens his years. He wears a custom-tailored, black wool coat; his wingtips are so polished, I see the streetlamps reflected in them. His cologne is subtle and not the one I remember. He still exudes confidence despite the smidgen of uncertainty in his eyes.
Me on the other hand, I am now more TJ Maxx and Macy’s clearance rack than Louboutin. I don’t smell expensive; more like affordable. My trench coat is … vintage, and long overdue for a dry cleaning. My shoes are a dull matte black, scuffed from traversing streets and subways.
“It is you.” I hear his disbelieving whisper despite the throng of people impatiently jostling past us.
The Odd Couples
It’s throwback DC AU gang, all mixed up: Liam x Liv; Drake x Madeleine; Leo x Riley; Max x Penelope
The couple was in Baltimore for the weekend, attending a costume party thrown by Liv’s employer. There had been a buffet, open bar, and a prize for the best costume. Which Liam and Olivia did not win; Carlos Santiago, a member of the Environmental Services team, along with his wife and three children came costumed as birds and bees and won the prize.
Liam and Liv were The Ricardos: Olivia’s red hair was done up in Lucy’s signature poodle hairstyle, and her dress was a dead ringer for the world’s most famous housewife’s iconic frock. He had wanted to wear a tuxedo and carry a conga drum but settled for Ricky’s purple polka dot silk smoking jacket with shawl collar, black pants, and black velvet slippers.
“I can’t believe we didn’t win!” Liam muttered beneath his breath as he came behind Olivia, arms encircling her waist; his palms splayed against her flat, toned stomach. She responded by leaning against him, her back pressed against his chest.
“Don’t hate!” she admonished. “With those Korean features and Boston accent, no way were you a convincing Cuban band leader. Besides, you have to admit the birds and the bees is a pretty creative idea.”
“Not more creative than my SOCK GAME! I mean, Liv … you gotta admit, it’s damn good tonight!”
He was wearing black, knee-length socks with red hearts inscribed with “I Love Lucy” scattered all over.
Olivia rolled her eyes in exasperation at the mention of his sock game.
This man and his socks! He thought his sock game could cure cancer and bring about world peace.
“You’re sock game is great as it always is, darling. But it was a costume contest,” Olivia placated in a soothing tone as his fingers began removing bobby pins from her hair.
She spun around, facing her boyfriend. Her hair fell in soft curls that framed her face. Her green eyes twinkled as she pressed a quick kiss against his lips.
“You big, spoiled baby,” she teased. “Wanna smoke? I brought a couple of blunts along.”
Quickly, he shook his head. “No way am I going to be in BALTIMORE off some loud.”
Alienation of Affection
An installment of my Gritty City AU loosely based on true events where sneaky links and self-loathing collide. Reader discretion will be advised.
Caught
Inspired by a keysmash-filled convo with @ao719, a twist on the night of the Engagement Ball
This is her first admission of guilt and/or wrongdoing our entire time together.
She has no choice.
I attempt a deep inhale, but my chest is too tight.
The wedding is in one week. Tonight was our engagement gala.
“Yes, Liam yes!!! A THOUSAND TIMES, yes!”
I caught her … them … in the act. The woman I love madly, truly, deeply and the man I trust more than anything in the world.
I manage to choke out a single question. “Why?”
Her shoulders slump as her head falls forward, causing her hair to cover her profile. “It hasn’t been going on long; it started on the Engagement Tour. I told him in Vegas that what we had would have to end.”
I watched her leave the stag party arm-in-arm with Drake Walker. My best friend, with whom Riley wanted to have a fling. She swore it was a one-time affair; she was too much in love with me, but she wished to satisfy her curiosity.
I attempted to leave first, but I was not only one of the honorees, I was also King.
Per traditional protocol, the King is the last to leave.
So I remained behind, drinking copious amounts of American liquor, making small talk in a loud voice so as to be heard over noisy music, and dancing with women I had previously rejected.
All while Riley spent the night with another man.
“But it hasn’t,” I interrupt harshly.
Based on Tumblr Events:
Untitled Song Rewrite
Based on Jill Scott’s Epiphany
Sisters Someone
A two-part story that brings together Sloane Washington and Kiara Theron for their respective appreciation weeks (hosted by @lizzybeth1986)
Untarnished Silver
For King Liam Appreciation Week (KLAW), a look at 25 years of the rule and reign of Cordonia’s favorite King
The Grand Ballroom in the Palace’s West Wing had been completely transformed into an elegant banquet hall:
Buffet tables filled with steaming trays of foods catered from two of Cordonia’s newest and most critically acclaimed restaurants: The Little Lamb, and its sister eatery The Commoner’s Crown, were conveniently placed next to open bars throughout the humongous room.
Tables were covered with white linen cloths and topped with floral centerpieces of irises, Peruvian lilies, and magnolias in silver vases. The flowers represented congratulations and longevity, sentiments that had been expressed repeatedly to the King and his family during the tour.
Balloon bouquets colored silver and cream floated near the ornate ceiling, as well as being tied to chairbacks. Dining tables strategically ringed the room, affording the 1,500 attendees a full view of the stage and podium. Life-sized photographs hung from brocaded walls, capturing moments of the King’s life:
Accepting the Crown Princeship one week to the day his brother Leo abdicated.
Coronation night, wearing the King’s crown, royal robes, and holding the family scepter.
Feeding ducks at Lake Fabian with his mother.
He and Riley’s engagement portrait.
Their wedding day, mouths opened in laughter with their faces covered in cake and frosting.
In a dressing gown, his back to the camera and face in profile as he held one of his sons in his arms.
Atop a horse with a frown of concentration on his face, playing in a charity polo match, the camera catching his mallet mid-swing.
Speaking with Chancellor Merkel at a summit, a half-smile on his face as they looked down at a document, his index finger pointing to something on the paper.
He and Riley dancing at their 20th wedding anniversary party, her face nuzzled against his neck while his lips hovered above her ear.
A funny family portrait, complete with exaggerated poses and expressions.
The Couple Next Door
A reworking of the 2005 action comedy hit, Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Final Cut
Based on the first three chapters of a Round Robin hosted by @choicesprompts
Bertrand Beaumont turned off the microphone before shuffling, then paper-clipping his index cards. He glanced up briefly to see the group filing out of the hotel’s ballroom; a curious expression crossed his face when he saw a few laggers approach others, striking up conversations.
What have I gotten myself into?
Starting a public relations firm had seemed a great idea a year ago. With the Duke’s diverse background in fashion, finance, and political legalities, coupled with his penchant for decorum and obsession with appearances, it had seemed a no-brainer.
Savannah was his operations manager, responsible for events logistics and administrative support. Justin Severus was his right-hand person; he had done a marvelous job restoring the Queen’s reputation after the unfortunate incident at Applewood.
He stepped from behind the podium and briskly made his way off the dais, looking down at his watch as he strode through the room. Looking back up, he saw Justin leaning against a wall, waiting for him at the elevator bank. The closer Bertrand approached his deputy, a wide smile spread across Justin’s face.
“You were great!” he greeted the Duke. “You kept the rowdies in line and gave them just enough to pique their curiosity.”
Bertrand pushed the call button. “This group is not what I was expecting. South American overlords. Hollywood has-beens and wanna-bes. AMERICANS! We’re going to need to double-check the mentor list again.”
Bertrand had postponed the mentor/mentee matchup because it was not yet finalized.
“It’s a hella group, for certain. The subject of an international child custody case, a lawsuit-riddled doctor, disgraced C-suite executive, Leo, Trystan, Olivia, a scandal-ladened starlet, America’s Sweethearts, Princess Marguerite, and Duke Dick.”
Bertrand gave Justin a withering glance. “DO NOT engage in intercourse with the Princess!” he warned.
“Too late,” Justin smirked.
Bertrand shook his head before commenting again. “The Selection Committee must have been drunk when they approved their choices. Have the other members of Court arrived?”
The elevator arrived and the gentlemen boarded. Justin’s index finger punched their floor number as he shook his head.
“Not yet. A storm is coming in, waves are choppy. They should be here by 4, and that will be the last ferry into and out of the Isle until Monday morning.”
Bertrand mulled over the information. “At least we don’t have to worry about anyone sneaking off.”
Finish Them:
So these are stories that are soooo close to completion, but I am on the fence with two of them; the others, not sure why they are still sitting around gathering dust.
House of Cards
Based on the international phenomenon Squid Games, this is the backstory of “The Salesman”. On the fence about this story, and more so about posting this one in the fandom.
On this, the night of Day 2, the remaining participants were playing yet another “game”: Pillow Fight.
Innocent sounding enough.
Except everyone knew there would be a deadly twist, and all wanted to be alive in the morning. After realizing that this was a game to the death; overcoming the initial shock of a robotic doll the size of a fully grown tree whose eyes were infra-red cameras, and learning elimination meant certain demise … partners had already become opposition.
Player 081 inadvertently set the match to the fuse. No one knew if it was intentional. No one cared.
The middle-aged man, who was less than 48 hours into a dry drunk, muttered “fuck” under his breath as he stood on his top tier bunk in an attempt to press his palm against the glass pig’s underbelly.
No one was sure why.
Was he trying to steal the bank’s treasure? Or turn off the irritating light?
It no longer mattered.
The money wasn’t his and now, it never would be.
As pillowcases filled with objects such as rocks, sturdy tree branches, and in some …mere feathers randomly swung wildly, the white cotton slowly seeped red. Hollers and screams filled the room and echoed off walls and ceilings as beds collapsed from metal bars being snatched by the frenzied mob or being tipped over in the melee.
On the other side of the bunker, a thin, petite woman who looked no older than a teenager sniffled, the tears she cried streaking a bruised cheek covered with the dried blood of a corpse. A young man lay on his side behind her on the narrow mattress, his cracked voice in her ear.
“It’s gonna be okay, Soo-Ah; just four more games and then we can leave,” he assured her in a ragged whisper.
The woman hitched her breath. “My pillowcase has FEATHERS, Sang-yul! If they pull me into the fray, I’ll be leaving here a lot sooner than four days!” Her body shook with silent sobs.
The 23-year-old street urchin said nothing. Instead, he swallowed heavily and tried not to puke at the smell of blood, both old and fresh, assailing his nostrils. His arms tightened around Soo-Ah, his only friend in this hellhole.
The pig’s lighting flickered faster and more erratically as the fighting grew more frenzied. Sickening thuds, bellows of pain, and the sounds of shoe soles squeaking against the blood and brain splattered linoleum flooring were as loud as bombs.
Sang-yul chanced a glance over his shoulder, his body tensing at the sight of someone headed in their direction, their face pale and ghoulish in the broken light. A metal pipe was carried in one hand, a bloodied cloth sack in the other.
Coal black eyes darted everywhere looking for a victim.
Less players meant more money.
Sins of the Father
A Gritty City AU installment. Reader discretion will be advised.
He met Madeleine at her car door, his lips crashing uninvited against hers in a kiss filled with desperation and disbelief. When the kiss ended as abruptly as it began, Madeleine adjusted her tortoise-shell glasses while her green eyes searched Liam’s face almost warily.
“What the hell was that?”
“Someone killed Poppa Joe tonight!”
Madeleine quelled a shiver that raised goosebumps on her exposed skin before reaching back inside the car for her purse. “Thank GOD,” she breathed as opened the rear driver-side door to release Hans and Gunther, who bounded out of the car and sat before Liam so he could rub their heads and murmur sweet gibberish to them.
The restauranteur was yet another of Poppa Joe’s victims; when she was 15, the priest had gotten her pregnant. The scandal was handled quietly by the parish and her parents; the latter believed the father of the baby was an upperclassman named Tariq.
