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angelasscribbles · 2 years ago

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Ah, I know it’s going to be trauma filled, but I’m still excited for it! Also, getting a glimpse into their baggage will likely explain a lot. So….Let’s do this!!!

Bertrand sent him into the greenhouse to hide.

Ahhh…protective Bertrand! Protecting Max and taking the blame like that.

And holy shit, Barthelemy sounds like an abusive fuck!!!

Bertrand was transported three years into the future, to the night after his mother died. With his arms wrapped around a sobbing Maxwell, he tried to keep a stiff upper lip. He needed to be strong despite the gaping hole in his heart. He had to be there for his brother, because now they had no one else.

You are killing me with this Bertrand! Always taking the brunt of everything to protect his brother!!!!

all Bertrand could do was close his eyes tightly, thankful that it was him instead of Maxwell.

I’m actually, for real, literally crying right now!!!!

The image melted away, revealing one of Bertrand’s worst memories ever..

Jesus christ, it gets worse?

Thankfully it hadn't been too difficult to convince Barthelemy to send Maxwell away to year round boarding school. And Bertrand’s college graduation coincided with Maxwell’s high school graduation, so everything worked out. After the ceremony, Bertrand went searching for his brother, who had slipped away with a friend.

Oh my gosh! Protecting his brother really is his whole mission in life! He is so sweet and good and strong. UGH. Now I’m in love with him!!!

No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t protect him.

No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t protect her.

“I'm so sorry Riley!” Bertrand yelled through his sobs, watching her struggle. She needed help. She needed him.

And he couldn’t protect her.

This…. This is amazing! I can feel his panic and pain and helplessness!! This is a perfect rendition of a horrible nightmare, ground in real trauma and filled with anxiety and self doubt about the present and future.

It was soooo emotional, you did such a great job showing us that, not just telling us about it! I can feel it so much that it actually hurts lol. Yes, it made me sad but it’s the hallmark of an excellent writer that you can make us feel that!!

I love how the dream switched from actual memories of Max to imagined ones of Riley. This really drives home how he feels about her. It puts her in the same category as the person he loves most in the world and underscores his desire to protect her.

Despite the embarrassment at what Riley had possibly witnessed, he was so relieved that she was safe. The fresh memory of his horrible nightmares came rushing back to him and he returned her embrace, letting himself be held and comforted.

I’m going to die from the sweet, fluffiness of this scene!!

The feeling of her fingernails gliding across his back and the steady sound of her heartbeat as he lay his head against her chest, instantly set him at peace.

Oh yeah, he’s in love.

Bertrand spent his life trying to protect me from him.. Which means he got the brunt of dads wrath most of the time.”

And I’m crying again at the trauma of it all!!! Not kidding, I'm using all these crying gifs and Tumblr keeps asking if I'm okay!

Now it just happens when he gets really stressed out, which is almost always right before the court comes for the Bash.”

Makes sense!

“Affection is a sign of weakness according to dear old dad.”

Didn’t think I could hate him more, but here we are….

For Barthelemy:

He shook his head sadly, “So anyway, when this happens I just put Bertrand in the bed with me and hug him so he knows he’s ok and I’m ok, and he's not alone.”

Oh my gosh! The love between these two brothers is amazing even though what they’ve been through is heart rending! Riley be like....

“Why do you think?” Max patted her hand sadly

Ah, Max knows what’s up.

Bertrand closed his eyes for a moment. “Yes. I do.”

Ah, he closes himself off because he’s had to be strong and stoic his whole life. He protected his brother’s more open personality at his own expense, took all the responsibility and blame for everything onto himself. Of course he’s closed off and doesn’t know how to open up, admit to his feelings or show her how he really feels. And probably feels unworthy of her affection to boot, thanks to dear old dad.

That’s a lot to overcome.

But she called him baby and sat up all night comforting him.

She loves him too.

I can’t wait for the next chapter!!!!!

Never Have I Ever

Chapter 11 - Demons From the Past - Part 2

Book- TRR

Series- Never Have I Ever

Pairings- Bertrand x MC

Chapter Synopsis- Bertrand relives his past through nightmares.

Chapter Warnings- language, physical and emotional abuse, child abuse, violence, death

Rating - Mature

Word Count- 3,000

A/N- This chapter is pretty heavy as we get a glimpse into Bertrand and Maxwell's past family trauma. Please see warnings above.

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..He turned on the TV in an attempt to drown out his intrusive thoughts regarding a certain woman who was sleeping a mere two doors away, and eventually drifted off into a restless sleep…

Chapter 11 - Demons From the Past - Part 2

Bertrand cowered on the floor of his playroom, looking up into the disdainful eyes of his father. The crystal squid statue in the foyer was in hundreds of pieces, and his father would ensure he’d never see the light of day again. The older man shook his head at his son, “What did I tell you boys about playing your infantile games in the house?! You’re nine years old now, Bertrand! Grow up!”

Bertrand apologized but his father yelled over him. “Enough! Where is Maxwell? I know he had a hand in this as well!” Bertrand didn’t dare to reveal his younger brother’s hiding place. As soon as Max had accidentally knocked down the statue, Bertrand sent him into the greenhouse to hide.

“He didn’t have anything to do with this.. it was all me. I’m sorry father, it was an accident.”

Barthelemy grabbed Bertrand’s arm and jerked him up roughly. “You are going to learn, son. All accidents come with a price.”

Berthelemy staggered into the boy's bedroom, holding a nearly empty tumbler of scotch. “Quit your blubbering, it won’t bring her back,” he slurred as he glared at Maxwell.

Bertrand immediately stood and walked past his father and out of the bedroom. There was only one way to stop Barthelemy when he started his drunken rants.

“You need to suck it up, Maxwell.. You’re a Beaumont for God's sake! I swear, I don’t know how I ended up with the world's biggest pussies for sons. Although I suppose your mother is to blame for that. It's a good thing she's-”

Crash!

Barthelemy whirled around and saw a shattered bottle of scotch at his feet, amber liquid and glass covering the surrounding tile. Bertrand’s heart hammered in his chest as his father’s ire turned to him. Rage filled the older man’s eyes and Bertrand ran, knowing he would be close behind.

“You son of a bitch, get back here!” Barthelemy yelled, running as fast as he could in his inebriated state. Once Bertrand had gotten far enough away from Maxwell’s bedroom, he stopped and faced his father. There was no use running, and there was nowhere he could hide. Barthelemy cocked his fist and all Bertrand could do was close his eyes tightly, thankful that it was him instead of Maxwell.

Four years later, sixteen year old Bertrand sat behind the wheel of his father’s Aston Martin, massaging his sore neck. The driver behind him swore she had put on her brakes, but the enormous dent in his bumper suggested otherwise. Bertrand only hoped that his father would be more forgiving if he found out about the accident in front of the police. Barthelemy pulled up to the scene in his black Rolls-Royce ten minutes later. “Oh, my son.. Are you alright?” he asked with what sounded like genuine concern.

“Yes, sir.” Bertrand nodded and Barthelemy spoke politely to the police officers before returning to his son’s side.

“Get your ass in the car,” he muttered under his breath and Bertrand obeyed immediately. Once the scene had been cleared and his father’s wrecked car was towed away, Barthelemy slid into the driver's seat. “I let you take my car, and you decided to go joyriding.”

Bertrand shook his head, “No sir, I just wanted to get some extra practice! The driver behind me ran into me, it wasn’t my fault!”

Berthelemy slammed his palm against the dash and Bertrand jumped, “A real man takes responsibility for his actions!”

Bertrand looked down, not daring to say another word. The engine roared to life and Barthelemy took off like a shot. “Were you racing some other punk when you crashed my two hundred and fifty thousand pound car?”

“No sir! I wouldn’t-”

His father cut him off with a forced laugh, “You think you’re an adult, is that it? You can do whatever you want? Well, go ahead and take the wheel, son.”

“What?!”

Bertrand watched in horror as his father let go of the steering wheel while the car continued down the road at an alarming speed. “Go on then.. Take the wheel, Bertrand. Show me how it’s done.”

Bertrand looked between his father and the road as the car began to drift toward the shoulder. “What are you doing?! I swear I didn’t mean to wreck the car!”

Barthelemy casually put his arms behind his head and pushed the gas pedal down harder. “Come on, Bertrand. I said, show me how it’s done.”

The car shook as it drifted onto the shoulder, gravel spraying wildly behind it. They were running out of straight road, and fast. Bertrand’s heart was hammering in his chest. Was his father really about to let them crash and die to teach him a lesson? A turn was fast approaching and Bertrand grabbed the steering wheel, preparing to save their lives.

Barthelemy slammed on the brakes and the car skidded to a stop, fishtailing slightly as it did so. “You arrogant motherfucker!” Barthelemy yelled at his teenage son. “Thought you’d just take over my car, didn't you?!” He threw the car in park and rushed around to the passenger door, yanking it open and pulling Bertrand out. He tossed his son to the ground and landed a sharp kick against his ribs. “You can walk home since you're such a big man now!”

Bertrand coughed and held his aching side, calling out after his father who was making his way back to the driver side. “Please.. It’s almost dark out. I don’t even know where we are!”

Once Barthelemy was back inside, he locked the car doors and cracked the window slightly. “Guess we’ll see how long it takes you to figure it out.”

Bertrand lunged for the passenger door, but as soon as his fingers grasped the handle, his father sped away, leaving his son laying on the ground in a cloud of dust.

The image melted away, revealing one of Bertrand’s worst memories ever.. years later at his college graduation. His father and Maxwell sat three rows back, smiling at him while he received his diploma on stage and gave a speech. He had graduated at the top of his class and been named valedictorian. Initially Bertrand wasn't even sure if he would be able to attend college, since there was no way he could leave Maxwell alone with his father while he wasn’t there to protect him. Thankfully it hadn't been too difficult to convince Barthelemy to send Maxwell away to year round boarding school. And Bertrand’s college graduation coincided with Maxwell’s high school graduation, so everything worked out. After the ceremony, Bertrand went searching for his brother, who had slipped away with a friend.

A minute later, he noticed Maxwell’s friend running full steam out of a hallway. Bertrand headed in that direction and heard the unmistakable sound of his father ranting.

“Smoking pot at your brother’s graduation?! Are you fucking insane?! Do you know how many important people are here?!” Barthelemy berated Maxwell from a room at the end of the hall. “God, it’s no wonder your grades were so piss poor! You know you wouldn’t even have made it through high school if I hadn’t paid them off!”

Bertrand hurried toward the scene before his father could do any more harm to his younger brother.

He was too late. Bertrand heard the telltale smack of his father’s hand connecting with Maxwell’s cheek.

“Dad, I’m sorry! It was just one time!” Max cried, before another slap rang out.

“Don’t lie to me, boy!” Another slap.

Bertrand broke out in a run and found them in a janitor's supply closet. His father was dragging Maxwell toward the door by his shirt collar.

“Father, please,” Bertrand tried to reason with him. “He made a mistake. He’s just a kid!”

“This is none of your business, Bertrand. Get the hell out of here!” Barthelemy shoved Bertrand backwards and he landed on the linoleum floor in the hallway. Barthelemy slammed the supply room door shut with himself and Maxwell inside, locking it with a click.

Bertrand banged on the heavy wooden door, pleading with his father to stop the assault. He threw his shoulder into it several times in an attempt to break it down to no avail.

“You are going to learn not to disgrace our name again!” His father yelled at Maxwell, and a loud crash immediately followed.

“Stop!” Bertrand cried out, watching through the narrow window with tear filled eyes. “Stop, god dammit!” The door wouldn’t budge no matter how many times he threw his body into it. He pounded on the door in frustration, helpless tears streaming down his cheeks. “I'm sorry, Maxwell.. I’m so sorry.”

No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t protect him.

The image before him swirled and transformed and suddenly, instead of Maxwell cowering on the floor, it was Riley. His father struck her across the cheek and she screamed.

“No!” Bertrand called out, his heart pounding as he threw his entire body into the wooden door, desperately trying to get to her. Yet his father continued, no matter how much he screamed and begged him to stop. With no other options, Bertrand decided to run for help, but found his feet were suddenly impossibly heavy, and his legs frozen in place. There was nothing he could do.

