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camillemontespan · 1 year ago

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the best mistake he never had [drake x Camille AU] [part four]

Lily burst into the house, trying her best not to cry. It was rare that Camille shouted at her and it had been a shock to the system for the five year old.

Camille preferred disciplining by talking. No corporal punishment, no shouting. She wanted to take the time to understand her daughter and explain why certain behaviour wasn't acceptable.

But seeing Lily with Drake had filled her with so much anxiety that she couldn't help it. She had shouted at Lily.

Lily went upstairs to find her grandma. She wanted comfort.

‘Grandma?’ she called.

‘I’m in bed, sweetheart!’ Gisele replied. ‘Come through.’

Lily entered the room. As soon as her grandma set eyes on her, her face fell. ‘Ohhh mon petit Fleur..’ she whispered. She reached out for her granddaughter. ‘Come here.’

Lily sniffled and climbed onto the bed, careful not to disturb her grandma too much as she looked so delicate. She gently laid her head on her chest and inhaled Gisele's scent of jasmine perfume and instantly felt her mind quieten.

‘What’s happened?’ Gisele asked quietly.

Lily sniffed. ‘Mommy shouted at me because I was brushing Lone Star and talking to Drake.’

She felt Gisele stiffen but she didn't question it.

‘And she said I shouldn't speak to strangers,’ Lily continued. ‘Because strangers are bad but Drake was nice.’

Gisele cleared her throat and cuddled Lily deeper. ‘It’s just you and your mommy,’ she said softly. ‘She wants you to be safe and since you don't know Drake, he is a stranger to you. Yes, he can be a nice man but that doesn't mean you should speak to him unless your mommy or I are there.’

Lily bit her lip. ‘That’s unfair on him and Lone Star.’

Gisele chuckled despite herself. ‘Lily, are you just mad because you want the horse?’

Lily turned and pouted. ‘No!’ she protested.

Gisele smiled and pressed a kiss on Lily's head. ‘You don't speak to someone you don't know unless you have your mommy or me there, okay? That's not just a rule for you, that's a rule for all children.’

Lily sighed. She knew she couldn't protest against that if the rule applied to all children.

She was a child who obeyed rules and liked everything to be just right. She rarely strayed from the safe path.

Lily also felt things deeply and that often meant she didn't want to upset anyone. She especially didn't want to upset Camille because Camille was her entire world.

She didn't want to upset her mommy, ever.

If that meant no more Lone Star or talking to Drake, then she wouldn't go near them again.

*******************

That evening, Drake was back in his local bar, where he tended to spend most evenings.

Yes, he had work at the ranch in the early mornings but Drake had since admitted to himself that he was basically a high functioning alcoholic and he could deal with a sore head and dry mouth if it meant he could drink whisky and forget about all this shit for a while.

This shit being meeting his daughter for the first time today and Camille's anger about it.

Fuck.

Drake downed his whisky and gestured to Leo, the bartender and friend, for another.

‘You alright man?’ Leo asked, frowning as he began to pour Drake another. ‘You’re quieter than usual.’

Drake smirked. ‘I’m fine, Leo.’

Leo raised his eyebrows and passed Drake the glass. He studied him for a moment, his green eyes roaming Drake's face.

‘So I heard Camille is back,’ he said bluntly. ‘And a mini Camille too.’

Drake gripped the glass. ‘Leo. Shut up.’

Leo proceeded to dry the wet glasses, not once taking his eyes off Drake. He didn't understand him. Sure, Leo was not a family man, he was allergic to commitment. If a woman he slept with had gotten pregnant with his baby, he would have run a mile.

But Drake wasn't like Leo. Drake, although a bit of a loner and hardly a womaniser, was the kind of guy who looked like he would want a relationship and a kid. The women he had dated in the past had always been long term.

Plus she was Camille Montespan. She was in Leo’s spank bank.

He loved her name. Fucking sexy and French.

Anyway, who in their right mind would reject Camille Montespan? She was the town sweetheart. Always friendly, always up for a laugh, drop dead gorgeous.

Pretty much every guy in Applewood had had a crush on her at some point, Leo included.

You sleep with girls. You marry women like Camille Montespan.

If Camille had slept with him and had his baby, Leo would gone against all of his instincts and settled down with her. Because you don't give up the chance to be with a woman like her. Even Leo knew that.

So why the fuck did Drake fuck it up?

He didn't know what had happened five years ago with Drake and Camille. Drake never spoke about it. Had it been a drunken fling? A secret romance?

All Leo knew was that Camille and his daughter were Drake's sore spots. You could insult him about anything and he would shrug it off, acting like he didn't care. But if you mentioned Camille and his daughter, Drake would turn defensive.

Before Leo could respond to Drake, the door opened and in walked Maxwell Beaumont.

‘Hey Leo!’ he greeted him as if Leo was the best thing in the world at that moment.

Leo smiled. ‘Hey Max. What can I get you?’

‘Ooohh.. a pina colada please.’

‘Coming right up, good sir!’ Leo said. Maxwell always ordered a fancy cocktail and it was always interesting to see what he would order his time.