The young blonde left school for one month due to “illness”. It wasn’t a complete fabrication.
Madeleine’s abortion was a back-alley botch job which left her with a raging infection and too much blood loss. She survived but had to have an emergency hysterectomy.
She no longer cared. When she and Liam were getting serious and discussing marriage and family, he was relieved they would be unable to have children.
Tariq, the son of poor Moroccan immigrants, was transferred to an exclusive private school in the city’s North End, all expenses paid via a scholarship provided by St. Joan’s Academies.
“How did the rest of the party go?” she asked quietly as they began walking towards the house, holding hands; her blonde hair bounced against her shoulders.
Liam nodded slightly. “Good. We got Sloan Enterprise and slew of new donors.” His side-eyed his wife. “Where did you go with the dogs? It was supposed to be a walk.”
Madeleine turned her head vaguely, meeting her husband’s gaze.
“Ice cream,” she replied in a soft voice.
Her husband nodded thoughtfully. The term was code between them; when situations became too overwhelming, too triggering, they said they needed “ice cream.”
“I hope you brought me some back.” Liam squeezed Madeleine’s hand more tightly.
“You don’t like chocolate.”
The Queen’s Friendship
Riley was chatting with Maxwell in the Delegates Dining Room at the UN, waiting for the gala to begin. Liam was at the head of the room, arm in arm with Madeleine. His eyes spotted Riley and he winked. Riley rolled hers and turned her back to him.
“Blossom, don’t act like this! You know he’s trying,” Maxwell begged.
“WE’RE trying! He’s kissing his fiancée,” Riley retorted. Her eyes scanned the room. “Oh, look … there’s Drake,” she stated before walking away from Maxwell.
Riley had no idea if it was Drake or not, she just wanted away. From Liam, Madeleine, Maxwell … Cordonia. Riley figured now was the time to make the break. She was back home in New York City. She still had her apartment, for the next month at least. She passed by elegantly dressed tables and came upon an hors d'oeuvres station; she paused to pile a tiny plate with even tinier bits of food when she heard her name.
“Riley Brooks?”
She turned, a disinterested expression on her face until she saw who it was. Riley hurriedly set her plate on the edge of the buffet table before wrapping her arms around Veronica.
“OH MY GOD, Ronnie! What are you doing here?” Riley shrieked.
Veronica hugged her old friend tightly. “It’s so good to see you!” The women separated. “You look great, girl! I’m one of the event planners, why are you here?”
Riley shrugged. “I’m with the band.”
Veronica shook her head in disbelief. “How did you end up with royalty?”
“I answered an ad to be a waitress.”
DC AU Series, Chapter 6
The chirping of birds and a full bladder woke Riley up. She arched her neck, eyes still closed; they opened quickly when she felt arms around her waist and Liam’s soft snores behind her. Last night ran through her brain: their fight, their kiss, their confessions. Riley inhaled and let out a shaky breath; were they really going to do this?
Yes.
Was she ready for it?
No.
Her hands curled around Liam’s wrists, trying to pull them apart. He resisted at first, but let his arms fall away from her body. Riley missed their warmth immediately.
“Where are you going?” Liam mumbled.
“Bathroom and to take my meds.”
“Your pill and a bottle of water are on your nightstand.”
Riley looked and saw the pink pill sitting on a tissue, next to an unopened bottle of water. When did he do that?
“Thank you. But unless you put a toilet on the nightstand as well, I gotta get up.”
Liam shifted, allowing Riley to move and sit up. He watched her adjust her night shirt; his eye was caught by a mole on the back of her neck. His finger reached out, touching it experimentally. Riley giggled as she shrugged away from his touch.
“It’s like a potato bug,” Liam said as he tried to touch the mole again.
“Oh, dear God! Don’t you have to go to work or something?”
Liam lay on his back, hands behind his head. “Not going in today. You need me here.”
Riley frowned at him as she walked past the foot of the bed. “I’m fine, Liam. It’s just Drake.”
“Drake with apologies and explanations and closure. Different Drake than what you’re used to. I’ll feel better if I’m here.”
Riley shook her head as she stepped into the bathroom.
“This is what having a man who wants to claim you is like, Riley B.!” he called out.
“We’re not there yet!” she hollered back.
“Practice makes perfect!”
Oldies but Goodies:
New chapters/updates of old stories:
Timing
Object of Affection
Betrayal (Riam)
The Commonerr’s Wife
The Commoner (not that old, but I too want a thrid chapter)
One Night Stand
UnRomance
Streets of New York
Platinum (truly needs to be filed under Finish Them)
Best Friend (Depeche Mode Diary entry, needs to be a Finish Them)
Liara
And these are my #goals for 2024 writing-wise. I hope something caught your eye, piqued your interest. For all those still hanging with me and exercising the utmost patience while I let life kick my ass, I LOVE YOU! Something’s coming soon-ish, just not sure what.
Hope you’re here for it.
Tagging: @jared2612 @marietrinmimi @indiacater @kingliam2019 @bebepac @liamxs-world @mom2000aggie @liamrhysstalker2020 @twinkleallnight @umccall71 @superharriet @busywoman @beezm @gabesmommie1130 @tessa-liam @gardeningourmet @mainstreetreader @angelasscribbles @emkay512 @princessleac1 @charlotteg234 @alj4890 @lovingchoices14 @lady-calypso @choicesficwriterscreations
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Hii 😍
I saw this template and thought it’d be fun to learn more about your MC / OC 🥰 (no pressure)
Why do I love things like this? 😍 I decided to answer for a few of my favorite pairs 😂 it took a physical effort to stop myself from going down the entire list of pairs I love 🤣 I think out of the ones I did this for, Drake and Olivia's answers for what their favorite thing about the other were my favorite😂😂😂
(Thomas Hunt x Amanda) as taken from And Then I Met You AU
(Drake x Olivia)
(Rashad x Hana)
(Liam x Riley)
(Tobias x Chris)
#choices thomas hunt#thomas hunt x amanda#thomas hunt x oc#trr drake#drake walker x olivia nevrakis#trr olivia#choices liam x mc#liam x riley#trr hana#trr rashad#hana x rashad#tobias carrick#tobias carrick x mc#tobias x chris#open heart choices
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New Blogs
@angelasscribbles here. It's been over a month and Tumblr seems to be doing fuck all about fixing my blog issues. Every time I log in the first thing I see is the Tumblr-supported porn on the Tumblr live icons, yet my blog continues to be marked as explicit. Makes so much sense.
I have read horror stories from others that took months or years to get unblocked. Some never have. I really did consider just leaving. But honestly, I don't want to. If I'm done posting fanfiction for the friends and supporters I've met here, then I'm just done posting fanfiction. I do have my original work to get back to. Some day. But probably not this day lol.
The thought of moving two years worth of content is daunting. And likely the moment I finish such a huge project, they'll fix it. So I'm not sure I'm ready to give up all hope just yet. However, I did decide to go ahead and move some of my smaller series and most of my newer ones over.
At the very least I can post the new stuff from the new blogs without it being blocked. And I had fun creating them and reorganizing my stuff.
There's not a lot on them yet, but I will be posting from these blogs moving forward:
Tagging my permas under the cut.
@karahalloway @harleybeaumont @nestledonthaveone @alj4890 @aussiegurl1234 @walkerdrakewalker @kingliam2019 @twinkleallnight @lovingchoices14 @tinkie1973 @secretaryunpaid
@queen-arabella-of-cordonia @kristinamae093 @tessa-liam
@differenttyphoonwerewolf @queenmiarys @emersyn-in-cordonia
@bascmve01 @twinkle-320 @mattiematt1234
@dcbbw @amandablink @indiacater @bebepac
@lunaseasblog @belencha77 @gabesmommie1130
@jared2612 @hollygirl1269 @mainstreetreader
@ladyangel70 @ohmyeightpastlives @gardeningourmet
@sillydg @phoenixrising0308
@3pawandme @21-wishes @73geenalove @jennieausten
@princessleac1 @kachrisberry @tornbetween2loves
@fangirling12566 @pinklipsandmasonjars @savannahdix
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Whose Your Daddy: A Bad Romance One-Shot
Series: Bad Romance
Bad Romance One-Shots
Fandom: The Royal Romance
Pairings for series: [(Riley x Liam x Max) + Riley x Drake], Riley x Rashad
Paring this chapter: Riley x Rashad
Rating: MA
Warnings for this chapter: Mature themes
Word Count: 3,037
A/N: Several people have asked for a follow up about Charlotte's paternity, so here it is.
My other stuff: Master List.
Rashad lay stretched out on the bed, naked, arms behind his head, a thin sheen of sweat covering his warm terra cotta skin.
“Is she mine, Riley?” He asked, his deep oak eyes tracing the patterns on the ceiling tile.
“What?” She lifted her head from the pillow where she’d been laying on her stomach, catching her breath after their latest reunion.
“Charlotte. Is she mine?” He turned his head to look at her.
“I don’t know. If I knew, for sure, I would have told you. You know that, right?”
“But it’s possible?”
“Yes, it’s possible.” She agreed.
He rolled up onto his side and propped his head on an arm, “Riley, I….I need you to know…I mean, you do know how I feel about you, right? After all these years...I just assume that you do.”
She pushed up onto her side, matching his pose, “I mean…you’ve never said it, but I’d like to think I know.”
They shared everything else. There was literally nothing they couldn’t talk about. They’d spent countless hours discussing politics and religion, history, science, art, but his romantic feelings for her were not something he’d ever expounded upon. He smiled down at her as his finger traced the outline of her face, “You know me better than anyone.”
It was true, he confided everything to her. No one else knew how he felt about the pressure his parents put on him to marry, to produce grandchildren for them, despite having two other sons and a daughter that had already done both things. No one else truly understood why he wanted none of those things. No one else understood that his work wasn’t holding him back in life, that it was his life, his passion, the thing that he lived for.
Yes, she knew him, and she understood exactly why they worked so well together. Neither of them demanding any large commitments of time or fidelity from the other, but both of them connecting on every level from intellectual to physical. They were important to each other, but neither was the most important thing in the other’s life and neither needed to be.
For Rashad, his work, his company, his duchy and his family were the driving forces in his life. But Riley came before any other woman, friend or lover. And that was enough for her. She didn’t require his constant presence or devotion. She had that from others.
Riley had a whole kingdom to rule alongside her husband, and they had children. Since Max and Liam were also an item in their own right, they functioned more or less as a unit. Even Drake functioned as a de facto husband, devoting not just his personal life to her, but his professional one as well. Rashad had never wanted, nor did he have the time, to commit to things like marriage and children. So, coming in line behind all of that did not bother him. In fact, he was glad she got those needs met somewhere else. It was what allowed them to work.
She was probably the only woman he’d ever forged a deeper bond with precisely because of all of those things. Because it was safe to do so. Because she gave him intimacy, friendship and an emotional connection without asking him to compromise any of his obligations, without asking or requiring more from him than he was able, or willing, to give.
There were a lot of things that they weren’t to each other, but what they were, more or less, was a respite for one another, a break in the flow of their regular lives, a way to push pause on everything else. When they were together, they were completely together, the rest of the world faded away, temporarily, as they drown themselves in each other. They explored new cities and rediscovered old ones, sharing their mutual love for art and culture, long afternoons spent in museums, at food festivals, live theater performances, poetry readings. They stayed up late into the night discussing and debating any and every topic that caught their mutual interest. They slept in and ordered room service.
And then there was the physical connection. They poured everything into each other during their time together, be it a long weekend, a quick overnight or an extended week spent tucked away from everyone else. It was always explosive.
