#and in honor i added....... four ocs to this blog

[wardenparker]

The Viper's Bride - ch 13

Oberyn Martell x female reader x Ellaria Sand x OC Co-written with @absurdthirst

The second Prince of Dorne has lived under the illusion that he would not be forced to wed for his entire life. He has enough lovers and illegitimate children to make him a legend across Westeros, and the love of his soulmate Ellaria Sand to content him. But a contract between his brother and a lord from the north will catapult him into a match that may prove to be as complicated as it is intriguing. Especially when he learns that you already have a soulmate of your own.

Rating: Mature, but this blog is always 18+ Word Count: 12.6k Warnings: *Blanket warnings for this series: terrible parents, age gap 10+ years, arranged marriage, classicism, cursing, food and alcohol, internalized homophobia. Reader is described as having hair long enough to braid. This is a MMFF polycule, folx. Get on board or don't click to keep reading. Pregnancy!* Fluff, support, love, and surprises. Summary: Margaery learns the truth about what Raeden means to you, and it leads to an unexpected conversation. Notes: Listen, I just think Margaery needs a hug and some time to chill, okay?

Ch 1 ~ Ch 2 ~ Ch 3 ~ Ch 4 ~ Ch 5 ~ Ch 6 ~ Ch 7 ~ Ch 8 ~ Ch 9 ~ Ch 10 ~ Ch 11 ~ Ch 12

The days blend into weeks and the trial continues to drag on. Luncheons with Queen Margaery blur together, dinners at your own table in your chamber make way every evening to hours in bed. The idea of being anywhere besides the comfort of your lovers’ arms each night is now impossible, although all four of you do not always sleep in one bed. It is more frequent, though, and always a comfort.

“Are you sure you wish for me to join?” Every day when Margaery extends the invitation to Raeden to join you for the midday meal, he asks you. Not wishing to impose, even though the request is from the queen.

“Of course.” He always asks, and your reply is always the same. Raeden’s company is always wanted for you and Ellaria, but apparently also for the queen.

“I did not know if there were things you wished to discuss privately.” He murmurs softly, feeling proud when you wrap your arm around his.

“Anything I could say privately, can be said with you present,” you remind him gently. Since the revelation of having more than one soulmate, you had promised your lovers that you would never keep a secret from them again. It had made you wholly uncomfortable and upset to do so.

“Just so,” Margaery agrees, motioning to the table that has been laid, indicating the three of you should sit. “We are all friends, are we not?”

“It is an honor to be considered a friend, your highness.” Raeden doesn’t understand why Margaery seems so interested in him eating with her, but he has enjoyed getting to know the younger woman.

“Hopefully it is not a consideration that is one sided.” She sits at the round table in her customary chair and wine is poured immediately.

The young man who serves each luncheon is under the impression you do not much enjoy wine and has begun to serve you sweetened lemon juice with water added, which seems to be more to your taste. In fact, wine was the first thing to start tasting bitter and undesirable since you found yourself with child. Ellaria had laughed and said children were like that – that you lost taste for things and gained taste for others because of them.

“Thank you, as always, for so graciously hosting us.” Raeden tells her with a small smile after taking a sip of his wine. Despite the two enchanting soulmates he possesses, there is something about the widowed queen that is easy to be around.

“It is a comfort to have such steadfast company,” She admits, her smiles having changed over the weeks from painted on, to weak, and soft and true. “I have you both to thank for that.” Ellaria is always a welcome presence as well, but Margaery understands the older woman has no taste for politics and the trial specifically. It is a distaste that she shares, though she cannot afford to express it.

“The company is always marvelous with the Princess.” He acknowledges, sending you a small smile and reaching for a piece of fruit that you have been craving ravenously the past few days.

“I would call you a flatterer except I appreciate the compliment.” Your own smile is relaxed, and you anticipate the fresh-looking apricot with gratitude. “Raeden is never insincere,” you assure the queen. “It is one of his virtues.”

“There is no merit to being insincere.” He defends with a small shrug. “If you cannot trust a man’s word, you cannot trust him.”

"That is not, unfortunately, the type of opinion one normally hears from noblemen." Margaery acknowledges as dishes of meat, vegetables, and fresh rolls are unveiled on the table before them. "What shall we talk about today?"

“I think that the two lovely ladies I have the privilege of dining with should choose.” He decides with a wink. “Anything you would like.”

"I cannot say that I have very much new to speak of," you hum, still playing the news of your pregnancy very close to your vest. No one knows beyond your small family and the maester, who has graciously been admitting you to the Citadel once weekly at Oberyn's request to make sure your health stays at its peak. "Perhaps you will be willing to speak of something older, then?" Margarey sits up in her seat while her plate is filled on her behalf, used to the ceremony although she dislikes being treated like a doll. Not being allowed to do anything for herself is immensely taxing on the mind. "You speak so well of each other, yet I know nothing of your bond beside the fact that Lord Raeden was once your guard, during his time serving your father."

The question is one that was loaded, and Raeden looks towards you to see you if you unwilling to tell the truth. If you were, he would say nothing, but there is a small nod when he catches your eye and he realizes that the fear of what people will think is now a thing of the past. Perhaps your mother’s departure from King’s Landing and your earnest conversations with your father have made it so. However, he thinks it has a lot to do with your marriage to Oberyn and his complete acceptance of the situation. “The strange truth is, your highness, the princess is my soulmate.”

Whatever she might have been expecting, that is certainly not it, and Margaery's glass nearly cracks at how hard she sets it down on the table. "Gods above," she murmurs, looking between you both with wide eyes. "Truly?"

"Truly." When you nod you also reach for Raeden's hand, placing yours on top of his on the table. "We have been fortunate to be able to hold on to each other through despite many challenges."

A million different questions roll through her brain at once as she sees your joined hands. Wondering if she was being tricked as some elaborate plot, but there is obvious affection for each other in your gazes. “I— does the Prince know?” She asks quietly, lowering her voice and leaning in.

"He has known since before we were married." You nod, interested to note that she seemed genuinely concerned. As though the happiness of those involved was a priority, which would be a welcome thing if it turns out to be true.

“That is….” She shakes her head gently. “Wonderful. I have heard that the prince is open in many ways but the fact that he is accepting of your soulmate?” She sighs softly. “You are blessed by the Seven.”

"I cannot deny it." It would be a terrible lie to claim otherwise, and you have no desire to do so. "To love my husband and my soulmate equally is a blessing that I had never looked for but am very glad to have found."

"You love the prince?" She seems shocked by that admission and her eyes dart over to Raeden's to see if there is any jealousy. None are found in his dark orbs and she is equally intrigued by such a thing.

“Very much.” And the freedom to feel that in your bones without hesitation — to accept it as you always accepted your love for Raeden — is something wonderful. “Of course it is not common to love more than one person at once. But it can be done, and it can be gloriously fulfilling.”

"Yes." Margaery would not disagree with such a thing; she knows that the heart and what you are supposed to want are sometimes conflicting things. It was why she had been willing to share her first husband. "And the Prince's lover?" Ellaria has become dear to her, but she does not quite understand the dynamic.

Oberyn and Ellaria are not shy or secretive about their relationship or what they are to each other, so when Raeden sits up in his chair a little straighter he does not feel as if he is betraying anyone’s confidence. “Soulmates as well,” he tells the queen.

“I was lucky to find myself betrothed to a man who also understood not being able to marry the person he loves.” You know this, and yet it is the happiest part of the unfortunate way you came together. “Fortunately for Ellaria, she did not wish to be princess and I was well prepared for the duty.”

"I see." She takes a sip of her wine and mulls over the information that you have just given her. It would be likely that whoever married Lord Raeden in the future, to establish his house, would have to be accepting of sharing her husband. Despite men doing as they wish for centuries, it did not mean that women had accept it quietly.

“This is not what you expected to hear, I think?” Her manner makes that obvious, and you sit up to your plate with interest as well as hunger.

Raeden finishes pealing and slicing the fruit, sliding it onto your plate and smiling when you hum. "It is an odd thing to hear from anyone, my love." He reminds you. "Especially from nobility and even more so from the Princess of Dorne."

“Perhaps.” You can agree to that, and pick up a slice of fruit eagerly. “But friends are honest, are they not?”

Margaery hums in agreement and she nods. "Do you...may I come to your chambers tonight to discuss our honesty?" She asks with a raised brow.

You exchange a small glance with Raeden but you both know the answer. It does not bear discussion, though you will be returning to the trial chambers early to tell Oberyn and sending a message back to Ellaria. “Certainly,” you answer with authority, and admittedly you are intrigued. She has not yet discussed any plans with Oberyn but apparently the time has come. “We would be honored.”

"Thank you." She bows her head towards the both of you with a relieved smile. "I will not come right after the end of the day's trial. I think we all should need a brief rest from the testimony."

“It has been a trying time,” Raeden agrees as you all begin to eat. “Hopefully the end is now in sight and the entire ordeal can be out to rest with justice.”

"Yes, justice." She knows as well as you and Raeden that the Lannisters would never allow anything but the outcome they wanted, even with Oberyn as a judge.

“We can hope.” Raeden says again, knowing that is all it is.

"Have you and the prince decided when you will leave for Dorne?" She asks curiously. "As soon as the trial is over? Or will you stay for the next royal affair?"

“His commitment to the Small Council will be at an end with the trial and he is anxious to be home again.” In fact, you are anxious for it too, but because of your pregnancy. You hate to think what traveling by sea would be like in another few months of time. “And there is the establishment of Lord Raeden’s new House to attend to.” You beam at him, happy to not have to mark your pride in him or joy at his elevation.

“I have a feeling that your house will prosper.” She tells Raeden with a smile. “You are more noble than most men who carry lesser titles.”

“It is a great deal of work to begin a noble house. I admit I had little idea of the details necessary to tend to.” He sips his wine and eats politely, always with one eye on you and the other on the queen. “But I am equal to the task, and your Grace’s kindness is most appreciated.”

“Perhaps my house would be able to aid in some small way.” She offers. “Since you have been so kind to me. My father recently mentioned that he has noticed that I am less mournful, the credit was given to my wonderful companions.”

“Any aid from House Tyrell would lend immense credibility to the future of House Sunstone.” Having mulled it over in his mind, Raeden had eventually decided on the new name Oberyn suggested second. Dragonstone had sounded presumptuous to him the more he thought about it.

“Sunstone?” She blinks and then a true, bright smile blossoms on her face. “I must say that I am envious of such a beautiful name. I own a sunstone ring that is quite precious to me.”

“The good fortune of being able to forge my own path comes with the prince’s grace.” He knows that. He understands the debt and does not mind paying it two hundred times over if it means he can bring honor to his family and to Dorne. “But I am sure your treasured ring is as stunning as its owner.” Paying a compliment to a beautiful woman, especially one who has been good company to both of you and particularly kind to him, is an easy task for Raeden. Very easy indeed.

Margaery pauses for a moment, surprised that there isn’t even the tiniest hint of jealousy that crosses your face and she bestows a pleased smile on both of you. Picking up her cup and lifting it. “To House Sunstone, May it prosper under the Dornish sun.”

“I will drink to that every time,” you agree, raising your own glass in proud salute.

Raeden’s eyes flash and glitter, both deeply proud and deeply pleased, when he raises his glass to you and the queen in return. His blessings have been innumerable and she could not be more grateful. “My thanks to you both,” he acknowledges, his smile genuine. “With such support as this, I cannot see a future for House Sunstone that is not as bright as its namesake.”

******

For some reason, Raeden is nervous as he escorts you back to the rooms. There’s an idea that has been running through his mind since that luncheon and he doesn’t know what you or Ellaria would think about it. Even though he had spoken to Oberyn about it vaguely, it would affect you two most of all.

“You seem distracted, my love.” As he pushes open the door to your chambers, you frown slightly. Oberyn should be a few minutes behind you and Ellaria will be waiting inside, so this moment is only for you and Raeden. “Is the trial weighing on you?”

“No.” He knows that he needs to talk to you. The honesty that has been promised demands it. “I have been thinking about the future of my house.”

“A matter far dearer to our hearts.” You offer him a reassuring smile. “What can I do to help you?”

“To remember that I love you, regardless of who I marry.” He murmurs softly.

"I have no doubt of that." Stopping in the doorway, you turn and take both of his hands, squeezing them as you look up at him. "She will have to be a strong and clever woman, and especially kind-hearted in order to deserve you, but I know you will choose well. Whoever she is, she will be very lucky." The hurt you once harbored over knowing that your marriages could never be to each other has healed. If your betrothal had turned out so wonderfully, did it not also follow that Raeden might also choose a woman who turned out to be just as joyful a choice?

“I hope you continue to think so.” He murmurs softly as Ellaria comes out of the bedroom to greet you both.

"Good evening, my loves." She moves to both of you together, putting out her arms in welcome. "How did the trial fair today?"

“It was interesting.” Raeden snorts. “The evidence against Lord Tyrion is flimsy at best.”

“Unfortunately, that does not seem to matter to Lord Tywin,” you tut sympathetically and accept the embrace happily. “What have you done with your day today, love?”

“Leyth went with me to the marketplace.” Ellaria bestows kisses on both of you and brings you inside to settle in front of the fire. “We obtained our dinner from the Dornish vendor that Oberyn loves so much, after wandering around and amusing ourselves with trinkets for a while.”

“Then Queen Margarey will be in for a treat at dinner tonight.” Raeden lifts your hand to kiss the back of it before reaching for Ellaria’s. The offer to dine with you had come naturally when she had asked to come speak with you tonight. Returning the hospitality of someone who has been so kind would not cause tongues to wag, although they still talk just because of the proximity to Oberyn.

“Yes, I think so.” Ellaria had perhaps gone slightly overboard in her ordering with the combination of impressing the queen and feeding your increased appetite on her mind, but that does not matter. “Is Oberyn still in meetings? They seem to want him for everything the longer this business goes on.”

“He is only about ten minutes behind us.” Raeden assures her. He had wished to stay back to learn some information from Lord Varys and his little birdies.

“Then come and have a drink and sit with me while we wait.” There is always wine, of course, and also teas and tisanes for you to enjoy now that your tastes are changing.

He looks to you, knowing you might prefer to lay down for a few moments. “My love.”

"Enjoy yourselves, loves." You nudge them together and stretch, offering them a soft smile. "I will lay down for a few minutes with my eyes closed, enjoying the sound of absolutely no one arguing nearby."

“Rest, my love.” He murmurs, watching as you stand and walk towards the bedroom that Ellaria had just exited.

"How was your luncheon?" Ellaria pours wine for both of them and brings Raeden to sit down in front of the fire.

“It was very enlightening.” He admits, accepting the cup and when he sits down, he pulls her into his lap.

"How so?" There is not any need to coax her into further action, and Ellaria readily trails kisses along his neck and jaw.

“She is very eager to be rid of this keep, King’s Landing, all of it.” He tells her, tilting his head back and sighing softly.

"Who could ever want to stay in this place?" It is distasteful, cold, and unfriendly, and Ellaria will be glad to leave it behind as well. The only thing worth staying for is her lovers.

“I do not know why anyone would.” He chuckles and tilts forward so he can look at his second soulmate and lover. “I wish to ask you a question.”

She pauses, drawing away from him and looking into his eyes to find determination in his dark orbs. “Anything, my love.”

“What do you think about a marriage offer to Margarey?” He asks her softly. “I know you have no desire to marry, you have made that clear, and I need a wife to give me sons and daughters.” He knows she would give him a child if she is able, but he doesn’t want to risk her health if it is too taxing on her body.

“How long have you been thinking about this?” Her head tilts in curiosity and she runs her nails soothingly over his scalp. He would not all such a question flippantly, and surely he would have weighed the pros and cons heavily before even bringing it up to anyone in their complex relationship.

“Since the luncheon with the queen today.” He confesses quietly. “It just seems as if there was a moment where I knew she would accept my relationships with you and her.” He nods towards the doorway. “She knows that she is my soulmate and is fascinated by the acceptance.”

“There is always danger in accepting new faces into a situation like ours,” Ellaria admits with a sadness that says she knows this firsthand.

“I can imagine.” He nods seriously and sighs. “I can only ask that she accept and if she cannot, then she would not be the wife for me.”

“Do not be discouraged if your first choice is not realized.” She murmurs, not wanting him to find himself upset if Margaery will be unable to keep jealousy at bay.

“I want you and our love to be involved in the decision.” He insists. “She will be in both your lives.”

"And Oberyn's." She reminds him, but she nods. "I do not envy the life Margaery Tyrell has had to live, but I certainly find her to be clever and beautiful." Leaning down, Ellaria presses a kiss to Raeden's lips as the door to their chambers creaks open. "I would not be upset to see more of her if she was your choice."

“Gods curse this trial.” Oberyn groans as he comes through the door and immediately starts to shuck his broadcoat as he walks over to the couple in the front of the fire to kiss his soulmate.

"Does it vex you so terribly, lover?" Ellaria asks before sinking in his kiss without moving an inch from Raeden's lap.

Oberyn has no issue with the other man being a part of the kiss and his tongue slides against his lips in their journey into Ellaria’s mouth. Kissing her thoroughly before he turns and brushes his nose against the other man’s.

His lack of answer and determined kiss say that yes, it does vex him, and the three of them tangle in each other to let the kiss linger until Oberyn is ready to pull away himself.

“Now I am feeling more relaxed.” He huffs, his fingers reaching out and stroking Raeden’s jaw and then Ellaria’s. “You always relax me.”

"We love you, too," Ellaria hums, her own fingers running down the prince's broad chest. "Leyth and I ordered our dinner to be delivered from the vendor you discovered in the marketplace and the princess is resting," she reports after another soft kiss. "I think they told you already that we are having a guest tonight?"

“Yes.” Oberyn’s eyes slide back to Raeden’s. “Have you broached the subject?”

"Just now." The younger man nods slightly. "With Ellaria first."

His brow ticks up curiously and he sits down next to Raeden and strokes his lover’s thigh as she sits on his lap. “And what do you think of the idea, my sun?”

"It is intriguing," she admits, holding Raeden's hand in hers as she lays back against Oberyn's chest. "Her political navigation cannot be matched, and that will be most valuable."

“That was my thinking as well. The alliance with Highgarden and the Tyrells would serve Raeden well, as well as legitimize his offspring beyond all protests.”

"And she finds our valiant knight very handsome." Ellaria acknowledges, her fingers tangled in his and holding his hand tenderly. "Of course she does. She has eyes."

“What do you think?” He asks softly. “I cannot imagine you kicking her out of bed if she decided to join us.”

"No." Shaking her head, she makes an animated frown and waves one hand freely. "I would certainly not. Young, beautiful, and curious? She will be a quick learner."

Oberyn grins and leans in to bite his lover’s chin. “I knew she would interest you.” His eyes sparkle towards Raeden. “Or would you want to keep your lady wife to yourself, Lord Sunstone?” He teases playfully.

"That is her decision," Raeden acknowledges with a huffed half-laugh. He knows the prince is teasing him, but his answer is honest. "But there is one more person to consult before the discuss is had." He nods his head toward the closed door that has so far kept you ignorant of the topic. "I do not know if it helps or hurts that they have become true friends."

“I think that it would help.” Oberyn offers, having learned the way your mind works very well over the past weeks. “Go and talk to her, make sure she knows you would not proceed without her blessing.”

"I would never." Moving Ellaria over to Oberyn's lap fully, Raeden gives each of them a kiss before pushing himself up to standing. "For the sake of transparency..." he looks down at the pair. "I have both of your blessings for this idea, if I decide to move forward with it?"

Oberyn nods. “Of course you have my blessing, it is a smart move.” He tells the younger man before he leans in to kiss Ellaria’s jaw. “Lover? What is your answer?” He doesn’t speak for her, knowing that the marks on her skin bind her to Raeden in a way that he does not have.

"It is a clever choice," she agrees, nodding her approval. "I will be proud for you if it works out, lover. If it does not, then she was not the right choice after all."

“Thank you.” He smiles at both of them, bolstered by their approval. “Now I should ask my other soulmate.” He hums, removing his boots before he moves silently towards the door.

The sun has gone down since you laid your head on the pillow of the bed you usually sleep in – though who you share it with now changes regularly. When the door opens it brings you out of the depths of your mind and you turn your head to see who has come in. "Raeden," you hum his name happily. "Are you come to beckon me into dinner, or to cuddle for a while?"

“Cuddle.” His jacket is in his hands and he drapes it over a chair before he climbs into the bed with you. “And talk, if you are agreeable to it.”

"Always, my love." As soon as he is on the bed you turn to face him and burrow into his side with a happy purr. "What is it you have a mind to talk about?"

Raeden wraps his arms around you with a happy groan, aware that he is very fortunate to be able to hold you like this at all. Perhaps he is being selfish, wanting to establish his house. “My house. My future wife.”

"Oh?" That has your ears perking and your eyes widening. The feeling of your heart in your throat is surprisingly less violent than you would have expected from this topic but it is more tinged with worry. Worry that he might have trouble finding a suitable choice who would not also endeavor to take him away from you. "Have you...made a decision?"

“I have not spoken to her about it, because you, Oberyn and Ellaria are my priority.” He assures you, squeezing you slightly and then rubbing his hand up and down your back. “If you do not approve, I will say nothing at all.”

"But you have found someone worthy of asking." It is not entirely surprising, considering you are all living at the very center of Westeros society, but still you bite your lip. It is not necessarily surprising, but it is still an enormous step forward for him.

“I have an idea.” He stresses. “One that has me reaching well above my station even as a Lord.”

It takes only a moment for your mind to race through the options with that clue in mind, and you end up with even wider eyes than before as you lean up on your elbow in his arms. "Margaery..." you breathe, looking at him in surprise. "Truly?"

It is marvelous how your mind is quick, piecing everything together. “You think that it would be a grave mistake?”

Sitting up a little straighter, you shake your head and lay your hand on his cheek. "On the contrary, my love. I think it is impossibly clever of you. She is acquainted with our situation, has a keen mind for politics, and is looking for a solution to her own situation."

“That is analytical and practical.” He leans into your touch, his warm brown eyes begging you for your opinion. “How would you feel about it personally. Spending time with Margaery and knowing that she would also carry my children, help me establish my house?”

For weeks now you had been trying to detach yourself from the idea. To think of it as something for the distant future. But that is simply not true. Raeden's House is here, and it is now, and he will need a wife to help it grow and to keep him steady. He will need someone who understands how to play the game of nobles and will be able to bear him many children. "I think she is my friend, as surprising as that is to say." Especially since the very first day that you had met her, you thought that her presence in your life would be nothing more than a passing curiosity. It has been nearly two months now and you have come to dearly enjoy the time that you spend walking, reading, or talking with the young widow. "But I know that she does not think she has much future as a bride, despite how dearly she wishes to be a mother. So I advise you that the conversation may not go the way that you think at first."

“I know that she is a higher station, that her prospects should be better than a new lord, but it would also be easier on her reputation than being found in bed with your husband.” He offers.

“She wants to be a wife,” you promise him, not realizing that your voice has gone soft with understanding. The walks that you have taken with Margaery Baratheon — who still considers herself Margaery Tyrell in her heart — have been much more revealing than you could ever have anticipated. “She wants to be a mother. And I know that she would relish the chance to make a decision about her life on her own for once. Not what her father would do, or what her grandmother orchestrates, but simply what Margaery herself desires.”