No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t protect her.

He swiped away his tears and suddenly it wasn’t his father in the room with Riley- it was Tariq. Bertrand watched in horror as Tariq pulled Riley to him, kissing her forcefully while she squirmed, trying to get away. Bertrand yelled and pounded on the door until his knuckles bled. “Let go of her!”

Tariq turned back toward Bertrand with a smirk before returning his attention to Riley’s now naked body.

“I'm so sorry Riley!” Bertrand yelled through his sobs, watching her struggle. She needed help. She needed him.

And he couldn’t protect her.

Bertrand gasped as he was thrust back into wakefulness. He was drenched in sweat, his heart was pounding, his chest hurt, his stomach was in knots, and tears dampened his cheeks.. Yet his body was surrounded by the most amazing warmth and feeling of security. Once he got his barings, he realized that he was in Riley’s room, laying in her bed with his head in her lap. She was rubbing her hand across his back soothingly, whispering something comforting that he couldn’t make out.

He sat up quickly and saw Maxwell was asleep in a chair across from the bed. The faint orange glow of sunrise shone through a crack in the curtain, slightly illuminating the dark room. Panic began to set in when he realized what must have happened. “How did I get in here?” he asked hesitantly.

“Hey, hey..” Riley whispered, taking hold of his arm and pulling him back down beside her on the bed. “It’s ok, Bert, don’t worry about it.” She wrapped her arms tightly around him and pulled him close to her body again. “I’ve got you. You’re ok.”

She whispered, “I’ve got you.” The feeling of her fingernails gliding across his back and the steady sound of her heartbeat as he lay his head against her chest, instantly set him at peace. She kissed the top of his head, and used the sleeve of her hoodie to dry his face.

“Riley?” He asked, breathing in her comforting scent while she continued to caress his back soothingly.

“Yes?” Her hand stilled briefly and she leaned forward to look down at him.

“Did.. Did Maxwell tell you about.. this?”

She sighed and hugged him tightly against her body. “Ya.. a little.”

Three hours prior..

An insistent knocking at her bedroom door woke Riley with a start. 3:00 am. Throwing open the door in panic, she found Bertrand standing in the darkened hallway outside of her bedroom, swaying slightly. “Bertrand!? Are you ok?”

He just stood there trembling with his arms wrapped around himself.

“Bert?”

Suddenly he choked out a sob and reached out to hold her tightly. “Oh!” Riley gasped in surprise.

His body shook as he sobbed against her. “I’m so sorry, Riley.. I’m so sorry,” he mumbled over and over, and although she was baffled, she immediately returned his embrace.

Riley was speechless as she helped him make his way over to her bed. She turned on a lamp and his eyes fluttered shut but when he opened them again, it was as if he was looking straight through her. Realization washed over her and she helped him sit beside her.

“Oh, Bert.”

He rested his head against her shoulder and she wrapped one arm around him, using her other hand to dial Max.

“Damn it.” Max frowned as he entered her room, taking in the sight before him. “I should have known this would happen.”

“He’s sleepwalking, right?” Riley whispered, her arm still protectively wrapped around Bertrand.

“Ya.”

“I’ve never seen him do this in all the months I’ve been here.. Why did you say you should have known it would happen?”

Maxwell sighed sadly, “It’s kind of a long story.”

“Tell me.. please?” Riley asked.

Bertrand had settled into what appeared to be a restful sleep, and Max helped him lay down on Riley’s bed. He put a comforting hand on his older brother's shoulder while he spoke quietly. “So.. growing up, our dad was always a real dick. Like a really, really shitty person. Bertrand spent his life trying to protect me from him.. Which means he got the brunt of dads wrath most of the time.”

“Oh God.” Riley’s eyes widened and her hand flew to her mouth, “Did he.. I mean.. hit you both?”

“Emotional and physical abuse were his forte but he was also a textbook narcissist. He never shied away from telling and showing us how disappointed he was in us. Seems fucked up to say, but I’m thankful dad’s in a coma. The only thing better would have been if he actually died. Me and Bert have seen some of the best therapists around and it’s helped a lot, but.. he fucked Bertrand up really bad. It’s taken him years to stop having nightmares every night. Now it just happens when he gets really stressed out, which is almost always right before the court comes for the Bash.”

Riley’s heart ached for both of them, but especially for the grown man who always prided himself on being the stoic leader of House Beaumont, whose body was once again starting to shake from quiet sobs.

“I don’t know what to say.. I’m so sorry.”

She placed her hand over Maxwell’s, which was still resting on Bertrand’s back. “Thanks,” Max replied with a sad smile.

“Does he remember this when he wakes up in the morning?”

“He does, mostly.” Maxwell nodded. “Although he never wants to talk about it. He usually sleepwalks to my room in tears, and apologizes over and over because he feels like he didn’t protect me enough. It’s also the only time he ever says he loves me. I blame dad for that too.” Max rolled his eyes, “Affection is a sign of weakness according to dear old dad.” He shook his head sadly, “So anyway, when this happens I just put Bertrand in the bed with me and hug him so he knows he’s ok and I’m ok, and he's not alone.”

Riley’s eyes welled up with tears, and she tried to discreetly wipe them away. “Max.. why do you think he came to my room tonight instead of yours?”

“Why do you think?” Max patted her hand sadly, and Riley swallowed down the lump in her throat as more tears fell from her eyes. "You can go sleep in my room tonight, Ri. I’ll take care of him.”

“No,” she swallowed hard while she looked at Bertrand curled up in her bed. “I want to stay with him.”

“Are you sure?”

Riley nodded, “Absolutely.”

“Ok,” Max dropped into a chair across the room, “but I’ll stay too, in case he gets really upset again.”

Riley lay on the pillows next to Bertrand and wrapped her arms around him. “I’ve got you, baby,” she whispered and rubbed his back soothingly until his breathing became rhythmic and calm. After about thirty minutes Maxwell drifted off to sleep but Riley remained awake, occasionally murmuring words of comfort.

Present..

Bertrand cringed in humiliation, knowing that Riley had to witness him in such a pathetic state. It was bad enough when he woke up in Maxwell's room after he had these nightmares, curled up against him like a helpless child. Riley would probably never talk to him again after this.

“I am so sorry. I’ve inconvenienced you terribly,” Bertrand apologized, and sat up. “I.. I need to go.”

“Wait,” She took his arm to keep him from leaving. “You didn’t inconvenience me. Do you wanna talk about it?”

“No.” That was the last thing he wanted to do. What he really wanted to do was fall into a hole forever.

“Are you sure? Talking can help sometimes, and I’m worried about you.”

“No, I’m fine,” his reply was more harsh than he intended. “Sorry, but I’d really rather just forget this ever happened.”

“You know you don’t always have to shoulder everything alone.”

Bertrand closed his eyes for a moment. “Yes. I do.”

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kweenofcordonia · 5 years ago

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My King Liam's anniversary letter. This was a sweet moment before Barthelemy did something stupid, i'm never going to forgive that man. Now he will pay and get his dirty laundry aired as well. Mark my words.

#Happy anniversary #Trh #Pixelberry #Play choices #Choices #Play #The royal heir book 2 #Finale #The #Royal #Heir #Book 2 #King liam rys #Liam #DIE BARTHELEMY #Come at me bro

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sfb123 · 4 years ago

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Sapere Aude - Part 7

Book: The Royal Heir

Pairing: King Liam Rys x Queen Riley Brooks

All characters belong to Pixelberry.

Catch Up Here

Series Description: I developed a theory of what I think will happen in TRH Book 4, and I was encouraged by some very lovely people to turn my theory into a fic, so here it is. Basically, Riley is recruited to join the Via Imperii, this series will follow her as she joins them to try and bring them down from the inside, and all of the drama and bombshells she learns along the way. Sapere Aude is Latin for “dare to know” it seemed like an appropriate title.

Rating: PG-13 Adult language, allusions to smut (but nothing graphic), discussions of death, conspiracy, blackmail, and other adult themes.

Warning: The Royal Heir Book 3 Spoilers all over the place.

Word Count: 2,670

Notes: Sorry. I’ve been on a pretty good once a week schedule, but this one is a little more delayed. I had a lot going on this week, so I didn’t have a chance to get it up. But here it is, I hope you find it worth the wait!

Shout out to my pre-reading possy, @texaskitten30 and @txemrn, and @twinkleallnight for my moodboard!

Tags: Do tags even actually do anything anymore? Who knows, but in case they do, they’re added below and also in the comments. Maybe that will help at least a couple of you get them. If you want to be added or removed, just let me know.

Riley paced back and forth in her bedroom, mind reeling from her meeting with Eleanor. It was bad enough that she was going to have to tell Liam that his mother was alive, but now she would have to tell him that the guard they were trusting with their daughter’s life was actually his brother. She was certain, no matter how stoic and level headed her husband was, this news was going to break him. Riley would just need to make sure that he kept his cool outside of the sanctuary of their quarters.

Her train of thought was broken when she heard a knocking at her door. “Come in.” She smiled as Drake entered the room. “Hey, when you left you had my kid with you. Don’t tell me you left her out in the woods to fend for herself a la some weird Walker wilderness test.”

Drake rolled his eyes. “Very funny. She fell asleep on the way back, so I just dropped her off in her room. I wanted to come in and see how things went with you.”

She sighed and sat on the bench at the end of her bed, patting the empty seat next to her. “You’re going to want to sit down for this one, big guy.” Drake had known Liam his whole life, maybe he could help her figure out the best way to tell him about his mother, and now brother. But she had to tell him about his father first. “I learned a lot more in this meeting, and literally none of it was good.”

He put a comforting arm around his friend’s shoulders. “Ok, do you want to talk about it? Maybe I can help you come up with the best way to tell Liam.”

“Well yea, I’m going to need a lot of help with that, like a lot a lot of help, but there’s something you need to know too.”

She looked up at him with so much sadness in her eyes that Drake felt overwhelmed. He pulled her into a tight hug. “Hey, it’s ok Brooks, whatever it is, I can take it. Just let me have it.”

“Your dad was one of them, he was working with Eleanor. They were partners.” Her voice was muffled against Drake’s chest, but he was able to hear every word she said. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He needed to be there for his friend right now, but this was also a huge blow to everything he had ever known or believed about his father.

“Wait, he was working against Constantine?” He pulled out of the hug and rubbed his hand over his face, letting the information fully sink in. “But he was his lead guard, he saved his life. More than once.”

“I know. He wasn’t technically against Constantnine, and I guess technically he did die protecting him.”

“What do you mean?” There was a hopeful sadness in Drake��s voice.

“Well, Eleanor said that your dad didn’t agree with the plans to overthrow Constantine, so the assasination attempt that took his life was actually meant for him.” Riley was so upset that she didn’t even realize what she had said.

Drake didn’t catch it at first either, still trying to process the information about his dad, but once it hit him, he looked over to Riley, utterly confused. “Wait, who said that? Eleanor who?”

Riley’s eyes immediately fell to the floor. “Yea...that’s kind of one of the other things. The meeting I had today was with Eleanor, Liam’s mother. She didn’t actually die, she went into hiding.” The tears she had been holding back all day finally started to flow.

“Holy shit Brooks, way to bury the lead. Liam’s mother is alive? You met with her? She was here?”

“She’s...she’s in charge of the Via Imperii in Cordonia. What the hell am I supposed to tell Liam? This is going to kill him.” Riley began sobbing into her hands.

“Hey, shh shh shh, come here.” He pulled Riley back into his arms, gently stroking her back. “This is major. It’s going to be a big blow for Liam, but he has you to help him get through it. You guys have been through hell and back, you’ll get through this too.”

They stayed like that for a while, Riley needed to get all of her emotions out. Drake knew this, and just stayed there to be the comforting friend that she needed in that moment. He had to come to terms with his dad, and he would, but the news he got was nothing compared to the devastation his best friend, his brother, was about to receive.