What she didn’t want to do was upset the balance of what they had. A child had certainly never been discussed, never been part of any plan. It was the opposite of what he wanted. But she had never lied to him, and she wouldn’t start now. If he wanted to know about Charlotte’s paternity, then they’d find out. Is that what had prompted his almost declaration of love? She didn’t need to hear it. She already knew. “You don't have to say it, look where you're at right now.”
“What do you mean?” He asked as he scooted closer and ran a hand along her arm.
“I mean you could be anywhere else in the world but you're here, with me, despite me having basically three husbands. You think I don't know you have options? You've always been there for me every time I've ever needed you, without question. You've dropped everything anytime I've ever asked you to. You don't have to say it, you show it. Yes, ya helo, I know how you feel.”
He laughed softly, almost to himself, “That’s all true. I think if you asked me to throw myself off a cliff, I’d do it, without question.”
Riley raised an eyebrow.
“Ok,” He corrected himself, “I might have a few questions first.”
“Of course you would, because you analyze everything!” She laughed before reaching out and cupping his cheek, “But I’d never ask you to do something to hurt yourself.”
“I know. That’s one of the most amazing things about you, the fact that you wield this incredible amount of power over the men in your life, but you never abuse it.”
Riley laughed out loud, “I’m not sure Liam and Drake would agree with you there! Did I ever tell you about the time I made them compete for my time with a paintball war? Or the time that-“
A laugh rumbled from his chest, “Yes, well, be that as it may, you have never asked anything of anyone you care about that would cause them actual harm. Even though any of us would likely do it. That’s what I meant.”
“I am loyal, in every way that counts.” Just not sexually, but she didn’t have to add that part. That was obvious.
He was well aware of her relationships with the other three men in her life, and he himself had multiple, casual dalliances outside of his relationship with her. But she was special to him. His queen, his moon, his goddess.
“I know, that’s just one of the many reasons you have my heart, ya amar.” He told her.
“I love you too, ya helo.” She replied, “But what’s bothering you about the Charlotte issue?”
“You never mentioned the possibility.”
“I assumed you knew. You’re a very intelligent man, Rashad. You can do basic math and you know how pregnancy works.”
“I suppose I just hadn’t noticed, hadn’t given any thought to the timeline. But now that I have….” He dropped his arm away from her body and fell back onto the mattress with a sigh.
Riley chose her words carefully. She had never intended to mislead him, and she needed for him to be clear on her motives, “I know you never wanted children or marriage or any of that. I just didn’t want you to feel there were any expectations on you. Liam is her father as far as anyone, including Charlotte, knows or cares. Liam is aware of the potential paternity issue and has no problem with it. He’s content to be her father, he loves her.”
“I don’t want to change that, Riley, I promise.” He assured her as his gaze shifted from the ceiling back to her face.
“But you want to know? Is this something that’s important to you?”
“I….I’m not sure. Maybe….yes, yes, I think I would like to know. But how would we-“
“Well, clearly, we can’t do it in Cordonia. We’d go to another country, have a paternity test run under assumed names. You’re a smart man, I’m sure you can make that happen. If not, I’m pretty sure Drake could. That seems like a job for a security expert.”
“I’d rather not involve Drake if I can help it.”
She had never understood what it was about Drake that rubbed him the wrong way. It couldn’t be a simple jealously issue, Rashad didn’t function that way. He had zero qualms about her relationship with Liam, or even Max. He had been the one to draw up the amended marriage contract after all. No, it was Drake specifically that irritated him. “What do you have against Drake?”
He looked at her in surprise, “I don’t have anything against-“
“I thought we didn’t lie to each other.”
He sighed. “Fine. What do you want me to say, Riley? That the man is a loose cannon? That he lacks finesse and subtlety? That he’s unpredictable and he bulldozes his way through life? That his love for you borders on obsession and I’m not sure it’s healthy? Is that what you want to hear?”
“If it’s the truth. I’m not going to tell you what to think or how to feel, but you do realize that you’ve just listed all the reasons he’s perfect for his job, right?”
A surprised laugh escaped him, “I suppose you’re right, ya amar. I just worry about you. I never want to see you hurt.”
“I couldn’t be in better hands on that front, you know that, right?”
He merely grunted, causing Riley to stifle a giggle.
He looked perplexed, “What?”
“You sounded exactly like him just now that’s what.”
“Can we stop talking about Drake now? I only have you for tonight and I don’t want to waste it.”
“Fine. So, are we ordering room service and watching that documentary you told me about? It’s called Disclosure, right? Sounds interesting. Or are we going out for dinner and possibly that art exhibit I emailed you about last week? Or just staying in and skipping the documentary?”
“We’re doing whatever you want to do.” He informed her as his lips found hers again.
They parted the next day with vague plans to schedule a paternity test with an independent lab in another country. Rashad would order the test, Riley would obtain Charlotte’s DNA with an at home swab kit. Rashad would deliver the kit to the lab, providing his own cheek swab for comparison. It would be done anonymously, no child or mother name listed. No second potential father listed. Even if anyone found out he’d run a DNA test, they’d assume one of his many dalliances had fallen pregnant. No one in the world, outside the two of them and the other three men in her life, knew about his relationship with her.
The steps in the plan were solid. The vague part was the when. And the if. He needed to decide if this was something he really wanted the answer to. There would be no putting the genie back in the bottle. If Charlotte was his child, it would change the way he looked at her.
He held affection in his heart for all of Riley’s children, much like he did for his nieces and nephews. But the idea that Charlotte might be his engendered other, stronger, emotions that he hadn’t thought himself capable of. The possibility both intrigued and unnerved him. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to know.
The next few weeks slipped by in a flurry of activity. Board meetings, court dates, contract negotiations and social obligations occupied his time but Riley, and Charlotte, occupied the back of his mind.
He was getting ready to leave the office at the end of a long day. It was already dark outside as he gathered paperwork and stuffed it into his briefcase. His cell phone lay on his desk, it vibrated as his notifications lit up. He picked it up and swiped it open. There was a text from Riley just saying she was thinking about him and a link to a museum exhibit opening he’d mentioned being interested in.
He smiled as he returned her text. He was about to close the phone again when it dinged. A social media notification. Maxwell Beaumont had posted. Rashad leaned back in his chair as he scrolled through Max’s private Instagram. They were mostly photos of the kids. The kids at playgrounds, museums, running amuck at the palace. He zoomed in on one of Charli, her tight curls going in every direction as she chased one of her brothers, her mouth open, laughing in pure delight. He felt a tug on his heart. He had to know. He pulled up Riley’s contact and pushed call.
“Whatever you want, ya helo.” She told him.
Two weeks later they arrived at a very private, very expensive medical practice in Switzerland. Rashad held the door open for her, his other hand going protectively to the small of her back. She murmured her thanks as they entered the plush waiting area. She kept her overly large hat and sunglasses on while they were ushed into the doctor’s private office.
The doctor’s eyes went to Riley momentarily, but he asked no questions. He had built his medical practice on superior services and utmost discretion. He had very little curiosity about who was under the obvious disguise. He was much more interested in the outrageous fees he was being paid for ensuring complete privacy. The results in his hand had come straight from the lab to him, the lab had only a string of numbers corresponding to Rashad’s and the results would be destroyed after this meeting.
He greeted his guests then took his seat behind the desk, “Would you like to open them or would like me to?”
“You go ahead.” Rashad instructed and he reached for Riley’s hand.
The doctor opened the envelope and scanned the results. He looked up with a grin, “Congratulations, Lord Faheem. You’re a father.”
Rashad’s breath caught, his eyes widened and he returned the squeeze Riley was giving his hand. He turned his head to look at her as a myriad of emotions swirled through him. He was a father. Him. The thing he had avoided his entire adult life, yet looking into the eyes of the woman he loved he found himself not unhappy about it.
He didn’t want to claim his place in her life, he had no desire to disrupt Charlotte’s life. Or Riley’s for that matter. He wasn’t looking for weekend visitation or acknowledgement of any kind. But deep in his center was a fierce happiness at having laid claim on her in this way, and a pride when Charlotte’s face ran through his mind, at having had a hand in creating such a perfect, beautiful child.
Tears of happiness and overwhelm collected in his eyes, surprising him. He was astonished at the intensity of the emotions that hit him square in the chest.
“I’ll give you two some privacy. You can exit back the way you came in whenever you’re ready.” The doctor said as he excused himself.
Rashad turned so he could take Riley’s other hand in his as well. He leaned his forehead against hers, “I don’t know what to say.”
“Are you ok?” She asked him, “I know you never wanted this.”
He pulled back so he could make eye contact as he told her, “I didn’t. But I never counted on you, ya amar. You are the exception to every rule I have, and always have been. Somehow the thought of having a child with you feels….different than I ever imagined having a child would feel. But…”
“But?”
“I’m not sure I know how to be a father, Riley.”
She smiled indulgently at him as she released his hand so she could cup his jaw, “You don’t have to be. She has three fathers already. She has me. And she has you. You’re her really fun uncle, and godfather. Nothing about that has to change, unless you want it to.”
“But what do you want?”
“Rashad, I want what I’ve always wanted from you. My life with Liam, Max and Drake is an entirely separate issue and always has been. We function as a family unit. Charlotte is part of that. She’s a happy, well-adjusted toddler. You can be as involved as you want with her, or not. I won’t hold it against you if you aren’t involved. I know what your life is like, I know how you function. I’m not going to ask you to change at this late date. Whatever you decide, it won’t affect my feelings for you.”
“Thank you, ya amar. This is uncharted territory and I’m going to need time to process.”
Riley laughed, “If you didn’t, then you wouldn’t be you. Now, let’s go eat. We have reservations at Haus Hiltl then we can go back to the hotel and process some other things.”
He stood and pulled her up and into his arms, “I like the sound of that.”
They exited the building; he held the door for her again. The woman he loved, the mother of his child. The mother of his child. A sense of deep satisfaction rolled over him as he turned those words around in his head.
Riley was the mother of his child. The only child he’d ever have. Charlotte was his daughter. It was the most unexpected event of his life. It was disconcerting and a little surreal. But the most surprising part about all of it was that he wasn’t sad about any of it.
He was happy. Rashad Faheem, confirmed bachelor, proponent and practitioner of childfree living, was a father, he was in a long-term relationship, such as it was, and he was ridiculously, deliriously, preposterously happy about it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Bad Romance:
@burnsoslow @Txemrn @aussiegurl1234 @shreyasrivathsa
#bad romance#angelasscribbles#choices fic writers creations#cfwc fics of the week#trr poly#why choose#polycule#the royal romance#trr#the royal romance fanfic#choices#choices stories you play#drake walker#liam rys#maxwell beaumont#riley brooks#rashad faheem
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Loving a Polyglot
Book: TRR AU
Characters: Rashad x Kiara,
Word count: ~2018
Disclaimer: All characters belong to pixelberry.
Rating: Mature
Warning: Fluff
Prompt:
Day 2: polyglot for @kiaratheronappreciationweek
Language day 25 for @choices-february2023
Prompt 3 of week 21 by @choicesflashfics in bold
On a sunny spring morning, a little Robin redbreast bird came fluttering the wings, setting it‘s tiny claws on the window sill. It tilted it’s head to one side and then the other wondering what lied beneath the floral quilts. It tweeted softly calling out, if anyone was around. When nothing happened, it crooned loudly until the quilts moved. Excited to get a response it flew around the room in two circles chirping in a high pitch before it trailed away into the trees outside.