“I understand.” Raeden nods solemnly. “I will not speak a word of this to her if you wish it.” He promises. “You and Ellaria and Oberyn are my first concerns, your feelings are of high importance in this matter.” He chuckles quietly. “You will choose my wife, approve her, or I will not take one.”

“A vastly different arrangement than we had when I was married,” you chuckle softly. “I approve of the choice, my love, as long as you like her and it is not simply a political decision.”

“It is not. I think she would accept your place in my life, and Ellaria and Oberyn’s.” He confesses.

"I think she would, too." Your hand strays from his jaw, moving to his shoulder to pull him close to you. "I think it would bring more happiness than we suspect, and perhaps even sooner than we might expect." You have always known that it could not be you – for too many reasons at different times in your life you have known it. But this? If it cannot be you, and it will not be Ellaria, let it be someone you all can trust.

“I love you.” He promises you softly. “That will never change. Until my dying breath my soul is a part of yours, my body as well. My heart has been yours since we met.”

"And I love you in precisely the same way." It is not just a promise, but a statement of truth. Something that is an immovable part of your very existence in this world. "You are as much myself as I am, and I am a part of you."

“I do not want to take this step without your approval.” He admits. “I care more about your happiness than anything else.”

“I will be beside you at every turn.” Nuzzled into his side, you breathe in his reassuring presence and feel the warmth of him fill you from the tips of your toes to the top of your head.

“Of that I have no doubt.” He murmurs softly, continuing to stroke your back. “If no one will accept our situation, I will remain unwed.”

“You cannot,” you remind him quietly, though it pains you to your core to admit it. “Or your house will die before it can begin.”

He sighs softly, wanting to remind you that his house was never supposed to be before your husband. He doesn’t though, he knows you are right, he must marry. “Then we will make sure that my wife is the right one for our group.”

“I think Margaery is a wise choice,” you admit, knowing what self-doubt his sighs betray. It had taken him a long time to show you that side of himself but since he has you have done everything to build him back up in return for his shows of vulnerability. “Will you speak to her tonight?”

“I was thinking about it.” He admits. “As long as you approve. See if she would rather elope with me rather than completely ruin her reputation.”

Taking the sharp line of his jaw in your hands again, you smile and hold his eyes. This is not an easy conversation for either of you to have — considering you had dreamed in your hearts of being able to find a way to be together — but it is by far the best outcome in many ways. “I approve,” you tell him unequivocally. “Margaery has been my unexpected friend in all of this. I would be glad if she could be given a choice in her own life, and if you could have all the advantages possible for your house and your happiness for the years to come.”

“I love you.” He promises you, smiling in relief. “I love you down to your very soul and I am so grateful that you are my soulmate.”

“As I love you.” There is not anyone else in all the world you would rather be tied to by fate or love or any other matter, and the fact that you have both Raeden and Oberyn to share an equal kind of love from your own heart remains extraordinary. “We should join the others, my love. Margaery will be here soon and it promises to be a most interesting meal.”

“We should not lay here too long.” He agrees, although he leans in to kiss you softly. “We will find out if she would like to be a part of our lives.”

“You say the words but make no move to go.” Of course, you do not either. You would much rather lay here and kiss him, if you are honest.

“If I am truthful, I would rather spend the night in bed with my beautiful soulmate.” He confesses.

“After,” you promise him, sighing when he kisses along your neck. “First we must determine if you are to be a groom soon.”

“I wish it was you.” He whispers softly. “Or Ellaria.”

“Do you not like Margaery?” The idea that he might marry purely for politics bothers you immensely and you pull back from him with a frown. “If you cannot find affection for her, my love, then you should not even entertain the idea.”

“I like her.” He tells you. “She is beautiful and witty, kind and smart.” He sighs, stroking your cheek gently. “I just imagined marrying my soulmate. It is hard to swallow that I now have two and cannot marry either one.”

“You could marry Ellaria.” Although your voice is gentle there is sadness to it, and you swallow another sigh. “But she would not be happy as a lady, and I think you would not be happy to let go of the chance to do good as a lord.”

“She does not want it.” He reveals. “She and I spoke of it after the second set of marks appeared.” He chuckles. “She told me she did not marry a prince, and she would not marry me.”

“If the law allowed, I would marry you both,” you promise him, kissing his shirt over his heart.

“Still my favorite woman.” He teases, ducking his head down and pressing his lips to yours. “How are you feeling, love?”

“My head ached this afternoon, but that could have been the trial.” The attempt at a joke is half-hearted, but you both smile a little wider. “And I have been ravenous for days. I cannot think how fast a child grows in its mother’s womb, but it seems to require far more food than I ever thought a little baby could.”

“A little princess.” The idea that it will be another girl has taken root with all of them, and he also knows that you wish for one. His hand slides down and cups your stomach protectively. “If you are hungry, then our meal will not come soon enough.”

“Come, my love.” With another kiss, you are shifting on the mattress. “This is to be a very important meal.”

“Yes it will.” He huffs, following after you with the same slight grumble he has when he has to leave your embrace.

Through the doors into the main chamber, Oberyn and Ellaria are sitting in front of a window with their arms around each other when you and Raeden come in from the other room. Their expectant look makes you shoot a sly smile in Raeden's direction. "I take it I was the last to hear of your plan?"

“You were tired.” He pouts slightly, sending you a beseeching look.

"Apparently growing a baby is hard work." You wink and make your way over to the tray where Leyth has left a pot of the tea you have been favoring the week.

“I found myself equally exhausted when I was carrying my first and third.” Ellaria nods and smiles indulgently at you. “Oberyn would find me sleeping at the dinner table sometimes.”

“I will not be surprised if I follow that example.” The endearing image earns Ellaria a kiss, however, and you temporarily abandon your teapot to bestow it upon her.

She chuckles and nods. “Why do you think Oberyn has ordered pillows to be set at the tables while we eat?” She teases.

It takes you a moment, but when you examine the dining table that has been laid out for all of you with every possible accoutrement besides food — there are numerous pillows laid nearby that you simply had not noticed before. “It is a most thoughtful gesture, husband. You have been looking out for me in ways I have not even been aware of.”

“Star, that is my job.” He purrs, smirking at you and winking. Since the announcement of your pregnancy, he has been doting and he knows it will only get worse as your time gets closer and you are visibly pregnant.

“You have many jobs, I think, your Grace.” The widowed queen stands in the doorway of your chambers with a smile on her face. “Forgive me for being a few minutes early. I was eager for good company.”

Looking over at the queen, his hand is still on his lover’s thigh and he grins. “Lady Baratheon, or queen?” He shrugs slightly. “Whatever your title, we always welcome beautiful guests, come. Would you like some tea? Wine?”

“Amongst friends, might I ask to be just Margaery?” She nods in thanks to the offer of wine, knowing that she has come here tonight to rather insert herself into the situation of all of the people here. Informality seems best, especially since what she has asked Prince Oberyn to do for her – to her, with her – will snatch her from a place of royalty forever.

“Margaery.” The name drips from Ellaria’s tongue like honeyed wine as she turns to kiss her lover and stands, slowly meandering over to the wine to fill a cup for the queen. She winks at you playfully and nudges your shoulder. “Pour your tea, Princess.”

“You all seem to be in high spirits tonight.” And Margaery desperately hopes that that is genuine and not out of delight at her predicament. While she might feel her friendship with you is genuine, she still finds Prince Oberyn to be an unknown entity, while Lord Raeden and Ellaria seem sometimes inscrutable.

“Of course it is.” Oberyn slouches down into his chair a bit more and lifts his cup to his lips. “We are celebrating. What we are celebrating remains to the seen.”

“Sit, Margaery, please.” You offer her the seat beside where you usually set yourself and tut in your husband’s direction. “I will go and tell Leyth we are ready for our meal.”

Your husband chuckles and watches the queen as she sits down and sips her wine. Discreetly looking around the common area of the chambers. “Dornish.” He tells her, lifting the cup to indicate he means the wine. “Superior to the swill that Cersei gulps down.”

“Dornish wine is very fine.” Renly had preferred it, so Margaery knows the taste well enough. It’s actually a bit comforting in an odd way. Something familiar. “Thank you for allowing me to press in on you like this. I know I am not everyone’s favourite dinner guest at present.”

“No thanks needed.” Raeden interjects, sending you a smile as he sits down beside you. “You will find that the prince is very accommodating when his interest is captured.”

“Is that so?” She looks to the faces around the room with curiosity, only to be met mostly with more curiosity in return. “Then for once I count myself lucky to be considered a curiosity.”

“Tell me.” Oberyn starts. “Would you leave the North behind if you could?”

“That is not altogether an easy question,” Margaery admits. The table fills one by one as Oberyn and Ellaria join and Leyth appears with platters of food delivered by the Dornish stall in the marketplace. “I suppose if I had a very good reason to, then yes.”

“Very good.” He will accept that answer at its face value. “And what of sex? Are you prudish? I do not think so, but I must ask.”

“I—” She glances at Leyth to take stock of the girl but your maid pays the conversation no mind whatsoever – just finishes setting out trays and exits the room after checking that everything is as it should be. “I do not think so,” she admits, sounding more uncertain than she would like. “But I admit I have only a small frame of reference.”

“Not pure, good.” He chuckles at her bewildered expression. This was not the conversation she was expecting but it was raw, honest. What Oberyn was hoping for. “And your soulmate? Have you found them?”

“They died.” She fidgets in her seat, looking much younger than she normally holds herself. She looks – self-conscious and bewildered – her own age. A young woman on the edge of uncertainty. “When I was a girl. I had a mark on my belly for years and then one day it was gone.”

“You poor dear.” Ellaria tuts and reaches out to touch the Queen’s knee as she sits back down with Oberyn. “I am very sorry.”

“It could have been worse,” Margaery acknowledges. “I could have known them.” An old thought creeps through her mind that she banishes with a small shake of her head and a painted-on smile. “It is not all so terrible. Or so difficult.”

“Perhaps you will be gifted with another soulmate.” Ellaria offers kindly, knowing that most nobility never get to be with their soulmate, but she couldn’t see Raeden denying her the connection given his own circumstances.

“That would be a rare gift.” One that Margaery tended not to let herself dream about, if she could help it. There is no benefit to letting her imagination run away with her. So instead she smiles as plates begin to fill and finds herself relieved and relaxed at the idea that she will get to choose her own delicacies tonight. She did not bring her maid deliberately, so there was no one to fix her plate on her behalf.

“Would you like me to serve you, Margaery?” Raeden turns towards the younger woman with a smile. “You can direct what you wish to eat?”

“Believe it or not, I am delighted to see to myself for once.” It almost makes her blush, though, for the situation being unusual and the offer being reasonable and kind. The food on the table looks and smells Dornish which means it is new to her, but that is somehow also an unlooked for delight rather than anything else. “As I am sure the princess understands, it is a rare chance that ladies of our situation are able to choose anything for ourselves. Food included.”

“Indulge, then,” you encourage, offering your friend a smile. “Choose only what you like and give yourself a taste for Dornish spices. I promise you will not be disappointed.”

“If there is something that does not agree with you, simply choose something else.” Oberyn instructs her. “You will not offend anyone here.”

“Growing up, the food at Highgarden always had herbs and roots for flavoring, but this smells so very different. I am intrigued,” she admits with a small laugh, then changes the subject as everyone begins to fill their plates in earnest. “I trust, now that the day is at an end, everyone is in higher spirits?”

“We are normally in high spirits when we can spend the evening together, it is very pleasurable.” Raeden doesn’t mention that it is spent having pleasure, but his eyes slide over to you and Ellaria with a fair amount of heat.

“Yes.” You clear your throat in the most ladylike way possible and Ellaria grins broadly. “To be in the company of those we hold dear is very pleasurable indeed.”

Margaery feels like there is an undercurrent to the comment but she doesn’t question it. “So,” she murmurs once the plates are full and Leyth slides discreetly out of the room to wait until she is called. “Your servants, they can be trusted with this?”

“Entirely,” you promise her, knowing that the matter she came to discuss and what will be presented to her are two separate things. “Their discretion and their loyalty is complete.” Something that would be obvious if news of what had happened with your mother had ever gotten out — but because of Leyth and Cal’s impregnable loyalty, not a word had been uttered to anyone.

“It is rare that such loyalty is inspired, and it is a credit to your character.” She praises. It is rare the noble that garners much respect and loyalty from their servants, having seen the worst of them.

“It is a credit to Oberyn, and to choice,” you offer, not wanting to downplay your husband’s kindness to those he employees but also knowing that freedom of choice – to select one’s path in any way at all – was taken from Leyth and Cal in a way that was far too cruel.

“Whoever is responsible, it is a blessing to be surrounded by that kind of integrity.” She smiles as she scoops up the first bite of her food to try.

Margaery hums in delight, blissfully unaware of the four sets of eyes currently trained on her as she takes her first bites of Dornish delicacies. The roasted meats, stewed vegetables, creamy dips, and highly spiced sauces are all delicious and an indulgence they partake of often. The Red Keep’s kitchens are not equipped to create the masterpieces that Oberyn prefers so he – or one of you – will routinely order from the gentleman at the marketplace that you discovered on your walk with Oberyn.

“Delicious, is it not?” You ask, when she closes her eyes in a dreamy expression.

“It is divine.” She moans, aware that it is not ladylike but sure that no one at the table would mind. “The flavors are so…robust. I could eat this every day.”

The small smirk on your lips is pure amusement as you glance up at your husband. Ellaria’s eyes flash as well and there is a silent laugh shared between the three of you at the table. “Would that please you?” You ask conversationally. “This food came from a very talented man in the marketplace, and it is just a sampling of what Dornish delicacies can be tasted.”

“It is better than any feast displayed in the Red Keep’s dining hall.” She tells you honestly, “You must show me this vendor before you leave.”

“I will,” you promise her, managing not to give anything away by not glancing at Raeden. “Do you expect to stay in the keep long after your…plan goes into action?”

“If Cersei does not have me killed, I expect to be thrown out like the morning’s chamber pot.” Margaery jokes weakly.

“I wonder—” Raeden sits up a little taller at the table, feeling this to be his cue. “If you have considered every avenue available to solve your problem.”

“Sort of throwing myself from the tower, I believe so.” She frowns, turning towards Raeden. “Have you some idea? You are a clever man; you have taught me that during our luncheons.”

“I will take that as the highest compliment.” And an encouragement, that she thinks well of him and is not just abusing herself with his presence or inviting him out of pity. “There are other people a beautiful young noblewoman could marry, if she chose. Surely a different husband is preferable to death?”

She sighs softly, setting her fork down. “All the men who would wish to marry me are not very noble men.” She confesses. “Someone like Petyr Baelish would be the type to offer for me with the scandal an elopement would cause, for I would have to marry and bed hastily.” She smiles and reaches out to squeeze his hand. “Do you know of someone?”

Her hand is delicate. Small on his and warm, and perhaps a little uncertain though it does not tremble. “Perhaps,” Raeden nods and sets down his wine glass in turn. “What would you say if I offered myself?”

Her eyes widen and she snatches her hand back as her head swings towards you. She is not disgusted, her heart jumps in fact, but she respects you. “I— you have a soulmate here.” She gasps. “You—” she finds that you are not upset, in fact, you are obviously anticipating an answer. “You don’t mind?”

“What right do I have to dictate Raeden’s life when I have a husband and a growing family of my own?” You ask her seriously, knowing that news of your pregnancy has also not made it beyond your immediate household. On Oberyn’s advice, you had not made an announcement at court yet. That would wait until you were starting to show. “I do not wish to see you hurt, Margaery. You have been a wonderful and unexpected friend to me and to see you so desperate wounds me in ways I cannot express. If you can acceptance our situation, and the love we all have for each other, and think that you could be happy with a good, clever man just beginning his own House — then I do not mind at all. In fact, I urge you to accept.”

“You—” she’s speechless and for a moment tears swarm her vision at the prospect of freedom from this red tomb and life beyond the reach of the Lannisters. “So please tell me what I need to accept so I can decide.” She begs, wishing she could hug you.

“Firstly, that I will not give up my soulmates.” Raeden puts both of his hands on the table, offering her comfort but leaving it up to her if she chooses to accept it. “Each of us here has two soulmates, as rare as that is. I am blessed to be attached to both of these women and I will not turn away for them from any reason.”

“T-Two soulmates?” She had been reaching for her cup and nearly knocks it over in surprise as her head snaps up. Barely sloshing a large drop of the Dornish red onto her hand, she doesn’t notice as she stares at the four of you, mouth gaped open.

“It is rare, but it is true.” You confirm with a nod, understanding her shock completely. “I bare Raeden’s marks as well as Oberyn’s.”

“And Ellaria?” She looks at the other woman. “You wear Oberyn’s and Raeden’s marks?” She asks, wanting to confirm.

"I do," she nods and laces her fingers through Oberyn's. "And though I do not share marks with the princess, we do share a bed more than occasionally."

“Do you and the prince share a bed?” Margaery asks Raeden, wondering how the dynamic works. Does everyone share?

"We have not yet." He adds yet carefully, knowing that he fully intends to, and likely soon. "Would it bother you if we did?"

“No— um...” she chews her lip. “Renly was eager to bed both me and my brother, so I understand.” She explains, toying with her wine cup. “I do not have any bother with that. But you will bed me?”

It is a fair question, even if Raeden feels temporarily wounded at the idea that he would offer marriage to a woman and then not treat her as his wife. "In order to grow House Sunstone, I will need legitimate heirs," he reminds her gently. There is nothing patronizing in his tone, it is only facts and kindness. "So yes, I would intend to bed you."

“Would I have other lovers?” She asks, looking around the room, “All of you?”

That makes Raeden smile, and he glances around the table before looking back at her. "If you wish it. No one here would turn you away."

“Truly?” She’s shocked by that. While many people boast of wanting lovers, very few actually take them. At least the women she knows.

"We would not expect it of you," you clarify quickly. "But if you wished to take other lovers, it would be entirely unjust of Raeden to forbid it while having three other lovers himself."

“You enjoy it?” She asks curiously. “Being with a woman? I have never had a chance to experience it.”

"My first lover was a woman." Confident and comfortable with the memory of Brynna's place in your life, you can assure Margaery in this completely. "It can be a wonderful and extremely pleasurable experience."

“And you wish me to join your little group?” She asks seriously. “As a lady wife to Lord Sunstone and potential lover to all of you? A preverbal fifth wheel?”

"We have all discussed it." Raeden artfully leaves out the fact that – in one case – the discussion only happened just before she arrived. Instead he focuses on the positive. And on the offer he is making. "If you would like to be a part of this group...this odd little family that we have...we are offering you the chance to be a part of it. If you desired nothing beyond my own bed and never shared pleasure with your dear friend, with Oberyn, or with Ellaria, that would be entirely up to you." He turns now, offering his hands to Margaery again and looking into her eyes. They really are stunning now that he has a chance to look deeper. "Rather than shatter your reputation and put your life on the line, would you consider an elopement? It will eliminate the problem of your father's arrangement with the Lannisters and take you far away from King's Landing." He smirks slightly, looking over at the food on the table before his smirk blooms into a full smile. "And you will have all the Dornish delicacies you like in Sunspear."

Her fingers slide against his palm as her laughter blooms. Joyous and relieved. “I accept.” She decides instantly. “If nothing more than a lifetime of food such as this.” She jokes before she squeezes his fingers. “If we elope and my marriage is actually consummated, the dowry the Lannisters are planning to line their coffers with is yours, Lord Sunstone.”

"And as Dornish subjects, you answer to the princes and princesses of that realm, rather than to Cersei Lannister." It is a deeply added benefit, and now will be the second time you have exploited that loophole to help get people you care about away from imminent harm. Looking to Oberyn, Raeden holds tight to Margaery's hands. "Do you think Maester Rhodestone would mind a late night visit?"

“If you wish to do this tonight, we will finish our dinner and make for the Citadel.” He tells Margaery. “The same maester who married myself and the princess would oversee your vows and make sure they are registered.”

Though her hand is in Raeden's, you place one of your own gently on her shoulder and squeeze. "The speed is out of concern for your safety, my dear. It is the same reason that Oberyn and I wed so quickly. Because Raeden was my sworn guard and his life was in danger."

“What happened?” She asks, tilting her head curiously and wanting to know what could possibly threaten this kind and handsome man.

"My mother threatened to spread a vicious lie that would most likely have ended in his execution." You shake your head sadly. "I did what I had to do to keep my soulmate safe. And found myself the luckiest woman in the world when I began to know more of the husband I had made vows to. I think – I hope – you will consider yourself equally as lucky as you get to know Raeden."

“I hope that this does not affect our relationship.” She murmurs quietly. “I have come to view you as one of my dearest friends. A true friend. That is so hard to come by.”

"A true friend can be more valuable than gold." You readily agree. "The only thing that would change would be if we decided to share a bed. And that would be a way to bring us closer."

She has been curious about that. Biting her lip and nodding. “It would be an experience.” She admits. “I am not pure and I would like to live my life to the fullest.”

You can feel a bloom of warmth in your cheeks and do not even turn your head to Ellaria, knowing what she will say. Her stunning smirk surely says I knew it like only she can. “I can assure you that no one here is pure in the sense that you mean.”

“I understand if you wish to wait until I bleed, but I can swear to the Gods I have not been with anyone since before I married Joffrey.” Margaery promises.

“Well, when was the last time you bled?” Ellaria pauses with a bite of roast meat and bread halfway to her mouth and quirks an eyebrow. She knows the answer - the maids know everything and Leyth has good ears – but she wants to see how genuine Margaery is being tonight.

“I bled the week after Joffrey’s funeral.” She admits, squirming slightly since she is unused to speaking of such things in front of men. It’s not that she is embarrassed, just unaccustomed to men around talks of women’s things.

“Then there seems little need to wait.” Raeden nods when Ellaria seems to accept the answer and resume her dinner casually, but he looks back to Margaery with concern. “Unless you want more time to think over the offer?”

“There is not much time to wait.” She answers honestly. “I had come to beg that the prince be discovered in my bed by morning,” she confesses. “They wish to announce my marriage to Tommen after Lord Tyrion has been executed.”

“Then the longest we will wait is after our supper.” Knowing that Rhodestone is now fond enough of your group to receive the lot of you even at an odd time, Raeden is certain they will be allowed into the Citadel no matter what time they arrive. Perhaps it will all one day make a charming or romantic story. Instead of being a true matter of life and death twice over.

Oberyn scoffs slightly, aware that the trial has been a farce, but it is made even more obvious by her comment. “You will be wedded and bedded before the sun rises.” He promises. “Our maid will discover your blood on Lord Sunstone’s sheets.” Even if he must provide his own blood, he will make sure proof is undeniable.

“We will stand beside you tomorrow, and every day afterward,” you promise her, knowing that your roles are about to reverse. With you the princess and her the lady, nothing would change, though. As Margaery pointed out herself, true friendships are difficult to come by.

It is rare, she knows this. Her own family crawled back to the Lannisters after Renly died, her body as a pawn. Now, Mace would be unable to use her to better himself again, and she believes her grandmother would approve. “So this is now our wedding feast.” She says, lifting her cup. “To House Sunstone, May it grow strong and prosperous in Dorne.”