Riley was able to finally calm herself down. She pulled away from Drake, wiping the lingering tears from her cheeks. “I’m sorry Drake, I didn’t mean to break down on you like that.”

“Don’t worry about it, Brooks. You needed to get it out. You need to empty the tank before you bring this to Liam…”

“There’s more.” She interrupted him.

“I’m afraid to ask, but we’ve already come this far.”

“Remember when I was pregnant, and we found out all that information about Eleanor, and how she was pregnant when she…” Riley trailed off.

“Fuck. That’s right. Liam has a sibling out there somewhere.” Drake ran his hand through his hair.

“Not somewhere. In the palace, guarding Eleanor.”

“Thomas?” Drake and Thomas were friendly, Drake was friendly with most of the guards. He couldn’t believe that this whole time, he had been talking to Liam’s brother. “Does he know that he’s...that he and Liam are brothers?”

Riley nodded. “He does. Eleanor said that when he learned that he was a Rys, he wanted to be close to his family, and do what he could to keep them safe. That’s how he ended up assigned to the King’s Guard.”

Drake stood and walked over to the fireplace, watching the flames dance as he shook his head. “This is unbelievable. His mother is alive, and he’s had another brother this whole time.” As he came to another realization, he snapped his head back to look at Riley. “Is Thomas his full brother? Like Constantine is his dad too?”

Riley nodded as she wiped the tears from her eyes. “Full brother. Constantine had three sons.”

“That means he’s a Prince too. What if he tries to get Liam out to put himself in place?”

“That can’t happen. Eleanor, my Eleanor, is the heir. Liam is the reigning King, so his child would be next in line for the throne…” She paused, taking a deep breath, not wanting to put her next thought into the universe, but it needed to be said. “If anything happened to him, Eleanor would be next in line, and as her parent and legal guardian, I would be Queen Regent, so I would rule until she became of age. They’ve already tried, and failed, to take her away from us once. I don’t think they would do that again.”

“Right, Barthelemy. Jesus, all of our parents sucked. Barthelemy, Eleanor, my dad, Olivia’s parents. Constantine wasn’t exactly in the running for father of the year. You and Hana are the only ones that really lucked out.”

Riley let out a humorless chuckle. “Heh, who would have thought, after everything we’ve gone through, Hana’s overbearing, controlling, parents would have been considered the normal ones.” She walked up to Drake and linked her arm through his. “Drake, your dad was a good guy, he just got caught up with the wrong group. He really did die trying to save the King, just not in the way we thought he did.”

“Yea, I guess.”

“And you know what?” She grabbed both of his shoulders, turning him to look her in the eyes. “For as shitty as you guys’ parents were, they made some pretty great humans. You, Savannah, Maxwell, Bertrand, Liam, even Leo.” Throwing Leo in there like that got a chuckle out of Drake, which is exactly what she was hoping for. “You guys are some of the most amazing, selfless, caring people I have ever met, and I am truly honored that you all are my family.” She pulled him in for a hug.

“Alright, that was a pretty good pep-talk. But when you give it to Liam, make sure you mention him first.” They both laughed as they separated.

“Thanks for the note. I’ll be sure to punch it up before I talk to him.” She smirked at him. “I should go check on Eleanor. Are you going to be ok?”

“Yea, I’ll be alright. I’m more worried about Liam to be honest. Do you want me to be there when you tell him?”

“No, I think this is something he and I need to handle one on one. But I love the concern. See what I mean, amazing human.” She made finger guns and pointed them at Drake.

“Alright, alright. Well, I was going to head up to Ramsford tomorrow, after we get back. I could take Eleanor with me, she and Bartie could have a slumber party, and you and Liam can have plenty of time to talk.”

“Drake, I couldn’t ask you to do that. You’ve basically spent the whole weekend with her. I’ve already imposed too much.”

“It’s not imposing if I’m offering. I know Liam, he’s going to need time to just deal. He’s not going to be able to do that if you guys have to be in parent mode. It’s no trouble, really.”

Riley was overwhelmed by the generosity of her friend. He had just received news that completely destroyed the image he had of his father, his hero, and his first instinct was to do whatever he could to make things easier for her and Liam. Without saying a word she barreled toward him, the force of her body hitting him knocked him off balance slightly, as she wrapped her arms around his waist. “Number one best friend of life. No question.”

“Alright slugger, take it down a notch. Go get your kid, I’m going to go back to my room and relax for a bit. Come get me for dinner?”

Riley nodded as they exited her room and took off down different ends of the hallway.

The next day, Riley Drake and Eleanor were in the SUV on their way back to the palace. It had been another sleepless night for Riley, trying to work out exactly what she was going to say to Liam. She came up empty. She was just going to have to wing it. They would have a couple of hours together as a family before Drake brought Eleanor to Ramsford, then she would completely devastate her husband.

“Mommy?” Eleanor spoke up, pulling Riley from her thoughts.

“Yes baby girl?”

“Are you and daddy going to come play with me and Bartie?”

“No Eleanor, not this time. Mommy and daddy have some grown up stuff we need to do.” She reached across the seat and held her daughters hands.

“Ew are you and daddy going to kiss?” Eleanor scrunched up her face, causing Drake to choke on the sip of water he had just taken.

Riley burst out laughing at the comment. “No baby, no kissing.”

“Can I play with daddy first? I miss him!”

“Of course. Uncle Drake is going to go home first, and then he’ll be back to pick you up after dinner.” She kissed Eleanor’s hand.

As they pulled into the palace, Riley’s breath caught in her throat seeing Liam waiting for them in the front. Whenever they spent a night apart, they made it a tradition that whoever got home first would wait for the other out front. This was the first time she had ever hated that tradition. She wished she had a little more time to compose herself before seeing him.

Drake noticed the panic flash across her face and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “You’ve got this, Brooks. Deep breaths.”

She nodded as the car came to a stop. She took a couple of deep breaths to compose herself as her door opened. Drake worked to unbuckle Eleanor on the other side of the car.

“Riley, my queen. I’ve missed you.”

The tears immediately started to well up in her eyes. “Liam.” She jumped out of the car, and into her husband’s arms. “I love you, I love you so much.”

He held her close, rubbing her back in soothing circles and kissing her on the crown of her head. “I know, Riley. I love you too. It will be ok, we’re together now. Everything is going to be ok.”

“Daddy!” Their reunion was interrupted as Eleanor ran full force into her parents to join their hug.

Liam pulled back, giving Riley a brief kiss and a wink before diverting his attention to his daughter. “Welcome home, princess.” He lifted Eleanor into his arms.

“Uncle Drake took me fishing. I caught the biggest fish!”

“You did? I’m very proud of you.” He kissed her cheek.

“For the record, it was the only fish.” Drake emerged from the other side of the car, sticking his tongue out at Eleanor, she returned the gesture.

“That’s alright, going fishing with Uncle Drake and catching the only fish is still a very big accomplishment.” Liam placed Eleanor back on the ground and extended his other hand out to shake Drake’s. “Thank you for taking care of my girls for me this weekend Drake.”

“For this one,” he signaled down to Eleanor, “anytime. This one,” he nudged Riley, “not so much.”

Riley rolled her eyes and punched him in the shoulder. Liam chuckled, with everything he knew Riley had to endure this weekend, it made him happy to see her joking around, even if it were just for a moment.

“Daddy, Uncle Drake is going to take me with him for a slumber party with Bartie tonight! It’s going to be so much fun!” Eleanor tugged on Liam’s pant leg to get his attention.

He crouched down to meet her face to face. “Really? You just got home and you’re already leaving me again?” He gave her an exaggerated pout, she responded by placing her hands on either side of his face and kissing his nose. “I’m sorry daddy, mommy said you had grown up stuff to do. Maybe if you say please, she will let you come with me. I bet it will be more fun than the grown up stuff.”

Riley sighed as Liam turned and faced her. “I’m sorry Liam, I know you haven’t seen her all weekend, but Drake offered to bring her with him to Ramsford. And the stuff we need to catch up on will be a lot easier to go over if it’s just us.” There was a seriousness in her expression, Liam understood that she didn’t mean the usual catching up they did when they had been separated for a few days.

“No, of course.” He turned to Drake. “You don’t have to leave just yet, do you? I would like to spend some time catching up with Eleanor before she leaves again.”

“Nah you’ve got time. I’m going to head back to my place, I’ve got a few things for Bartie that I’m going to bring with me. I’ll be by after dinner to pick her up.” He clapped Liam on the shoulder. Liam nodded as a silent thank you to his friend.

As Drake walked to his truck, Liam took Eleanor’s hand in his, and wrapped his other arm around Riley. “Alright then, let’s go make up for lost time. Eleanor, I want to hear all about your weekend. Don’t leave a single detail out.”

They walked into the palace and up to their quarters. Liam and Riley were both dreading the conversation that would come later that night, but silently vowed to forget about those feelings, so they could enjoy time as a family.

Tags: @txemrn @texaskitten30 @kingliam2019 @anjanettexcordonia @twinkleallnight @mile9213 @kittypryde-bipride @motorcitymademadame @kat-tia801 @bebepac @gkittylove99 @khoicesbyk @jessiembruno @queenrileyrose @athena-penrose @pixie88 @eadanga @choicesficwriterscreations @iaminlovewithtrr @hopelessromanticmonie @annarenee355 @burnsoslow @shewillreadyou @imturaxamara @gabesmommie1130 @cordoniaqueensworld

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coffeeheartaddict2 · 1 year ago

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1. Barthelemy Beaumont: ato have faked his illness and work from the sidelines to infiltrate the Cordonian inner court and take over. Finding a long lost family and bringing Olivia’s aunt out of jail to vote…. It was dedication sure but I did feel for Bertrand and Maxwell.

2. Dr June Hirata- she could have been brilliant as a protagonist in book 2 but Pixelberry really dropped the ball with the second half rewrite. I will die on this hill: there was an arc where MC and Ethan were exposed after Dagger mountain. It would have made for delicious angst, even if you were not romancing Ethan, the rumours and the damage that would have done to your relationship….

3. Another instance of Pixelberry ruining a book. Leland Bloom. What was his real end game? I mean there was a whole song and dance about what we did with the cheque in book 2 but means nothing in book 3. Was he behind the lawsuit? What was his real purpose of bringing Tobias on the team, sure competition in his world breeds excellence but was Tobias meant to be a yes man gone rogue? Again so under utilised and not to mention not even seeing Caroline for a whoe book and she was the reason why he bought the hospital.

4. Ok I have not finished CoP1 yet but I think Trystan’s family will be villaneous

5. The whole Dalton Family that was not the kids. Sam was just creepy and I have read enough spoilers to know his first wife was alive the whole time and yet no one effing knew… I am sorry not buying that.

Sorry for going over

Top 3 Thursday - Week 11

Welcome to Top Three Thursday! 💙

FIRST, a few quick rules!

Please reblog your answer - don't create a new post. The point is to keep us all together in one place and to get to know each other.

You can answer any way you like - basic answer, headcanons, fics, moodboards, edits, artwork - be as creative (or not!) as you like.

Pixelberry Choices-related content only.

PLEASE BE KIND! People will have different options, thoughts, headcanons, and likes - and that’s a good thing. Be respectful of one another.

For Week 11 - It's back to being about YOU. In your opinion...

WHO ARE YOUR TOP THREE CHOICES VILLAINS?

Who is the most horrible? Who do you find the most comical? Answer however you like.

If you’d like to be added to the tag list, let me know, but anyone can participate! Tags below break. 💙💙💙

@aces-and-angels @alj4890 @aallotarenunelma @angelasscribbles @bebepac @cariantha @coffeeheartaddict2 @cooltuna69 @crazy-loca-blog @headoverheelsforramsey @hopelessromantic1352 @icecoffee90 @karahalloway @korgbelmont @kyra75 @lovealexhunt @missameliep @peonyblossom @peonierose @potionsprefect @princess-geek @queenrileyrose @quixoticdreamer16 @secretaryunpaid @takeharryandgo @tessa-liam @trappedinfanfiction @tveitertotwrites @twinkleallnight @surrrenderronniebabe1 @jerzwriterreblogs

#top 3 thursday #t3t week 11 #villains #playchoices #choices the stories you play #open heart #the royal heir #the nanny affair #crimes of passion

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argylemnwrites · 5 years ago

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Fight or Flight - Chapter 1: Flee

Pairing: Drake Walker x MC (Riley Liu)

Book: The Royal Heir (Book 3, Chapter 1... just kidding. I wish, though)

Word Count: ~3300

Rating: R (language only)

Summary: Riley knows what needs to be done.