Drake sipped his whisky and cast a glance over at Maxwell who was studiously scrolling through his phone and making a point not to speak to Drake.

‘How are ya doing, Max?’ Drake finally said, breaking the horrible silence.

‘Fine,’ Maxwell replied, his voice montone.

Leo eyed the two of them as he shook the cocktail shaker, wishing Drake would just stop trying.

Ever since Camille left town, Maxwell swore never to talk to Drake again. He was Camille’s best friend and incredibly loyal to her. If you hurt Camille, you hurt Maxwell.

He was like sunshine personified with everyone except Drake. Even though Drake understood, it didn't mean that he liked it.

‘So I saw Camille and Lily today -’

‘Don’t even say their names,’ Maxwell interrupted, his voice like ice. ‘Don’t you dare.’

Drake's jaw set. He picked up his glass of whisky and downed it before gesturing to Leo for another.

However, Leo was staring at Maxwell with his mouth open, cocktail shaker gripped tightly in his hands. He knew Maxwell hated Drake but Jesus Christ, he was quick to the punch.

‘Sorry..’ Drake muttered, taking a sip of his drink.

‘No, you don't say sorry to me,’ Maxwell said, his voice starting to rise, ‘you say sorry to Camille. But you won't because you really don't give a shit about her.’

Drake exhaled. ‘Leo, can I have another drink?’

Leo coughed and picked up the whisky bottle, pouring him another. He then served Maxwell his Pina colada, hoping the two of them wouldn't fight right here at his bar.

Drake downed the whisky.

‘Yup, get drunk like you always do…’ Maxwell muttered, his lips brushing the straw in his glass. ‘Classic Walker.’

Drake was up on his feet in an instant. ‘Right man, you got something to say? Fucking say it.’

‘Woah, calm down!’ Leo panicked. ‘You’re going to upset my other patrons…’

‘Who, Bill at the back? Drake hissed. ‘He doesn't give a shit.’

Maxwell sipped his Pina colada, cool as a cucumber. He looked away from Drake , not bothering to give him any eye contact. Drake stared at the side of his face.

‘You know it's none of your business what happened between me and Camille right?’ he asked, keeping his voice neutral. Unfortunately , his voice was slurring now thanks to the whisky he had downed.

‘I know you're her fucking guard dog who needs any excuse to jump but you don't know the ins and outs of this. You weren't there.’

Maxwell turned to look at Drake. His eyes were narrowed. ‘Excuse me?’ he whispered.

‘So guys, you watch the Texans game on Sunday?’ Leo asked, his voice high. ‘Great game -’

‘I get she's your friend and you are sticking by her but you don't know the full story so you can't exactly make your mind up about me,’ Drake continued. ‘You’re judging me without actually talking to me about it.’

Drake had a secret. Despite acting like he didn't give a shit about anything, he hated it when people judged him. All he wanted was to be accepted but people rarely did.

Maxwell rose so he stood over Drake, which wasn't hard as Drake was sitting on the bar stool. The tables would turn if Drake stood up because he had a clear five inches over Maxwell.

So he stood up.

Maxwell stared up at him, his eyes flashing. ‘I was there to pick up the pieces after you took her heart and ripped it into two,’ he said quietly, his tone dangerous. ‘I was there to listen to her as she told me how cruel you were, how you said it had been a drunken mistake, that it should never have happened. She was broken up, Drake. She felt like shit, like nothing-’

‘I didn't mean to make her feel like that!’ Drake burst out. ‘I didn't word it correctly-’

‘She told you that she was pregnant with your baby and you told her you didn't want anything to do with her!’

‘It wasn't meant to come out like that!’

‘Guys, please, can we stop?’ Leo interrupted, desperate for peace.

‘She always stuck up for you!’ Maxwell shouted, pushing Drake in the chest. Drake stumbled back, catching himself on the bar. ‘When everyone in school took the piss out of you, called you names, ignored you, she was there to defend you! She thought you were a good guy!’

‘I am a good guy!’ Drake shouted back. ‘I made a crappy decision but I am a good-’

‘No, you're a selfish asshole,’ Maxwell cut in. ‘You could have stood by her. You didn't have to say you'd step up and be a dad but for fucks sake, you could have at least paid her child support!’

There was a horrible, thick silence.

Leo looked between the two of them and exhaled. ‘Guys. Get out of my bar.’

Drake swallowed. ‘I.. I offered to pay her child support and she said she didn't want anything from me.’

Maxwell stared at him. ‘You should have ignored her and done it anyway. But instead you wiped your hands clean of them. Happy to stay in Texas working on that ranch and drinking yourself stupid at night. That's what you chose, Drake.’

Drake shook his head and raised his hands. ‘I can't take this anymore -’

‘Good,’ Leo interrupted, his voice sharp. ‘Both of you are done. Get out. I won't ask again.’

Drake grabbed his denim jacket and pushed some dollars at Leo. ‘Sorry Leo.’

Leo nodded mutely and took the cash. ‘Sober up, Drake. And you, Maxwell,’ he eyed Maxwell who was downing the last of his pina colada. ‘Don’t talk shit about something you don't know about.’