“Here here.” You approve of that most heartily and raise your cup to salute her and Raeden with one hand. The sadness – the melancholy – the bracing discomfort you expected to feel when Raeden finally married is nowhere in sight. His future is secure in the hands of a woman that you not only know well but enjoy, and his legacy will grow from the vines of the House that they sew together. The injustice of being denied each other’s love does not exist. Margaery accepts it just as the rest of you all have. She will be safe and they will persevere together. In time, there will be so many less important things to fret over. And you will all have the luxury of fretting, because you have survived.

Dinner ends up being a lighthearted, jovial affair. Turning into more of a celebration than anything else and by the time that the food has been eaten, Margaery is almost eager to make Raeden her Lord husband. He is a good man, she can see that from the way that he treats you and Ellaria, and Oberyn. Two soulmates. She can’t even fathom that, but he had shown her marks from both you and Ellaria, proving it to be true. Oberyn has been kind, flirtatious as well and she wonders if her first night in these chambers will be with everyone. Experiencing the orgies that Oberyn is famous for.

******

“You should wear this.” The cloak that you hold out to drape over Margaery’s shoulders is one of your own. Nondescript but comfortable and attractive, the piece will not mark her as Margaery Tyrell, Queen of the Seven Kingdoms but as just another noble lady walking with her party. “Keep the hood up while we are in the carriage. The last thing we want is to be stopped or mobbed on the way to having you married.”

“Is this how you felt when you married Oberyn?” She asks quietly. “Afraid you might be discovered before the vows could be said?” Her stomach knots up in fear that could happen, her slight chance at freedom ruined.

"I was terrified," you agree, though your face is much more serene now. "At any moment my mother could have been sending the keep's guard after us. I literally begged Oberyn to marry me."

“It does not seem like he regrets that decision.” Margaery looks over at Oberyn as the group walks towards the carriage.

“Regret would be the last word I would use to describe my marriage to the Princess.” He reaches for your hand and lifts it to his lips.

"I love you, too." The words have come easy since the first nice that you managed to say them, and you press your own lips to the back of Oberyn's hand in turn before accepting his help up into the carriage. The five of you will be cramped inside but you will manage. It is more important that you not be identified on your way to the Citadel than that you be able to spread out.

“Once you are wed, we will return to our rooms.” Oberyn tells the group as the carriage starts to move once you are all loaded up. “While I do not know how luxurious your chambers are, it would be better if you stayed with us on your wedding night.”

"Once the wedding is complete, my lord's chambers are mine anyway," Margaery points out with a nod of agreement. "I have no doubt that my father would have overwhelming questions when I returned. This will be better. Safer."

“Yes.” He nods in agreement. “Tomorrow, Raeden and I will inform your father.”

"It will not be good news to him." Although the more she sits with the idea and rolls it over in her mind, Margaery might actually be looking forward to this third marriage.

“No matter his feelings, it will be a successful marriage.” Oberyn predicts with a smile. “It will last longer than the other two.”

"It would be very difficult not to last longer than the second." Even as she says it, Margaery chews her lip. Her weeks have been filled with a magnitude of worries, not the least of which is the concern that if something should happen to her third husband then she might seclude herself somewhere untouchable for fear of being the unwitting cause of their demise. A jinx.

“Yes, it would.” Oberyn chuckles and looks to you for a moment before he leans over and whispers to you.

A silent nod and a kiss for your husband are the end of the communication for now, and you tuck a smile in the corner of your mouth as the carriage pulls through King's Landing. As troubling as your time in this city has been at points, it has also been rewarding and joyous on many occasions. Tonight, you hope will be one more moment of celebration.

******

Margaery takes a deep breath then the carriage finally rolls to a stop and Raeden looks over, reaching out with a smile as he takes her hand. “Perhaps you can guide me through this.” He whispers softly. “I have never been a husband, so you should instruct me on what to do.” He means it as a comfort, knowing she must be worried about another marriage.

"Try not to die." Margaery advises wryly, letting her fingers curl around his after a moment's hesitation. The carriage door swings open to let them all out and once more the group is on the move.

He chuckles as he hops out of the carriage first, turning to assist the ladies out. “Do not fear, I wish to die a very old man with my numerous children surrounding me.”

“From several mothers, if you are lucky.” Ellaria hums as she gets out of the carriage behind them.

Raeden turns to look at Margaery. “You would not object, would you? A child with my soulmates?”

“Before tonight I would have said that I objected to it most strongly,” she admits, looking around the group before her eyes meet Raeden’s again. “But to see love is something genuine, and I cannot find it in myself to object to a child that will be loved.”

“Believe me,” Oberyn chuckles. “All our children will be loved in our family. Which is what we are. One odd family.”

“A large, odd, loving family,” you agree before ringing the bell at the Citadel’s door. “Come. Let us have you two married.”

This time when the door is opened, a different face peers out at the group. A confused frown on the chubby cheeks of the younger man. “Yes?”

“Would you kindly inform Maester Rhodestone that the Prince and Princess of Dorne and their party are in need of his assistance?” Haste does not mean you have to be impolite, but it is essential to get your group inside so Margaery is not recognized. You have lent her a cloak, not a potion of invisibility.

“I will be back.” He informs you, stepping back to allow you into the Citadel. “Wait here.”

"Thank you." The five of you file into the foyer and almost sigh with relief as the door shuts behind you.

“We should have brought the book back.” Oberyn snaps his fingers, a smirk on his lips as he winks at you.

"If only we had not been in such a hurry." The twist of your mouth matches his smirk and you lean into his side.

"How careless of us." Ellaria agrees with a chuckle.

Raeden chuckles, leaning in to whisper in Margaery’s ear when she frowns in confusion. “The Princess borrowed a book from the maesters on soulmates when the second set of marks appeared on her skin.”

"When was it?" She still cannot quite believe the reality of having two soulmates, but the proof is irrefutable. She has seen the marks.

“Just a few weeks ago.” He tells her. “Ellaria and I did not know what to do when our own marks showed up. Afraid of what the Princess would think. But our fears were unfounded.”

"Your soulmate is very kind." Margaery's eyes glance over to you, and then past you to Ellaria, and she smiles. "They both are. You are very lucky."

“We are all lucky.” Raeden tells you quietly. “If you are blessed by the Seven to have another soulmate, they will be welcomed.” He tells his future wife. “I would not keep such an important person from you.”

“Let us hope that, if they do appear, they are as kind and as stalwart as the companions we have now.” Margaery has no illusions about her own worthiness as a political pawn - in that she is very powerful as one – but soulmates come from personal worth and that is an entirely different matter. One that she is not willing to let herself drown in now for fear of the melancholy it will bring.

“We do not know why some of us have marks and others do not.” Oberyn tells her. “But I personally believe that just because you do not share marks does not mean you cannot share your heart with someone.”

“The gods chose who could share my soul,” Margaery nods, finding that for all his reputation, Prince Oberyn is full of wisdom and not only instinct. “But I choose to whom I give my heart.”

“Precisely.” He hums, sending her a tiny wink as the rattling of chains signifies that a maester is returning.

“My favourite visitors,” Rhodestone chuckles at the sight of your group. “To what do I owe the pleasure so late on this night?”

“I have come once again to beg a favor.” Oberyn takes charge and steps forward. “Another marriage than needs to be made in haste.”

“I see.” Rhodestone surveys the group, standing before the five of you with interest and a characteristically expressive countenance. “The match is made freely? All parties are consenting?”

“We are, Maester.” Raeden steps forward and captures Margaery’s hand in his. “We desperately wish to be married and must make it so before the opportunity is lost.”

“Forgive me if I do not bow, your Grace. This old back does not cooperate as it once did.” Maester Rhodestone surveys the couple – their tightly joined hands and anxious postures, their forced smiles and their rounded shoulders. “I take it there is no time to waste?” He asks, sensing that – like last time – there is more to this haste than meets the eye.

“None.” Margaery insists. “Please know that I am willingly consenting to marrying this man and must do so immediately.”

“Then I see we have no time to waste.” He is not a man for politics or intrigue, though he understands both, and decides it is not in his best interest to ask questions. Instead, he waves for all of you to follow and chuckles under his breath. “This way, this way…although I suspect you remember from the last marriage.”

Margaery reaches out for your hand instinctively, even though she has gone through her vows twice now, this time is even more daunting. This time she is going against the political wishes of her father and making her own choice, forging her own destiny and she has only your obvious happiness to guide her.

“Breathe,” you remind her quietly. “All will be well.” And, with a much softer tone in your already hushed voice. “You have chosen a good man, Margaery. I promise you. He will protect and cherish you.”

“It is not my future I am worried for.” She admits quietly, her heart racing as she envisions letting all of you down, or worse, hurting you.

“We are a family now.” Holding tight to her hand, you offer her the most reassuring smile you are able, and continue walking together. “We look after each other. All of us.”

“Due to your marriage to my wife’s soulmate,” Oberyn adds quietly. “You will have very strong ties to House Martell.” He knows she is not worried about that, but it can be a comfort. “All of Dorne will be eager to come to House Sunstone’s aid if needed.”

“And my father’s House may be far away, but they will send aid if we should ever require it. We have friends who will help us.” Though you all hope that day will never come, it is necessary to be prepared for. Especially when there is so much at stake.

“Then all we can hope is that our union creates a happy home.” Raeden murmurs quietly. “I wish to fill the halls of whatever home with have with laughter, children and one day – love.”

Margaery seems positively flustered at such an optimistic picture of life ahead, and is blushing profusely between you and Raeden when you offer him a smile. “I have something for you both. And I hope that you will accept it with all the good intent it is given.” On one of your fingers, there is an intricate sunstone and bronze ring that Raeden himself had picked out at the market a week ago. He had settled on the new name for his House and presented it to you as a way to tell the group. Slipping it from your finger now, you take Raeden’s hand and place it in his palm. “Ellaria presented me with a ring that Oberyn had given her just before we were going to be married,” you explain to Margaery softly. “Now a ring from Raeden will leave my finger to grace yours. I pray it brings you happiness.”

Her gasp is soft, expression almost startled as she stares at the ring and then you. “Are you sure?” She asks quietly. It is a beautiful ring and yet she doesn’t know if she should accept.

“Very sure.” Even as you close his fingers around the trinket, Raeden looks as if he might be moved to tears, and you squeeze his hand tight. “One day perhaps you will pass on a ring to another bride, and we will make it a tradition.”

“It would make a lovely tradition. The first jewels in the Sunstone house.” She leans over and kisses your cheek. “I will cherish it, like I cherish your friendship.”

“Come.” Smile beaming at both of them, you motion to where the Maester, Oberyn, and Ellaria have gotten ahead of you. “Let us see you married and then we will all remember how to breathe a little easier.”

Now, when the moment has arrived, there is no fear. A sense of calm washes over the woman who was queen in name twice and never in reality. Now she will be Lady Sunstone and that is a brighter future than she might have every had as Margaery Tyrell.

______

Master Tags: @pixiedurango @chattychell @winter-fox-queen @lady-himbo @artsymaddie @princess76179 @paintballkid711 @missminkylove @pedrosbrat @ew-erin @sarahjkl82-blog @sharkbait77 @justanotherblonde23 @lv7867 @recklesswit @mylittlesenaar @f0rever15elf @gallowsjoker @steeevienicks @athalien @sherala007 @skvatnavle @thatpinkshirt @jaime1110 @girlimjusttryingtoreadfanfics @goodgriefitsawildworld @greeneyedblondie44 @katheriner1999 @littlemousedroid @harriedandharassed @churchill356 @ajathegreats-blog @haylzcyon   @beardsanddetectives @kirsteng42 @ladykatakuri @adancedivasmom @madiebear @tanzthompson @emilianamason @bigsdinger @xocalliexo @pedr0swh0r3 @avaleineandafryingpan @charlyrmv @avidreader73 @iceclaw101 @loveslide @elegantduckturtle @becsworld @julesonrecord @its-nebuleuse @itsrubberbisquit @mikeyswifie

My Masterlist!

[snugglyducklingbrewhouse]

snugglyducklingbrewhouse’s birthday bingo celebration!

In honor of my birthday in June, I decided to host a bingo event again.

The old event cannot be found due to me literally deleting my old blog and starting from scratch.

For those you who do remember last year’s event, I basically took the same board and changed a few things.

Rules:

You do not need to get a perfect bingo (5 squares in a row, column, or diagonal)

You can choose any 5 squares you want

Bonus challenges: totally optional but you can also choose one of the following special types of bingo (I do not expect anyone to do any of these): four corners, inner box (around free space), outer box (top and bottom rows plus both the far left and far right columns), any box of 4 (2x2 box anywhere on the board), X (both diagonals), and + (center column and center row)

Obviously the squares you choose will drive the story, but I am pretty open to genres, including smut (I am turning 27)

I prefer reader inserts now a days but if you are an oc person, I will gladly accept oc fics. I want to be inclusive in terms of types of writing. Obviously not in terms of players since there are just some players I refuse to read for.

No word count minimum (or maximum) but preferably longer than a blurb especially if you fit 4+ squares in one story

Deadline

June 30th

My actual birthday is June 17th, but I want to give enough time for anyone that wants to write

I will accept early entries. If you are choosing to do one of the harder challenges, you have until July 31st because I know those are hard and most don’t make sense with the board

Players

I am not as open minded as last year, but some players have been added

Obviously, I can’t control who you choose to write since I know not everyone writes for all of these players, and I am totally okay with that

Absolutely no Seattle kraken players unless as a side character and not as a current or former love interest. Those are my babies and I do not read (or write) for them anymore

If none of these players spark your fancy, then feel free to shoot an ask asking about a specific player I haven’t mentioned. I am still open minded but I still have my limitations

Listed in no particular order (because I am chaos):

Nico Hischier

Dawson Mercer

John Marino

Matthew “ratthew” Tkachuk

Quinn Hughes

Elias Pettersson

Cale Makar

Nathan MacKinnon

Sebastian Aho (canes)

And there’s more I’m probably forgetting so feel free to send an ask about a specific player not on this list

Final notes

Have fun with this!

This is meant to be fun, not stressful

If this is too much for you, you do not need to participate as a writer. Feel free to join me as a reader

Again, both reader insert and oc fics will be accepted

My ask box is open for questions about anything related to this (this is partly because Taylor has so much music and I might love her music but that doesn’t mean I absolutely adore each and every song)

Have fun!

No pressure tags: @cellythefloshie @swissboyhisch @mp0625 @puckmaidens @this-is-ally-and-im-confused and obviously anyone who wants to participate or spread the word

[wildcxrds]

🌸 a token of my appreciation 🌸

I’ve been through quite the journey in the RP community - all my characters have been through various blogs since 2012, and maintaining the OG four while adding to my roster has been part of that journey.

However, coming back after leaving the RP comm in 2018 was extremely daunting and took a couple tries, but I think this is the one that really stuck. Reflecting back not just on the character progress I’ve had, but the place I’m at now with them and seeing people’s genuine interest in them and their story fills my heart so greatly. I’m forever thankful to all of you to this day, for sticking through the hiatuses and the fluctuation of activity and still wanting to write and interact with not just my OCs (and now Thor!) but with me!

From the bottom of my heart, from all my muses:

Thank you.

I wanna extend a few specific thank yous; please understand I still have an extremely deep appreciation for all of y’all. I just want to show a little love to these peeps.

First of all, to @eternalspawn @visixnaryx Torioioio (YES I’M TAGGING BOTH YOUR BLOGS). You have been there since the beginning, when we first met back in 2012. I’m so grateful to have you still as my friend to this day, and honored to have written with you still and had our characters meet and adore each other. Kairo still loves Adamire to bits and pieces, and really, all my characters love yours by default. Your writing is so fantastic, and always leaves me blown away, and know that no matter who you bring around, I’ll be around to write with them as much as you’d like. I love you very much, friend, you’re a fantastic person, always make me laugh, and you’re such a light! 🌸❤️

@deafarcher Fir, you’re another one of the homies that was around from the olden days! You even kept following me on my personal too 🥹 I’m happy we’ve found each other again and we’re writing - I missed you greatly, friend!

@xinchargeofthetvax you!! YOU! You have been here for this blog through its trials and tribulations, been super understanding and always extending kind words and holding such lovely conversation. I can’t believe it’s been a year already! Time flew!! I love the way you write Mobius so much. Thank you thank you thank you (PS: whenever someone uses the word bud, I think of you! Fondly, of course) ❤️

@ignisregina I know it’s been a bit and I know life has you busy but you have also been one of the sweetest people I’ve met on here. You give Alliecat & me so much love and I was 10000% on board pre-establishing her friendship with Mari. I hope you are doing well, I miss you lots and hope to see you again soon!!

@cxcasiris I will never forget the absolutely sweet ass message you sent me while I was struggling. Beyond that, the friendship you’ve given me thus far and the person you are = I’m stuck on you like glue! You are incredibly creative, friendly and just all around such an awesome person, and whatever journey you want to go on creatively, I’m along for the ride as long as you’ll have me! Thank you for always being so considerate to me and reaching out when you can.

@luposcainus I have to be so honest I was so intimidated to approach you for the longest! I’d seen you around before but I was always nervous (I’m just generally a shy bean sometimes) but I’m glad we’ve started writing together! It’s helped me to see the fear was unfounded. I see the love and care you give to Caspian!! Thank you for always being kind and being as much of a silly bean as I am!

With that being said, if I keep going and thanking everyone this is just gonna be an already BIGGER wall of text than it already is. So my HUGE HUGE HUGE love and appreciation for all these peeps; CHECK THEM OUT. All of these people have been so amazing, and I wish I had the proper words to declare how deep my appreciation goes for all of them! As time goes on, the list gets bigger!

🌸 @brokenandlonelysouls | @escapedartgeek | @evildollface | @vuulpecula | @vivalavillain | @redheadarcher | @muchtodoaboutmuses | @thscharmngman | @differentcentury 🌸

[lupaeusarc]

emma's new carrd is up , and as i've gotten a fair amount of new followers recently ( hi ily all ?! ) i figure it's a good time for a reminder that emma does have a few exclusives .

if you write one of these muses and would still like to interact , i have several other muses including a handful of madelyn fcs on the blogs linked in my pinned , HOWEVER :

@antiturner is the exclusive jesse turner and ben braeden across all pages , as well as the exclusive brian altemus faceclaim

@irrcdeemable is the exclusive billy hargrove across all pages

@multi-royalty is the exclusive rebekah mikaelson across all pages

other than those four i am happy to write with any of these muses on other pages with almost any of my other muses ; these are simply characters that are incredibly deep and complex ships to emma and i honor that by making them exclusive . i apologize for any inconvenience 🤍

if you'd like to be added to mains or have an oc you'd like added to exclusives , feel free to let me know .

[somanyfuckingdrinks]

Hi!

I’m Remmie. You may know me from my main blog (remmieismyname) or you may have just stumbled upon this jewel. Either way, welcome!

This blog is for my own OC universe, named “The Drink Universe”. I developed the first pieces of the universe in June of 2018 and it has since grown to be a big passion project of mine (whenever I find the time). I have plans to either turn my ideas into a series of books or maybe a TV show; you’ll just have to stick around to see. I hope you fall in love with these characters as I have in the past two years. These are my babies; treat them with kindness, please. 

Now onto the bigger, more important questions.

- What’s “The Drink Universe” all about?

It primarily follows the four lives of four very different characters: Camila Flores, Lillian Park, Ely Fey, and Jeremiah Midlin. 

Camila Flores (she/her) comes from a large family background as the more overshadowed middle child. However, it doesn’t bother her, as long as her family is content with her and her accomplishments (if there are any). She struggles with who she is (bisexual and maybe, just maybe in love with her best friend) and how people see her. The idea of the future terrifies her as she worries she will never live life to its fullest. She makes sure to hide her fears in favor of keeping those she cares about happy; since that is top priority.

Lillian Park (she/her) has always known where she is going. The future gave her the greatest hope and served as the largest motivator for her success. However, she can never anticipate when a roadblock with appear to knock her off the path; a terrible father, unknown family lineage, a suddenly absent best friend, lack of support, and so on. The surprises only add more weight to her bleeding shoulders and waning spirit, but she refuses to let it stop her. Hitting the surprises with her own curveballs, she knows she can beat the world that tried to destroy her.

Ely Fey (they/them) has never known who they are. Adopted by their maternal uncle, they were shoved behind two overbearing cousins dedicated to the arts. They walked the world alone and always seemed to walk in the shadows. Not that it bothered them; it was home to them. However, upon being shined on by the spotlight of other tortured souls, they start to search. Music draws the soul they can’t seem to show the world out. Leaving the sudden spolight behind, they find a new spotlight, hoping to finally understand just where they belong.

Jeremiah Midlin (he/him) comes from a perfect family. An assorted Disney movie breakfast every morning, fridge covered in years of children’s drawings, the halls covered in scheduled family portraits kind of family. He has always been within the reaches of his parents’ attention, but always just out of reach. His sisters are academic scholars and extracurriculars, while he only has his football and music. Football is the only known to his family. He hates lying, but it’s all he can do to not fall behind, left forgotten. Music gives him the outlet to tell all his secrets in the form of strong melodies and soft bellows of an acoustic guitar. Secrets he hopes to share in his own spotlight.

Complex? Maybe. Do I suck at summaries? I think I do, but that’s up to you.

- What are you going to post on here?

Shitposts! 

No seriously, this blog will be me reblogging prompts, quotes, or funny scenarios that I think fit my characters or universe in general. This will also consist of my random 3 A.M brainstorms and thoughts, so be prepared for that.

Actual storybuilding!

Hah! Surprise! I will also post character notes, drabbles, and world designs. These will hopefully reveal more about this strange, strange universe I have created and nurtured. I take constructive criticism and highly invite it.

*Forewarning, since I do not have the time and skillset to draw, you will see me use the Sims 4 or other platforms like Picrew to create character models and world designs. I need the visuals to create the world. Do not clown me, please.*

- Give me more backstory.

Okay fine, pushy. This universe started at around 7 A.M on a cold June day, maybe 30 minutes before my Geometry summer class was going to start. It’s funny to say and admit that this could have very well been a Klance fanfiction, but I didn’t know how to write the two characters. We said make your own!

I thought of the first plot draft, which dealt primarily with body confidence and being proud of who you are, along with the first two characters. They were unnamed at the time but over the next week they earned the names Camila and Lillian. I made their first character models and soon had a double conflict plot. Over the next couple months of 2018, I added small details and bigger subplots, such as Jeremiah (yes he was a subplot at some point; he evolved). I drew Ely on accident in my Chemistry Honors notebook, and just gave them main character status. I was chaotic and thriving. Especially when I spent 3 straight hours creating a 16 person family tree for just one character. Yeah, I did that.

Now, literally 2 years later, the small idea has turned into an entire universe. There are around 70+ characters with their own (not extremely detailed but almost too detailed for side character status) backstories and conflicts. The timeline spans over several decades, which means many stories to tell. The main four have grown and evolved to having their own character summaries! Improvement! Wow!

There is still more to be created within the universe but you’ll get to see it develop before your eyes from now on. Good for you!

- Why drinks?

There are two main “drinks” in the universe: Pink Lemonade and Raspberry Iced Tea. Pink Lemonade explores the lives of Camila Flores and Lillian Park. Raspberry Iced Tea explores the lives of Ely Fey and Jeremiah Midlin. There are many more “drinks” I have thought of in the time period since it’s creation but these two are the two that will show up the most often on this blog. You could say the “drinks” are like metaphors for the lives you unfold. Gulp it down baby!