Author’s Note: So, maybe TRH3 will interest me if we get something like this... but we won’t. This is an AU (not officially yet, but undoubtedly this won’t be the path PB takes) that picks up immediately after the end of TRH2. I don’t know if I’ll play around any more in this universe or not, but I had a lot of fun exploring how Riley Liu would actually react to everything that unfolded. This wasn’t exactly what I envisioned when I started writing this piece, and it probably won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but I like how this turned out, and I hope some of you can enjoy it. Thanks to @shz256 for asking me to tackle this topic! I don’t know if this will be how you envisioned it or not, but it’s where these characters led me.

Riley felt as if things were happening in slow motion, but as if time was somehow passing by faster than normal, too. She could barely catch her breath, trying to follow the discussion about ancient, unused statutes that would somehow take her daughter from her. She needed to listen, to understand, to pay attention, but it was hard not to be overwhelmed by panic. They were trying to take her baby.

It felt like a horror movie, so surreal and shocking, listening as Landon and Kiara, two people she trusted, pronounced her an unfit mother. Kiara, who was always direct with her, who had never been dismissive or involved in a scheme against her. Until now, apparently. And Landon, who she admired, who she knew Drake looked to as a model on how to be a member of the nobility with some common sense. Well, fuck ‘em.

Fuck all of it. Fuck this country and it’s stupid backwater practices. Fuck social seasons and childhood betrothals and and apple themed everything. Fuck her child being heir to the throne. Fuck Liam for asking. Fuck Drake for convincing her to agree. Fuck being a duchess. Just… fuck. She never wanted her life to look like this, her daughter a political figure before she took her first steps, expected to bear the burden of the crown. She knew what she had to do. She would die before they took her daughter from her.

There was exactly one person who she could trust who was also in a position to help her. As she wrapped her arms around Bridget, holding her close, her eyes darted around the room frantically. Olivia was already on her feet, coming to stand next to Liam, who was now apparently debating the finer points of this fucking law. Widening her eyes and staring her down, Riley was able to get her attention. Olivia tilted her head down slightly in acknowledgement, sliding back a half step and turning her head partially to the side so that Riley could whisper in her ear without drawing too much attention.

“I need you to slow them down,” was all she breathed out before pivoting on her heel. The door was only a few feet away. With the element of surprise and Olivia defending her, she could get out of here. Make a run for it. The main gate was out with all the press and citizens there, but if she could find the back driveway that Drake had told her-”

A hand on her shoulder tugged her back around before she’d even fully taken a step, sharp red nails digging painfully into her skin.

“What the fuck are you doing?” hissed Olivia, taking advantage of the fact that Liam and Barthelemy had both stepped closer to each other, raising their voices ever so slightly, though nowhere near loud enough to be considered yelling, to serve as a small distraction. Even still, she and Olivia didn’t go completely unnoticed. Both Drake and Hana were watching the two of them closely, Drake clearly torn between stepping over to join her and staying where he was and not drawing any more attention to her conversation. Maxwell just seemed lost and in shock, standing off to the side, staring at his fingers. And Kiara had glanced their way briefly, but quickly flicked her eyes back to the brewing confrontation between Liam and Barthelemy. Everyone else seemed to be ignoring them.

“I’m getting the fuck out of here before they take my baby,” Riley ground out, her voice breaking slightly at the end, sliding her hand over the back of her daughter’s head as she started squirming. It was hard to soothe her when she felt like she might throw up if she had to stay here a second longer.

“Calm down. We need a better plan than-”

“I don’t fucking have time, Olivia. I have to go. Now.”

Olivia sighed, then pulled a small blade from a hidden pocket near her waist and slid it into Riley’s hand, “My driver is out front. Ray. Show him I gave you this, and he will take you to the Lythikos keep.”

“No, I need to get out of Cordon-”

“Riley, take Bridget there. You will be safe. Lythikos will not tolerate a Beaumont-led invasion. The citizens will take up arms before that happens.”

“I can’t risk that. I need-”

“You need more of a plan than just running on foot. You know I’m right, so go tell Hana that you are going to go change Bridget’s diaper. Then calmly walk out of here and straight to my town car.”

Riley knew further discussion would be pointless, and she was just wasting time. Fighting every urge in her body that told her to just bolt, she took those few painful steps closer to the assholes who were trying to take her child so she could tell Hana they were stepping out for a diaper change. Hana squinted slightly, clearly not sure why she was being told this info over Drake, but nodded. Riley could feel Drake staring at her, practically boring a hole into the back of her head with his gaze, but she couldn’t worry about him right now. Her daughter had to be her priority.

She strode calmly to the back of the room. Olivia passed her the diaper bag and gave her a nod as she heard Barthelemy cry out, “Duchess Riley, where are you going?” but Riley just kept walking. She couldn’t risk looking back. She caught Hana’s calming voice start to explain, and all she could do was hope that would be enough and that everyone would buy it.

She kept her arms wrapped around Bridget as tight as she could, striding down the hall and through the entryway. She wanted to bolt, run straight through those doors, but she didn’t know if she could trust anyone at the palace right now. She had no idea if they had heard gossip and knew what was coming or if they were about to feel as blindsided as her.

“Babababa!” Bridget babbled excitedly at a pair of guards that were stationed near the front doors, squirming wildly in Riley’s arms.

“Shh, Peanut. You gotta stay with Mama right now,” Riley murmured into her hair as she adjusted her grip on her daughter. She nodded at the guards as she passed through the palace doors, hoping they just assumed she was stepping out because her child was being disruptive. She was sure she looked anxious, though, and the only reason she wasn’t visibly trembling was because of how tightly she was holding Bridget.

She heard a few cheers from what was left of the crowds that had gathered outside the gates to see the arrival of all of Cordonia’s nobility for the start of the Social Season, but she couldn’t worry about them at that moment. She squinted in the sunlight, scanning the drive for Ray, finally spotting him pacing next to a town car maybe a couple hundred feet away, tucked around a bend in the drive that limited its visibility from the front gates. She realized he was smoking while he read something on his phone as she got closer, propelled forward by pure adrenaline. He didn’t glance up at her until she was only a dozen or so feet away, likely not expecting anyone to be approaching him for a while. When he realized she was walking toward him, he quickly shoved his phone in his pocket and stood up straight.

“Your Grace, can I help you?” Ray asked as she closed the rest of the distance between them, dropping his cigarette to the gravel and snuffing it out with the heel of his shoe. Bridget tucked her head into Riley’s shoulder and clutched at her collar. She didn’t like being around strangers, probably a side effect of all the galas and balls and shindigs she’d already been forced to attend. It made Riley feel guilty that she had let things get this far before she took any action, having already subjected her daughter to so much she didn’t deserve.

Riley unclentched her fist just slightly, trying to show Ray what Olivia gave her, but her hands were shaking more and more as the reality of her plan set in, plus she was reluctant to loosen her grip on Bridget even slightly. “Olivia told me that you would drive me where I need to go if I showed you this,” she said, her voice quivering slightly as she finally flashed him the razor thin knife Olivia had given her. Ray jerked his head up when he saw it, staring at Riley for a few tense seconds before scanning the palace behind her. Riley chanced looking back. No one had followed her out here… yet.

“Of course, ma’am. Where are we heading today?”

Riley took a deep breath. She knew what she needed to do. “Ray, do you know the closest border?”

He didn’t react to her question with any shock or surprise, just glanced up as if he were recalling a map in his mind. “The closest from the capital would be the Auvernese border, but I am guessing that does not suit your needs.”

“No, not exactly.”

“Well, The Greek border is probably the next closest.”

“Perfect. That’s where we’re going.”

Ray nodded and moved to open the door for her, but stopped suddenly. “Are you and Her Royal Highness the only passengers today?” he asked, eyes locked over her shoulder in the direction of the palace doors.

Riley nodded, letting her eyes flutter shut and taking a deep breath as she gripped Bridget tighter with her left arm, sliding Olivia’s knife into her grasp better. She was ready to do what she needed to do.

“So the Duke of Valtoria won’t be making this trip with you?” At Ray’s second question, Riley’s eyes flew open and she spun around in shock. There was Drake, essentially power walking across the drive, head jerking back behind him repeatedly.

“I… I don’t know.”

“Well, I will be in the driver’s seat, ma’am. Whoever gets in the car with you I can take, unless you tell me ‘hit it, Ray,’ alright? If you tell me that, I’ll remove anyone who isn’t you and the princess. Does that suit?”

Riley just nodded weakly. This morning, she could have never pictured a time where she would possibly be making plans without Drake. Plans in opposition to Drake potentially. But she wasn’t sure how he was going to feel about this. About abandoning Liam and their friends and their country in a time of crisis. But she needed to protect her daughter, whether her husband was on board with that plan or not.

“What are you doing out here? They’re going to get suspicious.” she asked as soon as he was close enough that she could keep her voice low. Bridget squirmed in her arms, reaching for Drake and calling excitedly for “Dada,” but Riley kept a tight hold on her. She couldn’t let go of her daughter for anyone at the moment.

Drake opened his left hand, revealing a tube of diaper cream. “Olivia nicked it from the bag and dropped it on the floor so I would have an excuse to go after you. We gotta get going, though.”

“We?”

“Olivia just told me we’d be under her protection at the Lythikos keep and that we’d discuss details later, so on the drive, if you could fill me in on anything else you know, that would be great, Walker.”

Drake moved to open the car door, but Riley shook her head, a few of the tears she’d been fighting starting to trickle down her cheeks as she clutched Drake’s arm, halting him.

“Drake…”

He took one look at her and grasped both her shoulders tightly, dropping a light kiss to her temple, “It’s gonna be okay, Riley. I’m not going to let anything happen to you or Bridget. But we gotta get out of here. The sooner we enter her duchy, the better.”

“Drake, I’m not taking Bridget to Lythikos,” she croaked out, opening her eyes and taking in his expressions as he tried to understand what she was saying.

“Olivia said-”

“I know. Olivia doesn’t know.”

Drake swallowed roughly before he spoke again, “So where-”

“Greece is apparently the best option from here.”

Another rough swallow, “Did you have any plans to tell me you were running away and taking our daughter to a foreign country?” His voice had a harsh edge to it, but he wasn’t livid yet. But Riley knew it wouldn’t take much to push him over the edge. Not today.

“Drake, I just… I can’t stay and… I would have gotten word to you. I just can’t risk them getting their hands on her. I have to keep her safe.” Riley knew she was rambling, but she just wanted him to understand. It wasn’t about him, it was about doing everything she could to keep her daughter. Hell, there were all those stories about women who lifted cars by themselves to save their babies. Going to hide out in a different country was nothing compared to that.

“Riley, listen to me. This is insane,” Drake kept holding onto her shoulders tightly, but his voice was more desperate, pleading, needy than it had been mere seconds earlier. “We don’t have any luggage or our passports or any of Bridget’s things. If we flee, this gets ten times worse. Come with me to Lythikos. We’ll fight this from there. All of us.”

“What do you mean, all of us?”

“Liam, Hana, Maxwell, Olivia - everyone. Barthelemy right now is in there trying to strip Liam of his title, and I’m no legal scholar, so I have no idea if he has any leg to stand on here. But together we can fight this coup. We will fight this coup.”

Riley just shook her head, tears falling more and more rapidly now. She’d known he would see this as a national matter. But she just couldn’t. Not anymore. “I’m done, Drake.”

“Done?” he pulled back, jerking his hands off her shoulders as if they had scalded him.