The quilt was now lying in double, the owner sitting upright, confused by nature’s morning alarm. Her black hair was all tousled around her head, while a few fell on her face. She released her breath in a puff, sending a strand of hair up her brow, only to land back on her lips.
Her phone played the ringtone she had set for a special someone. She plunged to the side table and lay on her tummy to receive the call.
“Hey…”
“Bonjour, Ma belle!” Rashad said in his sultry voice.
“Ahaan?” Kiara raised a brow listening to words of endearment in French. “Bonjour mon beau!”
“You are awake. Mon Amour.” He made a statement rather than asking her.
“Hmmm. Your spying little bird just woke me up with its noisy whistles.”
“Je suis vraiment désolé! But I am jealous of that bird. He gets to see you early in the morning.”
Kiara snorted at his attempt to sprinkle French words in his dialogues. She flipped on her back, holding the phone in one hand and combing her fingers through her tangles with the other hand. “Exactly how many French words did you learn last night?”
“I am afraid I may have only one or two left…Ma chérie.”
She started laughing and he joined in. He felt helpless when it came to matching her linguistic skills.
“Is there something special today?” She asked, although she knew.
“My workaholic girl, it’s Valentine’s day.”
“And what’s in your mind?”
“You will see, mon Amour. See you later at the council hall. “
“See ya.” She smiled and was about to hang up when he called again.
“Kiara?”
“Oui?”
“Je t‘aime”(I love you.) He played his last french card.
Kiara giggled “Moi aussi.” (Me too.) She replied.
*****************
She entered her work space in the council hall complex to grab her documents before heading to the meeting. Mr Thomas trailed behind her but stopped at the door. “A little note was delivered from Lord Rashad ‘s office a few minutes ago. I have placed it on your table.” He informed her.
“Thank you Mr Thomas. I will have a look.”
She saw a simple white envelope and opened it to check the contents. A letter.
She sat down for a few minutes to read it...
Meine liebe Kiara,
Ich kann nicht aufhören, an dich zu denken. Du gibst meinem Leben einen Sinn. Mit dir wird niemals langweilig. Ich will mit Dir Zeit verbringen. Willst du mit mir ausgehen?
Dein Rashad.
(My dear Kiara,
I can‘t stop thinking about you. You give meaning to my life. With you it’s never boring
I would like to spend time with you. Will You Go Out With Me?
Your Rashad.)
“Impressive Rashad! A letter in German! “ She said to herself aloud and grinned. She picked up her phone and texted. “Ja, Ja, ich würde gerne mit dir ausgehen.” (I would love to go out with you.)
Suddenly she looked at the time on the display screen and cursed herself. “ You fool! You are going to be late for the meeting. Wake up Kiara!”
She grabbed her documents, slipped the note in her purse and rushed out to the conference hall.
When she entered the hall, her eyes first fell on Rashad as he had occupied the seat next to her allocated seat. He was beaming at her. She quietly sat next to him, trying to ignore the blush his gaze was causing. He leaned sideways to whisper German words in her ear, “Ich liebe dich.” (I love you.)
Kiara’s cheeks reddened beyond her control. She leaned back at him and softly spoke, “Ich Auch.” (Me too.)
"You are blushing."
“You know I don’t have the self control for that.”
The speaker’s voice over the loudspeakers caught their attention and they soon got busy in what they did the best – discuss and debate plans for Cordonia.
Rashad watched Kiara place her points with confidence and poise. Her words were balanced, judged and well thought of before she spoke. He was in awe of her knowledge and conduct. She was an altogether different person when at work- focused, accomplished and unstoppable.
When the meeting annulled after two hours, Rashad slipped another envelope, a yellow one, in her hand. She gave him a questioning look. “Something to read over lunch. I will be off to the Capitol for a meeting at noon.” He smiled and walked away.
A soft smile played on her lips as she secured the envelope in her purse and got back to work.
After a few hours she settled down for a quiet lunch alone in her office. The first thing that came to her mind was the letter. She opened her purse to retrieve the second envelope, which she had tucked neatly in one of the pockets.
She opened the letter and started reading. “Elsku Kiara mín,”
She rolled her eyes and squealed, "Seriously, Rashad? Icelandic?” She started reading with some effort.
Ég verð brjálaður þegar ég horfi í fallegu brúnu augun þín. Bros þitt færir birtu til míns dags. Hönd þín í hendi minni gefur mér kraft til að vinna bardaga mína.. Ég er blessaður að hafa þig í lífi mínu. Vertu með mér að eilífu.
Rashad þinn.
She read in broken words and felt frustrated. She was just picking up the language. There were a few words she couldn’t decipher. She could comprehend his affection through it but she needed a proper translation. She opened the translator on her laptop and quickly typed his words. She let out a sigh of relief to finally be able to understand the letter completely.
“My dear Kiara,
I go crazy when I look into your beautiful brown eyes. Your smile brings brightness to my day. Your hand in my hand gives me power to win my battles.. I am blessed to have you in my life. Stay with me forever.
Your Rashad.”
She grabbed her phone to send him a quick text, “ Icelandic?”
“Ég elska þig.” (I love you.) Came the reply.
“Ég lika.” (Me too.) She messaged back.
She felt delighted and gave herself a little dance around her table. Mr. Thomas knocked at her door to bring her out of the reverie. She straightened her skirt and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Come in.”
He brought with him a number of files and Kiara once again poured herself into her work.
Evening brought a fresh Breeze with it. Kiara dressed up in a maroon one piece that accentuated her figure at just the right places. She let her hair loose, the straight black tresses cascading down her back, just above her waist.
She reached the venue, a new Korean restaurant, Rashad had messaged her about. He was waiting near the main door. Her eyes roamed over his steel gray suit. His hands were tucked inside the pockets of the trousers as he stood there casually looking around. His soft black hair covered his temples in a style. She loved to move her fingers through his wavy hair.
As she approached him, he stretched out a hand and she slipped her hand in it. He pulled her into a hug. His hand curled around her waist, flushing her body to his. She melted in his arms as he left a kiss on her cheek.
They parted and she looked up into his black orbs that shone brightly in the night lights. “Thank you for those lovely notes.”
He brought his thick finger to her lips, “Shh, Wait until it’s over.”
Kiara tilted her head and raised a brow in amazement.
They exchanged a smile as he ushered her in. He let his left hand graze on her waist as he walked her till their table. He let her slide on the sofa chair and instead of sitting across the table he slipped in next to her.
“The day is full of surprises.” She commented.
He curled his fingers in hers and lifted her hand to his lips. “I can’t agree more.” And he kissed the back of her hand.
They were sipping on their drinks when Rashad pulled out another envelope from his breast pocket. It was much smaller than the previous ones and pink in colour. He passed it to her.
Kiara was by now thrilled at all the efforts he had put in planning the day. She excitedly ripped open the letter only to find illegible scriptures. She noticed that it was a repetition of a pattern of letters that looked Asian. And collectively formed the English letters I. L. U
사랑해요 사랑해요. 사랑해요 사랑해요
사랑해요. 사랑해요. 사랑해요. 사랑해요
사랑해요. 사랑해요. 사랑해요. 사랑해요
사랑해요. 사랑해요. 사랑해요. 사랑해요
사랑해요. 사랑해요 사랑해요. 사랑해요
“Oh Rashad I know what this means but I can’t decipher this script.”
“The clue is where you are sitting.”
“It’s Korean??”
“Saranghaeyo”. Rashad nuzzled in her hair. She knew that term from a few Korean dramas she had watched. (I love you)
She placed a hand on his cheek to repeat , “Saranghaeyo.”
Soon, the dinner was served and both of them enjoyed a calm relaxing evening. They planned to walk down to Kiara’s suite in the Capitol. It was maintained for her stay and work with the council.
On her way Kiara asked him, “What brought this idea to your mind? Those notes you sent to me?”
He shrugged his shoulders and tightened his grip on her hand as they strolled. “I wanted to send you one note in each language for every hour of the day. But I could only learn so much in the past few days.” He chuckled.
“French n German I understand, but why choose Icelandic? You know I am still a beginner in that. And Korean? I don’t know it all.”
“Icelandic was just to challenge you. Were you able to comprehend?”
She looked at him sheepishly. “I took help from the translator.”
Rashad’s head fell back in laughter. She pouted her lips but then pulled him back, “Why Korean?”
“Maybe we can learn it together?”
“Oh!” She pondered for a moment before saying, “I thought you may write something in your mother’s native language.”
“Urdu?”
She nodded. “I have heard so much about your origins, I would love to learn Urdu from you.”
He pulled her by her shoulders, facing him. “You know, you never stop amazing me.” They hugged and a placed a kiss on her forehead, before they started walking again..
After sometime, they reached Kiara’s suite in the Capitol. Rashad kissed her goodbye and started walking away.
He had literally poured out his heart to her today. And she had reciprocated with affirmation. Yet he felt something was missing. She never initiated it. She only replied. He was overthinking. His mind wavered into these thoughts the moment he turned his back to her, to walk away. He had taken few steps when he heard her.
“Rashad?”
He turned to look at her.
She looked nervous for a moment before she spoke.
“Lateefon ke Sheher me
Khushi ka sabab mila,
Ye dil shukraguzar hai ke
Hume tere jaisa humsafar mila.”
(In the city of jokes
I got a reason to be happy.
This heart is grateful
I found a companion like you)
Rashad stood standstill blinking his eyes. She hadn’t expressed herself, he had thought and now she did it in the most unexpected way. She said through poetry in Urdu.
When Rashad did not move, Kiara nervously called again, “Rashad?”
As if he woke up from a slumber he called with a thrill, “Kiara!”
The next moment he ran to her, scooped her in his arms and twirled her around. They snickered and laughed together. She brought down her forehead to his and they stole a moment for themselves after a busy day.
Tags: @3pawandme @alj4890 @angelasscribbles @bascmve01 @bebepac @busywoman @choicesficwriterscreations @dcbbw @gkittylove99 @harleybeaumont @iaminlovewithtrr @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @lizzybeth1986 @lovingchoices14 @nestledonthaveone @neotericthemis @mom2000aggie @phoenixrising0308 @princess-geek @riseandshinelittleblossom @sazanes @secretaryunpaid @sfb123 @sillydg @tessa-liam @tinkie1973 @txemrn @walkerdrakewalker @yourmajesty09
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Bad Romance
Bad Romance would technically fall under the "Riley Brooks Stories" but it took on such a life of its own, that it really is its own category. The above edit was created and gifted to me by @harleybeaumont and is my current header for Bad Romance. I had two other images I used prior to this one.
The image I started with for the header:
This story would rightly be classified as a reverse harem romance. Eventually, I upgraded to a simple board featuring Riley and all four of her men:
A couple of chapters had custom boards:
Most of my series use the same mood board for the header for every chapter and the master list. Bad Romance used a unique picture for each chapter. I'm not going to post all thirty-six pics individually but I did make a mood board of my favorites:
Bad Romance sparked five epilogues, a playlist, two miniseries so far, and a slew of one-shots, drabbles, AU's, and extras. Here are the visuals from those:
Bad Romance: The King's Punishment (miniseries)
Bad Romance: Disney Adventure (miniseries)
Max's Room (one-shot)
Unlikely Alliances (a two-shot) had two boards because I made the first one and then changed my mind.
Drake's Amazon Cart (a one-shot)
Most one-shots have a single picture for the header. Here's a board with a few of my favorites:
Also, about those baseball pants.....
Then there's my series "What If" which includes an alternate ending and a few one-shots answering asks about what if this or that had been different.