Ohmygod! You made it this far? I love you already.

Take your crown, you absolute noble. Drink some water and eat a snack too. <3

[badchoicesposts]

Don’t Dream It’s Over Epilogue

Series Summary: Liam and Ali thought that their relationship was perfect, but their whole world came crashing down when Constantine called him back to Cordonia. Four years later they meet again at Liam’s bachelor party, determined to make things between them work even if it isn’t always easy.

In this AU, Liam and MC (Ali Moonessar) dated for a year in New York while Leo was still crown prince. They broke up when Constantine asked Liam to come back to Cordonia, but they meet again at Liam’s bachelor party before the social season. The story will contain flashbacks, which will be italicized, of their relationship and follow them as they try to navigate the season with Ali as a suitor. I’ve messed around with the timeline a bit so that it fits the story better. I’ve also added in a few OCs of my own.

Pairing: Liam x MC (Ali Moonessar)

DISCLAIMER: I’ve changed up the timeline of the social season a bit to fit my story better. I’ve based it off of some research I did on the British Social Season.

Taglist: @flowerpowell, @ao719, @kingliam2019, @emceesynonymroll, @hopefulmoonobject, @dcbbw, @qammh-blog, @liamxs-world, @drakesensworld, @i-only-signed-up-for-fanfiction, @lauradowning29, @texaskitten30, @senseofduties, @alexintheskyy, @jared2612, @lodberg, @desiree-0816, @beardedoafdonutwagon

A/N: So, this fic has been so much fun to write, and now that it’s over I’m so thankful for everyone who has stuck around and read it up until the end. I’m also super thankful for everyone who has left comments because when I first posted this I was super nervous that no one was going to read it in the first place.

I do plan on writing the occasional one shot in this universe so let me know if you would like to be added or removed from the taglist for those. Thanks again for reading!

Catch Up: Masterlist

Ali and Liam both had tears streaming freely down their faces as Ali cradled the small bundle of pink blankets to her chest. Their little princess had only been in the world for five minutes, and she already had both of her parents wrapped around her finger. 

“She’s so perfect,” Ali whispered, making no attempt to wipe away her tears as she stared down at the baby in her arms. 

Liam hummed in agreement, in awe of both his queen and his daughter. Ali turned her head to catch his eye, looking away from the baby for the first time since she was placed in her arms. Liam pressed his forehead against hers in a silent “I love you” before dropping a kiss to her lips. He reached one finger out to gently stroke the infant’s cheek, both parents revelling in her reaction, before holding his arms out to take her. 

Ali carefully handed the baby to Liam, beaming at the look of pure happiness on her husband’s face as he held their daughter for the very first time. She had never seen him look like that. He was practically glowing as he cooed softly at her. In that moment, as he held the small bundle of blankets against his large frame, Ali knew that their daughter would have the most loving and doting father in the world. 

“I never thought it was possible to love something this much,” Liam said in awe.  

A soft knock at the door caused them to reluctantly pull their attention away from the tiny human. Their friends piled into the room, all offering their congratulations and cooing softly at the baby just as Liam had been moments earlier. Maxwell was carrying a teddy bear that was about half his size, and he sat it down in the chair next to Ali’s bed. Liam handed the baby back to his wife and settled onto the small space on the hospital bed next to her the best he could. 

“Drake, do you want to hold her?” Ali asked, a calm smile on her face as she looked up at the other man. 

Drake seemed shocked for a moment at being addressed first but quickly recovered, stepping forward and holding his arms out. Ali helped place the child into his outstretched arms. Drake had gotten quite good at holding small children since Savannah had come back to court, and he was almost natural at it now. 

Ali smiled up at her husband who was wiping away his tears and lovingly wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer. They both shared a small smile and a knowing look, ready to make their announcement. 

“So, Liam and I were talking about who we wanted to be the godparents for this little one, but we were having trouble making the decision of who should be the godfather,” she began, turning back to look at Drake.

He was holding the baby close to his chest and looking down at her with a goofy smile on his face. Maxwell and Lizzie were each leaning over one of his shoulders, looking down at the small bundle as well. 

“We couldn’t pick just one, so we decided to do something a bit unconventional,” Liam continued, drawing everyone’s attention to the two of them. 

“Instead of having a godfather and a godmother, we decided to have two godfathers. Drake, Maxwell, we would be honored for you two to share the responsibility of godfather,” Ali said, looking up at the two of them hopefully. 

The two men had completely opposite reactions. Drake stood there with his mouth hanging open, shocked. He seemed to be having a hard time processing the news. Maxwell, on the other hand, immediately began to bounce excitedly in place before launching himself onto the royal couple. 

“Yes! I accept! Of course, I accept!” he cheered, hugging them both at the same time. 

“You’re serious?” Drake questioned, having not moved a muscle since their announcement. 

Ali nodded, a smile on her face as she took in his reaction. A blush crept up his cheeks, and he grinned in excitement. 

“I would love that,” he responded, looking back down at his goddaughter. “What’s her name?” 

Liam looked at his wife happily, and she nodded, giving him permission to make this announcement. 

“Sheridan. Princess Sheridan Eleanor Rhys,” Liam said. 

Everyone began cooing once again, and Maxwell was up in a heartbeat, walking over to “his little Sherry”. 

Ali turned to her husband with a tired smile. It had been a long labor, but he had remained by her side throughout the entire thing. They barely registered the sounds of Drake and Maxwell bickering over godfather duties, as they looked into each other’s eyes.

“I love you, my queen,” Liam mumbled softly, pulling her into a soft kiss.

“I love you, too, my king.”

[snowinabottlearchived]

eight , five , four , three (HEN LO YES I AM GREEDY *SHRUGS* )

𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏𝐒

woah  i  don ‘ t  even  know  where  to  start .  i  met  so  many  wonderful  people  over  tumblr  that  three  wouldn ‘ t  be  enough  to  honor  those  who  had  the  most  impact  on  me .  i  am  here  for  about  three  years  now  and  experienced  so  much  KINDNESS  AND  LOVE  i  am  incredibly  grateful  for  and  will  never  forget .  so  let  us  take  some  time  and  honor  these  gems  i  am  writing  with  for  quite  some  time  now  and  will  be  stalked  by  me  forever  :→   @ak-spra my  first  ever  friend  on  here .  lorcan  helped  me  to  find  my  way  into  the  star  trek  community ,  to  establish  a  good  background  for  amelia  and  learn  more  about  vulcan  traditions  and  culture .  we  met  twice  yet  and  we  try  to  do  every  time  i  am  in  england ,  because  honestly .  i  love  and  adore  them  so  much .  also  their  spock  and  my  girl  have  been  one  of  the  very  first  ships  i  wrote  ?  they  are  not  pretty  active  at  the  moment ,  but  i  will  wait  for  their  return  forever .→  @heartxshaped-bruises mado  my  fellow  german  potato .  i  don ‘ t  even  know  how  we  started  talking  anymore ,  but  i  remember  how  funny  and  weird  it  was  to  meet  someone  speaking  the  same  first  language  as  me .  we  became  friends  quite  easy  and  started  to  gush  about  our  muses ,  about  supernatural  and  so  many  other  things .  she  met  me  twice  and  we  had  such  a  good  time  going  sightseeing  in  vienna ,  watching  stupid  shark  and  kung  fu  movies  and  spending  new  years  eve  together .  we  do  not  talk  as  much  as  i  would  like  to  anymore  and  i  really  really  miss  her ,  so  i  hope  we  can  manage  to  see  each  other  again  soon .  she  has  so  many  wonderful  muses  on  her  blog ,  that  you  should  all  go  and  give  her  a  follow .  she  is  a  wonderful  human  being  and  i  am  honored  to  call  her  friend .→  @cheiian another  german  potato  i  will  protect  forever .  she  is  my  dumblr  daughter ,  my  fellow  kindergarten  teacher  and  will  always  own  a  special  place  in  my  heart .  thanks  to  her  i  started  listening  to  k  pop  and  fall  in  love  with  korean  culture .  she  is  immensely  creative ,  so  perfect  in  english  you  would  never  guess  it  isn ‘ t  her  first  language  and  a  very  good  friend .  i  love  her  a  lot  and  am  so  glad  to  have  her  in  my  life .→  @synthdeus   /  @valdreyri listen .  this  little  mess  is  my  forever  gem .  she  has  so  much  to  do  with  uni  and  is  so  hard  working ,  so  i  am  sure  she  is  going  to  be  the  next  rising  star  on  the  television  /  movie  market .  i  adore  her  a  lot  and  miss  talking  to  her  as  soon  she  gets  swallowed  up  by  editing  stuff  again .  she  helped  me  through  many  bad  times  over  here  and  was  always  there  to  listen ,  so  i  will  always  cling  and  wait  forever .→  @iilvecchio i  don ‘ t  even  know  where  to  start .  we  wrote  on  so  many  blogs  of  them  and  been  through  so  much  shit  together ,  that  i  will  always  cherish  their  friendship .  they  are  a  wonderful  writer  and  put  so  much  love  and  effort  in  every  muse  they  write ,  that  its  hard  not  to  fall  in  love .  i  always  enjoy  our  talks  a  lot  and  deeply  miss  them  every  time  we  go  radio  silent  for  a  week  or  two  due  to  stress  and  work .  →  @cfmgic / @immrtlsd u  potato .  u  better  believe  you  will  be  added  here ,  because  ever  since  we  started  writing  on  legless  lego  legolas  i  fell  in  love  with  you .  we  talked  so  much  about  our  favorite  fandoms ,  about  our  poor  villain  characters  we  deeply  admire  and  their  soft  qualities  and  ?  i  honestly  adore  all  our  plots ,  ideas  and  whatever  we  come  up  with .  i  still  feel  honored  that  you  even  write  with  me ,  because  you  are  so  a +  +  +  that  i  can  only  vanish  into  nothingness .  i  love  you  a  lot ,  thank  you  for  always  sending  me  stuff ,  making  edits  for  us  and  simply  being  there .  you  are  my  top  maple  syrup  /  kiwi  friend .  much  love  to  you .→  @regimerot i  can  not  believe  doll  is  really  back  from  the  dead .  we  started  to  write  about  two  years  ago  and  shared  so  many  tears  and  emotions ,  it  is  insane .  in  between  photos  of  our  beloved  pugs  we  talked  about  many  other  things  and .  .  i  simply  loved  it  so  much .  when  i  saw  her  returning  last  week ,  i  was  head  over  heels  and  am  truly  happy  to  see  her  on  my  dash  again .  i  will  never  forget  the  friendship  we  built  up  and  always  keep  her  close  to  my  heart .

𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏𝐒

oh  i  don  ‘ t  know  where  to  start  this  either ,  so  i   might  only  mention  those  ships  that  are  most  intense  at  the  moment .  it  doesn ‘ t  actually  need  to  be  romantically  based ,  but  these  four  really  got  me  and  occupy  me  every  time  i  am  writing  over  here  :→   EVERYTHING  i  write  with  marco .  either  if  it  is  amelia  and  loki ,  or  amelia  and  tom .  honestly .  they  kill  me  with  their  ideas ,  they  drown  me  in  tears .  how  did  i  deserve  that  ?→  sweetpea  and  amelia  and  our  wonderfully  chaotic  and  dramatic  story  i  currently  write  with  @serpcntloyalty .  she  is  such  a  gem  and  gives  me  so  many  feels  that  i  still  can ‘ t  believe  she  writes  with  me  ?  i  love  them  loads .→   sybok  and  amelia  (  and  probably  even  the  got  thing  we  have  been  talking  about  very  responsibly  )  with  the  wonderful  @vulkon .  honestly .  i  could  write  with  her  forever ,  plot  things ,  explore  ideas  and  come  up  with  headcanons  just  to  cry  about  anson  mount  in  the  end .  that ‘ s  my  tea .→   the  incredible  love  death  and  robots  story  @thekrakn  and  me   plotted  for  diego  and  amelia .  their  dynamic .  their  unique  relationship .  all  the  troubles  that  are  about  to  come  and  the  most  brilliant  environment  i  ever  had  the  honor  to  write  in .  neon  eden ,  cyberpunk  at  its  best .  i  am  in  love .

𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐓𝐒 𝐈 𝐖𝐀𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐃𝐎 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐔𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄

i  don ‘ t  think  i  can  come  up  with  five  plots ,  but  there  are  a  few  verses  from  amelia  i  would  like  to  explore  more .  i  would  be  so  excited  to  flesh  out  her  game  of  thrones  based  background  and  find  someone  willing  to  write  with  me ,  as  well  as  more  star  trek  interactions  in  general .  for  plotting  i  always  adore  a  partner  i  can  talk  to ,  i  can  discuss  headcanons  with  and  drown  in  tears  together .  i  think  this  is  a  thing  that  should  be  made  between  two  sides  and  never  a  one  way  ticket .  honestly .  i  am  probably  very  easy  to  plot  with ,  since  i  have  ideas  for  almost  every  bullshit  you  throw  at  me .  JUST  COME  AND  TRY  IT .

𝐄𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓 / 𝐏𝐀𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒

i  haven ‘ t  written  that  many  characters  i  think ,  but  there  are  still  a  few  i  had  over  here  (  and  sadly  never  kept  running  properly ,  since  i  get  overwhelmed  way  too  easily  ) : →  amelia  johnson  /  star  trek  oc  with  multiple  verses→  gamora  from  the  mcu→  betty  cooper  from  riverdale→  nisha  /  a  stargate  oc→  jack  o’neill  from  stargate →  diana  prince  /  wonder  woman  from  the  dceu

[samuelmmarcus]

Interior Design Ideas: Acreage Modern Farmhouse

  After sharing a small lot modern farmhouse last week (thank you all for always helping the blog grow by sharing the posts with your followers on Pinterest and Instagram – you guys really make this community and I appreciate each and every one of you!), I honestly couldn’t be happier today sharing a home that is definitely gorgeous but also feels extra special because it was designed by a dear interior designer that I admire both professionally and personally. Get to know Laura Davidson of Dwellings a little better… I’m sure you will appreciate her talent as much as I do!

  “Hey there! My name is Laura Davidson and I’m an interior designer based in Grand Rapids Michigan, with a design studio Dwellings. Thank you so much for taking the time to peruse this project!

Our client purchased 76 acres of land in 2013, and on it resides the original barn, full of character and set the tone for the development of the property. We remodeled the barn with white board and batten, refurbished the original metal roof and added massive gray barn doors. Fast forward two years, and the team is assembled for building this family country estate. Visbeen Architects handled the architecture, and Tim Nagelkirk from Colonial Builders partnered with me to take the plan from paper to this wonderful family home.

We were honored to be selected as the 2017 Cosmopolitan Home of the Year. It was a labor of love for a wonderful family!”

  See the details shared by this amazing interior designer below:

  Interior Design Ideas: Acreage Modern Farmhouse

The combination of horizontal board and batten siding, metal and shingle roof creates an impressive, yet classic look to this modern farmhouse estate.

Metal Roof

Roofing: Driftwood & Certainteed Galvalume Metal.

Garage

This 5-stall garage is perfectly tucked on the side of the house, not interfering with the architectural details of the facade.

Windows

Windows are DK. Bronze.

Exterior Lighting

Exterior lighting is Troy Lighting.

Exterior Stone

Natural Exterior Stone: Blend -70% Stone Mill, Old Mission -30% Bucchel Charcoal, Cobble Creek.

Exterior Paint Color

Siding Paint Color: Benjamin Moore OC-45 Swiss Coffee.

Portico Lighting

Exterior Light: RH – similar here.

Portico

At the entry, the gabled portico takes the form of a classic three-part archway.

Foyer

A custom front door opens to a stunning foyer with White Oak hardwood flooring, arched ceiling and horizontal board and batten paneling.

Chandelier: Visual Comfort.

Sconces: Visual Comfort.

Similar Hardwood Flooring: here.

Decor

Although this is a very large home, special decorative items make this place feel like a real home… every space feels warm and welcoming – and that’s not always easy to achieve in a home of this size.

Coat Closet

You will find a coat closet just off the foyer. Isn’t this a great idea?!

 Trim and Shiplap Wall Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee.

Lighting: Visual Comfort & Co.

Cabinetry

Cabinetry: Custom Cerused Oak built-in cabinet.

Beautiful Hooks: Here & Here.

Fireplace

This two-story stone double-sided fireplace is surround with raised natural stone hearth and rustic mantel beams.

Stone: Blend -70% Stone Mill, Old Mission, -30% Bucchel Charcoal, Cobble Creek.

Kitchen

Featuring two islands, the kitchen is located in the center of the house and it has an inspiring layout.

Lighting above island: Visual Comfort & Co.

Paint Color

Cabinetry paint color is Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee.

Prep-Island Paint Color

The prep-island paint color is Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray HC-168.

Lighting: Visual Comfort – similar here & here.

Countertop & Backsplash

The countertop is granite; Everest – which is a white and grey stone.

Backsplash Tile: Pratt & Larson – similar here.

Hood is custom – similar here.

Pot Filler: Rohl.

Hardware: Pulls & Knobs.

Sink & Faucet

Kitchen Sink: Rohl.

Kitchen Faucet: Rohl.

Sconce: Hudson Valley.

Main Kitchen Island

Main Kitchen Island Design: “The main kitchen island was designed by me, and we had our cabinet maker company build it. The countertop is Cerused Oak and the base is painted in Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee. The X-Base is a subtle farmhouse theme in the house (a nod to barn doors). The homeowner has a large family and I wanted to offer them a family gathering area, therefore the island offers seating on both sides.” – Laura Davidson of Dwellings.

Counterstools

Counterstools are from Lorts (To the trade – available through the designer).

Beautiful Counterstools: Here, Here, Here, Here, Here & Here.

Dining Room

Paint Color: Benjamin Moore OC-15 Baby Fawn.

Lighting: Visual Comfort.

Rug: Century Flooring.

Dining Table: Vanguard – similar here.

Chairs: Lorts – Other Beautiful Dining Chairs: here, here, here, here, here & here.

Buffet

Buffet: Vanguard – Other Beautiful Buffets: Here, Here, Here, Here & Here.

Similar Table Lamp: Here.

Breakfast Room

The breakfast room features a counter-height table and counterstools with a custom elevated banquette.

Stools: Counter-height Style Upholstering.

Lighting: El Sol Custom Lighting – similar here & here.

Custom Booth/ Custom Table.

Great Room

Soothing wall colors, off-white trim, and natural wood floors ground the space and create a sense of calmness and warmth.

Ceiling Beams: Reclaimed barn beams.

Lighting: Arteriors

Rug: Century Flooring – similar here.

Cocktail Table: Old Biscayne – similar here, here, here, here & here.

Sofas: Wesley Hall – Beautiful Nailhead Sofas: here, here, here, here, here, here & here.

Pillow Combination

Beautiful and classy pillow combination.

Pillows are custom.

Similar Throw: Here – Neutral: Here.

Side Table

Side Table: Vanguard.

Round End Table

The interior designer added special details in every room, and that’s what really makes a house feel like a home.

Beautiful Round End Tables:here, here, here, here, here, here & here.

Beautiful & Affordable Table Lamps: here, here, here, here & here.

Settees

Settees are CR Laine – Beautiful Settees: here, here, here, here, here & here.

Walls & Trim: Swiss Coffee by BM.

Mantel

Mantel is real reclaimed beam.

Powder Room

Shiplap Paint Color: Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore.

Vanity: RH.

Lighting

Wall Sconce: Visual Comfort & Co.

Master Bedroom Paint Color

Master Bedroom Paint Color: Benjamin Moore HC-162 Brewster Gray.

Master Bedroom

The master bedroom features the ideal size and the ideal furnishings. The entire space feels collected, calm and that view certainly adds beauty to this space.

Lighting: Visual Comfort & Co.

Settee: Vanguard – similar here & here.

Nightstands: Vanguard

Bed frame: Vanguard – similar here.

Bedding: Custom

Inspired by this Bedroom:

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Master Bathroom

Frosted glass French doors open to a neutral and timeless master bathroom with herringbone patterned marble floor.

Stairwell

This staircase features classic wainscoting and custom metal railing. Notice the beautiful cabinetry also found in this space.

Stairway Lighting

Chandelier: Visual Comfort.

Upper Bonus Room

Upstairs you will find four bedrooms with ensuites and a large bonus room.

Sofa: CR Laine – similar here, here & here.

Blue Pods/stools: CR Laine – similar here.

Coffee Table: Custom

Ceiling Fan: here.

Son’s Bathroom

Barn Doors Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray.

Walls Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan.

Trim Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee.

Son’s Bathroom

Cabinet paint color is Benjamin Moore HC-154 Hale Navy.

Similar Sink: Here.

Faucet: Kohler Purist.

Hardware: Bin Pulls & Pulls.

Second Floor Laundry Room

What a dreamy laundry room! Paint color is Revere Pewter HC-172 Benjamin Moore.

Wall Paint Color: BM Swiss Coffee.

Washer and Dryer: Whirlpool washer & Dryer.

Similar Flooring: Here.

Similar Cabinet Hardware: Here & Here.

Lighting: Robert Abbey.

Home Office

The home office features custom cabinets with diagonal bracing and an island-style desk for two.

Lighting: Visual Comfort & Co.

Wallpaper: Kravet

Sofa: MTCo

Rug: Century Flooring

Pillows: Duralee fabric.

Lower Level Laundry Room

Cabinet Paint Color: Benjamin Moore 1564 Beach Glass.

Lighting: Hudson Valley.

Similar Hardware: Bin Pulls & Pulls.

Similar Backsplash: Here & Here.

Sink: Kohler.

Back Hall Bathroom

This half bathroom features bead-and-board style wainscotting, painted in Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee.

Wallpaper: Lee Jofa – Other Great Source for Wallpaper: Here.

Lights: Visual Comfort

Mudroom

The mudroom and half bath are located in a more secluded part of the house and it’s connected to the two main garages.

Lighting

Lighting: Arteriors – (no longer available).

Cabinetry

A custom cabinet with louvered doors divide the mudroom in two areas. This certainly keeps things more organized.

Mudroom Design on a Budget:

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Sitting Room

This room is so welcoming and cozy! Paint color is Baby Fawn by Benjamin Moore.

Furnishings: CR Laine

Back Porch

The screened porch features a stone fireplace, Bluestone floor tile, board and batten siding and reclaimed wood shiplap ceiling.

Back of the House

How magnificent!

Playhouse

Isn’t this playhouse a dream?! Imagine having this as a kid.

Backyard

Beautiful architectural details are found from every angle.

Beautiful Memories

As big this home is, it actually feels like a family home that is loved and cherished, and that’s something wonderful to see…

  Many Thanks to the designer for sharing all details!

 Interior Designer: Dwellings (Instagram– Facebook)

Architecture: Visbeen Architects.

Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography.

Builder: Colonial Builders.

  Best Sales of the Month:

Thank you for shopping through Home Bunch. I would be happy to assist you if you have any questions or are looking for something in particular. Feel free to contact me and always make sure to check dimensions before ordering. Happy shopping!

  Wayfair: Up to 70% OFF – Home Remodel Sale!!!

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  Joss & Main: Warehouse Clearout – Up to 70% off!

  Pottery Barn: 40% OFF EVERYTHING + Free Shipping – Use code: FREESHIP

  One Kings Lane: High Quality Design Decor for Less.