“Done being a duchess. Done letting my kid be used as a pawn in fucking political games. Done trusting Liam to sort this out, just waiting for the next shoe to drop. Because the next shoe always drops, Drake. Blackmail and assassins and foreign invasions have been constant, and I’ve haven’t even been here three years! I’m done with Cordonia. I’ve given them enough. I’m not giving them my daughter.”

“Ri-” Drake started, but the words kept flowing out of Riley, all the anger and hurt and fears and struggles just bubbling out, no longer shoved away and ignored.

“This was never supposed to be us! We were never supposed to be raising the heir to the throne! I’m not cut out for this, but I tried. I tried when Liam asked for our kid. I tried when my entire pregnancy was a media circus. I tried when my daughter’s future looked like it was going to be tied up in a foreign marriage alliance. But I am done trying, Drake. Because now they are trying to take my child from me, and I refuse to risk becoming my mother.”

She let out a ragged breath, trying to calm herself. She didn’t have time to get into all this, not now. She needed to be on the road, putting as much distance between her daughter and those asshats and douche nozzles as possible. “I am doing what I need to do to keep my daughter by my side. And if you need to stay and fight this coup, I get it. But Bridget is not going to stay in this country a second longer than she has to, and there is nothing you can say to change my mind.”

Drake just stared at her and Bridget for a few agonizing seconds before nodding at her. “Okay. Yeah… okay.”

Riley tensed slightly at that response, not sure how to interpret his words, but after a moment, Drake continued, “So, we better get going,” tilting his chin towards the town car behind her. “He onboard with the change of plan?”

A little sob escaped Riley as relief washed over her and she sagged forward against Drake’s chest, comforted by the strong, solid arms that immediately wrapped around her and Bridget. She’d been ready to do this alone, she really had. But Drake wasn’t going to let that happen. He hadn’t really let her face much alone since she’d first set foot on Cordonian soil, an impulsive New Yorker with no idea what she was in for. He’d had her back long before he loved her, long before he liked her even. And even now, years later, it still felt like a blessing she never could have expected.

“I’ve got you,” he murmured into her hair, “I’ve got you both.”

Riley let out a rough sigh, raising one hand to wipe away the tears still spilling down her cheeks. “Thank you, Drake.”

“Riley, I told you - I’m not gonna let anything happen to you or Bridget. Got it?”

She nodded, pulling back in his arms to meet his gaze and offer him the best smile she could muster.

“Good. But we need to hit the road. This is already a long “diaper change,” and someone is bound to go looking for us,” he said, taking a step towards the car, sliding his arms from Riley’s back to grab Bridget who had twisted on her hip to grab onto Drake’s shirt. This time, Riley let him take her from her. “Before I put my foot in my mouth in there, I need to know what Ray knows.”

“He thinks Olivia is having him take me wherever I want to go.”

“Got it. You set?” he asked, opening the door for her with one hand as he bounced Bridget on his hip slightly.

“Yeah,” she responded, sliding into the back seat of the town car. Drake was seconds behind her, and as soon as he closed the door behind him, Ray twisted around to face them.

“Ready, Your Graces?”

Riley clutched Drake's hand on the seat next to her and gave Ray a little nod, “Yup. Same plan.”

“Excellent. Just knock if you need anything,” Ray said, turning back to face forward, starting the car and raising the privacy divider between the driver’s and back seats.

Within seconds, the car was rolling forward. Bridget was babbling, patting her chubby little hands against the window. She loved car rides so much. Drake, on the other hand, sat rigidly straight, staring out the window with her, but clearly just as anxious as Riley that they weren’t even going to make it off the palace grounds without getting stopped. But they barely paused for a few seconds at the guard station before the gates swung open and they turned onto the main road.

Riley let out a massive sigh of relief and Drake closed his eyes and tipped his head back, also letting out a rough breath as he gave her hand a squeeze. As they picked up speed, distancing themselves more and more from the palace, Riley leaned over to rest her head on Drake’s shoulder, smiling up at him as he opened his eyes and turned his head to look at her. He dropped a long kiss on her forehead before pulling back and nodding at her, slowly and surely. For now, they were safe, and they were together. It was a good first step.

Permatag: @walkerswhiskeygirl @riley--walker @bebepac @ravenpuff02 @oofchoices @octobereighth @drakewalker04 @kimmiedoo5 @mfackenthal @thequeenofcronuts

The Royal Romance/The Royal Heir: @ao719 @mskaneko @katedrakeohd @jovialyouthmusic @marshmallowsandfire @axwalker @kingliam2019 @sirbeepsalot @texaskitten30 @princessleac1 @ladyangel70 @dcbbw @yaushie

Drake x MC: @drakeandcamilleofvaltoria @iplaydrake @gibbles82 @drakewalkerisreal @notoriouscs @drakesensworld

#drake walker #drake x mc #trr au #trh au #trr fanfic #trr au fanfic #trh fanfic #trh au fanfic

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xxrainbow-princessxx · 4 years ago

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The Return - Leo x Isabella (TRR/TRH AU)

Can Leo get to Isabella and the kids in time?

Chapter list:

Chapter 1: Enough

Chapter 2: Homeward Bound

Chapter 3: Band of Brothers

Chapter 4 Dearest Sympathies

Chapter 5: No Expectations

Chapter 6: Line of Succession

Chapter 7: Unspoken Truths

Chapter 8: Family Ties

Find links for previous chapters here!

Tag list: @lorirwritesfanfic @drakewalkerfantasy @desireepow-1986@rainbowsinthestorm @lorircreates @itslaniquelove @liam-rhys @hopefulmoonobject @speedyoperarascalparty @kimmiedoo5 @rafasgirl23415 @kingliam2019@mom2000aggie @texaskitten30 @the-everlasting-dream

Trigger warning: Violence, death, premonition of death, sexual innuendo, swearing

Isabella struggled against Barthelemy’s guards to break free, running across to Natalia and Alessandra who were petrified. Stroking their faces, Isabella tried her hardest to hide her true emotion; she was just as scared as them but she couldn’t let her children down, “it’s ok... it’s ok...” she nervously smiled, her eyes darting to check them over visually from head to toe “Where’s Nico?” Isabella whispered but the girls didn’t speak, their hazel green eyes reflected their fear. Isabella wasted no time bringing them into a tight hug as she had to think fast, “Mama’s here... I got you...” Taking a deep breath, Isabella bit down onto her lip as she stood tall once again, placing her children behind her, “What is this all in aid of?” Isabella shouted as it echoed through the quiet throne room, with one hand holding her children behind her, her other hand gesticulated wildly, “Why are you doing all of this?!” Barthelemy simply laughed, “My dear... it’s simple... The Sons of Earth never could in a million years take over our wonderful Cordonia alone... each generation would bring its own obstacles and tribulations...” he smiled evilly towards his niece, “... but when your divorce was announced, Laurentia would make our base even more powerful and prophetic. With me as our leader...” Barthelemy’s brow raised, “We would become unstoppable in our defeat of the Rys bloodline...” The roar of the thugs he used to infiltrate the Laurentian Palace filled the room of joyous chanting, “...and unfortunately for you my darling niece... you also have become a part of that bloodline...” Barthelemy’s eyes darkened, glittering with a madness Isabella could only describe as horrific, “Please...” she begged, “Please spare the children... they have not done anything to deserve this!” Barthelemy began to walk towards Isabella before he looked over her shoulder towards the twins grinning cruelly “Maybe they can join Camille and Nicolás in our new world... we always need a few... spares in case it doesn’t work out...” Isabella’s eyes narrowed, her dark chocolate brown eyes darkening as she spat at him, “Give him back you fucking piece of shit!!”

Wiping his cheek, Barthelemy’s nostrils flared with rage, “You insolent bitch!” as he slapped Isabella across the face angrily screaming, “You will not disrespect me!” The Royal guards were in a political stalemate as Barthelemy made his claim to the throne, their pledge to protect the Crown at all costs left them divided but as Isabella fell to the ground, Barthelemy glared at all in the room, “One step... take one fucking step and you’ll not leave this room alive!” He kneeled down, lifting her head by her dark, mahogany curls, addressing the young Queen menacingly, Barthelemy grinned with an evil smile, “You’re lucky I only need to keep you alive for a few more days... and to think...” he goaded her, “I sent you flowers, this is how you repay my courtesy... Obviously your parents didn’t teach you manners...” pointing to a random guard, Barthelemy clicked his tongue, “Take them out of here as we begin our ascension into greatness!” Isabella’s dark, chocolate brown eyes glared with rage as the guard attempted to pull her arm, “Get off of me!” she screeched, her eyes narrowing angrily, “You’ll regret that!” The Sons of Earth guard simply laughed, “I somehow don’t think so...” as he pressed a gun to her spine, “Time to go...” he sneered as Isabella reluctantly gave into his threats, holding Alessandra and Natalia close to her. Looking over her shoulder, Isabella’s dark mahogany curls bounced as she took a final glance at her Uncle. With her cheeks sucked in, and a brow raised, the young Queen stared at him momentarily until she was pushed out of the throne room and escorted to the holding cells held in the catecombs. Isabella’s temper was renowned, but at that very moment she vowed if they made it through this, Barthelemy would burn for this.

“Shhhii...” Jimena’s eyes widened as she reached over Matthew’s mouth to stop him from speaking; both of them staring helplessly through the vents into the Palace’s throne room. Jimena glared at him, her voice barely a whisper as she spoke, “Shut up...” before her gaze returned to the room watching those still in attendance. Taking her phone, she began to briefly record Barthelemy and his army’s chanting, panning left and right. “We need to get out of here...” she muttered quietly, “We need to get to the Parliament building...” Matthew looking more and more confused as Jimena began to rummage through the lockers. With a satisfied smile, she turned to Matthew holding a guards uniform, “Hurry up and get changed...” Matthew raised his brow as he was handed the garment bag but knew better to question her. The Queen’s lady in waiting terrified him as Jimena stared him down, “What are you waiting for?” Her dark almond eyes narrowed, “...A standing ovation? Hurry up before we get caught!” She was bossy to the point it could be construed as rude and like an arrow, straight to the point. Folding her arms, Jimena pursed her lips as Matthew undressed, “I would like to not die today thank you...” stripping himself from his light grey suit, Matthew draped himself in the military regalia before Jimena moved forward placing the military cap on his golden head, “Much better...” she cooed as her hands delicately dusted off his broad shoulders, “Now follow me...”

As the Cordonian Royal jet landed in a disused aerodrome, Leo, Liam and Drake embarked immediately to a waiting vehicle. During the flight, Leo and Liam called in as many favours as possible to veil their arrival into the Kingdom, working with their neighbouring countries to free up their air space, allowing them to pass freely and undetected. Leo was well aware of the situation he found himself in. Not only was Barthelemy attempting to take over, there would be defiance in rank. “Your Majesty...” Javier smiled as he pressed down on the accelerator, “Welcome home...” Leo could only chuckle as he patted his trusted confidante’s shoulder, “You’re a sight for sore eyes Javier...” before he handed Leo an iPad, “This is the latest we received from Jimena...” The three men huddled around to watch the blurry video, moving back and forth as they tried to analyse it. “Your Royal Majesties... we also have news...” Liam and Leo immediately rose their heads, eyes widening with anticipation, “The Princesses are fine, they are with the Queen for now... but...” Leo and Liam’s hearts began to sink, there always had to be something, “...Prince Nicolás has been taken alongside Princess Camille but they are safe for now...”

Leo could feel his blood beginning to boil, his face reddening as he tried to contain his anger. “Leo... he’s ok...” Javier continued, “...the children are with the maids, no harm will come to them...” Leo glanced at Liam momentarily who felt like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders, his daughter, his little Camille was so close he could almost feel her in his arms again. Liam sat stoically looking out the window as they drove to Parliament to meet the others. Barthelemy would regret the day he had taken her from Liam and Sienna and Liam was going to make sure that he felt every ounce of pain he had for months. “Li...” Drake quietly questioned as Leo and Javier we’re discussing the next course of action, “You ok?” Liam turned to Drake as Leo and Javier continued their conversation quietly murmuring, “How can he be so calm?!” Drake rolled his eyes to the left as Leo spoke tactics, “Li... he’s fighting for his family... his life... he knows he can’t be distracted from that...” Liam slowly bit down on his lower lip, “Drake...” he whispered, “I’m terrified... and I just pray to God my brother knows what he’s doing...” With his shaggy dark hair, Drake nodded as he reached out to grasp Liam’s arm to comfort him, “Li... he’s not the same Leo you grew up with; this has never been about him - it’s been about you. He is risking his own life to get Camille back...” Drake implored, “...without him, we’d still be searching...” With a sullen nod, Liam reluctantly agreed, he knew Drake was right but he couldn’t help but wonder what else was in it for Leo? He couldn’t have changed that much.