Last, but not least, the epilogue of Bad Romance Disney's Adventure spawned another series called Bad Parenting in which Leo meets his thirteen-year-old son (a result of a one night stand) and comes home to Cordonia to elicit Riley and Liam's help. While there, he tries to rekindle a past relationship with Olivia.
A few of the extras....
This board of Riley, Max and Liam:
This edit by @harleybeaumont
and this art by @rosefuckinggenius
#trr visuals#bad romance#trr poly#angelasscribbles#trr au#drake walker#liam rys#maxwell beaumont#riley brooks#rashad faheem
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Book: TRR
Meet my MC
Face claim: Ylona Garcia
Name: Amelia Ramos
Birthday: April 20
AdrianAge: 25
Hair: dark brown
Eyes: brown
Family: Parents Stefan & Shayla Ramos
Siblings: Stefan Ramos JR, Adrian S Ramos
Two. Aunts, 1 uncle on Father's site. One aunt, four brothers on mother's side .
Tons of cousins
Significant other: Liam Rys
best friends : Jennifer Lawson, Rashad Hussein
Education: New York School of interior design
Occupation: Owner of Ramos, NY upscale interior design with 2 locations New York and Boston
Pet peeves: Someone not washing their hands
Facts: I'm nice but you don't want to see my dark side
Nicknames: Mia by mostly all, El by brothers, Ali by father, mom used to call me Mia, my love by Liam
Interests: huge fan of the arts , kickboxing, exercising, biking, hiking camping.
Favorite foods: A very good Mac and cheese, warm peanut butter cookies
Favorite movies: faceoff, indecent proposal, shall we Dance, save the last dance.
Favorite music: alternative rock, dance, r&b kpop
Likes: Animals, people with good energy
What do people think of you ?
Dislikes: negative people, snakes , rats.
@choicesficwriterscreations @harleybeaumont @alj4890 @angelasscribbles @kingliam-rys @kingliam2019 @yaniradolton @yolandawalker @hanaleeappreciationweek @mom2000aggie @lilyoffandoms @katurrade @shewillreadyou @bebepac @dcbbw @luvquit @lolablackwrites @choiceskatie @tessa-liam @queenjilian @queenrileyrose @ao719
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All is Fair in Love & War
Book: TRR, The Royal Heir Book 2 AU
Summary: The King and Queen of Cordonia VS The King and Queen of Auvernal, battle for dominance in Tango
Song Inspiration: King of My Heart, T. Swift
Video Inspiration: Tango for Two, L. Tarantino & G. Cocomero
Visual Commission: Liam & Riley @artbyainna
Dance Tutorial: Argentine Tango by Diego Blanco & Ana Padron
Pairing: Liam Rys x F!MC Riley Brooks-Rys, OTP (LiRi)
All characters belong to Pixelberry, except Daniella, who belongs to me.
A/N1: This is my submission for week #8 @choicesflashfics, Prompt #3 “I’ve never done something like this before.”
A/N2: This story has not been Beta'd, please excuse all errors.
Rating: A, 18+, adult conversation
Word Count: 1663
✨✨✨✨✨
Riley's POV
As Dr. Ramirez gently places the baby on my chest, I am overwhelmed with emotion, at finally holding our beautiful baby. Gazing upon her for the very first time, I forget about all the pains of childbirth and all the fears I had dissipated.
“She’s perfect, Riley.” Liam says with tears in his eyes.
“I can’t believe that just happened! This moment...It’s just so amazing. I’m just so happy to be here with you right now...and with our baby!” Riley tearfully confesses.
“A little girl...It’s been a long time since we had a princess running around the palace. I’m going to give you the world, my little princess.” Liam emotionally whispers to Eleanor, taking Riley’s hand in his.
✨✨✨✨✨
Liam’s POV
It feels like yesterday since our baby was born. From that birthday on my primary focus is, and always will be, Riley and my children.
Their happiness and security are my highest duty; as a husband, as a father and as the King of Cordonia.
I refuse to waste my time dwelling on the problems with Auvernal. Their attempts at coercion to force a betrothal will not succeed. Thus, I delegated the mundane task of dealing with those issues to my Royal Council.
It’s Monday morning, and I have my usual morning conference with my advisers scheduled to begin in 20 minutes.
While taking a sip of my coffee, I touch Riley’s number on my cell, knowing that she is in the palace gymnasium.
“Hi Liam, how is everything?” Riley answers breathlessly on speaker.
“Riley, you're not overdoing it with these exercises, are you?”
Maxwell interrupts by saying, “Li, don’t worry, we are fusing dance with the exercises. I will make sure it’s a relaxing and fun experience.”
“Thank you, Max. I’ll hold you to it. Riley, I will come down after my meeting to take you to lunch.”
The call is interrupted by a knock on the door, and Liam ends the call and directs his advisors to enter.
“Your majesty, good morning.” Rashad, Olivia, Bertrand, Kiara, Hana, Drake and Bastien step into his office, each taking seats at the boardroom table.
Rashad, acting as Liam’s chief legal counsel, begins the meeting with an overview of the challenges caused by the Auvernese leaders.
After listening intently to each presentation by each council member, Liam states, “whatever actions we decide upon today, always remember, to keep your friends close, your enemies closer.”
Liam goes on, “One of the greatest books on war strategies, was written by Sun-tzu, a Chinese general and military strategist, ‘The Art of War’. This dispute is not about military force; it is psychological warfare.
At the end of the productive meeting, a practical action plan was devised. Liam left the meeting with the direction for the council to plan the implementation.
✨✨✨✨✨
Riley and Maxwell had finished their workout and were chatting and enjoying a light snack of fresh fruit and infused water on the patio outside the gym.
Feeling energized, Riley spotted Liam walking towards her carrying Eleanor in his arms and got up to dance her way to him.
Liam burst into laughter watching his wife sashay towards him.
“Hello, my love,” Liam bends down to reward his wife with a kiss. I see all this exercise hasn’t worn you out.”
“Never! Max is teaching me how to tango,” Riley animatedly exclaims while gently lifting Ellie from Liam’s arms.
“I wouldn’t say I am an expert...but...tango dancing is a great cardio workout and body toner,” Maxwell states.
Liam nods in agreement, “tango is a ballroom dance. I learned the Argentine tango as part of my Royal training, as a matter of fact.
I will arrange for that instructor to join the two of you tomorrow morning.
...and I will join you as well.”
“Really? You will work out with us tomorrow?”
Liam wrapped his arm around Riley, “let’s go for lunch. Max, you are more than welcome to join us.”
✨✨✨✨✨
“I have an idea that I want to run past you, Riley.” Liam sits back on his chair at the dining table, cradling Ellie at lunch.
“...and you as well, Max.”
Riley smiles, “you’ve got my attention.”
“Mine as well,” Maxwell responds.
Liam moves the baby to rest on his chest, holding her close with one hand.
“How would you feel about dancing with me at the military charity ball being held in Auvernal later this month? An Argentine tango?”
Riley’s expression turns inquisitive.
“I’ve never done something like this before.”
Maxwell smiles wide and exclaims musically, “that would be awesome! You are so ready to handle this, little blossom. And with Liam leading you? Wow, this will be epic!”
In the royal gymnasium the next morning, Liam and Riley arrive early to warm up for their first joint dance lesson.
As the dance instructor enters, followed by Maxwell,
Liam teasingly calls to Riley, “Okay, your majesty, get into position.”
“You are so bossy this morning!” Riley saucily responds back, bending down to adjust her shoe strap.
Liam smirks, tempted to smack her behind, but he has to show decorum. They were in public. So, instead he murmurs in her ear, “just wait till later!”
Riley stands and straightens, standing beside her husband. Her smirk quickly changing into a smile as they stepped forward to greet their instructor.
After pleasantries are exchanged, Daniella, the instructor begins,
“The Argentine tango is a passionate ballroom dance that is great for expressing love between two partners.”
Riley bashfully smiles lowering her gaze to the floor. Liam gives her hand a squeeze, winking at her when she looks up at him.
“Tango dancing involves quick, graceful, and playful movements with plenty of room for improvisation. These fun moves create a simple, yet elegant dance that consists of eight steps taken across eight counts.”
Daniella turns to Maxwell, “we will partner to demonstrate each step.” The grin that formed on Maxwell’s face was enormous.
“The tango is a fairly straightforward walking dance that just requires precise footwork. It is relatively easy to perform once you master the eight basic steps and understand how the count works.”
These dance lessons continued daily for the next 3 weeks.
✨✨✨✨✨
Military Charity Ball, Auvernese Royal Palace, Auvernal
Arriving at the palace in Auvernal, Liam and Riley, along with their Royal council, are ushered to the ballroom.
Rashad, Bertrand, Kiara and Hana enter the ballroom, while Isabella and Bradshaw meet with Liam and Riley before being heralded into the Ball.
Olivia, Drake and Bastien stealthily went up the stairs to meet with their contacts on the viewing balcony above the ballroom. Leo stood with Queen Amalas with wide grins as they held up the folder with the birth records for the twins
As Liam and Riley were learning the tango, the Royal council learned that the children claimed to be royal blood by the King and Queen of Auvernal were illegitimate. Bradshaw’s lover was pregnant with twins. Isabella needed an heir, arranging for the affair to continue if she could falsely claim parentage. Since Leo was courting Queen Amalas in Monterisso, he volunteered to bring the proof with him to the ball, along with Amalas.
“King Liam and Queen Riley, welcome to our beautiful country,” Bradshaw pretentiously croons.
Isabella meanwhile studies her queen rival with a jealous eye.
Riley, after all the dance practices over the past three weeks, was down to her pre-baby weight with added curves that Liam adored. Her shimmering gold cocktail dress hugged her curves perfectly.
Her dress didn’t go unnoticed by Bradshaw and noticing his lustful gaze, Isabella was shooting seething glares at him.
Liam’s facial expression remained neutral as he took notice of the unwelcome gawking by his rival towards his wife. He does, however, protectively wrap his arm around Riley snugly, barely keeping the distance required for proper decorum.
“Yes, thank you for hosting this charity event. I am sure the military paraphernalia will be well received,” he conceals his contempt for the pair knowing that they now have legal documentation that annuls the betrothal agreement.
As the evening moves forward, the orchestra begins the first notes of the Argentine tango.
“Are you ready for this?” Liam questions Riley. “Oh yes, let's bring it on.” Riley answers enthusiastically.
Liam leads her to center of the dance floor, and once there, he moves his body close to Riley. He extends his left hand forward to capture Riley’s upward flexed right hand. Liam places his right hand on Riley’s back moving her flush to him. Riley places her left hand on Liam’s shoulder.
Liam nods to the maestro to begin the music, and he takes the first step of the tango.
All the practice they had dancing allowed them to perform the steps flawlessly. They ended the dance provocatively as she ran her leg up the side of Liam’s leg to his waist. Riley then wrapped her hand around his neck and Liam returned her affection with a passionate kiss.
The applause was deafening, as they bowed to the audience.
Isabella was livid. As she began her dance with Bradshaw, she angrily moved around the ballroom like a ‘bull in a China shop’. Bradshaw looked so uncomfortable and he stopped dancing.
Kiara and Hana, watching them, couldn’t believe the spectacle they were witnessing. Rashad and Bertrand and members of the Cordonian Royal guard encircled Liam and Riley, as Bradshaw and Isabella stormed out of the ballroom. Olivia, Drake, Leo and Amalas intercepted them to confront them.
✨✨✨✨✨
Returning back to Cordonia at once after the ball ended abruptly, Liam glances down to Ellie sleeping peacefully and securely in her crib. Riley wraps her arms around him and smiles down at their baby, knowing that all is good in their kingdom.