  West Elm: Best time to shop. Up to 40% off Everything!!!

  Anthropologie: See the super-popular Joanna Gaines Exclusive line!

  Urban Outfitters: Hip & Affordable Home Decor.

  Horchow: High Quality Furniture and Decor. Up to 30% off the entire site!

  Nordstrom: Up to 40% OFF. New Decor!

    Posts of the Week:

Beautiful Homes of Instagram: New England Home.

Small Lot Modern Farmhouse.

Family-friendly Home Design.

Florida Vacation Home Style.

Transitional Custom Home Design.

Beautiful Homes of Instagram: Canada.

Beautiful Homes of Instagram.

Black and White Interior Design Ideas.

Interior Design Ideas: Designer’s Home.

Interior Design Ideas: Colorful Interiors.

Florida New-Construction Family Home.

Modern English Tudor Design.

Interior Design: Ideas House Tour.

Southern Beach House with Modern Interiors.

Custom Home with Artisan Craftsmanship Interiors.

Traditional Kitchen Reno Ideas.

  “Dear God,

If I am wrong, right me. If I am lost, guide me. If I start to give-up, keep me going.

Lead me in Light and Love”.

Have a wonderful day, my friends and we’ll talk again tomorrow.”

with Love,

Luciane from HomeBunch.com

Interior Design Services within Your Budget

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[dawnjeman]

Interior Design Ideas: Acreage Modern Farmhouse

  After sharing a small lot modern farmhouse last week (thank you all for always helping the blog grow by sharing the posts with your followers on Pinterest and Instagram – you guys really make this community and I appreciate each and every one of you!), I honestly couldn’t be happier today sharing a home that is definitely gorgeous but also feels extra special because it was designed by a dear interior designer that I admire both professionally and personally. Get to know Laura Davidson of Dwellings a little better… I’m sure you will appreciate her talent as much as I do!

  “Hey there! My name is Laura Davidson and I’m an interior designer based in Grand Rapids Michigan, with a design studio Dwellings. Thank you so much for taking the time to peruse this project!

Our client purchased 76 acres of land in 2013, and on it resides the original barn, full of character and set the tone for the development of the property. We remodeled the barn with white board and batten, refurbished the original metal roof and added massive gray barn doors. Fast forward two years, and the team is assembled for building this family country estate. Visbeen Architects handled the architecture, and Tim Nagelkirk from Colonial Builders partnered with me to take the plan from paper to this wonderful family home.

We were honored to be selected as the 2017 Cosmopolitan Home of the Year. It was a labor of love for a wonderful family!”

  See the details shared by this amazing interior designer below:

  Interior Design Ideas: Acreage Modern Farmhouse

The combination of horizontal board and batten siding, metal and shingle roof creates an impressive, yet classic look to this modern farmhouse estate.

Metal Roof

Roofing: Driftwood & Certainteed Galvalume Metal.

Garage

This 5-stall garage is perfectly tucked on the side of the house, not interfering with the architectural details of the facade.

Windows

Windows are DK. Bronze.

Exterior Lighting

Exterior lighting is Troy Lighting.

Exterior Stone

Natural Exterior Stone: Blend -70% Stone Mill, Old Mission -30% Bucchel Charcoal, Cobble Creek.

Exterior Paint Color

Siding Paint Color: Benjamin Moore OC-45 Swiss Coffee.

Portico Lighting

Exterior Light: RH – similar here.

Portico

At the entry, the gabled portico takes the form of a classic three-part archway.

Foyer

A custom front door opens to a stunning foyer with White Oak hardwood flooring, arched ceiling and horizontal board and batten paneling.

Chandelier: Visual Comfort.

Sconces: Visual Comfort.

Similar Hardwood Flooring: here.

Decor

Although this is a very large home, special decorative items make this place feel like a real home… every space feels warm and welcoming – and that’s not always easy to achieve in a home of this size.

Coat Closet

You will find a coat closet just off the foyer. Isn’t this a great idea?!

 Trim and Shiplap Wall Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee.

Lighting: Visual Comfort & Co.

Cabinetry

Cabinetry: Custom Cerused Oak built-in cabinet.

Beautiful Hooks: Here & Here.

Fireplace

This two-story stone double-sided fireplace is surround with raised natural stone hearth and rustic mantel beams.

Stone: Blend -70% Stone Mill, Old Mission, -30% Bucchel Charcoal, Cobble Creek.

Kitchen

Featuring two islands, the kitchen is located in the center of the house and it has an inspiring layout.

Lighting above island: Visual Comfort & Co.

Paint Color

Cabinetry paint color is Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee.

Prep-Island Paint Color

The prep-island paint color is Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray HC-168.

Lighting: Visual Comfort – similar here & here.

Countertop & Backsplash

The countertop is granite; Everest – which is a white and grey stone.

Backsplash Tile: Pratt & Larson – similar here.

Hood is custom – similar here.

Pot Filler: Rohl.

Hardware: Pulls & Knobs.

Sink & Faucet

Kitchen Sink: Rohl.

Kitchen Faucet: Rohl.

Sconce: Hudson Valley.

Main Kitchen Island

Main Kitchen Island Design: “The main kitchen island was designed by me, and we had our cabinet maker company build it. The countertop is Cerused Oak and the base is painted in Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee. The X-Base is a subtle farmhouse theme in the house (a nod to barn doors). The homeowner has a large family and I wanted to offer them a family gathering area, therefore the island offers seating on both sides.” – Laura Davidson of Dwellings.

Counterstools

Counterstools are from Lorts (To the trade – available through the designer).

Beautiful Counterstools: Here, Here, Here, Here, Here & Here.

Dining Room

Paint Color: Benjamin Moore OC-15 Baby Fawn.

Lighting: Visual Comfort.

Rug: Century Flooring.

Dining Table: Vanguard – similar here.

Chairs: Lorts – Other Beautiful Dining Chairs: here, here, here, here, here & here.

Buffet

Buffet: Vanguard – Other Beautiful Buffets: Here, Here, Here, Here & Here.

Similar Table Lamp: Here.

Breakfast Room

The breakfast room features a counter-height table and counterstools with a custom elevated banquette.

Stools: Counter-height Style Upholstering.

Lighting: El Sol Custom Lighting – similar here & here.

Custom Booth/ Custom Table.

Great Room

Soothing wall colors, off-white trim, and natural wood floors ground the space and create a sense of calmness and warmth.

Ceiling Beams: Reclaimed barn beams.

Lighting: Arteriors

Rug: Century Flooring – similar here.

Cocktail Table: Old Biscayne – similar here, here, here, here & here.

Sofas: Wesley Hall – Beautiful Nailhead Sofas: here, here, here, here, here, here & here.

Pillow Combination

Beautiful and classy pillow combination.

Pillows are custom.

Similar Throw: Here – Neutral: Here.

Side Table

Side Table: Vanguard.

Round End Table

The interior designer added special details in every room, and that’s what really makes a house feel like a home.

Beautiful Round End Tables:here, here, here, here, here, here & here.

Beautiful & Affordable Table Lamps: here, here, here, here & here.

Settees

Settees are CR Laine – Beautiful Settees: here, here, here, here, here & here.

Walls & Trim: Swiss Coffee by BM.

Mantel

Mantel is real reclaimed beam.

Powder Room

Shiplap Paint Color: Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore.

Vanity: RH.

Lighting

Wall Sconce: Visual Comfort & Co.

Master Bedroom Paint Color

Master Bedroom Paint Color: Benjamin Moore HC-162 Brewster Gray.

Master Bedroom

The master bedroom features the ideal size and the ideal furnishings. The entire space feels collected, calm and that view certainly adds beauty to this space.

Lighting: Visual Comfort & Co.

Settee: Vanguard – similar here & here.

Nightstands: Vanguard

Bed frame: Vanguard – similar here.

Bedding: Custom

Inspired by this Bedroom:

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Master Bathroom

Frosted glass French doors open to a neutral and timeless master bathroom with herringbone patterned marble floor.

Stairwell

This staircase features classic wainscoting and custom metal railing. Notice the beautiful cabinetry also found in this space.

Stairway Lighting

Chandelier: Visual Comfort.

Upper Bonus Room

Upstairs you will find four bedrooms with ensuites and a large bonus room.

Sofa: CR Laine – similar here, here & here.

Blue Pods/stools: CR Laine – similar here.

Coffee Table: Custom

Ceiling Fan: here.

Son’s Bathroom

Barn Doors Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray.

Walls Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan.

Trim Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee.

Son’s Bathroom

Cabinet paint color is Benjamin Moore HC-154 Hale Navy.

Similar Sink: Here.

Faucet: Kohler Purist.

Hardware: Bin Pulls & Pulls.

Second Floor Laundry Room

What a dreamy laundry room! Paint color is Revere Pewter HC-172 Benjamin Moore.

Wall Paint Color: BM Swiss Coffee.

Washer and Dryer: Whirlpool washer & Dryer.

Similar Flooring: Here.

Similar Cabinet Hardware: Here & Here.

Lighting: Robert Abbey.

Home Office

The home office features custom cabinets with diagonal bracing and an island-style desk for two.

Lighting: Visual Comfort & Co.

Wallpaper: Kravet

Sofa: MTCo

Rug: Century Flooring

Pillows: Duralee fabric.

Lower Level Laundry Room

Cabinet Paint Color: Benjamin Moore 1564 Beach Glass.

Lighting: Hudson Valley.

Similar Hardware: Bin Pulls & Pulls.

Similar Backsplash: Here & Here.

Sink: Kohler.

Back Hall Bathroom

This half bathroom features bead-and-board style wainscotting, painted in Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee.

Wallpaper: Lee Jofa – Other Great Source for Wallpaper: Here.

Lights: Visual Comfort

Mudroom

The mudroom and half bath are located in a more secluded part of the house and it’s connected to the two main garages.

Lighting

Lighting: Arteriors – (no longer available).

Cabinetry

A custom cabinet with louvered doors divide the mudroom in two areas. This certainly keeps things more organized.

Mudroom Design on a Budget:

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Sitting Room

This room is so welcoming and cozy! Paint color is Baby Fawn by Benjamin Moore.

Furnishings: CR Laine

Back Porch

The screened porch features a stone fireplace, Bluestone floor tile, board and batten siding and reclaimed wood shiplap ceiling.

Back of the House

How magnificent!

Playhouse

Isn’t this playhouse a dream?! Imagine having this as a kid.

Backyard

Beautiful architectural details are found from every angle.

Beautiful Memories

As big this home is, it actually feels like a family home that is loved and cherished, and that’s something wonderful to see…

  Many Thanks to the designer for sharing all details!

 Interior Designer: Dwellings (Instagram– Facebook)

Architecture: Visbeen Architects.

Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography.

Builder: Colonial Builders.

  Best Sales of the Month:

Thank you for shopping through Home Bunch. I would be happy to assist you if you have any questions or are looking for something in particular. Feel free to contact me and always make sure to check dimensions before ordering. Happy shopping!

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    Posts of the Week:

Beautiful Homes of Instagram: New England Home.

Small Lot Modern Farmhouse.

Family-friendly Home Design.

Florida Vacation Home Style.

Transitional Custom Home Design.

Beautiful Homes of Instagram: Canada.

Beautiful Homes of Instagram.

Black and White Interior Design Ideas.

Interior Design Ideas: Designer’s Home.

Interior Design Ideas: Colorful Interiors.

Florida New-Construction Family Home.

Modern English Tudor Design.

Interior Design: Ideas House Tour.

Southern Beach House with Modern Interiors.

Custom Home with Artisan Craftsmanship Interiors.

Traditional Kitchen Reno Ideas.

  “Dear God,

If I am wrong, right me. If I am lost, guide me. If I start to give-up, keep me going.

Lead me in Light and Love”.

Have a wonderful day, my friends and we’ll talk again tomorrow.”

with Love,

Luciane from HomeBunch.com

Interior Design Services within Your Budget

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[thelightofthingshopedfor]

@turianosauruswrex wanted to know about people’s Fallout OCs and I was going to just send a message but then realized a) this is probably going to get long, b) I wanted it on my own blog, and c) pictures. So: as a rule I’m not great at RPG OCs; I really only have one (my Sith Inquisitor) who’s become her own character to the extent that I made a few decisions based on what I thought she would do rather than what I would do. Generally my RPG characters tend to just be…me playing the game (which generally means making exclusively good/Light Side decisions) with some character decoration on top, and I don’t know how to improve that, partly because knowing more about a character seems to require knowing more about the world than I already do.

So, for Fallout…I’ve completed Fallout 1 and I’m partway through both 3 (just hit level 20, recently left the Citadel) and New Vegas. My Fallout 1 character was also just me playing the game, and my Courier isn’t much better; I’ve thought recently that she should be a descendant of my Vault Dweller because that’s kind of cool, but that’s all I’ve got. My Lone Wanderer isn’t well developed, but at least I’ve got something. Most of which I also came up with recently rather than when I originally started the game like four years ago. Partly she was easier because everything is as new to her as it is to me, so it’s a little easier to figure out, whereas my Courier probably knows a lot more about the dense factional politics of the area than I do.

Right, so, my Lone Wanderer: her name is Lissa, which might be short for something or might not, I don’t know. She has really short, bright blue hair because I felt like it, which I also don’t really know how to explain, because of course she had the same hair at her 10th birthday party but also like, I don’t think she’s the type of person who’s so committed to her #aesthetic that she keeps dyeing her hair while traveling the Wasteland? I don’t know. She looks even younger than she is, she’s small, she looks really sweet, basically she’s easy to underestimate under normal circumstances, but she is perfectly capable of using her favorite laser rifle to fuck up people who come after her (or her best buddy, Dogmeat). She’s always been tougher than she looks, although living outside Vault 101 has necessarily made her harder and angrier—she doesn’t go looking for fights, but she also doesn’t lose sleep anymore over killing raiders or mercenaries in self-defense, for instance. Taking finger trophies for the Regulators doesn’t bother her either, aside from occasionally worrying Dogmeat’s going to snack on one during their travels and lose her some caps. (He won’t. He is a good boy.) Ultimately, though, she’s still a reasonably hopeful person in general, despite the genuinely horrible stuff she’s seen in the Wasteland—a lot of which was less shocking to her anyway than seeing the Overseer kill her dad’s friend. She’s well aware that people can be awful, but she also tries to help people and avoid violence when she can and appreciates decent people when she meets them. She’s not sold on the idea that Project Purity will ever really work, but she’s still going to do what she can to make it happen, because she wants to honor her dad and believes in his vision of bringing hope and life to the Wasteland. She believes in people too, to some extent—seeing that people can survive in such a harsh place despite ridiculous odds and build something new out of old-world scraps, like Megaton and her house there, which she genuinely loves. Like, it’s a shithole, but it’s her shithole, you know?

Lissa was really close to her dad growing up, for obvious reasons, and she takes after him in many ways; she’s smart and resourceful, and she likes figuring out how things work, which among other things means she got in trouble a few times as a kid for taking stuff apart. She likes to tinker, and she prefers to repair her own stuff rather than have somebody else do it. She’s also damn good at hacking, which at this point mostly means she wishes she’d tried harder to dig into the Overseer’s secrets when she was younger and then…who knows, maybe she could’ve prevented some of what happened. (The worst thing, always, is thinking about what she should have done at Project Purity, because she’s done so much other wild stuff, surely she could’ve saved her dad if she’d just done something differently. And yet.)

Also! Lissa is aro ace. This caused her some definite unease growing up because in Vault 101, procreation is kind of everyone’s duty, which she was never very thrilled about, but she kind of figured…like, a switch would flip and it would be fine? Except she was never interested in boys the way most of her classmates eventually were. For a while she thought maybe she was interested in girls instead, partly because her closest relationship was always with Amata. They experimented a little as teenagers, though—just a few furtive makeouts because Amata’s dad would’ve been furious if he’d known—and it was fun but she also…didn’t feel a need for it, when they weren’t making out, or like it added anything to their friendship, and never had a switch-flipping moment of “yes let us do the sex now” either. Fortunately for their friendship, what Amata learned from this experimenting was that she was bi but she didn’t actually have non-friendship feelings for Lissa specifically, so it remained a happily mutual “I love you as a friend and occasional cuddle buddy” situation. Also fortunately, Lissa’s dad was a decent person who’d met enough people and read enough books to know that non-straight people existed, so eventually she was able to talk to him about stuff and find out that asexuality was a thing (no, I don’t know how this all works out exactly with the real world/Fallout world timeline divergence, it just does somehow, at some point before the Great War terms like “asexuality” came into use in the same context as today, the end). It still would have been her duty to procreate for the good of the Vault, of course, so that was still a vague anxiety hanging over her head all the time, that sex (no thank you) and pregnancy (no thank you) would have to happen eventually—so when she had to leave the Vault, as sudden and terrifying as it was, there was still a significant sense of freedom, and relief that she didn’t have to worry about doing her duty anymore, and that still hasn’t gone away.

[badchoicesposts]

Don’t Dream It’s Over Chapter 23

Series Summary: Liam and Ali thought that their relationship was perfect, but their whole world came crashing down when Constantine called him back to Cordonia. Four years later they meet again at Liam’s bachelor party, determined to make things between them work even if it isn’t always easy.

In this AU, Liam and MC (Ali Moonessar) dated for a year in New York while Leo was still crown prince. They broke up when Constantine asked Liam to come back to Cordonia, but they meet again at Liam’s bachelor party before the social season. The story will contain flashbacks, which will be italicized, of their relationship and follow them as they try to navigate the season with Ali as a suitor. I’ve messed around with the timeline a bit so that it fits the story better. I’ve also added in a few OCs of my own.

Pairing: Liam x MC (Ali Moonessar)

DISCLAIMER: I’ve changed up the timeline of the social season a bit to fit my story better. I’ve based it off of some research I did on the British Social Season.

Taglist: @flowerpowell​, @ao719​, @kingliam2019​, @emceesynonymroll​, @hopefulmoonobject​, @dcbbw​, @qammh-blog​, @liamxs-world​, @drakesensworld​, @i-only-signed-up-for-fanfiction​, @lauradowning29​, @texaskitten30​, @senseofduties​, @alexintheskyy​, @jared2612​, @lodberg​

A/N: This is the first fic I’ve ever written. Please let me know if you enjoyed it and would like to read more. I thrive on validation, lol. Thanks for reading!

Catch Up: Masterlist

Ali felt great. The sugary cocktail she had with dinner was definitely making her feel amazing. She swung her hips to the music that was playing through the speakers of Liam’s living room, aware of the man’s gaze on her back. She listened intently to the music, waiting for her cue. 

“I get wings to fly

Oh, oh....I'm alive”

She belted out the words, her voice mixing in with Celine Dion’s as she turned dramatically on her heels to face her boyfriend. Liam bit back a laugh, staring at her fondly as she continued to serenade him. 

“When you call on me”

She followed this line by pointing aggressively in his direction. 

“When I hear you breathe

I get wings to fly

I feel that I'm alive” 

She continued to sing and dance, her voice becoming more off key the louder she got. 

“Liam! Sing with me!” she said, lunging towards him and grabbing his hands in hers. 

She pulled him up to his feet, losing balance herself for a moment before he straightened them both up.

“I’m not sure you want that, love,” he responded, smiling happily down at her.

“Please?” she begged, pushing herself up onto her toes to gently peck his lips. 

Liam looked around sheepishly for a moment as if to make sure no one was around before giving her a mischievous smile. 

“You've set my heart on fire

Filled me with love

Made me a woman on clouds above”

“What are the two of you doing?” Drake asked.

Neither of them had realized that he was home, but he had obviously just come out of his room and was looking at them like they were crazy.

“Having fun,” Ali responded as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

“And singing completely off key is fun?”

“Extremely,” Liam replied calmly.

“Liam, harmonize with me. You go high, I’ll go low,” Ali said, preparing herself for the upcoming chorus. 

“And it's only begun

I can't wait for the

Rest of my life”

They sang together, Liam’s voice cracking as he tried to carry out the word “life” in a high note.