“Get you hands off of me!” Isabella’s nostrils flared as she struggled in the guards grip before lifting her foot and ramming her stiletto heel into his leg, the guard winced and clenched his teeth before grabbing her by the hair, “You fucking bitch!” he spat, “I can’t wait for them to fucking execute you and that husband of yours soon enough!” Isabella took a deep breath as she tried so hard not to scream out in pain but she barked back, “My husband wouldn’t even be allowed to speak to me like that!” Forcefully throwing her into one of the cells, the guard chuckled to himself as Isabella fell forward, caught by her two daughters, “Well guess what Your Majesty? Your husband ain’t here! Now be good girls and for once, do as you are told!” With two whimpering children and the metal door locking behind them, Isabella held Alessandra and Natalia as tight as she could, biting her tongue watching carefully as the guard walk off laughing to himself throwing the keys up and down in his hands. “Mi querida... mi querida...” she mumbled as her voice trembled, “It’s going to be ok... don’t listen to that crazy man... this is all...” she tried to smile, “...just a big mistake and Javier will get us out of here... I promise”

Alessandra and Natalia’s hazel green eyes glistened as they looked at one another quietly, “...mama?” Natalia squeezed her mother’s hand tightly, “mama... I’m scared... where’s papa?” Isabella blinked back tears as she brought her daughters closer, “Don’t be scared my beautiful girl... your father once he knows about this he will not...” she brushed the loose tendrils of her daughter’s chestnut brown hair from her face, “...he will not let a strand on either of your perfect little heads be touched, not by anyone... ok?” Each of them nuzzled into Isabella shoulders as they cried, struggling to understand what was going on. Their cries echoed throughout the dark, cold cells as Isabella rocked them back and forth to try to comfort them. She began to sing to them “Bailaba la niña alegre, en una noche estrellada. Movíase al son del aire, bajo la luna de plata. ¡Cómo bailaba la niña! ¡Cómo la niña bailaba!” She sang this song to her children every night before they went to sleep. “Cómo la niña bailaba...” she whispered as they sat in the darkness, only each other for heat and comfort.

Sucking in his cheeks, Leo proudly marched himself into Parliament, his sea green eyes scanned the room as he saw the Laurentian military gathered and standing to attention as he, Drake and Liam walked into the room. The crowd bowed as Javier stood next to him, “¡Atención!” he bellowed, “His Royal Highness, King Leo... The Queen and Royal family are still in the Laurentian Palace; we must fight together to reinstate normality...” Leo raised his hand stopping Javier in his tracks, “Sorry my friend... if I may?” Javier nodded as Leo addressed the many factions of military gathered, “I know I have no right to request; but my wife, your Queen and my children are under that roof. My wife has dedicated her life to you all, our daughters and son will do the same. This coup has came to our shores because of a self fulfilling prophecy embarked upon by those who were fantasists... Cordonian militants who I am ashamed to have called family once upon a time and have desecrated our home. I stand before you as a husband and a father to ask for your help to overthrow this madness...” Leo stood proud and tall as the military dropped to their knee pledging their allegiance. “For King and Queen!” their chants filled the Parliament building as Leo looked over his shoulder towards Drake and Liam winking at them as he smiled.

To blend in, all three Cordonian men were dressed in the same green military uniform as the others. Leo and Javier stood side by side as they reviewed the blueprints of the Laurentian Palace surrounded by Generals, Admirals and Royal Guard Commanders. “We make use of blocking the tunnel system as much as we can...” Leo’s voice was strong and authoritative, “The tunnels run from the Palace directly to here. The airforce and navy teams can help block off these tunnels, and work with the coast guard to review the ports...” Leo pointed towards the blueprint, “The army will surround the Palace as the marines and Royal guard will clear the entrances... allowing smaller factions of the army to follow behind... the main priority is to find the Queen and children to ensure their safety... the youngest according ton intelligence states they are with the maids, so should still be in the nursery...” The men gathered around the table nodded in agreement to the plan until they were interrupted by the banging against the Parliament Chamber door. Leo’s sea green eyes flickered to a shade of blue as he raised his brow before nodding allowing the heavy reinforced door to be opened. Jimena and Matthew stood with their hands raised as hundreds of rifles were pointed in their direction until Leo called them to a halt. The Laurentian lady in waiting was not pleased, her lips pursed as she confronted Leo, “Took you long enough!” Jimena barked as Leo chuckled, “I can’t teleport...” he looked over her shoulder and smiled towards the Englishman stood behind her, “New boyfriend?” Jimena bit down and tried her hardest not to giggle, “No... this is Lord Devereaux... Isabella’s lawyer...” Leo’s smile wavered as he looked the English Nobleman up and down, “I see...” he replied dryly, “Your services Lord Devereaux... are no longer required...”

#TheRoyalRomance #Choices #Leo x Isabella #King Liam #Drake Walker #King Leo #Playchoices #Trr #TRH #Choices fanfiction

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choices-binglebonkus · 4 years ago

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More Choices Predictions

-Witness: A Bodyguard Romance, The Nanny Affair, and Queen B will all be standalones because Witness and TNA have both been disastrous, and Queen B just doesn’t seem like it could be made into a series.

-No matter how much we beg, Pixelberry will not make Poppy Min-Sinclair a love interest. The unfortunate reality of it is that they’ve already got the plot centered around a rivalry with Poppy that wouldn’t make sense for a enemies to lovers plot. Some people have theorized that Queen B was originally a single love interest book that Pixelberry added extra “love interests” because of the backlash the forced romance with Professor Kingsley got. Think about it. Have we had even one diamond scene with Zoey or any other “love interest” other than Kingsley, who’s had four by now? So why would Pixelberry put in more effort to rework their entire plot to add a romance with Poppy when it’s clear they only really cared about Kingsley? Alternatively, if they DO allow us to romance Poppy, it’ll end up just like the Kate O’Malley “romance” in which you have to pay 30 diamonds to end up with her at the tail end of the book.

-The Nanny Affair seems to be about halfway done at this point (I think chapter 11 is on Wednesday), and I don’t think it’s a mystery what’s going to happen. Sofia will continue to be villainized, Sam will ditch her for MC, Robin turns out to be a villain and tries to undermine Dalton Enterprises. Blah blah blah, they defeat Robin, blah blah blah, time skip like 2-3 years later where Sam and MC are now married, and Mason and Mickey call MC their mother. The end.

-Witness is either just going to have two volumes or three volumes in the book. Why they bothered to add volumes? I don’t know. But I do know that Cassian and MC will continue fucking at the weirdest times in the weirdest places (usually when they’re in danger) and will end up defeating the Irish Mob, MC will magically overcome her fear of commitment and surprise! She and Cassian will get married in the final chapter. And I’m sure MC will continue her bratty behavior into their marriage.

-And honestly, I can’t believe we’re now only down to three books releasing this week. There was a time where Pixelberry released EIGHT book chapters weekly. I’m sure they eventually realized how overworked their employees were and slowly cut it down, but I wouldn’t put it past them to end up doing it again.

-On the matter of the books on hiatus...Pixelberry claimed at one point (I think 2017) that they’d release Hero vol. 2 in 2020. 2020 is now here and they’ve shown zero signs of prepping it, so I think that was an empty promise.

-Most Wanted book 2 continues to be on an indefinite hiatus and I seriously doubt it’ll ever come back.

-And the It Lives anthology remains abandoned as well. They said they may revisit the series in the future but it’s undecided. I think that’s a terrible business decision, as It Lives has been one of the most popular series in the entire game, and there’s still so much potential for it. For now, though, the fate of It Lives hangs in suspension.

-Baby Bump 2 will be the end of that god awful series, which never should have become a series in the first place.

-My Two First Loves is going to be heteronormative as fuck. PB has already confirmed it’s a gender customizable love interest, which are typically written to only make sense if the LI is a man. PB has also messed up their pronouns time and time again (only the females’ pronouns though!) and is just generally lazy when it comes to the gender customizable love interests. I honestly cannot name a single gender customizable love interest I’ve enjoyed so far.

-Not much to say about OPH Second Year. Just that June will turn out to be a villain for whatever reason and we’ll keep fighting with Aurora.

-Ride or Die’s sequel has yet to come out, and for the first time, I’m actually hoping Pixelberry continues a hiatus for a series. I don’t miss ROD at all.

-The Royal Heir book 3 will focus on getting our daughter back and SURPRISE! Barthelemy was Godfrey’s accomplice all along! Wow! I had no idea! Barthelemy goes to prison, we get the kid back, and have lots of unnecessary parties and balls and festivals, and lots of sex scenes with our love interest because TRR/TRH is one of the most notorious series in the game for its excessive filler. Remember, for every chapter of plot, there needs to be two, maybe three chapters of filler! Anyway, I loved TRR, but they really need to put this series out of its misery already. The characters have been really watered down and the plot is way too predictable. Additionally, it’s gone on for OVER THREE YEARS. The Freshman/Sophomore/Junior/Senior lasted a few months over TWO YEARS. Let that sink in.

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lebenistgeil · 10 months ago

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korgbelmont · 4 years ago

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New Transparents!

During my time away, I did make some Transparents, taking the opportunity to catch up with certain books, and now the following have been added to the Transparents folder

Note: This is only the first of two sets, the second will be coming on the 29th

America's Most Eligible - Derek Taylor - Diana Lee (MCs Mother) - Kendyll - Penny Chen - Whitney

Baby Bump - Craig Finch

Bachelorette Party - Ariel Hernandez - Erik Magnusson - Karl Magnusson - Stoli Magnusson

Big Sky Country - Colt

Blades of Light & Shadow - Arlan Valleros - Drake - Drakna - Drakna Baby - Drakna Queen - Janos Rainwallow - Pirate Captain - Shadow Beast - Undermount Elf (Female) - Undermount Elf (Male)

Desire & Decorum - Annabelle Parsons - Ernest Sinclaire - Luke Harper - Prince Hamid

High School Story / Class Act - Aiden Zhou - Rory Silva

Mother of the Year - Faye Devore

Open Heart - Teresa Martinez

Passport to Romance - Carlisle Montgomery - Elliot Langdon - Estevao - Gael - Pysclop - William Langdon

Perfect Match - Winona Johnson

Red Carpet Diaries - Ben Wilkins - Chazz Javellana - Chris Winters - Etienne Foulard - Marianne D'Arneaux

Ride or Die: A Bad Boy Romance - Emilio Salazar

Save the Date - Allegra - Arnold - Christina Rosario - Dale - Edith - Phil - Rania

Sunkissed - Nate

The Elementalists - Cassandra - Frost King

The Heist: Monaco - Gino Aggrazzi - Halim Yazdi - Lulu Yazdi

The Nanny Affair - Mason Dalton Sr - Vivian Dalton

The Royal Masquerade - Annalisa - Hector Nevrakis - Kana - Kendra Rhys - Olive Nevrakis - Vasco

The Royal Romance Series - Adelaide Amaranth - Barthelemy Beaumont - Godfrey - Ray

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yourqueenb · 4 years ago

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is there some part of the fandom that enjoys the trh plot? like ig or fb? because I find it hard to believe that they are confident about putting this dumbass book out weekly without some form of applause. i don’t know why Liam won’t just put Barthelemy in jail. does he remember he’s still king? he let auvernal grab him by the balls and now Bart is doing it. constantine is weeping in his grave rn

It must be that silent majority they’re always referencing 🙄 And I think the fb moms still love it, although I feel like PB even lost a few of them after this bs smh. But I honestly can’t get mad at Liam because it’s really not his fault. This is entirely on PB for writing him this way. He’s always been slow to anger, diplomatic, and kind which are some of the qualities I actually love about him. But PB seems to think that means he’s a pushover as well, and that’s not the case.