@txemrn @bebepac @ao719 @peonierose @phoenixrising0308 @queenmiarys @karahalloway @twinkleallnight @703cowbarn @mom2000aggie @malblk21 @queenrileyrose @indiana-jr @winkyluxhumanoid @rubiwalker @harleybeaumont @kingliam2019 @marietrinmimi @imashybish @angelasscribbles @isha26 @sfb123 @tinkie1973 @belencha77 @honey358luv @jared2612 @urfaveaesthetic101 @xpandass420x @kyra75 @jerzwriter-reblogs-asks
@late-to-the-fandom
Please let me know if you want to be added or removed.
#the royal heir#the royal romance#the royal romance fanfic#trr liam x mc#trr#liam rys#choicesflashfics#always liam and riley#riley brooks#trr au fanfic
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Best Kept Secrets
Best Kept Secrets - And Now It’s Too Late (Chapter 15)
Characters belong to Pixelberry.
Summary: An unforeseen encounter with the past proves that even the best-kept secrets eventually make their way into the light.
Title inspiration: I Tried - Camylio
Book/Pairing: TRR; Liam x F!OC
A/N: Thank you to @burnsoslow for prereading. Please excuse any errors.
Rating: M • Warning: This series will contain NSFW material. If you read, you acknowledge you are 18+
Catch up here
Inside the council chambers, Liam drummed his fingers against the table as his gaze casually shifted between each of his council members and advisors as they conversed in hushed tones amongst themselves.
They were discussing Sophia.
It had been two weeks since Liam found out about his child and met her for the first time. He had taken a week away from his duties to try and not only continue to attempt to process everything but to get to know Sophia, to spend as much one-on-one time with her as he could. He also took that week to inform those he both needed and wanted to. Between telling Leo and Regina, he was thrown for a loop when his brother seemed more shocked out of the two. Regina certainly had more questions regarding his past with Amara, however, which he expected. He’d also told Maxwell and Olivia, both who gaped at him in stunned silence upon hearing it.
Everyone seemed happy for him once the shock had worn off, however, and they’d been excited to meet Sophia.
After taking that week for himself, Liam finally met with his council and advisors. Taking Rashad’s suggestion, he nervously told them everything regarding his past with Amara, the blackmail Auvernal used against him for the alliance, and the daughter he had that he knew nothing about up until recently. While quite surprised, all in all, they’d taken it much better than Liam had anticipated they would. He’d spent the last few days in and out of meetings with them as some helped Rashad look into the alliance for loopholes and the rest discussed how to move forward with the revelation of having an heir to the throne.
Over the last week, the council had grilled Liam with questions about Amara and her intentions going forward as the mother of the heir. He didn’t have much to give them considering he hadn’t seen or spoken to her since the day he walked out of his study after she told him everything. Communications between them had been strictly through Riley, Daniel, or Imogen. Liam had explained to his council that the two of them hadn’t actually sat down and discussed any specifics yet and that he was going to need both time and privacy before doing so.
Liam had spent every day of that week away from his duties with Sophia, but she’d gone back to Amara every night. Now that he was back to his normal schedule, he would see her as much as he could both between and after work, but she still went back to Amara at the end of the day. He was trying not to move too quickly for Sophia’s sake, working his way up to having her stay with him overnight because he wanted her to adapt comfortably to him suddenly being a part of her life. She seemed to be adjusting well, though, and thankfully, they already seemed to have a pretty close bond. By the end of that first week, she recognized him at first glance, would go to him without hesitation, and a few times, had gotten upset when it was time for them to part ways at the end of their days together.
Not once had Amara given Liam a hard time about wanting to see Sophia either. Not once had she questioned it. Not once had she tried to interfere or insist that she be involved for any reason. And not once had she asked to see or speak to him. None of it was like her.
Liam knew that because of her past and the things she’d gone through, Amara was the type of person who liked to have control over every aspect of her life. She needed it. She clung to that control like a lifeline. It was her way of being prepared, of always staying a step or two ahead. Sophia was a piece of her life — a huge, important piece — in which she had to now relinquish some of that control, and for someone like Amara, he knew that wasn’t easy for her. And despite not feeling ready to face her yet, Amara not even trying to see or speak to him just felt … off-kilter. Since everything happened and their conversation that day in his study, despite living in the same vicinity, he hadn’t seen or heard so much as a peep from her.
Last night, Liam finally asked Riley about Amara when she and Drake were visiting while he had Sophia; he played it off, taking the opportunity when Drake was playing Uncle to casually bring her up, asking how she’d been adjusting in the quarters of the north wing that had become her temporary home. Riley didn’t give him much to go on at first, only saying that she was “as well as could be expected.” The look he wore must have given him and his curiosity away. She told him that Amara had kind of shut down since everything came to light, but that she had made it clear that she had no intention of getting in the way of him building a relationship with Sophia. Riley told him that Amara’s only focus was making sure he got whatever time with Sophia he wanted … and anything else for that matter … including space from her, afraid her mere presence might upset him further and ruin his time with Sophia.
Because of Liam’s own struggles … hearing that felt like a punch in the gut.
The truth was, while Liam was slowly settling into this new role of a father, every moment he spent with Sophia served as a reminder of how much he missed Amara, and he was struggling because of it. He missed what they started to gain back before everything went to hell in the blink of an eye. They had finally been in a place to truly explore a relationship together, something he had longed for the last two years, something they both longed for if he were to believe everything she had told him. And each day he spent with Sophia only made those reminders heavier. He couldn’t help but look at their daughter and wonder what it would be like, the three of them, together as a family. He couldn’t look at her without envisioning that life for them. He couldn’t look at her without seeing Amara, without thinking about her.
However, even though he still loved Amara … Liam couldn’t get past the bitterness and resentment he felt, and he didn’t know if he’d be able to. Those thoughts of his feelings for her, of his longing to be with her, would become eclipsed in the shadows of the anger and sadness over her secrets and the betrayal he felt, and he still wasn’t dealing with any of it.
Liam wasn’t someone with the luxury of letting his emotions get the better of him and allowing himself to fall apart, so plastering on his masterful stoic facade was something he was used to, a mask that had become easy to hide behind. And he was wholly ignoring the way that proverbial bottle he continued shoving everything inside of was slowly beginning to chip and shatter from the inside out.
“Did you hear me, sir?” Landon asked.
Liam snapped out of the daze he’d fallen into and looked at him, clearing his throat. “I’m sorry, what was that?”
“We’re going to need the child’s birth certificate … as well as a paternity test.”
Liam’s brows furrowed. “The birth certificate I can understand, but why do you need a paternity test?”
“It’s just a part of the process,” Olivia answered on behalf of the others.
“Yes,” Bertrand nodded in agreement. “It’s not that we doubt Ms. Onasis’ claims or your belief that this child is yours. We still need to verify the legitimacy of it, though. It’s to protect both you and the crown, sir.”
“Anyone can write someone’s name on a birth certificate,” Landon said. “In a predicament such as this, with the … history between you two, her being out of your life for two years prior to your reconnection, and because you’re unmarried, there can be no uncertainty when it comes to the rightful heir to the throne. So, as invasive as the paternity test may feel to you, it’s necessary. When the time comes to share the news publicly, we will have indisputable proof so there is no question about it.”
Liam dropped their gazes, letting out a breath as he slowly nodded. “Set up the test … and I’ll get you the birth certificate as soon as I can.”
“Well, I think that’s all for today,” Rashad said, and the others nodded in collective agreement.
The King remained seated as they all stood and gathered their things. As they filed out of the room, Rashad lingered behind, waiting until the others were gone. “You ok?”
Liam sighed. “Yeah.”
“I know this might seem like a lot—”
“No, I get it,” Liam interrupted. He let out a breath, rubbing his eyes for a moment before meeting Rashad’s gaze. “Anything with the alliance?”
Rashad shook his head. “I know there’s something … we just need to find it. But that’s why I stayed behind, actually. I had a thought … and I wanted to run it by you.” Liam looked at him questioningly. “During these alliance talks, how was your relationship with Monterisso?”
Liam shrugged. “They were clearly the more level-headed of the options. Queen Amalas seemed to want to work together for all of the right reasons, and we seemed to be on the same page about a lot of issues, including Auvernal being a potential problem in the future. I’d say we had a good relationship, but now … the alliance hasn’t been publicly announced yet, but I’m sure word has gotten back to her about it …”
Rashad nodded. “If push came to shove … would you trust her?”
“I … yeah, I think I would,” Liam said. “Why? What are you getting at?”
“She’s known as the Spy Queen, Liam. If anyone can help us dig up something on Auvernal, she’d be the one to go to. But … you’d have to be willing to tell her about the blackmail because I doubt she’ll just do it out of the goodness of her heart … and probably not without gaining something in return for it.”
Liam shook his head. “I can’t — I won’t tell her about Sophia.”
“You don’t have to,” Rashad said. “I said to tell her about the blackmail … Sophia wasn’t part of that. So you don’t mention her.” The two men held gazes for a moment. “It’s worth at least a meeting with her if it could help us get out of this. The worst she’s going to say is no …”
Liam rubbed his hand over his mouth as he glanced out the window and thought for a moment. At that point, he was desperate, and he could think of worse things than partnering up with Monterisso … like being trapped in the alliance he was in now. He glanced back at Rashad, nodding. “See if you can arrange a meeting.”
****
Once Liam left the council chambers, he stopped by his study to check on a few things before heading back out; he was supposed to meet Imogen, who would be bringing Sophia to him, and he was running a little behind.
When he rounded the corner in the hall leading to his quarters, Liam glanced up upon hearing voices, and he smiled as soon as his eyes fell on Sophia. She tightly gripped Imogen’s fingers in her tiny hands while Riley sat on the floor across from her with her arms outstretched, encouraging her to walk. Sophia was almost walking, but still working on her balance, unable to take more than a few steps before stopping, more out of uncertainty it seemed.
When Sophia spotted Liam behind Riley, her smile grew into a broad toothy grin as she let out a squeal and wobbled excitedly. “Hi, Princess,” he chuckled. Riley glanced over her shoulder and smiled before standing, gesturing for him to take her spot. He crouched down, holding out his hands with a grin. “Come on.” She let out another squeal of excitement as she took an unsteady step forward, still holding onto Imogen’s fingers. “Walk to daddy, Sophia,” he said.
Riley pulled out her phone, just in case, and began recording. With her lit-up blue eyes trained on Liam, Sophia took another step as Imogen helped her keep her balance … and then she let go. “Go, Soph!” Riley chuckled.
Liam’s eyes widened with a grin as she took a few unassisted steps before pausing for a moment when she started to wobble. “Come on, Soph! Come get daddy,” he encouraged. She shifted her foot and took another step … then another, and another. “Almost!” he chuckled. He stood, still holding out his arms as he slowly backed up. “There you go,” he smiled as she continued moving towards him. After a few more steps, he scooped her into his arms. “You did it!”
Liam smiled as he kissed Sophia’s cheek, and he felt his heart swell at the fact that he’d been there for that moment and milestone, that he finally got to experience something new for and with her.
“Let’s see if she’ll go further,” Liam said excitedly. He turned so his back was toward the door of his quarters and carefully set her down on her feet facing him, letting her grasp onto his fingers as she caught her balance. “Can you do it again?” He slowly backed up, slipping his fingers from her hands a little at a time until she was standing on her own. “Come on,” he said as he backed up more, holding out his arms for her. She scrunched her nose with a grin and started moving towards him again. “Good job, little love! Keep going,” he chuckled. He continued backing up, watching her toddle down the length of the hallway after him. She wobbled when she started to clap her hands, mimicking Imogen behind her as she and Riley cheered her on, but caught herself before she fell and continued towards him. “Almost there!” He stopped when his back bumped up against the door and leaned forward with his arms outstretched. When she made it to him, he scooped her up again, tossing her up into the air as she giggled. “You did it!”