“You guys are ridiculous,” Drake mumbled.

~~~

“Do you think Bertrand’s head is going to explode when he finds out about Savannah and the baby?” Ali asked, smoothing down her dress as she waited to enter the ballroom beside Liam. 

“Mine almost did,” Liam responded, straightening his tie. At least now Maxwell’s knowledge of prenatal yoga made sense.

“Do you think Drake’s going to be okay?

“I think Drake’s stubborn and hurt. He’ll be okay, but he’ll need some time. He’ll probably be angry with the Beaumonts for a while,” he said, reaching up to fix the tiara on her head.

It was Ali’s first time wearing a tiara, and it was completely odd to her. The weight on her head wasn’t unpleasant, but it was definitely something she would need to get accustomed to. 

She grabbed onto Liam’s arms and pulled him in for a gentle kiss, thankful for smudge proof lipstick.

“I’m nervous,” she confessed, her eyes darting towards the closed ballroom doors. “Actually nervous is an understatement. I’m terrified.”

After announcing their marriage, the two had been met with a certain lack of support. People were shocked, assuming that they had only done so because of the pregnancy and that they were irresponsible and incapable of properly leading because of their rash decision. Ali couldn’t even deny that they were partially right. Their marriage was rushed because of the pregnancy. A part of her felt guilty for the way people were beginning to view Liam’s potential as a leader. 

She couldn’t even be mad about the negative reactions that they received. From the outside looking in, they seemed reckless. She was an American with no noble blood in her at all. She wasn’t born into this life or trained for it, and scandals seemed to be the only thing she was good for. If she had seen the future leaders of her country act in the same way she and Liam had, she would have doubted their abilities to lead as well. That was probably the toughest part of it all. Their concerns were completely warranted. 

Liam reached down and squeezed her hand in his. She could tell that the entire situation had been taking a toll on him. He refused to admit it, though, and that worried her. Learning of Constantine’s betrayal and illness had done little to help the situation. He was torn between hating his father for his interference in their relationship and wanting to spend as much time with him as possible now that he knew he was dying. She could see him getting more and more worn down and dejected as the days moved on, but she didn’t know how to fix everything, and that killed her inside. It didn’t help that her emotions had been all over the place, and that the littlest things had been triggering her recently. She had been snapping at him more recently, leaving both of them frustrated and anxious all of the time.

“Whatever happens, we’ll face it together,” he reassured her. 

She desperately wanted his words to make her feel better, but they didn’t. 

“It’s time, my love,” he said, checking the time on his watch and returning to his spot next to her. 

They both straightened their posture, and Ali took his arm as the doors were thrown open. They made their way around the room, greeting everyone they met with artificial smiles. Although the ball had been planned perfectly down to the napkin selection, there was still an air of discomfort surrounding it all. However, Ali remained dutifully at Liam’s side, making small talk with all of the people she came across. 

“My love, this is King Bradshaw and Queen Isabella of Auvernal,” Liam introduced her politely. 

Ali had just about reached her limit on pointless conversation with people who obviously didn’t respect her, but she still smiled at the stuffy looking royal couple regardless. 

“Lady Alison, we meet at last. We’ve heard rumors of you all the way in Auvernal. Our entire court has been… intrigued by you all season,” said Isabella, who was sporting a small baby bump herself.

Ali wasn’t sure if her words were meant to be taken as a compliment or an insult, but the young queen’s tone of voice made her believe it was the latter. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet the both of you,” Ali responded. “I believe congratulations are in order. You’re having twins, correct?” 

“We are,” Bradshaw said proudly. 

The king beamed at the mention of his unborn children, but Ali had been learning more about body language from Liam, and she noticed the way he tensed every time he looked to his wife. 

“I believe we should be offering you congratulations as well given your… situation,” Isabella said. 

Ali had to stop herself from outwardly reacting, instead continuing to smile politely.

“Thank you.” 

“We were obviously surprised to hear of your marriage, but I applaud your bravery in going through with it in the first place. I can’t even begin to imagine what it must be like to have conceived the heir to the throne out of wedlock! But, even I have to admit that going from a waitress to a duchess and eventually to a queen is quite a success story,” she continued, a judgmental edge to her voice. “Tell me, are you enjoying your new life or do you miss your simpler days?”

At this remark, Ali could see Liam beginning to get uncomfortable as well. 

“I am honored to be able to represent Cordonia.”

“Such a diplomatic response. However, you didn’t really answer the question,” Isabella said. 

“Regardless of your answer, you definitely know how to throw together a party,” Bradshaw said, swiftly changing the subject.

Once again she wasn’t sure if this was meant to be a compliment or not. She supposed she should be grateful that he changed the subject before she was forced to answer his wife’s demeaning question, but instead she was angry. She was angry at Isabella’s words, and she was angry that Bradshaw reduced all of her hard work to “throwing together a party”. She was so upset that she almost missed the glare Isabella shot in his direction. Almost. Perhaps the King and Queen of Auvernal weren’t as happily married as everyone thought. 

“Yes, at least I’m good for something,” she responded snarkily.

“Well, we won’t keep you from the rest of your guests any longer. It was a pleasure meeting you!” Bradshaw said, holding his arm out for his wife and walking away.

He was obviously satisfied with the reaction they had gotten out of her. 

“Ali,” Liam began to say her name before she cut him off with a fake smile.

“Oh! Look! There’s Em with Hana and Lizzie. I’m going to go say hi,” she said, dodging him and heading straight for the three women.

“Hey, you did a great job with all of this!” Emma said happily as she approached. 

Emma had decided to stay in Cordonia “so she could attend the ball”, but Ali had her suspicions that it was more for the woman whose hand she was currently holding onto. Ali was happy for her and Hana even if they hadn’t put a label on their relationship yet.

“Yeah, great champagne choice,” Lizzie said, raising her glass to her before downing the whole thing in one go. 

“Thanks. I’m about one more conversation away from screaming,” she said, angrily running her hand through her hair. “Queen Isabella is a bitch.” 

“King Bradshaw isn’t much better,” Lizzie mumbled. 

“Is this really my life now? Making small talk with people who hate me? Smiling while people insult me to my face?” she asked tiredly.

“It’ll get easier,” Hana said sympathetically. “Once you’re queen and people see how great you are things’ll get better.” 

“And remember the reason you did all of this in the first place was because of how much you love Liam,” Emma said.

“And now you have another little one to love, too,” Lizzie said this while placing a hand gently on Ali’s stomach. 

Ali let out a sigh, relaxing visibly. 

“Thanks, guys,” she said, pulling the three of them into a group hug.

All of her stress evaporated from her body and for a moment she felt like she could breathe again. 

“Lady Alison?” a soft voice came from behind them. 

Ali pulled out of the hug and turned to see another woman smiling at her kindly. 

“I’m Princess Marguerite of Monaco. It’s nice to finally meet you,” the woman said. 

“Princess Marguerite! It’s nice to meet you as well!” Ali responded, putting her persona back up. 

“I imagine this could be a bit much for you. Most of us were raised for all of this,” Marguerite began. 

Ali inwardly sighed, psyching herself up for this conversation all over again. 

“I want you to know, if you ever need a friend or someone to talk to, you can ask me anything!” 

Ali was taken aback by the kindness in her voice. Marguerite seemed genuinely sincere, and for a moment, Ali wasn’t sure how to respond.

“Thank you,” she whispered, suddenly overcome with emotion. 

It was relieving to have someone be so nice for the first time that night.

“Of course! I adore you and Liam. The way you look at each other… I can just tell it’s true love!”

“It is,” Ali responded, smiling widely and resting a hand lovingly on her stomach. 

However, the one moment of happiness that she’d had all night was over just as quickly as it came. The voices of two noble ladies conversing nearby filled the air.

“True love? Please, more like social climbing,” a woman with platinum blonde hair said with a scoff. 

“I thought Prince Liam had more common sense. I can’t believe he actually married her. He should have chosen Madeleine. If it came down to it, I would have even taken Penelope over her,” her companion replied. 

Ali was both offended for herself and for Penelope.

“He probably only did it because of the baby. I can’t see him being with her for any other reason. There’s not much to like, is there?” the first woman said, laughing maliciously.

Ali bit down roughly on her lip, and her eyes filled with tears. She saw Marguerite shoot her a sympathetic smile, but the action did very little to comfort her.

“He can’t possibly believe it’s actually his,” the second responded, scandalized. “Oh, he’s going to be so heart broken when it comes out looking like his best friend.”

“Can we even be sure it’s Drake Walker’s either? I wouldn’t be surprised if she was sleeping with half the men at court. She seems like the type.” 

The two women dissolved into a fit of laughter, both completely aware that Ali and Marguerite had heard their conversation, but neither one of them caring. 

“That’s hilarious coming from you, Beatrice,” Olivia’s loud voice broke through their giggles. “Tell me, does Lady Antionette know that you spend every weekend in her husband’s bed?”

Lady Beatrice, the woman with the blonde hair, opened and closed her mouth furiously, desperately trying to find a comeback, while her companion, Lady Antionette, was looking at her friend in shock and anger.

“Maybe you should take a look in the mirror before you start criticizing someone else,” Olivia concluded, a victorious smirk on her face. 

Ali shot her a grateful smile and quietly slipped away, Beatrice and Antionette’s newly started argument fading into the background. She kept her head down as she tried to find her way out of the ballroom undetected, desperate to make it outside before she broke down in tears. She broke into a run once she had made it safely outside, not stopping until she reached the gardens Liam’s mother had commissioned all those years ago. She collapsed on a bench and began sobbing freely, pushing her glasses up to rest on the top of her head as she angrily wiped her eyes.

Only moments after, she felt a presence nearby, and someone took a seat cautiously on the bench next to her.

“There, there,” Bertrand tried to say in a soothing tone as he awkwardly patted her shoulder. 

Despite herself, Ali couldn’t help the amusement she felt at his actions.

“D-did you just p-pat my shoulder and say ‘there there’?” she choked out, an odd chuckle escaping her throat. 

Bertrand sat stiffly beside her and cleared his throat. 

“You seemed to be in need of comfort,” he said, obviously unsettled by the situation. 

Ali smiled sadly. 

“Well, thank you,” she said, wiping her eyes and resting her head against his shoulder. 

Bertrand’s body stiffened initially, but after a moment he relaxed again. The two sat quietly for a moment, Ali’s occasional sniffles were the only sounds filling the air. 

“Have you spoken to Savannah yet?” she asked quietly. 

Bertrand cleared his throat again. 

“Briefly.”

“Briefly? That’s all you’re going to say?” she asked, raising her head up to look at him. 

“I was surprised to learn of her reasons for leaving,” he continued. 

Ali remained silent for a moment, expecting him to go on. However, he simply sat there quietly, as if the conversation were over. 

“And… you’re okay?” she prompted. 

Bertrand still remained quiet, but he began fiddling with his cufflinks. 

“I’m gonna take that as a no.”

“I’m a father,” he said in shock. 

“Yeah, you are, and you should talk to Savannah about that.”

“I can’t.”

“You have to. Look, I don’t know what happened between the two of you or how you feel about each other, but it’s not just about you guys anymore. You need to think about your son. Do you really want to be an absentee father?”

“No,” he replied sadly. 

This was the first time Ali had ever seen Bertrand actually show any kind of strong emotion that didn’t revolve around court or preserving House Beaumont. 

The sound of someone clearing their throat interrupted their moment. They both turned to see Drake standing nearby. 

“Liam’s looking for you,” Drake said, his voice was harsh as he glared at Bertrand, but Ali knew that he was directing the comment at her. 

She got up from her spot on the bench and shot Drake a look telling him to be nice before slowly making her way back to the ballroom. Internally she was battling with taking as long as possible to get back, maybe stopping to take a stroll through the maze, and heading straight to find Liam. She didn’t want to keep him waiting too long, but she also had no desire to go back to the party that was causing her so much stress. Eventually she figured it was better to bite the bullet and get it over with, trying to make herself look pleasant as she reentered the room and scanned the area for Liam. 

The man spotted her immediately and walked over to her, not noticing her foul mood until he had already pulled her onto the dancefloor. 

“What’s troubling you?” he asked, concern filling his voice as he led her in a waltz. 

“Nothing,” she tried to say convincingly, plastering a wide and artificial looking smile on her face. 

“I can tell that something’s bothering you,” Liam sighed, pulling her closer to him in attempts to comfort her even though he wasn’t sure what was going on. “Please don’t shut me out.”

“Not here,” she finally responded, looking over his shoulder to see Bradshaw and Isabella dancing behind them and another lord and lady right beside them. 

Liam pulled her impossibly close, halting their waltz and simply letting their bodies sway together. Ali pushed her face into his shoulder, not caring that their display of affection would be all over the news tomorrow, and needing to feel him close to her. Her eyes filled with tears again, but she desperately tried to hold them back, not wanting to cry in front of the entire court. That would definitely make the news. She sniffled softly and tried to channel the confidence she had felt just a week earlier in Constantine’s office.

The song came to an end, and they separated after a moment. Liam remained by his wife’s side for the rest of the night, the two only parting ways momentarily after the ball when Liam needed to check in with Constantine. 

Ali made a quick stop at the kitchens on her way back up to their newly shared suite, snatching an apple for a late night snack. Upon entering their room she promptly stripped out of her gown and jewelry and dropped back onto the bed in her underwear, taking a large bite out of the apple. 

Liam looked at her curiously as he entered the room while loosening his bowtie. 

“Are you eating a Cordonian Ruby? I thought you hated them.”

“I do, but apparently your baby doesn’t,” she grumbled, continuing to munch on the apple. 

For the past week, much to her initial displeasure, she had been constantly craving Cordonian Rubies. This was definitely Liam’s child.

Liam smiled as he watched her devour the fruit. He continued to undress with a small but troubled smile on his face before settling down onto the bed beside her. He lay on his side and placed a hand gently on her bare stomach, unsure of how to ask about what was bothering her. 

“My love.” “Li.”

They spoke in unison, breaking off into a soft laugh when they realized what they had just done. 

“What’s on your mind, love?” Liam asked softly.

Ali struggled with her words for a moment.

“Tonight was… awful. Everyone thinks I’m a joke. To them I’m just a social climbing whore, and they think that our baby isn’t yours,” she said, her voice cracking as she got to the end of her sentence.

The anguish on his face was evident. However, in typical Liam fashion, he began to reason with her.

“I can’t imagine how difficult this must be for you, but we both know the truth, love,” he began, gently running his hand up and down her stomach. “I know that this is our child, and I already love them so much. I know that you weren’t using me. I know how we feel about each other.”

Ali sighed angrily, tears streaming down her face as she moved away from his grasp. She was angry and frustrated about how people were treating her, and she was just as upset about how they were treating him. She was tired of him trying to be reasonable when she knew that he was being affected just as much as she was. Liam had a tendency of bottling up his emotions and shutting her out, until he finally snapped. This was exactly what he had done at the beginning of the social season when the rumors about her and Drake had started going around. It was what had led to their misunderstanding in Lythikos. 

“Yeah, it’s difficult for me. It’s awful and terrible, and I hate feeling like this, but it’s difficult for you too. Liam, people are just as upset with you as they are with me. I know you’ve seen the things they’ve said about you, and I know it’s been bothering you!”

He remained silent after her sudden outburst, turning to lay on his back as he stared up at the ceiling. Ali deflated at his silence, feeling guilty for taking her frustrations out on him. 

“I’m sorry for losing it like that. I’m just worried about you. I’m worried about us. Everyone loved you and believed in you before I came along. I can see how upset you’ve been recently, and I hate that. I hate that I can’t make all of this stop, that I can’t fix things for you. I feel like this is all my fault, and I don’t want to you to end up resenting me for it,” she confessed, nervously tugging at her bra strap. 

“You’re right. It has been bothering me. But, I don’t blame you for this. We both chose to have sex the night of the bachelor party. The way things worked out haven’t been… ideal, but what’s done is done. I love you. I love our child, and that’s all that matters,” he said, turning back to her. 

“But, it’s not all that matters. Li, we have a whole country to worry about too. So many things are changing right now, for the both of us, and we haven’t been handling it well. I hate arguing with you, and I’m so sorry that I’ve been so snappy recently, but there’s just so much going on,” she continued. “I love you so much, but I’m scared that if we continue on the way that we are we’ll just constantly be at each other’s throats by the time the baby comes and this beautiful thing that we’re supposed to love with all of our hearts will end up getting hurt because of it.”

“What do you think we should do?” he asked, his tone both sincere and worried at the same time.

“I-I think we should talk to someone,” she said nervously, resting a hand on his bare chest. 

“Talk to someone?” 

“A therapist. I think it could help us. The both of us,” she clarified, keeping her voice strong this time. 

Liam seemed unsure of the idea. 

“I know that it’s a big decision to make, especially since you’ve never done it before, and I don’t want to force you into it. But, I think we could benefit from a few sessions together and maybe a few solo ones too.”

Liam rested his hand on top of hers and took a deep breath. 

“Okay.”

“Okay?” 

“If you truly think that it’ll help, then I’m willing to give it a try,” he said, smiling softly. 

Ali laid down next to him, cuddling close to his chest. 

“Thank you,” she whispered, as he kissed the top of her head lovingly

[badchoicesposts]

Don’t Dream It’s Over Chapter 18

Series Summary: Liam and Ali thought that their relationship was perfect, but their whole world came crashing down when Constantine called him back to Cordonia. Four years later they meet again at Liam’s bachelor party, determined to make things between them work even if it isn’t always easy.

In this AU, Liam and MC (Ali Moonessar) dated for a year in New York while Leo was still crown prince. They broke up when Constantine asked Liam to come back to Cordonia, but they meet again at Liam’s bachelor party before the social season. The story will contain flashbacks, which will be italicized, of their relationship and follow them as they try to navigate the season with Ali as a suitor. I’ve messed around with the timeline a bit so that it fits the story better. I’ve also added in a few OCs of my own.

Pairing: Liam x MC (Ali Moonessar), Platonic!Drake x MC

DISCLAIMER: I’ve changed up the timeline of the social season a bit to fit my story better. I’ve based it off of some research I did on the British Social Season. Some of the dialogue was taken directly from Book 1 of The Royal Romance but was changed a bit to fit my fic.

Taglist: @flowerpowell, @ao719, @kingliam2019, @emceesynonymroll, @hopefulmoonobject, @dcbbw, @qammh-blog, @liamxs-world, @drakesensworld, @i-only-signed-up-for-fanfiction, @lauradowning29, @texaskitten30, @senseofduties, @indiacater, @alexintheskyy, @jared2612

A/N: This is my first time ever posting a fic. Please let me know if you enjoyed it and would like to read more. I thrive on validation, lol. Thanks for reading!

Catch Up: Masterlist

It was freezing out. December was in full swing and as the snow fell softly outside, Ali was glad to be in the safety of Drake and Liam’s apartment, trapped on the couch within a blanket burrito of her own making. Winter was her favorite season and there was nothing she loved more than being cuddled up under warm blankets while there was a slight chill in the air of the apartment. Drake had been scarce recently, and Ali had suspicions that he was seeing someone even if he refused to confirm it. Liam, however, was due back home from work any second, and she was eagerly awaiting his return. 

As she was reaching for the remote to change the channel, the door opened and the man who was plaguing her thoughts walked in bundled up in a long, black, wool coat, and burgundy scarf in attempts to block out the cold, New York air. There was a slight sprinkling of snow covering his clothing, and as he saw Ali curled up on the couch, he was filled with both envy of her warmth and amusement at her ridiculous appearance. He quickly shrugged off his coat, pulled the blankets off of her and dropped down on top of her small frame. She jumped at the intrusion and hastily reached over his back to throw the blankets back over them.

“What are you doing?” she half-screamed, her body now shivering along with his. 

“I was cold,” he said with a chuckle, resting his head on her chest. 

Ali smiled down at him and relaxed as she felt the material of his suit jacket under her fingers. She loved the playful side of her boyfriend that not many got to see. However, not seconds later, she jumped again as Liam pushed her shirt up, gripping onto the warm skin of her sides with his cold hands.

“Your hands are freezing!” she said. 

She squirmed underneath him in attempts to get away from him, but the weight of his body on top of hers kept her firmly in place. 

“Stop touching me with your disgustingly cold fingers,” she whined, still trying to push him away.

“But, you’re so warm,” he spoke into the soft material of her shirt. 

By now his hands were beginning to warm up, and although she wanted to be petty and continue to complain about his actions, her heart softened as he closed his eyes and attempted to wrap his arms around her. Ali moved her own hands up from his back and began to run her fingers gently through Liam’s blond hair, causing his body to melt closer into her.

“You’re so lucky that I love you,” she teased.

“I know.”

~~~

Ali pulled her covers up to her chin and stared out the window in her room from her spot on the bed. The sun had risen a few hours ago, and she knew that she should be getting ready for the second day of the Apple Blossom Festival, but she couldn’t seem to find the courage to get out of bed. Last night had been good. It was fun, and she genuinely enjoyed herself. But, for some reason, she broke down in tears as soon as her head hit the pillow. She was exhausted and scared, and having to come home to an empty room after being surrounded by people all day made her feel isolated.

A loud knock startled her, but instead of answering the door, she sunk further into her pillows and pulled her blankets tighter around her body. The knocking persisted, and when she still didn’t respond, the door opened.

“Why are you still in bed?” Bertrand asked, as he and Maxwell walked into the room. 

Ali didn’t have a good answer for this. She didn’t know how to explain to them that she didn’t feel like she was strong enough to get out of bed. She didn’t know how to tell them that she felt like she was falling apart; that she knew someone was literally out to get her while she was pregnant with the future heir to the throne, and it was mentally exhausting. All she wanted in that moment was Liam. She wanted to run into his arms and have him tell her that everything was going to be okay, but she knew that once he found out about her pregnancy all hell would break loose. He couldn’t be strong for her right now. She needed to be strong for herself. 

“I’m getting up now,” she said instead, throwing the blankets off of her body.

“The best dressed lady today will be crowned Apple Queen. The title itself is mostly just for show, but it is important in terms of impressing the people and gaining their favor,” Bertrand said, urging her to move faster.

He shoved a garment bag into her hand that she hadn’t realized he’d been holding.

“What’s this?” she asked, placing it down onto the bed so she could unzip it.

“I was able to procure a historically accurate rendition of a Cordonian peasant’s best gown from the country’s most prestigious stage production company,” he said.

Ali pulled the blue and white dress off of the hanger and went into the bathroom to change. Bertrand wore a satisfied smile on his face when she emerged. 

“You are guaranteed to become Apple Queen in this dress,” he said, as Ali fiddled with her hair.

“Are you ready?” Bertrand asked, giving her a once over, his eyes lingering on her face. 

She nodded in response, and the three of them made their way out to the orchard. 

“I don’t know what’s going on with you, but make sure not to pout in front of the cameras,” Bertrand whispered, looking back down at her face again.

The fact that Bertrand was still being his usual, pushy self was reassuring. It made her feel normal on the outside, even when her mind was bustling with chaos.

The air was buzzing with excitement when they stepped into the orchard, but Ali couldn’t stop looking over her shoulder. The thought that someone was watching her was unsettling.

“Ready to show off your baking skills?” Hana asked, cheerfully.

Lizzie groaned from beside her. The dark-haired woman was wearing large sunglasses and was obviously hungover from drinking too much the previous night.

“Yeah, I am actually,” Ali said happily. 

If there was one thing she was happy about, it was that her love for baking was finally being put to use. Although, it didn’t slip her mind that it was kind of ridiculous to be baking in the middle of the orchard. 

“Good, because right now you need to focus on impressing the queen. Let everything else fall away and make House Beaumont proud,” Bertrand said from his spot next to her. 

He and Maxwell excused themselves, and Madeleine sidled up next to her.

“Lady Alison, it’s so good to see you. I’m glad you’re feeling well enough to join us in the festivities today,” she said in a sweet tone that Ali recognized as anything but nice. 

“Why wouldn’t I be?” she asked, narrowing her eyes in suspicion. 

“Oh, I’m sure it’s nothing. You’ve just been looking a little… sick lately,” the other woman commented with a smirk.

“Have I?” Ali asked, wondering if Madeleine actually knew something or if she was just trying to intimidate her again.

“Yes, and I noticed that you left the festival quite early yesterday evening. I have to admit I’m beginning to wonder if the pressure of the season is starting to get to you.”

“Thank you for your concern, but I feel just fine, Madeleine,” Ali said, ending the conversation. 

The pie baking competition was easy. She spent most of it taking orders from Olivia, but she felt no need to fight the duchess on this. Olivia seemed to know what she was doing and arguing would have only slowed the process down. It was the Apple Queen ceremony that had Ali completely flustered. She felt like she was suffocating while she stood with the other ladies as the crowd cheered them on. 

“Lady Alison will be this year’s Apple Queen,” Regina said, pulling Ali out of her thoughts. 

Ali wiped the surprised look off of her face and smiled at the crowd. 

“Wooooo! Go, Ali. Party like it 1299! All hail the Apple Queen from the Big Apple!” Maxwell yelled from somewhere in the crowd. 

Ali held back a laugh as she approached Regina for the “coronation”

“Queen Regina, it’s an honor. Thank you all for electing me to represent you as the Apple Queen,” she said, meeting Bertrand’s eyes through the group of people. “I’m happy to accept this esteemed position, and I will treat it with the utmost respect.”

He nodded proudly at her, a genuine smile on his face. She went through the rest of the ceremony with a new surge of confidence. She knew that if Bertrand, the most difficult person to impress, was proud of her, then she had done something right. 

“As your final honor, you are entitled to a kiss, my queen,” Liam said, approaching her and kneeling before her. 

Ali looked down at him, the adoration in his eyes evident, and her mood came crashing back down. Time seemed to stand still in that moment. The pride that she had been feeling just moments before had been replaced with a feeling of guilt for not telling him about the baby. The seriousness of their situation was once again brought to her attention and hearing him call her “my queen” brought up a negative emotion that she couldn’t quite place. It was a cross between longing and dread. Longing for the day he could officially call her that, but dread at the thought that everything would come crashing down and that day would never come. 

She remembered all of the good times they had shared together: the two of them wrapped up in each other’s arms in bed, Liam mocking her for being afraid of a nonexistent ghost, their first “I love you”. Then the bad began to come forward: her crying for him at the airport as he got on a plane back to Cordonia, every night she couldn’t sleep without him the first few months after he left, the press cornering them the morning after the bachelor party and Liam dismissing her. A look of confusion passed over his face at her troubled expression, but she quickly wiped it away and forced on a smile. 