I think that of course he wants to be nothing like Constantine; however, he wouldn’t just sit idly by and allow his family, that he’s always so desperately wanted, and kingdom to be threatened over and over again. PB, you mean to tell me this man would continue to just throw useless balls and grovel for favor after traitorous and evil people almost caused his wife and child to die in labor and are now trying to take that same child away from him?? Two traumatic experiences they should’ve never had to endure ??? No, I don’t believe that for a second. But for whatever reason PB believes if a character shows any sort of backbone, that immediately makes them just as bad as the antagonist/villain. So Liam, MC, and the MCs in a ton of other books all suffer from this strange moral code. And now they have amazing characters acting like shells of themselves and have ruined their most popular (and my favorite) series.

I think the other thing too is that like I was saying in this post, they know they’re going to get a ton of money from this book regardless. So instead of putting in actual time, care, and thought and doing the original justice, they stick to the same tired ass format and reuse the same plots a million times. Because why give the people who enjoy and supported this series anything when they’re gonna buy whatever shit we throw at them anyway 😒

#choices trh #choices the royal heir #choices liam #playchoices

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msjr0119 · 5 years ago

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The Greatest Show

This Is Me

A new series- all chapters are based on each song from ‘The Greatest Showman’

Characters belong to Pixelberry except MC - Amber Smith-Beaumont- this chapter also includes a Perfect Match/TRR crossover

Warnings: Swearing, sarcasm 😉, smut

Tags - using combined tagged list, if you want to be removed/added please let me know 👍🏼

@annekebbphotography @burnsoslow @ladyangel70 @kingliam2019 @bbrandy2002 @butindeed @bascmve01 @drakewalker04 @pedudley @captain-kingliamsqueen @duchessemersynwalker @insideamirage @of-course-i-went-to-hartfeld @kozabaji @texaskitten30 @ibldw-main @kimmiedoo5 @nikkis1983 @dangerouseggseagleartisan @gnatbrain @walker7519 @lodberg @cmestrella @hopefulmoonobject @addictedtodrakefanfic @angi15h @liamxs-world @rafasgirl23415 @notoriouscs @yukinagato2012 @dcbbw @qammh-blog @nz1091 @beardedoafdonutwagon @cordonianroyalty @custaroonie @seriouslybadchoices @rainbowsinthestorm @princess-geek @jared2612 @desiree-0816

******

Amber ran to her room, wanting to ignore Madeleines malicious attitude- she couldn’t help but wonder if they were lies. When her mother moved away once she reached 18, she often spoke about people in Cordonia- one being the Beaumont’s but the other being Jackson, now known as Jackson Walker- Drakes father.

“Do you miss Cordonia?”

“I miss our family especially Barthelemy. I was also close to a handsome man called Jackson- he was the main kings guard. He was very nice- supportive with anyone, a family man. I heard that he tragically died leaving behind his wife and two children. Amber. I will never stop you from seeing your family. I know the Beaumont’s come here, but if you ever want to go back- that is your choice.”

“No thank you. If the other nobles are like Bertrand, my ass is staying right here in New York.”

Picking up the landline in her room, she dialled the number that she had memorised over the years.

“Hello?”

“Amber! How are you?”

“I need to come home soon. I need answers about my life. Answers about my father.”

“Why?”

“Because I think I’ve slept my brother. Please. I’ll let you know when I’m returning.”

Hanging up she laid back in bed, her mind running overtime. Hearing the knocking at the door- the familiar voices, she remained silent. Ignoring them, she felt rude- but right now she just wanted to be on her own.

Waking up the next morning Amber wanted to believe that last night was just some awful nightmare - seeing the sunshine through the window, she decided to make herself a cup of coffee and sit on the balcony. Opening the doors, she felt that cool Lythikos air. Sparking up the cigarette, she took a long drag.

“Morning. So you’re a social smoker too?”

“Jesus Drake! What are you doing up? Yes I am, when the occasion calls for it - just don’t tell Bertrand.”

“Well that’s what people tend to do in the morning- get up. Hmm, I can’t promise that I won’t tell him.” Turning around to finally face him, she admired his body. Noticing her gawking, and the ash falling off her cig in slow motion- he needed to gain her attention.

“Amber! You’re going to inform Bertrand that you smoke yourself if you burn yourself.”

Shit. Standing up, he walked over to the edge of his balcony.

“Are you okay? We all came up to see you, but you must have been asleep.”

“I’m fine.” Providing him with a half hearted smile, she looked down towards the floor not wanting to elaborate the conversation. “Amber there’s something you should know.”

“Drake, I already know.”

“I don’t think you do. I’m coming over to your room.”

“I’m fine. I don’t want to talk about it or Madeleine. Just go and put some clothes on you’re making me feel cold.” Drake walked back into his room, she was feeling relieved but also slightly disappointed. Before she knew it, he was climbing over the ledge.

“Drake! You’re going to break your neck!”

“Are you going to let me in if I knock on your door?”

“No.”

“Well then, I guess I’m risking breaking my neck.” Amber stood up wondering if he was bluffing, her heart was jumping out of her chest. What would the news headlines be?

Secret love child has affair with her half brother, then is the reasoning behind his sudden death.

Winking at her as he landed on her balcony, she felt as if she could breathe again.

“See. No broken neck. But if I did break it it would be your fault.”

“Oh really? I told you that I didn’t want to talk.”

“Stop being stubborn. Madeleine lied. Your father isn’t who you think he is, but he isn’t my father.”

“How do you know that?”

“Your Uncle Barthelemy is your father. Maxwell hasn’t told Bertrand yet.”

“What? I need to go.”

“Maxwell isn’t here, if that’s where you was going. He’s gone back to Ramsford.”

“Fuck.”

“I’m so sorry. Barthelemy should have been honest with everyone.”

“That’s not the problem....” Drake looked at her puzzled. “If Bertrand and Maxwell suddenly die, Ramsford is mine. Oh god. I can’t be noble. I can’t be a Duchess.” Drake burst out laughing, she reminded him so much of him.

“It’s not funny Drake!”

“Sorry but it is. Maxwell is like an alley cat- he has a hundred lives, I wouldn’t worry too much. Besides you’d be the most beautiful Duchess in Cordonia.” Shit, I want him. Now that he’s told me the truth. We’re not related. Phew! Stop gawking at him Amber.

“I think Olivia would disagree. At least my title would be higher than miss broken nose barbie.”

“Olivia is going to be Queen, she won’t care about the Duchess status any longer. You need to get ready, we’re all due out on the ice in an hour.”

“Great.” She said with a lack of enthusiasm.

“What’s up can’t you skate?”

“Babe, I’d skate circles around you. I’m like a professional figure skater. Don’t believe me you’ll have to come and watch.”

“Any other talents you’d like to confess?”

“Plenty. Apart from showering.”

“Well it’s not hard to have a shower.”

“But I may need some help scrubbing my back.”

“You’ll have to ask someone else. You told me to get dressed remember.”

“That’s a shame. See ya around Drake.” Walking into the bathroom, she purposely left the door open. Drake gulped as he saw her naked, natural instinct led him to follow her.

“Is the water warm enough?”

“Not quite. I thought you was going.”

“I thought you needed help, scrubbing your back.”

“I do. But I think you’re slightly overdressed Mr Walker.” Stepping into the shower, the water was cascading down Ambers body. Feeling his eyes watching her, she wondered what he was thinking. Washing her hair, her eyes closed as she rinsed off the shampoo, before rubbing the shower gel over her body in a seductive manner. Opening her eyes, she turned to see Drake slip off his clothes, and boxers before joining her. Taking the shower gel, he rubbed it in to her back- feeling his erection against her she sighed. Turning to face him, the droplets that did nothing but accentuate his strong frame, glistened down his arms and trickle down his chest. Placing her hands around his neck, she kissed him on the lips. It started as an innocent gentle kiss, before becoming passionate. Their lips melted into one- his tongue slid across her bottom lip, her mouth opened slightly- giving him permission to enter it into her mouth. Their tongues battled against each other as if their life depended on it. His arms gripped around her waist tighter, as he pressed her against the wall. Feeling his hard cock in between her parted legs, she knew she couldn’t hold off any longer. Drake placed kisses along every inch of her body, before sucking and licking one nipple, whilst his other hand squeezed her bottom. “Oh Drake...” hearing her moan his name, he lightly traced her entrance with his fingers before inserting them. His fingers moved rhythmically inside her whilst his thumb circled her clit. Increasing his speed as he pumped her, she couldn’t contain the pleasure. “Enjoying that baby?” “Yes, but it’s your turn now.” Before he knew it, Amber removed his fingers from her, bending down she grabbed his dick and guided it towards her mouth. A moan escaped his lips immediately, leaning himself against the wall, he closed his eyes. “Amber, you.... you’re amazing baby.” Fluttering her eyelashes, she traced her tongue along his long length. Her lips formed a tight grip around the tip of him, taking him deeper with each movement. Drake tangled his calloused hands in her hair, before encouraging her to stop. “I want you Amber, you’re so beautiful.” “I’m all yours handsome.” Guiding his cock towards her entrance; he kissed her. “Turn around, and bend over.” Amber did as he said, before thrusting into her in one movement. Feeling her walls tighten against him, he loved feeling her. Placing his palms flat against the shower wall for extra support, he increased his speed, he loved their instant connection- eventually spilling his hot seed into her. Removing his penis- Amber stood up, turning to face him. They both smiled at each other, holding each other whilst their eyes locked. Sharing one last kiss, they both got out of the shower. Drake towel dried Amber.

“You’re a bad influence, you know that Beaumont?”

“It’s Smith- Beaumont.” She winked at him whilst smirking.

“Whatever, beautiful. Come on, you’ve delayed us enough.”

“Ditto!” Placing a kiss on his cheek, Drake had never felt more happy than this moment in time.

*****

Drake arrived at the frozen lake, usually he wasn’t interested in this activity when they came to Lythikos- however he couldn’t prevent looking at Amber skating. She wasn’t lying when she said she could skate.

“Pick ya jaw up Walker.”

“She told me she could skate, I thought she was lying. She’s really good.”

“Is this the first time in Lythikos that you may actually join in? I mean you’re smiling. I don’t think that any of us have seen you smile this much.” Liam joined in winding the situation up.

“I smile.”

“Barely. Why don’t you go to her for some lessons?”

“No it’s fine. I’m enjoying watching someone outshine Olivia. Besides I’ve spent time with her today.”

“When?” Leo and Liam both asked in unison.

“Just before we came here. I jumped onto her balcony. We talked....”

“And.....” Leo was eager for some new court gossip.

“We had a shower.”

“You mean you had sex in the shower. Jesus Drake. What is this girl doing to you? You’re like a whole new man.”

“Oh this is interesting.”

“What do you want?” The men all snapped at Madeleine. Kiara shortly following behind.

“Both commoners sleeping together, sounds about right. I wonder what would happen if this news was to leak? How could you do that to Kiki, Drake?” Leo noticed Kiara’s face drop, he could see the heartache she was going through. He knew Drake had been honest with her, not leading her on in any way, but Madeleine wasn’t helping the situation.

“How’s the nose? Because I’ll gladly finish Ambers job off!” Leo snapped at his ex fiancée, he hated her with a passion.

“Oh darling. You love me really. You did choose me after all, before you decided to go awol. If your brother had any sense he would pick me too.”

“Heh you wish Countess. I’m going to join Olivia and Amber. You coming Li? Drake?”

They all gathered on the lake, Olivia was annoyed with Amber- secretly wishing she could skate like she did.

“So you weren’t lying then.” Drake said, as he skated up towards her- placing his arms around her waist.

“Why would I lie about that? What is she doing here?”

“Just ignore her. She’s already started. She overheard me talking to Liam and Leo. They all know we’ve slept together. I’m so sorry.”