Sophia looked between Riley and Imogen as they approached, clapping again as they were. Liam was over the moon, still reeling in that feeling of being there with her in that moment she truly walked for the first time. When she glanced back at him, he smothered a playful kiss against her cheek as she giggled. “Mama!” she squealed, clapping again.
And that’s when the gut punch came.
Liam forced that ache in his chest away as he held that smile on his face. “Yes, we’ll have to tell Mommy all about it and you can show her what a big girl you are,” he said as he tickled her belly.
Riley met his gaze, offering a sad smile. “I got it all on video.”
Liam nodded in understanding, but for a brief moment, all he could think about was that Amara should have been there. Yes, he was more than happy to have experienced that with Sophia on his own after everything he’d missed, but that was the problem. He knew firsthand what it was like not to be there, to see photos and videos instead. He knew what Amara was going to feel when she learned she hadn’t been there to see it … and he wouldn’t wish that feeling on anyone.
Then, remembering that feeling, remembering that he was forced to miss out on more than the first year of his daughter’s life, that shadow of resentment came and obliterated the empathy.
Liam cleared his throat and looked at Imogen. “Thank you for bringing her,” he smiled. “I actually don’t have anything else on my schedule today, so would it be ok if you came back and got her a little later?”
“Of course,” Imogen nodded. “I’ll let Amara know.”
“Thank you.” Liam turned toward his door as he pulled his key from his pocket, looking at Sophia in his arm as he unlocked it. “Ready for some lunch?” he smiled as they disappeared inside.
****
Riley watched as Amara stared at her phone screen; she was watching the video she had taken of Sophia walking for the seventh time already as tears slid down her cheeks.
“You ok?” Riley asked, rubbing her back. It was a dumb question, but she didn’t know what else to say at that moment.
Amara simply nodded in response, unable to speak over the lump in her throat. She wiped her cheeks with the cuff of her sweatshirt as she started the video over again. Riley looked at Daniel, who was sitting on the other side of her, and the two shared a worried glance.
Amara’s tears were of both happiness and sadness. She was happy that Liam got to experience that milestone, elated even, knowing how much it had to have meant to him; she was happy to see Sophia so proud of herself when she made it to his arms. And she was sad because she hadn’t been there to witness it herself. She would say she was ok regardless, though, because she didn’t feel she had a right to say anything else, to be anything other than ok.
That had been her mindset for the last two weeks.
To say Amara was struggling would be an understatement, but when anyone would ask, her response had been the same each time. A silent nod or a spoken, “I’m fine.” She was trying to adjust to this new normal, knowing she needed to get used to splitting her time with Sophia. It felt as though she’d seen less and less of her since her first visit with Liam, and as difficult as that had been, she understood that he needed as much time with her as he could to build a relationship and bond. Just because she understood didn’t mean it was easy, though.
Nothing about any of this had been easy.
Amara didn’t talk about her longing as a mother to spend a full day with her child. She didn’t talk about the ache that filled her chest for nearly two weeks every time Riley, Daniel, or Imogen would walk out of the north wing with Sophia to take her to Liam. She didn’t talk about the tears she cried on some nights when rocking her to sleep a mere hour after she returned, only having enough time to give her a bath and read her a story before bed. She didn’t talk about any of it because she didn’t feel she had a right to. She truly wanted Liam to have this time with Sophia, whatever time he wanted and needed, no matter how hard it was on her. To say anything about her wants and needs felt selfish after everything she’d already done.
So, Amara would stick to her silent nods or her spoken words of “I’m fine” because it was both all and the least she could do. She knew she had no one to blame but herself for any of this, which was why she hadn’t tried to interfere in any way and had no intention of doing so. She’d gone out of her way to ensure Liam was able to see Sophia whenever he wanted, for as long as he wanted, and as much as possible … and she’d gone out of her way to ensure nothing tarnished that time for them by making sure he didn’t see or hear from her at all. It wasn’t easy because she missed him more than she could put into words. She wanted nothing more than to talk to him, to apologize more than she already had, to beg him to forgive her, but she didn’t blame him for hating her.
No matter how much Liam may have hated her … Amara hated herself more.
Their last conversation in Liam’s study, the words he spoke, his anger … the heartbroken look in his eyes over being forced to miss out on more than a year of his daughter’s life … it was all playing in Amara’s head on repeat. She could think of nothing else. The guilt seemed to worsen every day, looming over her like a cloud that only continued to get darker and darker.
When Daniel’s phone chimed with an incoming message, he pulled it from his pocket and glanced down at the screen. “I need to go check on something,” he said. Amara continued to watch the video as he met Riley’s gaze with a knowing look; she nodded in understanding.
****
After lunch, Liam sat with Sophia in her playroom inside his quarters; two weeks ago the room had been one he used for storage, but he had it cleaned out, painted, and filled with books and toys. Hearing a faint knock on the door to his quarters, Liam shouted for them to enter; he heard it open and then footsteps coming down the hall.
Daniel appeared in the doorway of the playroom a moment later as Liam glanced up. “Hello,” he nodded.
“Hello,” Liam said as he stood and shook his hand.
Daniel looked down at Sophia. “Hi, Soph!” he smiled. She grinned, lifting a stuffed lion in her hands to show him. “Nice lion,” he chuckled before looking back at Liam. “You wanted to see me?”
“Yeah, thanks for coming,” Liam said. “I wanted to know if you’d still be on board to be my press liaison for the time being?” Daniel raised his brows in surprise. “You really had my back with the whole divorce statement and didn’t once steer me wrong. My council is discussing plans on how to go about the news of Sophia once the time comes to put it out there, and I’d personally feel more comfortable with someone being a part of those plans who not only knows what they’re doing but would have Sophia’s best interest in mind. You don’t have to say yes. I’m not trying to put you in an uncomfortable position … I just thought I’d extend the offer …”
Daniel knew the “uncomfortable position” was referring to his friendship with Amara. He also knew she wouldn’t want him to turn down an opportunity like this and that she’d probably feel more comfortable having him on board for it as well. “Yeah, of course. I’d be happy to help.”
Liam let out a breath of relief. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“So … how’d the council take the news?” Daniel asked.
“Surprisingly well,” Liam answered. “They were fairly shocked, which was to be expected … but it went better than I thought it was going to.”
Just then, they both glanced over as Sophia pulled herself to stand; she turned toward them and with a toothy grin, started walking toward Daniel. “We are in so much trouble now.” He crouched down, lifting her into his arms once she made it to him. “You’re gonna be running marathons before we know it, kid,” he said as he tickled her belly.
Sophia clapped with a giggle. “Mama! Mama!”
“Yes, Mommy was so happy to see you on the go,” Daniel chuckled.
“Speaking of …” Liam began as Daniel set Sophia back down. “I saw Riley earlier and completely forgot to ask … but could you let Amara know that I need a copy of Sophia’s birth certificate? The council needs it … and they’re going to set up a paternity test as well.” When Daniel’s body tensed and he arched his brow, looking as though he was about to go on the defense for Amara, Liam held up his hands. “I have no doubts that she is mine. It’s just so they have the proof in case there are any questions from the outside once it’s made public.”
“Oh …” Daniel’s shoulders loosened. “That makes sense.” He nodded as he let out a breath. “I’ll let her know.”
*******
A couple of days later, Liam was in his study, looking over a stack of budget proposals from various duchies.
Hearing a knock on the door, Liam called for them to enter; a moment later, Rashad stepped inside, meeting his gaze as he glanced up from his papers. “I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”
“Not at all,” Liam said as he set his pen down. “What brings you by?”
“Amalas just got back to me. I kept the reason for you wanting to speak to her vague, but piqued her curiosity enough; she’s willing to hear you out. I told her for the sake of the conversation and keeping it under wraps, it would be better to do it virtually. We don’t need Bradshaw getting spooked by finding out she came here or you went there.”
Liam let out a breath. “When?”
“She’ll be calling any minute now.”
“What?” Liam’s eyes widened as he scrambled for his laptop.
“I know it’s short notice, but I couldn’t exactly tell her no when she said, ‘Let’s do this now.’” Rashad could tell Liam was visibly flustered as he positioned his laptop in front of him. “Just take a breath.”
Liam looked at him. “How did she seem when you spoke to her?”
“Curious as to why you’d be so eager to talk.”
Suddenly, an alert for an incoming video call popped up on the screen of his laptop. Liam let out a breath, trying to collect himself before answering. When her face appeared on the screen, he smiled. “Queen Amalas.”
“King Liam,” Amalas smiled in return. “I heard you wanted to have a chat?”
“You heard correctly,” Liam nodded.
“And do your new pals over in Auvernal approve of this conversation happening?”
Liam tensed; he knew it was nothing more than her way of telling him she knew about the alliance, and that she didn’t realize the truth behind her jab. “They wouldn’t approve, no. And that’s actually the reason I wanted to speak with you.”
“So you snub me and my country for an alliance with them, but want to speak to me behind their backs?” Amalas asked with a smirk. “Interesting and ballsy.”
“Amalas, the alliance … I didn’t …” Liam sighed. “I didn’t have a choice. Bradshaw blackmailed me into it.”
Amalas’ eyes widened. “What could he possibly have to blackmail you with?”
Liam glanced up at Rashad, who gave an encouraging nod and gestured for him to continue. And so he did. He gave Amalas as brief of a summary as he could — his past with his old press liaison two years prior, Bradshaw finding out and managing to bring an unknowing Amara on board to try and sway his decision for the alliance, his refusal to agree with the betrothal terms, and Bradshaw’s threat when he went to meet with him that left his hands tied.
When he finished, Amalas stared at him through the screen for several quiet moments before he finally broke the silence. “The past couple of weeks, my council and I have been looking for a loophole … something — anything — to get out of it, but we’ve had no luck.”
“I was wondering why you hadn’t made any kind of announcement yet,” Amalas said. “Now I know … because you’ve been stalling.” He nodded. “So you … what? Think I’ll have information that I’d be willing to let you use?”
“I was hoping …”
Amalas smirked. “And you’re aware that anything I might have to offer would come with a price, correct?”
Liam sighed, shaking his head as he dropped his gaze from the screen for a moment before looking at her again. “Amalas … I need your help. Please.”
There was a desperation in the Cordonian King’s voice that the Queen of Monterisso wasn’t expecting to hear. That paired with his willingness to be so forthcoming with her about the blackmail led Amalas to believe that something was being left out. There was something that caused Liam to drop his usually stoic veil, something that told her that the stakes were much higher for him than he was leading on. And if she helped, it could potentially work out in her favor as much as it did his.
The truth that Amalas wouldn’t admit out loud was that Monterisso needed Cordonia just as much as they seemed to need them at the moment. If this was a way to get into their good graces while simultaneously knocking Auvernal to the bottom of the totem pole, she supposed she could consider it a win-win.
Amalas let out a breath. “I can’t promise anything …”
Liam perked up at her words. “Does that mean—”
“I’ll try,” Amalas interrupted. “Again, I’m not making any promises. You need something bigger than what they had on you, which isn’t anything I have at the moment.”
“And … how likely do you think it is that we’ll find something of use?”
“It’s not going to be easy. The bad news is that they’re pretty good at hiding their skeletons. The good news is that everyone has them hidden somewhere. And we’ll discuss what’s in this for me at a later time.” Liam nodded hesitantly; it couldn’t be worse than it already was … at least, he hoped it couldn’t. “I’ll be in touch.”