“Prince Liam, I humbly accept your offer,” she said, 

Liam rose to his feet and kissed her cheek gently, his hand squeezing hers in both a comforting and questioning manner. The crowd began to disperse as the Apple Queen ceremony came to an end, and Regina approached her, a diplomatic smile on her face.

“It’s time I head back to Applewood Manor, but please feel free to enjoy the festival as the reigning Apple Queen. Past queens have been popular at the apple bobbing contest.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

The queen walked away, and Ali visibly relaxed. 

“There’s our glorious Apple Queen,” Maxwell said happily, pushing past groups of people to get to her.

“I heard you out there. Thanks for cheering me on,” she said, punching his arm playfully.

“Well, somebody had to do it, but I’m actually here to tell you that Liam’s waiting for you in the manor’s conservatory. It’s across the estate.” 

“Thanks, Max. I’ll head over there now. Hey, can you meet me later? There’s something I need to talk to you about,” she said. 

She had made up her mind. Maxwell had been in her corner since day one, and she needed to tell him. He shot her a confused look, but nodded anyway. 

The conservatory was beautiful. As Ali entered it, the smell of flowers and plants overtook her senses, and she stopped to breath it in for a second. It had a calming effect on her. The sun shone through the entire area through a glass ceiling, and it gave her an odd sense of being both outside and inside at the same time. She took a moment to close her eyes and breathe before walking further into the conservatory. 

Liam was standing in front of a large fountain in the middle of the conservatory.

“Ali, thank you for meeting me,” he said, a soft smile on his face. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” 

“I’m fine,” she said, grabbing his hand and squeezing it in hers.

“You didn’t look fine in the orchard,” he persisted in a low voice.

“Really, I’m okay. It was all just a bit overwhelming.”

“The ceremony?” 

Ali nodded in response but didn’t meet his eyes. Liam sighed softly, his concern clearly evident.

“I spoke to Drake,” Liam said, softly.

Ali’s head snapped up. Drake wouldn’t tell him about the baby. There was no way.

“He voiced a concern that the person who tipped off the press about your ‘relationship’ with him may try to hurt you again,” he said.

“And you agree with him?” she asked, quickly recovering. 

“I have learned to trust Drake’s instincts. If he believes something is wrong then I know he has reason to.” 

“I think it may have been Madeleine.” 

“Why do you think that?” Liam asked, shocked.

“She said some things earlier. Maybe she was just being passive aggressive, but they didn’t sit well with me,” she said.

Liam nodded and pursed his lips in concentration. 

“I’ll have someone look into it.”

Ali nodded and pointed in the direction of the door. She was trying to get out of their as quickly as possible, her discomfort and paranoia dictating her every move.

“We should probably head back,” she said, already turning to leave.

“Wait!” Liam said, causing her to turn back to him. “Are you sure everything’s okay. You still seem upset.” 

Ali sighed. She knew that then would have been the perfect moment to tell him, but as she looked up at him, she couldn’t bring herself to say the words.

“Can you hold me?” she whispered, finally breaking down and needing his arms around her. 

Liam looked down at her and pulled her glasses gently off of her face. He placed them into his jacket pocket before pulling her into his arms. Ali buried her face in his chest and willed all of her anxieties away. 

“What’s bothering you, my love?” Liam asked, his voice was gentle, soothing.

“I just… have a bad feeling,” she said, moving out of his arms and wiping away a stray tear. “I’m sure it’s nothing.” 

“It’s not nothing. If there’s something causing this feeling you know you could tell me, right?” he asked, placing his hands on her arms to keep her from turning away from him. 

“Of course, I know. There’s just… a lot going on,” she said, nervously fiddling with one of the buttons of his white shirt.

“You mean with the season?” he asked.

She nodded, and reached into his pocket to pull out her glasses. 

“We really need to get back out there. Madeleine already noticed that I left the festival early yesterday. I’m sure other people have too,” she said. 

Ali reached up and pulled Liam into a gentle kiss. It was slow and soft, and she tried to pour as much of her love into it as possible. 

“I love you,” she mumbled against his lips. 

“I love you too,” he said, grabbing her hand and leading her out of the conservatory. 

They parted ways when they made it back to the orchard, and Ali took Regina’s advice and found the apple bobbing contest. 

“Hey, are you going to participate?” Lizzie asked, her sunglasses now off as she chewed an apple. 

“Yeah, Regina said that it’s pretty popular with Apple Queens, so I figured I might as well give it a shot,” she said, with a smile. 

The crowd cheered enthusiastically as a little girl in a peach dress pulled her head from the bucket, a large apple clenched between her teeth. 

“Lady Alison, would you like to go next?” the woman in charge of the booth asked.

“Yes, I would love to,” Ali said, tying her hair back. 

She saw the press gather around them enthusiastically as she took off her glasses and handed them to Lizzie. Ali took a breath and picked out an apple before placing her head in the large basin. Her teeth closed around the Cordonian Ruby, and she once again fought back a gag as she raised her head, the press snapping pictures the entire time. 

“Oh, these really are terrible,” Ali mumbled to Lizzie under her breath as she took her glasses back. 

“I quite like them, actually. But, they’re definitely an acquired taste,” she responded as they linked arms and walked away from the booth. 

After she decided that she had spent enough time at the festival, Ali left the orchard and made a beeline for her room, ready to lie down. 

“You wanted to talk?” Maxwell asked, already waiting by her door for her. 

“We should talk in here,” Drake said, opening the door to his room and nodding for them to come in before she had a chance to respond. 

When Ali entered the room she was surprised to see both Bastien and Charlie waiting for them there. 

“What’s going on?” she asked confused. 

“Maxwell mentioned that you wanted to talk to him earlier, and I figured now would be a good time to tell you our plan,” Drake said. 

“Why am I here?” Charlie asked.

“Yeah, what did you need to talk to me about?” Maxwell piped up. 

Ali was beginning to get overwhelmed. She had originally only planned on speaking to Maxwell, now she was standing in a room full of men, and she was being forced to talk about something intimate with them.

“Ali, why don’t you take a seat?” Bastien said, placing his hand on her elbow and leading her to a chair in the corner of the room. 

Ali took a seat and looked up to Drake for reassurance. He simply nodded at her, and she took a breath. 

“I’m pregnant.”

Maxwell and Charlie simultaneously dropped their jaws, and the former snapped his head back and forth between her and Drake.

“The two of you?” he asked, gesturing wildly between them. 

It was Ali’s turn to drop her jaw in shock. 

“No!” she said, grabbing the cushion that was behind her and throwing it at him. 

It hit him square in the face, and Drake let out an amused chuckle. 

“I’m sorry! You just looked over at him before you said it so I assumed,” Maxwell said, trying to defend himself. 

“Ew! No! I looked over at him because Drake was the only one that knew. Or at least, I thought he was.”

“Hey!” Drake said, offended, “I know we’re just friends, but I wouldn’t say ‘ew’!”

“Really? You want to have this conversation now?” Ali asked sarcastically. 

“I just think “ew” is a bit of an exaggeration,” Drake said stubbornly, crossing his arms over his chest.

Ali rolled her eyes and was going to respond when Maxwell spoke up instead.

“Liam doesn’t know?” he asked. 

Ali looked down at her hands and picked at her fingernail. All of the energy she had from bickering with Drake now suddenly gone.

“Wait. What do you mean you thought Drake was the only one that knew?” Charlie asked. 

“I got a tip off that someone was trying to sell pictures to the press of Drake buying a pregnancy test, and Ali throwing up after the Regatta,” Bastien began. “We assumed that the person following them that day is the same one who tipped off the press after the Derby. We don’t know for sure that whoever’s doing this is dangerous, but we need to be extra cautious now that she’s carrying the future heir to the throne. Charlie, you’re Ali’s new guard. I need you to stay close to her at all times and look out for anything suspicious.”

“Yes, sir,” Charlie responded, serious again. 

“Ali, you need to tell Liam,” Bastien said softly, now turning to her. 

She could see the sympathetic look in his eyes as he spoke. His demeanor now calm and reassuring instead of authoritative like it was before. 

“I know,” she responded, nervously biting her lip again. 

“Why haven’t you told him yet?” Maxwell asked cautiously, afraid of setting her off again.

“Because I don’t know what’s going to happen when I do. Constantine already doesn’t want me to become queen. How do you think he’s going to react when he hears that I’m pregnant?” she said, gripping tightly onto the arm of the chair she was sitting in. 

She was getting increasingly agitated and uncomfortable at the situation she was currently in. The four men exchanged nervous looks, and this only served to irritate Ali even more.

“Don’t do that! If you have something to say then just say it!” she said angrily. 

“You’re right. We don’t know what’s going to happen when everyone finds out, and it most likely won’t be good,” Bastien said, approaching her and placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “But, Liam needs to know. He can help you through this.”

Ali visibly deflated. 

“I know. I’m sorry for yelling.”

“Look, none of us know what you’re going through, but we just want to help. Get some rest tonight. You can think about talking to him tomorrow,” Drake said, as everyone began walking to the door. 

Ali nodded and got up from her chair as well, wishing she could just curl up and sleep through the next nine months. 

[badchoicesposts]

Don’t Dream It’s Over Chapter 14

Series Summary: Liam and Ali thought that their relationship was perfect, but their whole world came crashing down when Constantine called him back to Cordonia. Four years later they meet again at Liam’s bachelor party, determined to make things between them work even if it isn’t always easy.

In this AU, Liam and MC (Ali Moonessar) dated for a year in New York while Leo was still crown prince. They broke up when Constantine asked Liam to come back to Cordonia, but they meet again at Liam’s bachelor party before the social season. The story will contain flashbacks, which will be italicized, of their relationship and follow them as they try to navigate the season with Ali as a suitor. I’ve messed around with the timeline a bit so that it fits the story better. I’ve also added in a few OCs of my own.

Pairing: Liam x MC (Ali Moonessar) Platonic!Drake x MC

DISCLAIMER: I’ve changed up the timeline of the social season a bit to fit my story better. I’ve based it off of some research I did on the British Social Season. Some of the dialogue, especially Olivia’s, was taken directly from Book 1 of The Royal Romance but was changed a bit to fit my fic.

Taglist: @flowerpowell, @ao719, @kingliam2019, @emceesynonymroll, @hopefulmoonobject, @dcbbw, @qammh-blog, @liamxs-world, @drakesensworld, @i-only-signed-up-for-fanfiction, @lauradowning29, @texaskitten30, @senseofduties, @indiacater, @alexintheskyy

A/N: This is my first time ever posting a fic. Please let me know if you enjoyed it and would like to read more. I thrive on validation, lol. Thanks for reading! Also special thanks to @lauradowning29 who gave me the motivation to get this out early!

Catch Up: Masterlist

The next evening Ali, Hana, and Lizzie were getting ready for Olivia’s ball, none of them too excited to attend after the previous night. Ali slipped into the champagne colored satin maxi dress that Emma had made specifically for this occasion. The satin material made the dress look formal and classy, while the wrap style of it cinched in her waist and flattered her figure. A high slit went up the side of her left leg and exposed her sparkly, heeled shoes, which added about five inches to her height. 

“Can Emma design my clothes too?” Lizzie asked, her jaw slack as she took in Ali’s appearance. 

“She’d probably be really happy to hear you say that,” Ali admitted.

She noticed Hana smile at the other woman’s name, but didn’t comment. Before going back to New York, Emma mentioned that she and Hana had exchanged phone numbers so they could “talk about their designs” since Hana was into fashion as well. She knew they had been speaking often, but didn’t want to pry into their whatever relationship they had just yet. 

The three of them went down to the ballroom of the chateau and made a beeline towards Maxwell. 

“Ladies, it’s a pleasure to see you this evening,” Maxwell said stiffly, “And Lady Moonessar, I must say, you look utterly becoming. Truly a diamond in the first water.”

Ali was confused, and she was sure her face betrayed that.

“Thank you, Lord Maxwell, for that, uh, very formal compliment,” she replied, using his title as well. 

“Tonight I am representing the Duchy of Ramsford at this important social event.”

“Oh, so Bertrand got to you?” she asked. 

“He’s been calling me all day to remind me,” Maxwell frowned. 

“Well, I have complete faith in you,” Ali said, in attempts to get him to cheer up. 

“We should be taking our seats,” Lizzie spoke up behind them.

Ali looked around and noticed that the tables had elegant name cards on each of the plate settings. 

“Yeah, about that,” Maxwell began, “Lizzie and I are sitting at the head table with Prince Liam and Olivia, but you and Hana are at the furthest table in the back.”

“I’m guessing Olivia had something to do with that,” Ali said. 

“Yeah, I’m sorry to leave you guys, but we should get over there,” Maxwell said, motioning to the table at the front of the room. 

“Don’t worry about us. Ali and I will make the best of it!” Hana said, optimistically. 

“Yeah, have fun, Max.”

The two women walked over to their table and were greeted by Drake. 

“Welcome to the table of exiles,” he said indifferently. 

“Hey, Drake. I’m glad to see you,” Ali said, taking her seat next to him. 

“I think it’s supposed to be even more of an insult that Olivia placed us next to a commoner,” Hana commented, taking her seat as well.

They were the only three people at this table, while all of the others held at least six.

“Yeah, I have a feeling she saw it as hitting two birds with one stone. She was probably also trying to get in Liam’s head by sitting the two of us next to each other,” Ali said to Drake in an undertone. “Let’s just say his morning text today was a lot less enthusiastic than usual.” 

“It’s not like he has anything to worry about,” Drake mumbled back. 

“Drake, you don’t seem to be bothered at all by being seated in the back,” Hana said, breaking up their whispered conversation.

“What can I say? After years of getting treated like this, you build up a thick skin. Besides, back here? Out of the spotlight? At least we can relax.” 

Ali nodded in agreement and watched as servers began to fill the room, placing plates of food down on the other tables. They were gone as quickly as they came, passing over their table completely.

“I’m sure they’ll be back,” Hana said hopefully. 

“It’ll probably be a while. We’ll be the last to eat because of where we’re seated, if there’s any left at all,” he said, leaning back in his chair. 

“But, the lobster bisque. Do you really think we’ll starve?” Hana asked sadly.

Drake shrugged, and the three of them watched as a few servers still moved around the room, all overlooking their table. The three of them made casual conversation for the next hour as they all got increasingly hungry. 

“The service here is terrible, but even still it’s not the worst I’ve had. Believe it or not, I’ve been to a wedding where they didn’t serve dinner until midnight,” Hana said.

“You think that’s bad? I’ll tell you a real horror story,” Drake said, leaning forward in his chair, “Let’s set the scene. Casual get together. Lots of people I don’t know, but that’s fine because there’s a bar. Man’s true best friend. So, I figure I’ll grab a drink. I go up to the bar, and they’re out of whisky.”

Ali refrained from rolling her eyes at his comment, almost sighing in relief as a server approached their table. Three bowls were placed in front of them, and they were forced to refrain themselves from inhaling the food before the server even walked away from the table.

“There’s no lobster in my bowl. It’s just bisque,” Hana said, running her spoon through the liquid. “This is the saddest soup I’ve ever seen.”

“And the coldest,” Drake said, placing his own spoon back down after tasting it.  

Ali was just about to try the soup herself when the orchestra began playing, and Olivia moved to the front of the room. 

“Hello, dear guests, and welcome to the Nevrakis family’s chateau. It means so much that you join me in this place that’s so dear to my heart. I hope you enjoy the festivities tonight as much as I will.”

Drake scoffed at her words.

“Now please join me up front to begin the Cordonian Waltz,” she concluded.

“We haven’t finished eating!” Hana exclaimed. 

“I don’t think she cares,” Drake said. 

“Well, let’s do this,” Ali said, stomach still grumbling. “Are you coming, Drake?” 

“No, I’ll just… stay here with the food,” Drake said, looking around uncomfortably. 

Ali took her time walking up to the front of the room, not eager to do any dancing.

“Olivia, may I have this dance?” she heard Liam ask as she made her way over to Maxwell. 

“Of course. Anything for you, Prince Liam,” Olivia said happily. 

“My lady, may I have this dance?” Maxwell asked, bowing to Ali exaggeratedly and making her smile.  

“I would be honored,” she replied, allowing him to lead her into the loose circle forming on the dance floor. 

She and Maxwell began to glide seamlessly across the dance floor. 

“Wow, you’re doing really well,” Maxwell complimented.

“Thanks, I’m sure Bertrand would be glad that all of his training paid off. I think he was ready to murder me for how long it took to get this right.”

Maxwell spun her effortlessly before they finished in the end pose with her back pressed against his chest, and his arms around her. 

“We’re about to switch partners. Looks like you’ll be with Liam next,” he whispered, pushing her forward into Liam’s arms. 

“Good evening,” Liam said, catching her in his arms. 

“Hey, how are you?”

“I’m doing well. It’s been a lovely evening so far,” he replied, as they carried out the same steps that she had just executed with Maxwell. 

Her nerves were building at his chilly demeanor.

“Liam, you know I was joking when I said I would take Drake and I being a cute couple into consideration right?” she asked, her voice slightly frantic but still quiet enough that only he could hear. 

Liam’s body relaxed slightly. 

“I know, and I know that you would never go behind my back with someone. You just looked awfully cosy when I saw you last night,” he said, somehow sounding ashamed and defensive at the same time. 

“I slipped when we were outside, so I grabbed onto him. The storm was getting pretty bad, and I didn’t want to lose him, so I just held on until we got back inside,” she explained. 

Liam spun her under his arm and pulled her back to him, now completely ashamed at his reaction.

“I’m sorry for getting jealous,” he whispered in her ear, his arms circling her as she leaned her back into his chest. 

They swayed silently for a second, and she felt him relax his body against hers, keeping her pressed as close to him as possible. He rested his cheek against the top of her head and closed his eyes, taking in her smell of her hair. 

“I love you, Liam. Only you,” she said quietly, closing her eyes as well and placing her hands on top of his where they rested on her stomach. 

She leaned her head back against his shoulder, neither of them was quite willing to let the other go just yet.

“Ahem!” Olivia’s voice sounded loudly beside them. 

They jumped away from each other and was met with the face of an angry Olivia. Ali also noticed a few of the other nobles glancing at them and whispering enthusiastically amongst themselves. All of the other couples had already switched partners.

“Lady Alison, I believe he’s my partner now,” she said, trying to conceal her anger.

“Of course,” Ali said, bowing her head and walking back into Maxwell’s arms. 

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little tired and hungry,” she said, not wanting to tell him about their disagreement.

“Hungry?” Maxwell asked, confused. “Dinner was just served.”

“Yeah, Olivia made sure Drake, Hana, and I didn’t eat,” Ali said. 

“Oh!” Maxwell exclaimed, surprised. 

“It’s not that big a deal,” she said, before realizing he was reacting to something behind her.

Ali turned her head just in time to see Olivia pull Liam into a deep kiss. Olivia wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and gasps were heard all throughout the ballroom. Ali tried her best to keep her expression neutral, not wanting to give a negative reaction. After a moment too long, Liam gently pulled himself away from her, and whispered something in her ear before pulling her out of the ballroom. People began to talk excitedly amongst themselves, some of the other suitors visibly angry. Many of the people in the room looking to her and waiting for a negative reaction.

“I think I’m going to sit down for a bit,” she said to Maxwell, making her way back over to the table and taking her seat next to Drake. 

Drake looked over at her as if he wanted to say something, but thought against it and remained quiet instead. They sat in silence for a moment before he finally spoke up. 

“Do you wanna get out of here? Get some actual food?” he asked. 

Ali thought it over for a moment, and then nodded. 

“Yeah, let’s go.”

He took out his phone and sent someone a text before getting up. They slipped out of one of the ballroom’s side doors, careful not to draw too much attention to the fact that they were leaving together, and he led her outside to a large SUV that already had the keys inside. 

The drive to wherever they were going was silent but not uncomfortable. Ali watched as the trees passed by, all covered in white snow, and rubbed her hands up her arms. The flowy bell sleeves of her dress only went down to her elbows, and she hadn’t thought to grab a jacket before they left. Drake turned the heat up as they pulled up to a small diner. 

“Wait here,” he said.

He quickly ran inside and came back out about ten minutes later with a bag and two large drink containers. He handed the items to her and got back behind the wheel, driving them about five minutes away to an empty stretch of land. He turned onto the grass and parked the car, reaching over the grab the bag.

“It’s an American style diner. I figured you could use some real food,” he said passing her a wrapped burger and a small container of fries. 

“Thanks.” 

The two of them ate in silence for a few minutes before he spoke again.

“Are you okay?” he asked, staring straight ahead of him and out the windshield.

“Yeah, I just- I’m just tired of feeling things,” she mumbled, shoving a few fries in her mouth. “I know that sounds dumb, but I’ve been so emotional since I’ve gotten here, and I’m just ready to go back to not feeling eight million different things at once.”

She let out a self-deprecating laugh. 

“It’s kind of ironic, isn't it? Court is the place where you’re not supposed to show how you’re feeling. You can’t react to anything too strongly because if you do you could offend someone or cause a scandal. But, at the same time, it’s one of the most emotional places I’ve ever been.”

“Well, that’s why isn’t it?”

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“Everyone grew up at court thinking that they weren’t allowed to feel anything, so now they don’t know what to do when they experience any kind of emotion. Everyone has to be so proper all the time, so know one actually knows how to act, how to be normal. Instead of dealing with their feelings they gossip, start rumors and point fingers,” he said.

Ali leaned back in her seat and reflected on his words.

“Ya know, fancy steaks and tiny finger sandwiches are great and all, but I think this might have been the best meal I’ve had since coming to Cordonia,” she said, ready to change the subject. 

Drake chuckled.

“You can thank me with a bottle of whiskey.” 

Ali laughed and took a sip of her milkshake. 

“I don’t think I’ve even touched alcohol since that night. The bachelor party. I’ve been too terrified that I would screw something up if my inhibitions were lowered even the slightest bit,” she admitted.

“Well, if it makes you feel any better, I think you’ve impressed most of the people you’ve met so far. You’ve definitely been the talk of the season. The whole scandal may have changed a few people’s opinions, but I’ve heard mostly good things about you,” he said, wiping his hand on a napkin and throwing it back in the food bag, before buckling up his seatbelt. “And if you need a decent drink, something stronger than champagne, you know where to find me.”

“I just don’t want to embarrass myself, or Liam,” she said.

“I don’t think anything you do would ever embarrass Liam. The man worships the ground you walk on.” 

“He does not worship the ground I walk on,” she said stubbornly.

“Yeah, he does. Why do you think Olivia kissed him tonight?”

“Because she felt like it,” Ali said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. 

“C’mon, you’re smarter than that. You and Liam got too close on the dance floor, and she was jealous.”

Ali remained silent for the rest of the ride back to the chateau. It was obvious that Olivia had feelings for Liam, but she had been too caught up with her own emotions and the fact that she and Olivia had gotten into so many disagreements to stop and consider the other woman’s feelings. 

“Don’t be too mad at him for what happened. It’s not like he could have pushed her away and caused a scene in front of everyone. She’s technically still one of his suitors. Besides, he loves you, not her,” Drake said. 

Ali nodded her head. She knew that he was right, but she was still wasn’t happy about it. 

“Thanks for tonight, Drake. It was nice to get away from all of this,” she said, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek and making her way up to her room. 

She was just about to pull her dress off when she saw a small envelope placed at the foot of her bed. 