“I don’t want to know how she responded. She’s horrible. I hate her. Leo had a lucky escape.”

“That he did. I wanted to ask you before, what did Olivia leave us for a surprise?” Smirking at him, she knew his eyes would widen.

“How about you come to my room when we get back to the palace later? And you’ll see. We can Netflix and chill.” Drake laughed, knowing that he was the one who explained to her what that phrase meant. Feeling his cock get harder thinking about it, he couldn’t wait to leave Lythikos.

“It’s a date! I’ll bring whiskey too. Amber, I... I’m starting to fa....”

“Bonjour! Lady Amber I’m impressed with your skating skills. Fantastique.”

“Thank you Lady Kiara.. I can teach you if you’d like?” Drake shot her a look, Amber responded by shrugging her shoulders.

“Merci, but I don’t think I’d be able to do it. If Lady Hana Lee had of joined the social season you’d both be in competition.”

“Maybe. Myself and my best friend Riley always go skating back home. Daniel our other friend always falls over. It’s funny. But the offers still there Lady Kiara. Drake, I’ll see you later. I’m going to talk to princes.” Don’t you dare fucking leave me Amber! Walking away, she laughed at Drake feeling awkward.

“How many times have you slept with her? What does she have that I don’t?”

“For a start she doesn’t constantly speak in a different language all the time. We’ve slept together more than once Kiara, not that it’s any of your business. You need to move on. I’m not interested, I’ve always been honest with you.”

“When she goes back to New York, Maybe you could think about us?” Drake shook his head. “Goodbye Kiara, I’ll see you back at the palace.”

*****

Everyone arrived back at the palace, they were all exhausted after ice skating and skiing. Much to Ambers disappointment, an impromptu ball had been arranged by King Constantine before his favourite event took place the following morning- The Royal regatta.

Drake knocked on Ambers door an hour before the ball was due to take place.

“Hey. You look handsome in your suit.”

“Why aren’t you dressed? I’m surprised Maxwell hasn’t dragged you down to the boutique yet.”

“I’ve got plenty of dresses. He’s still at Ramsford with Bertrand anyway. I want to show you something. Come in.” Drake walked in as Amber locked the door, she asked him to sit on the bed whilst she got dressed in the bathroom.

“Drake Walker? Are you ready?”

“Ready for what? Whatever you’ll wear you’ll look gorgeous.”

“Close your eyes.” Drake did as she asked, hearing her near him- he was intrigued as to why she asked him to do it.

“Open them.”

“Holy shit!” Amber was wearing a silky baby doll lingerie, the bralette showing off her assets- whilst the loose fitting skirt provided easy access for roaming hands.

“What do you think? Liv is one kinky bitch isn’t she?”

“You are going to have to take that off, because if not we aren’t going to make it to the ball.”

“Well we have just under an hour. I’m yours if you want me.”

“You’re killing me here Amber! I can’t resist you.”

“Don’t then. What did you want to say before Kiara interrupted us by the way?”

“I’m starting to fall for you. And you wearing this... god. I’m starting to like Olivia. Come here.” Amber straddled him, feeling his erection rub against her.

“Shall I put Netflix on?” She winked at him. “I’m starting to fall for you too.”

After sleeping with each other again, they both quickly got dressed for the ball. “Would you like to be announced into the ballroom together? Fuck what anyone thinks.”

“I’d love to.” Linking arms, they both walked towards the ballroom. God I’m one lucky bastard having her in my arms.

Sir Drake Walker, Lady Amber Smith-Beaumont

*****

Bastien stood in the corner, people watching. Noticing Drake and Amber together, his usual stern expression changed into a soft smile. Jackson always spoke fondly of Ambers mom to him, and Bastien knew that Jackson would approve of the blossoming romance between the two of them. He was knocked out of his people watching trance, when another guard tapped him on the shoulder.

“Sorry to disturb you, but someone is here demanding to see you and Lady Amber. “

“Is it important? Have you done a security check on this person?”

“No. They said you know of them.”

“Okay, take my place.” Bastien walked out of the ballroom, noticing the man he shook his head smiling.

“What are you doing here?”

“Bast, long time no see. I’m here on business. I need to see Amber Smith- Beaumont.”

*****

Drake left Amber, to go and talk to the men. Kissing her on the cheek, she blushed. “Sneak into my room later, bring that sexy underwear.” “Of course Sir Walker. Only for your eyes.”

Amber spoke to Olivia, before being interrupted by the three witches.

“Well well well, if it isn’t the court whore!” Madeleine snapped, Olivia jumped- becoming panic stricken, paranoid that Maddy was referring to her.

“What do you want? I’ll accept all of your insults Countess. So do carry on. When the sharpest words wanna cut me down. I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out. I am brave, I am bruised. I am who I'm meant to be, this is me. I’m not scared to be seen, I make no apologies. This is me.”

“You think you’re so clever don’t you amber. We don’t want you here. None of us. You’ll soon break down. You need to hide away. Runaway. You don’t belong here. You’re just a freak. A love child.”

“Technically I do belong here! I’m a Beaumont. I’ll be heir to Ramsford if anything happens to my brothers.”

“You’re a slut, like your mother was!” Madeleine screamed, gaining attention from all the guests.

“Another round of bullets hits my skin. Well, fire away 'cause today, I won't let the shame sink in. My mother may have been a ‘slut’, but you don’t know her. Or my father for that matter. You do know they married each other right? Oh no silly me, you didn’t know that gossip did you Maddy?”

“Madeleine leave her alone now!”

“Suddenly the Duchess pipes up, shall we spill your little secret whilst we are at it? You’re both sluts. Neither of you will be queen.” Olivia’s heart began to race ten to the dozen.

“Madeleine enough!” Regina interrupted the women, providing sorrow in her eyes towards Amber and Olivia.

“You are making a scene. Carry on and I will escort you out!”

“Don’t worry your Majesty. I’m leaving anyway. Come on girls.” Amber turned to face Liv, smirking. “High five to my fellow ‘slut’ Olivia.”

“Shut up! She’s just jealous Amber, ignore her.”

“Lady Amber, May I have a word in private please?” Bastien escorted Amber out of the ballroom. Liam, Leo and Drake followed- wondering what was happening.

“Amber, it’s so nice to finally meet you. You are a very hard woman to find.”

“Who are you?”

“I am a private detective. A friend of yours from New York is very concerned about your whereabouts. As far as I can see, you are doing just fine and this has been a waste a time.”

“Who is this friend? What is your name?” Assuming it was Daniel who was concerned about her- she felt guilty not communicating with him before throwing her SIM card away. Beginning to panic, Bastien placed a comforting arm on her shoulder- providing reassurance that she was safe.

“Brett is worried about you. My name is Nazario. Damien Nazario.” Amber began to panic with the mention of his name. Damien noticed fear form in her eyes, she had forgotten all about Brett whilst she was with Drake- now she was wondering if she was in danger.

“Amber. I knew he was full of bullshit when he hired me. I did my research using your surname, and it led me here. Let’s call this a vacation rather than work.”

“He’s going to come after me isn’t he?”

“Not if I can help it. I’ll say I couldn’t find you. I don’t care about the pay packet. I spoke to your friends Daniel and Riley. They confirmed my suspicions about him. From what I’ve heard, he’s an abuser. My dear old friend Bast says you are safe here, you have got family and friends here.”

“As well as enemies. Are Daniel and Riley okay? He hasn’t hurt them has he?”

“No. Riley was very helpful. She is a wonderful young lady. A true friend. She said if he touched her she would and I quote ‘knock him out’. They are worried about you too, maybe give them a call. Riley explained to me how she would travel the world looking for you.”

“Is everything okay?” Liam finally spoke after the men watched the interaction from a distance.

“Ah Prince Liam, it’s so nice to see you again. Not that you knew I was following you in New York.” Damien said, before laughing with Bastien. “When Leo abdicated, the two of you visited the states and refused for Bastien to accompany you, he contacted me to follow the two of you.”

“So you were the mysterious person following us around. I guess it was father who did this to us, and you wonder why I abdicated Li.”

“Yes, the apparent goody two shoes prince had your bad influence rubbed on to him Leo.” Damien smirked.

“What do you mean? He was with me the whole time?”

“That’s what you think. He stayed in New York for a few days, staying in a hotel, sneaking out on dates with a commoner. They even went to the Statue of Liberty late at night. I knew the two of you could never be together Liam, but I could see you cared for each other. The way you both looked at each other, you could have been more secretive if you ask me.”

“Woah Li, you sly dog. What was her name?” Liam remained silent thinking about the one who got away. Ever since he was younger, he knew he had to marry someone with some nobility. But his time in New York, he had fallen in love with the stranger. Leaving her made his heart sink, deep down he did love Olivia too. Once the contact with the stranger abruptly stopped, he had grown to the fact that Olivia would be his Queen. Keeping to the promises- the Million Dreams, that he had originally made with the Duchess.

“Can I borrow someone’s phone please? To ring my friends.” Amber interrupted, Drake held onto to waist and offered her his phone.

“Do you even know their numbers?”

“Yes, they are my best friends. My only friends.” Drake smiled as she dialled the first number. Amber couldn’t hear properly due to the bad line- putting it on loud speaker, she hoped that they would answer.

“Hello?”

“Hey babe.”

“Amber! Where the hell are you? Brett is looking for you! He’s hired a private detective, I saw him at Liberty the other day, with a blonde in his arms. I was ready to kill him....”

“Brooks calm down. I don’t care about him. I split up with him the other day.”

“You did what? Well why the hell has he hired a private detective?”

“Riley, I honestly don’t know?” Brooks, Riley. It’s her, she’s friends with Amber. Shit.

Riley was covering for her friends Daniel and Amber at work. Amber was in hospital after suffering abuse from her boyfriend- again. Daniel had a date. He practically begged Riley to cover for him, practically crying. Agreeing to do the shift, she was grateful that the bar was quiet. Sat on the bar, scrutinising through her social media- she jumped as the doors open. The man with the piercing blue eyes walked over towards her, she smiled softly at him as she jumped off the bar.

“Hi, what can I get ya?” Liam couldn’t focus, his mouth was open but the words didn’t want to escape from his mouth.

“Hello? Are you okay?” Riley waved her hands in front of the stranger.

“Hello. Sorry. Could I have a scotch please?”

“Sure. Coming up.” She paused. “So you’re not from around here.”

“No. I live in a small Mediterranean country. I was visiting with my brother who has moved away. I told him I was going home, but I’ve fallen in love with the city. I’m not ready to go home just yet there’s so much more to see. I did want to visit the Statue of Liberty”

“I see. Well once you visit New York, you do fall in love with it. Unless your a New Yorker born and bred. It gets a bit tedious after a while. I can show you around if you want? Take you to see her?”

“You’d do that for me? You don’t know me.”

“My friends have ditched me. Well one has. The other one is in hospital yet again, her boyfriends an arsehole. I have no other plans. My names Riley. But at times my friends call me by my surname Brooks.”

“Nice to meet you. My names Liam. Liam Rhys.” As promised Riley called in some favours, and took him to the Statue of Liberty after she had closed up the bar.

“So what do you think?”

“Magnificent. I’ve heard that art has a meaning because of what it makes the viewer feel.....” Riley was in awe of how Liam spoke so freely. “And right now, looking at this view with you, I feel like anything is possible. Thank you for this moment, Riley. This feeling.. this means so much more to me than you could ever know.”

“Liam.....” Riley locked eyes with his, matching baby blues. Liam pulled her closer to him, tilting her chin upwards he gently kissed her on the lips.

Coming out of his trance, he noticed Amber was still on the phone to Riley. Not knowing what had got in to him, he snatched the phone out of her hand.

“Riley!”

“Who the fuck is this? Put Amber back on.”

“It’s me, Liam.”

#trr #trr fanfic #trr the greatest show #amber smith-beaumont #drake walker #liam rhys #leo rhys #olivia nevrakis #trr madeleine #trr kiara #trr bastien #trr regina #drake x amber #drake x mc #liam x riley #riley brooks #damien nazario #perfect match choices #perfect match x trr

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