When the screen went black, Liam propped his elbows on his desk and covered his face with his hands as he let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding.
Rashad could see the toll that this was taking on Liam, on top of everything else he was dealing with. He seemed more and more stressed and on edge with each passing day. “Well … I’d call that a win. If anyone can find something, it’s her.”
Liam dropped his hands away from his face. “Let’s hope.”
*******
A week later, Liam walked to his study after arriving back from the capitol where he’d made an appearance at a children’s event that the library in the square was hosting to promote summer reading.
Once inside his study, Liam scanned a list of messages he needed to return. He walked to his desk, planning to check everything off that list, wanting any work out of the way so he could enjoy his weekend. He’d barely sat down before a knock came on his study door.
Liam called for them to enter, and Rashad stepped inside a moment later. “Hello,” he said as he stood and walked around his desk to greet him.
“Hello,” Rashad replied as he shook his hand. “I’ve got an update from Amalas.” Liam looked at him with a hopeful glint in his eyes. “She hasn’t found anything of use yet,” he quickly added, watching his friend’s shoulders slightly slump. “However … she wants to do a little covert mission …”
“What?” Liam’s eyes widened.
“Auvernal is hosting their Fleet Week this week,” Rashad began to explain. “They’re having an event at the palace in a few days … some big show for Bradshaw to show off his military equipment. Amalas called while you were in the capitol, saying that Bradshaw called to extend a last-minute invite to her, and she accepted in hopes of maybe being able to look for some information. Olivia was there when she called and offered to help if she could. Five minutes later, your assistant came to me, saying that Bradshaw was on the line, demanding to speak to someone because you weren’t here and it was important, so I took the call. He wanted to extend the same last-minute invite to you, no doubt to try and blindside you, to try and announce the alliance in front of all the guests and press that will be there. I lied and told him you had a meeting that day that you absolutely could not miss, but suggested that one of our council members go on your behalf to show our support.”
“Which will be Olivia …”
“Right you are,” Rashad chuckled.
“I don’t know if I like this idea,” Liam shook his head. “I don’t want them doing anything that could put a target on their backs — or worse, get them hurt — if they’re caught.”
“Please,” Rashad scoffed. “It’s Amalas and Olivia.”
Liam sighed. “And they’re both ok with doing this?”
“Yes, more than ok and more than willing. You know how Olivia is with this kind of stuff. She’ll be discreet and careful. And I do not doubt that Amalas will be the same.” Rashad could still see a hint of worry in Liam’s expression. “It’s our best shot, Li. They’ll be inside the snake’s nest. There’s no other place they’re more likely to find something buried than there.”
Liam popped his neck before rubbing his temples, trying to release some of his stress. “Ok,” he said quietly. “Just keep me updated on the plan.”
“I will,” Rashad nodded with a smile. He turned for the door. “Oh, I almost forgot,” he said as he turned back. “I saw Daniel on my way up here, and he asked if I could drop this off to you.” He handed him a manila envelope.
Liam took it, flipping it over to find both sides blank. “Thanks.”
When Rashad left, Liam walked back to his desk and sat down as he opened the manila envelope. He slipped his hand inside and pulled out a piece of paper, reading the top line. The City of New York. Vital Records Certificate. Certification of Birth.
Liam let out a breath as he leaned back in his chair. At first, his eyes immediately dropped down to the bottom where the parents’ information was listed. Father’s Full Name: Liam Alexander Rys. She’d left his birthplace and date of birth blank; he assumed it was to help keep his identity under wraps. His eyes then shifted up. Place of Birth: New York City, Borough of Manhattan. Date of Child’s Birth: May 7th, 2022. Hour: 11:07 am.
When Liam’s eyes shifted up one more line, he swore he felt his heart stop. Full Name of Child: Sophia Eleanor Onasis. He let out a shuddered breath as he stared at the name through his blurring vision. Sophia Eleanor. Eleanor. Amara had given her his mother’s name; she remembered and she gave it to her … she gave her something of his. He leaned forward, setting the paper down before covering his mouth with his trembling hand as he continued to stare at it, trying and failing to take in a proper breath as he let it sink in.
Liam couldn’t stop the swell of emotions he felt at that moment; he bowed his head, digging the heels of his palms into his eyes as he broke down.
****
An hour after passing off the birth certificate to Rashad to give to Liam, Daniel walked down the corridor toward the King’s study, wanting to ensure he received the document; he’d been on his way to a meeting with a few of Liam’s advisors regarding the press and didn’t have time to drop it off himself.
When he reached the door, Daniel knocked, hearing a faint command for him to enter. He stepped inside a moment later to find Liam sitting at his desk, staring down at the birth certificate in almost a daze with red-rimmed eyes. “Hey …” Liam only gave a slight nod in response. “I see you got the certificate,” he said as he shut the door behind him. Again, he nodded. “Everything ok?”
Liam remained silent for a few moments, his brows furrowing in deep thought; he’d finally got himself to calm down but could feel those emotions stirring again. “I’m holding this in my hand … but it still just feels … surreal.” His eyes finally flickered up to meet Daniel’s gaze as he blinked to rid the sting from his eyes. “She gave her my mother’s name,” his voice cracked before he cleared his throat.
Daniel smiled ruefully with a nod. “She did. It was the only thing she was certain about when it came to naming her.”
Liam stared at him. “She said you were there when Sophia was born.” Daniel nodded. “What do you mean it was the only thing she was certain of?”
“She didn’t have a name picked out,” Daniel said as he sat in the chair on the other side of his desk. “She said it had to go with Eleanor. When I asked why Eleanor, she said it was your mother’s name … and she wanted her to have it because she thought it was something you’d want …”
“I’m surprised she didn’t have one picked out. She’s usually methodical when it comes to stuff like that … always prepared.”
Daniel scoffed. “Amara was anything but prepared. If I’m being candid … her entire pregnancy was a shitshow.”
Liam’s brows furrowed. “She told me the pregnancy was fine.”
“Did she now?” Daniel shook his head. “Typical.”
“What do you mean?”
“Medically, the pregnancy was great. But Amara was … she was detached. From everything and everyone. She did everything she was supposed to; she took her vitamins every day, she watched what she ate, she went to all of her appointments … but it’s like she wasn’t really there. When people would ask her about the pregnancy, she’d brush them off, giving as vague of an answer as she could before changing the subject. She wouldn’t even look at the screen during her ultrasounds. She’d done nothing to prepare. Absolutely nothing. She hadn’t bought a damn thing. No clothes. No bottles. No essentials. Nothing for the nursery; hell, she didn’t even have a room for the nursery cleaned out. She was around seven months along when I finally had enough…”
“What did you do?”
“I showed up at her apartment one day with a bunch of paint and told her to pick a color. Then I told her I was coming with her to her appointment later that day because she’d always refused to let me come any other time. And then I took her to a boutique and told her to pick things out. Even after that, though … it was like she still wasn’t there. Once we had the nursery set up, she couldn’t look at it without breaking down, so she eventually just shut the door and kept it shut until the day she brought Sophia home.”
“She didn’t tell me any of this,” Liam said quietly. “She didn’t … she didn’t tell me she struggled that much.”
“Of course she didn’t. She doesn’t want pity, especially concerning this and you. She feels so guilty, Liam. Even now … she’s struggling, but she won’t say a word about it.”
Liam couldn’t hide the concern in his eyes. “What do you mean she’s struggling now?”
Daniel sighed. “Her guilt … it’s eating away at her. And because of that guilt, she hasn’t mentioned how hard of a time she’s probably having with all of this. I can’t imagine it’s been easy, and again, she’s not talking about it, but I can tell that not having spent much time with Sophia the last few weeks has been … difficult for her.”
Liam’s brows furrowed. “I’m not trying to take that away from her. If she wants to spend time with Sophia, all she has to do is say so.”
“She wants you to have as much time with her as you want so you can build that bond with her,” Daniel explained. “She feels like you deserve that time more than she does after what she did. So she won’t say anything … but I can see it in her eyes every time Sophia is gone. It’s like … she’s empty.”
Liam heaved a sigh. He’d spent every day with Sophia for nearly three weeks now, and truthfully, he hadn’t thought about what not seeing her as much was doing to Amara. He was still adjusting to his new role, but now that he’d formed that attachment to her like Amara had, he could understand how difficult this probably was on her. Her not interfering, not asking any questions when he wanted to see Sophia … it made more sense now.
“I’m not trying to monopolize her time,” Liam said.
“Amara wouldn’t see it like that. She probably sees it as giving you what she thinks you deserve … and it’s still probably not enough in her eyes. Knowing her, she more than likely sees it as the bare minimum, to be honest.”
“I was supposed to have Sophia tomorrow … but I think Amara should take the day to spend with her.”
Daniel shook his head. “If I tell her that, she’s going to know we had some sort of conversation …”
“So tell her something came up and I told you I wouldn’t be able to take her … until tomorrow night.” Liam looked at him. “I’d like to have her tomorrow night … to stay in my quarters with me.” Overnight was a big step, but one he thought he was ready for.
Daniel nodded. “I’ll tell her.”
*******
The following afternoon, Liam walked from his quarters to the terrace overlooking the gardens, wanting different scenery while looking over documents than from his usual spot on the balcony in his quarters. He’d been doing random tasks throughout the day, passing the time while he waited anxiously to have Sophia that evening.
When Liam stepped out onto the terrace, he paused when he heard a familiar voice coming from the gardens below. He quietly crept forward to the balustrade and peered down, spotting Amara in the grass with Sophia.
Amara laughed as Sophia wobbly chased after her, giggling the entire time. When Sophia reached her, Amara lifted her into her arms, praising her as she tickled her belly and smothered playful kisses on her cheek.
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Liam’s mouth as he leaned against the wall; he’d never seen Amara and Sophia together that way. The first and last time he saw them together was when she was standing in front of the elevator, looking horror-struck as she stared back at him the day he’d found out the truth.
This … this was the other side Liam had yet to experience.
Watching them, their bond was obvious to Liam. The way Sophia smiled and laughed with her, the same way she started to with him, pulled on his heartstrings. He stifled a laugh when Sophia collided with Amara as she sat in the grass, feigning to be knocked over as Sophia belly laughed.
When Amara sat forward, she set Sophia in the grass in front of her, and her tiny hand reached for her mother’s phone that had slipped from her pocket. Amara pointed at the screen. “Who’s that?” Sophia answered with a babble of indistinguishable words. “Daddy. Can you say, Daddy?” Liam stiffened upon hearing her. “Dada.”
“Mama!” Sophia squealed.
“Daddy,” Amara chuckled. “Say Daddy, Soph. Dada.” She tapped her finger on the screen. “Sophia and … daddy.”
“Daaaa,” Sophia said before rolling it into a raspberry as she clapped her hands. “Pffftttt.”
Amara chuckled as she reached out, wiping the drool from her lip. “Come on, baby girl, say Daddy. You can do it. Da Da. Dada.”
Knowing Amara was taking this time that was supposed to be hers and trying to get Sophia to say his name … it did something, causing a pang in Liam’s chest. His eyes shifted from Sophia to Amara, noticing the way the afternoon sun brought out the golden strands of her brown hair and set a glow against her bronze skin.
As Amara sat in the grass with Sophia, who was over sitting and now pushing herself to stand, she had an odd sensation that someone was watching them.
Amara stood with her and lifted her head, glancing around before her eyes fell on the terrace. It was empty; there was no one there. She let out a soft breath as she turned back, following Sophia as she toddled further into the gardens.
***************************************
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