Ali, 

Please meet me in the grand suite, upstairs at the end of the east wing. I believe I owe you an apology. 

All my love,

Liam

Ali sighed and placed the note back down on the bed. It was short and to the point. The last thing she felt like doing was talking about what happened tonight, but she knew that this was something that they needed to do. Her fingers traced over his neat handwriting, the last handwritten note she had received from him jumping to the forefront of her mind. 

~~~

Ali perched herself awkwardly on the edge of Liam’s bed as she watched him pile clothes into his suitcase. She had no idea why she had offered to help him pack, why she thought it would be a good idea to physically help him move on from the life they had together. She was only torturing herself, watching as the one person who made her happier than she had ever been prepared to leave her.

She was here because she was being a good girlfriend. That’s what good girlfriends did, right? They helped their boyfriends pack up all of their memories, making sure they were all bundled up neatly together so that they could easily be forgotten and disposed of as soon as he left the country. But, was she really even his girlfriend anymore? Their relationship had ended the moment he announced he would be leaving. It didn’t matter if he wouldn’t be gone for another two days, they were practically over already anyway. 

A sigh escaped her lips as she pushed herself off the bed and hastily made her way over to his nightstand. She scolded herself for thinking so selfishly. Liam had a life outside of her, and she couldn’t ask him to give that up. It wasn’t her place. He had important responsibilities. She should be thankful for the wonderful time they had been able to spend together. 

She wiped away a tear before yanking open the first drawer and dumping the contents out onto the bed. It had been mostly trinkets, but the package of condoms that he kept there caught her eyes, and she didn’t have the courage to ask him whether or not he wanted to keep them or throw them away. She wordlessly threw them into the suitcase and reached for the next drawer. 

“Wait! Don’t go in there!” Liam called after her. 

She had already pulled the drawer open, however, pulling out the envelope that was addressed to her. 

“What is this?” she asked, holding the envelope in her hands.

“I was going to give it to you before I left,” Liam whispered as he awkwardly scratched the back of his neck. 

“What is it?” 

“It’s a- uh, a letter.” 

Ali furrowed her brows in confusion and tore open the envelope. The letter was handwritten on Liam’s personal stationary. As Ali skimmed over his words she quickly realized that it was a goodbye letter.

My love,

I’ve been trained for everything I could have ever imagined, but the one thing I was never prepared for was saying goodbye to you. I never learned how to deal with losing you. I never entertained the idea of falling in love before you came into my life.  I never thought I would be able to care for someone as much as you…

Ali dropped her hand down to her side, a scoff leaving her lips as she refused to read any further. She tried desperately to hold her tears back, but her vision was already becoming cloudy and it wouldn’t be long before she was a mess. She had been trying her best not to show him how upset she was, but he was making it difficult. 

“Ali?” he said her name softly, reaching forward to place a hand on her shoulder. 

“Don’t touch me,” she said, shrugging it off, and moving towards the window. 

“You’re mad at me,” Liam stated. 

“I’m not mad at you!” she said, surprised at how hostile her voice sounded. 

She wanted to scream. She wasn’t mad at him. She was mad at herself. She was mad at herself for loving him. She was mad at herself for not breaking things off when she found out that he was a prince and for getting so attached. Deep down there was always a part of her that was scared things wouldn’t work out between the two of them because of this. Why had she ignored that? She should have gotten out before her feelings for him had become so strong. 

“I’m not mad at you,” she whispered, feeling guilty when she saw the hurt on his face. “I’m just going to miss you. It’s easier to push you away than to admit that.” 

“I know,” Liam responded, pulling her into his arms and pressing his lips to her forehead.

A part of her wished that he wouldn’t be so understanding. That he would get mad at her for snapping, and they would fight, so it would be easier to watch him leave. But, deep down she knew she would never be able to live with herself if that’s how she parted ways with him. He meant too much for her to be okay with things ending like that. 

She didn’t want this to hurt so bad, but she had no idea how to make it stop. 

~~~

She slipped off her heels and replaced them with a pair of fuzzy socks and set out towards the east wing. There was no way she was keeping those shoes on any longer. 

She knocked softly on Liam’s door, and he met her with a look of relief on his face.

“You disappeared during the ball, and I was worried that you weren’t going to show up tonight,” he said, pulling her into a tight hug. 

“Yeah, Drake and I went out for something to eat,” she said, wrapping her arms around him as well. 

She felt his body tense up again and pulled away from him with a scoff.

“What was that noise for?” he asked, folding his arms across his chest.

“I just think it’s funny that you get upset about me spending time with Drake when I have to watch women hang off of you and shove their tongues down your throat every day,” she said casually, dropping down onto his bed. 

Liam’s arms dropped and he looked at her with a guilty expression, causing Ali to somewhat regret her petty words. Only a little though. 

“Liam, we’ve both told you a million times. We’re just friends,” she continued ranting, angrily tugging at the hem of her dress. “Besides, you’re the one that asked him to look out for me. Obviously we’re going to end up spending time together!” 

Liam let out a breath and sat next to her, taking her hand in his and bringing it up to his lips. 

“I know, I’m sorry. Seeing you two holding hands last night bothered more than it should have. I believe you when you said that it was innocent. I just didn’t expect to hear you say that you were with him after you disappeared tonight,” Liam admitted, rubbing nervous circles on the back of her hand with his thumb.

“I only disappeared because you kissed Olivia.”

He went to speak, but she interrupted him.

“And I know it’s not your fault. She’s one of your suitors, and you can’t play favorites by only spending time with me. I just didn’t expect to see her actually kiss you. It’s easy to forget that it’s not just the two of us when we’re away from court events for a while, so when we come back to this stuff, and I see you spending time with the other ladies it still bothers me. I love you, and it’s not the best feeling in the world.”

She cuddled herself into his arms and allowed him to pull her back into a lying position. Her stomach was in knots and an unsettled feeling washed over her as silence enveloped them. 

“I guess all of this has been hard on both of us,” Liam said. 

“Yeah, it has. I just… I just don’t want you to doubt my feelings for you, Liam. I know that may be hard considering everything that’s happened, but I know how I feel about you. There is no doubt in my mind about any of this. I love you, and I’m glad that I’m here with you,” she said, her stomach still churning.

“And I don’t want you to doubt my feelings for you either. I’m sorry about this kiss, and I shouldn’t have gotten jealous. When I saw you getting close to Drake it... brought up a few insecurities,” Liam said.

“What kind of insecurities?” she asked.

Ali pushed herself up to rest on her elbow so she could see his face as he continued to lay on his back. 

“Drake could give you a proper relationship right now. You wouldn’t have to hide in the shadows and steal moments together. He can give you a normal life. One away from all of this.” 

“Liam, I can live with stealing moments together as long as it doesn’t stay this way forever. The thought that one day we could have a life together, a family together, makes it all worth it. It’s definitely not easy, but I’m willing to do whatever I have to, to make this work because I want this. I want you,” she said, leaning down and pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. 

“Thank you. I needed to hear that,” he said, a small smile gracing his features. 

Liam cradled the back of her head in his hand and pulled her into another kiss.

“You looked stunning tonight,” he said, running his hand up the leg that was exposed through the slit of her dress. 

Ali pulled herself up into a sitting position, her smile not completely meeting her eyes. 

“What is it?” he asked, sitting up as well.

“I don’t think that burger is sitting well with me,” she said, clutching her stomach and trying to will away her nausea. 

“Do you need anything?” he asked, concerned.

“Where’s your bathroom?” she asked, quickly standing up.

Liam led her to the bathroom, and she immediately fell to her knees, emptying the contents of her stomach into the toilet. He stood behind her, holding back her hair and gently rubbing her back. 

“Oh, that burger was a lot better going down than it was coming back up,” she groaned, leaning into his arms.

“Are you going to be okay?”

“Yeah, it’s my fault. The food was probably too greasy. I’m going to head to bed. I’ll be better in the morning,” she said.

She took a minute to get herself together before getting up. 

“Will I see you tomorrow?’ she asked, making her way to the suite door.

“I’ll find you. Would you like me to walk you back to your room?” he asked. 

She nodded and Liam wrapped her safely in his arms, walking her back to her room where he tucked her under her covers for the night.

[badchoicesposts]

Don’t Dream It’s Over Chapter 15

Series Summary: Liam and Ali thought that their relationship was perfect, but their whole world came crashing down when Constantine called him back to Cordonia. Four years later they meet again at Liam’s bachelor party, determined to make things between them work even if it isn’t always easy.

In this AU, Liam and MC (Ali Moonessar) dated for a year in New York while Leo was still crown prince. They broke up when Constantine asked Liam to come back to Cordonia, but they meet again at Liam’s bachelor party before the social season. The story will contain flashbacks, which will be italicized, of their relationship and follow them as they try to navigate the season with Ali as a suitor. I’ve messed around with the timeline a bit so that it fits the story better. I’ve also added in a few OCs of my own.

Pairing: Liam x MC (Ali Moonessar) Platonic!Drake x MC

DISCLAIMER: I’ve changed up the timeline of the social season a bit to fit my story better. I’ve based it off of some research I did on the British Social Season. Some of the dialogue was taken directly from Book 1 of The Royal Romance but was changed a bit to fit my fic. 

Taglist: @flowerpowell, @ao719, @kingliam2019, @emceesynonymroll, @hopefulmoonobject, @dcbbw, @qammh-blog, @liamxs-world, @drakesensworld, @i-only-signed-up-for-fanfiction, @lauradowning29, @texaskitten30, @senseofduties, @indiacater, @alexintheskyy, @jared2612

A/N: This is my first time ever posting a fic. Please let me know if you enjoyed it and would like to read more. I thrive on validation, lol. Thanks for reading! 

Catch Up: Masterlist

“Are you watching The Notebook?” Ali asked, walking into Liam and Drake’s living room.

“What? No! What are you doing here?” Drake asked, hastily jumping up from his spot on the couch and turning off the tv. 

“I’m meeting Liam. He told me to let myself in. I would have knocked if I had known you’d be here,” Ali said, an amused smile on her face. 

“Stop smiling like that. I wasn’t watching The Notebook,” Drake said defensively, crossing his arms over his chest and squaring his shoulders.

Ali bit back a laugh and wandered over to the couch, sitting down and snatching the remote from his hand. She turned the TV back on and sure enough, the same movie he denied watching continued to play.

“You know I’ve never actually seen this movie,” she said, pulling her feet up beneath her and leaning back into the couch.

“You’ve never seen this movie?” he asked incredulously. 

Ali raised her brows at him in amusement. 

“I mean, how can you not have seen this movie? Even I’ve seen this movie. I’ve, uhhh, dated women who liked it,” he tried to say nonchalantly, sitting down on the couch next to her. 

Ali laughed, earning herself a glare from the man. 

“Oh, relax. I won’t tell anyone that you like The Notebook,” she said.

He narrowed his eyes suspiciously at her but didn’t speak, turning to face the TV once again. 

“I really haven’t seen this movie before, though,” she said, honestly. 

Drake had just begun to explain the movie to her, she didn’t want to tell him that she knew the premise even though she hadn’t seen it before, when they heard the door to the apartment open and close quietly. They shared a confused look as they heard Liam muttering softly as if he were speaking to a baby. 

He walked into the living room, the sleeves of his dress shirt rolled up to his elbows. His suit jacket was bundled up in his arms, and he was smiling down at it. 

“Have you finally lost your mind?” Drake asked, taking in the seemingly unprovoked happy look on his friend’s face.

“Yeah, what are you looking at?” Ali asked, getting up from the couch and walking over to Liam. 

“I found him on the way home. I couldn’t just leave him on the street,” Liam said as Ali pulled back the jacket to reveal a small brown puppy that was about the size of his hand. 

“Awww, he’s so small,” Ali said, placing her hand next to the dog’s nose so that he could sniff it. 

He hesitantly pushed his nose against her skin before licking her fingers happily. 

“You brought home a puppy?” Drake asked, shocked. 

Ali moved her hands up to scratch behind the dog’s ears. 

“He was a stray, and he was so young. I didn’t want to just leave him,” Liam said, smiling down at Ali. 

She pulled the dog out of Liam’s arms and held him tightly to her chest. He had begun to wag his tail excitedly, craning his neck to lick her face. 

“Leo and I always wanted a dog growing up, but our father never let us have one,” Liam said, scratching its back.

“You don’t know how to take care of a dog,” Drake stated. 

“But, you do,” Liam said back, looking at Drake hopefully. 

The two of them seemed to have a silent conversation.

“We can keep him until we find a home for it,” Drake said. 

Liam sighed, disappointed but resigned to the fact that they wouldn’t be able to properly care for the animal. He hadn’t mentioned it to Ali yet because nothing was certain, but his father was struggling with Leo and there had been talks of Liam having to return home.

He looked over to her once again, smiling at how she cared for the animal. She had moved back over to the couch, the puppy sleeping soundly in her lap as she gently ran her fingers across his spine. He wanted to give her the world, a happy ending, but it was seeming harder and harder to do that every day. 

~~~

“What does sailing in a boat race have to do with making a good queen?” Ali whined, as she and Bertrand walked down the marina towards the boat she was supposed to be sailing for the Royal Regatta.

The Regatta was the one event she had been dreading since the beginning of the social season. She hated boats and was prone to motion sickness. 

“Anytime a social season involves picking a royal bride, the first race in the Regatta is traditionally one that all of the suitors participate in. It’s mostly for show really,” Bertrand answered. 

“At least that means there’s no pressure to win,” Ali said, letting out a relieved breath.

“Oh, there’s pressure. The Regatta is one of King Constantine’s favorite events. He bestows an honor upon the woman who wins the ceremonial race, so it’s an opportunity to get in his good graces,” Bertrand said. 

Ali made eye contact with Liam through the throngs of people on the marina, and he smiled before approaching them. Bertrand quickly excused himself as Liam got closer. 

“It’s lovely to see you. It must be by some strange coincidence that we keep showing up at the same events,” Liam said flirtatiously, kissing the back of her hand. 

“Yeah, so strange. It’s like the universe is trying to tell us something,” she said sarcastically.

Liam shook his head good-naturedly at her comment.

“How are you feeling about today?” he asked.

“Do you mean about getting on a boat, or having to win a race to impress you father?” she asked. 

“I know you’re not very fond of boats, but the Regatta is more than just a race. Cordonia doesn’t have many glorious battles in its history, but we do have a defining moment. When a storm ravaged our neighbors across the sea, Cordonians responded by manning every available boat to bring humanitarian supplies to the devastated area. It was one of our finest moments. It symbolizes the generosity of Cordonians, and the strong bonds we’ve forged with our neighbors,” he explained. 

“That’s very noble. I guess I should be honored to participate,” she said.

She felt a little guilty about her earlier complaining, but she was still sure that nothing could fully change her opinion of boats.

“It’s alright that you’re not excited about this. I understand your aversion,” he said, a small frown tugging at the corner of his lips. 

Liam had previously told her the story of how he had almost drowned while sailing with Drake as a child, but she had forgotten it in the midst of her dread. She placed a comforting hand on his arm. 

“My father loves this event so much that I still haven’t found the courage to tell my him that I hate sailing.”  

“Liam, your father loves you. That’s not going to change if you tell him the truth.”

Liam opened his mouth to speak but struggled with his words. He was spared having to figure out what to say, however, as Constantine made his way onto a raised platform a few feet away from them. 

“Ladies and gentlemen of Cordonia, I welcome you all!” Constantine began. “Today is a momentous day. As you know, I have a soft spot for the Royal Regatta, and it remains one of my favorite events of the social season. Because this event has always held historical significance and personal importance, I have chosen today to make my announcement.”

The press began to bustle and whisper excitedly amongst themselves, all eager to hear the king’s surprise announcement.  

“At the end of this social season I will be stepping down as your reigning monarch, and in a few months’ time, Prince Liam will be your new king,” he said, smiling widely. 

Ali gasped softly, grateful that Liam was the only one close enough to hear her. Liam stood beside her with his mouth hanging open, obviously surprised himself. The press began to speak rapidly, shouting questions at their king. However, Constantine quickly quieted them with a raise of his hand. 

“I expect you all to have questions. I promise you in due time I’ll release an official statement. For today, allow an old man time to enjoy the festivities. Let the Regatta begin!” he said, with a hearty laugh. 

Liam gripped onto Ali’s hand tightly. To everyone else he looked normal, but she could tell that he was upset by the way he was repeatedly clenching and unclenching his jaw. She squeezed his hand back and led him farther away from the crowd.

“Liam, hey, look at me,” she said soothingly. “Just breathe for a second.”

He followed her instructions and finally calmed down. 

“Are you okay now?” she asked, and he nodded in response. “I’m assuming by that reaction you had no idea he was going to do this.”

“No, I didn’t. He never mentioned it to me, and he usually keeps my counsel on all matters.”

“Why wouldn’t he tell you about this?”

“I don’t know. I never expected to have to take the throne this early. In a matter of months I’m going to be king. This must be why he’s been so insistent on my finding the right wife. The person I chose will have to take the throne immediately,” he responded, saying the last part more to himself than to her. 

“He’s been insistent? More so than usual?” Ali asked.

This was the first that she had heard about this. She knew that Constantine and Regina wanted Liam to find someone who would make a good queen, but she had always thought it was nothing more than parents trying to advise their child. 

Liam nodded and was about to speak, when a few members of the press approached them. The reporter Ali had met at the Derby, Donald Brine, stepped the closest to them.

“We’ll talk later,” Liam whispered in her ear as they turned towards him.

“Your Highness, a few questions please?” the man asked. 

“Of course,” Liam said, straightening his spine and putting on an easy smile. 

He was once again the strong and stoic Prince Liam of Cordonia.

“The king’s announcement was quite a surprise! What did you think of it and when did you find out?”

“As much as I’d wish to answer, my father has made it clear that he will issue a statement later. For now, I can’t comment,” Liam responded, not one crack in his facade. 

“If you can’t talk about the announcement, we’ll have to talk about something else. You’re looking awfully friendly with Lady Alison. What’s the real connection between you two?” he asked, causing Ali to blush.

“Lady Alison and I are two old friends who care for each other and are still getting reacquainted after some time apart,” he said, staying true to the story she had told the press when she spoke with them. 

Liam’s smile was now radiant and more genuine than the one he usually put on for the cameras.

“And the allegations of her having a relationship with Drake Walker hasn’t affected anything between the two of you?” Donald Brine asked.

“Lady Alison and Drake Walker have been friends for years, and I trust them both completely. I have no reason to believe that their relationship is anything but platonic,” Liam said without so much as a second thought. 

The reporters seemed excited at this.

“What about you, Lady Alison. Do you think the allegations have affected your relationship with Prince Liam?”

Ali smiled as Liam’s fingers brushed against hers momentarily. 

“Actually, I think it has,” she began, surprising everyone with her words. “I think it’s made our relationship stronger. It enforced that trust is important in any relationship, especially one that is always in the public eye. People are going to speculate about things that they see, but what’s important is that you trust in each other and remember that at the end of the day, no one knows your own relationship better than you do.”

“I actually don’t believe I could have said it better myself,” Liam said, smiling down at her.

“How do you think you’re faring in the competition for his hand?”

“I don’t think it’ll shock anyone to hear that Liam and I care for each other a great deal. But, there are several other women here for him as well, and I know at the end of the day he’ll choose the person he believes is best for both him and Cordonia.”

“How are you feeling after King Constantine’s news today? Do you think you have what it takes to be Cordonia’s next queen?”

Ali took a breath, a confident smile on her face. 

“Cordonia is my home now. Regardless of what happens at the end of the social season, I can’t picture ever living anywhere else. I believe that it has a bright future ahead of it, and I would be honored to lead it into that. But, like I said, at the end of the day, I completely trust Prince Liam to make the decision he believes is best for both him and his country.”

“Lady Alison, surely you’re aware of the significance of the Royal Regatta. Do you have anything to say on this momentous day about it?” Ana de Luca asked, stepping up next to Donald Brine and finally changing the subject.

Ali had to keep herself from sighing in relief that Liam had taken the time to explain it to her. 

“Of course. The Regatta is symbolic of Cordonia’s generous spirit. The people’s effort to give humanitarian aid and relief is truly inspiring and I believe it represents Cordonia’s interconnectedness with neighbors,” she said.

“Well-put,” Liam said, smiling down at her proudly.

“I agree,” said Ana de Luca.

Before they could question her any further Liam spoke up, telling them that it was time for her to get to the starting line. She gave him a quick smile, and hurried off to meet Maxwell and Bertrand by the boat. As she approached gate B, she saw Maxwell waving down at her from a large yacht. 

“Drake? What are you doing here?” she asked as she boarded the vessel.

“Ask him,” he replied, nodding his head in Maxwell’s direction. 

“Well... “ Maxwell began, drawing out the word. “Bertrand hired a crew to sail the boat like all of the other ladies did, but they backed out at the last minute. Something about not being paid upfront. But, Drake volunteered to help us out!”

“Ha, more like he begged me to help you out,” Drake said. 

“I thought I was rather dignified,” Maxwell said. 

“Practically in tears, actually.” 

Ali let out a laugh. She could definitely picture that conversation. 

“So, are we really going to be able to do this by ourselves?” she asked. 

“Yeah, but you’ll have to do some heavy lifting. You’re not going to be able to just sit and cruise around like the other ladies,” Drake said. 

“I don’t know anything about sailing,” Ali confessed. 

“Just do what I tell you to do,” Drake said, tying the last rope inside the boat. 

He quickly unfurled the sails and steered the vessel to the starting line just in time to see Constantine appear on an elevated platform with Liam on one side of him and Regina on the other. He was holding a pistol above his head, and Ali didn’t think she had ever seen him look happier. 

“Racers, ready?” he said before pulling the trigger. “And go!”

The sails on all of the boats unfurled and Ali felt a lurch in her stomach as the yacht began moving forward. 

The race itself passed by in a blur as Ali watched the wind indicator and did her best to refrain from throwing up over the side of the boat. She did everything that Maxwell and Drake instructed her to and was surprised to see their yacht take first place. 

“We did it!” Maxwell exclaimed as they returned to the harbor where they could see Constantine and Liam applauding their victory.

“Yeah, you really pulled through for us, Moonessar!” Drake said happily.

Ali nodded, a strained smile on her face as she desperately tried to keep down her breakfast. 

Maxwell helped her off of the yacht and walked her over to where the king and prince were waiting to greet them. 

“Congratulations, Lady Alison. That was some impressive sailing out there,” Constantine said. 

“I can’t take all of the credit, sir. Just most of it,” Ali joked, causing Constantine to laugh heartily. 

“This girl has a sense of humor, Liam,” he commented. 

“I know, father.”

“Lady Alison, I commend you and your crew. Please enjoy the rest of the festivities,” Constantine said before walking away. 

Ali made sure he was far enough away before running to a more secluded area of the harbor and throwing up in a small patch of grass. 

“God, I hate boats,” she moaned out miserably, straightening up as Liam gently rubbed her back. 

“You probably won’t be too thrilled to hear that you have to attend a party on the Nevrakis’ yacht now,” Liam said in an apologetic tone. 

Ali gave him a look of despair and leaned into his arms as he smiled down at her sympathetically. The last thing she wanted right now was to get on another boat. However, she reminded herself that if she were to become queen, she would need to get used to attending events she didn’t want to go to.