‘But I do!’ Maxwell protested.

Leo pointed at Drake who was now leaving the bar with his shoulders heavy and head low.

‘You clearly don't.’

#drake walker #trr fanfic #the royal romance #drake walker x mc #drake x camille #choices the stories you play

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camillemontespan · 11 months ago

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you can tell me anything [drake x camille] [one shot]

This is vintage Drake x Camille! So much angsttttt.

*******

Camille wasn't herself tonight.

As the string quartet played their harmonies, champagne was poured and the nobility laughed and gossiped.

Everyone in the entire ballroom was oblivious to the fact that Camille wasn't herself and yet, only Drake could.

It had only been three months and he could already read her like a map.

Her smile was forced and her eyes, usually filled with sparkle, were flat.

She held her champagne flute tightly as she listened to Liam tell her a story which Drake could tell was meant to be funny from Liam's hand gestures and facial expressions but she wasn't laughing.

Drake was sitting in his usual corner near the bar. Nobody except Liam or Camille would talk to him at these events, so Drake spent most nights wiling away the long hours with whiskey and a running commentary inside his head.

He always watched Camille. He knew he shouldn't and he probably looked like such a creep but his eyes always followed her around the room. He couldn't help it.

She always shone in these settings. She glowed and shimmered, her laughter echoing around the room. Except tonight, obviously.

Drake wondered what was wrong. What happened today? He thought back.

They had spoken earlier. Oh god, what if he had said something that upset her? He didn't think he had… in fact, Drake had been on good form today. Not as sarcastic as usual and that was an achievement.

Applewood? Maybe she was thinking about what happened at Applewood. He knew it had been a horrible night for her, fucks sake he had the bruises to prove it, but surely she would have talked to him about it earlier? They had shared that experience.

Oh for fucks sake. They had what therapists would call ‘shared trauma.’

That wasn't the best start to a relationship, was it?

Drake sighed. It wasn't a relationship. He had to stop thinking of him and Camille like that. She was in a competition to marry his best friend.

It was a fucked up triangle.

They had kissed a few times. Shared secrets at 3am. Spoke about their dreams and fears.

He watched as Camille smiled faintly at Liam's punchline before belatedly laughing. It was a high tinkle and sounded very unlike the throaty, warm laugh that Drake was used to.

Hana joined Camille and Liam. She gently rubbed Camille's arm and the two women shared faint smiles.

Okay, so Hana knew something.

Drake watched as Liam excused himself to join Olivia who had been sauntering around, her eyes focused on him the whole time he had been speaking to Camile.

Hana bowed her head as she listened to Camille, who was now whispering in her ear. Over Hana's shoulder, Camille looked across at Drake and their eyes caught.

Drake's heart skipped as it always did when he and Camille locked eyes. Always.

Camille gave Hana a small hug and then strode quickly away, ducking her head down.

This was not like Camille at all. She never left the events early.

Drake stood up and abandoned his glass of whiskey. He walked with purpose through the ballroom, keeping a safe distance from Camille so it wouldn't look obvious that he was trying to catch her up.

He caught up with Camille on the main staircase.

‘Montespan!’

She stopped and turned, looking down at him. Her eyes were shiny, as if she was holding back tears.

‘Drake, I need to be alone…’ she croaked.

Drake strode forward and reached the step below her. She looked down into his eyes and Drake forced himself not to become lost in hers.

‘What’s wrong?’

She looked away, biting her lower lip. Her hand gripped the stairwell, turning her knuckles white.

‘I just.. I feel sad, I guess.’

Drake's eyebrows furrowed with concern. He studied her and could see that she genuinely looked like she was on the verge of tears. ‘Okay, let's get you somewhere,’ he murmured. ‘We can talk.’

She shook her head. ‘N-no Drake,’ she protested, her voice thick. ‘Please, I just want to be in my room, alone.’

Drake swallowed. ‘Okay. No problem.’

He watched her as she walked upstairs, taking care to hold part of her golden silk dress so she didn't trip.

The way she held herself. She usually had her shoulders thrown back for confidence, her head held high. But she was looking down and her shoulders were slumped, as if she carried a heavy burden.

Drake wished he could carry it for her.

******************

He retired to his bedroom after that. He was in no mood for a fancy ball now, especially if Camille wasn't going to be there.

He roughly took off his tie and pulled off his cufflinks. He hated wearing a suit. Although he cleaned up well, he felt like an imposter whenever he dressed up. Like he was trying to be someone he wasn't.

He got changed into a white t-shirt and checked blue pyjama bottoms. Throwing himself down on his bed, he turned on the TV to watch the late night news, but he wasn't really paying attention to it.

Drake couldn't stop thinking about Camille.

She was in his head all the time. First thing when he woke up, last thing at night. It had been gradual but now, Drake couldn't go about his life without managing to somehow think about her and to be honest, he was getting sick of himself.

It was a dumpster fire of a situation that Drake should have avoided but Camille kept pulling him back in.

His phone buzzed with a notification.

Drake's finger slid across the screen and his heart skipped when he saw that Camille had texted him.

Camille: I’m sorry for being off with you. Didn't mean it. X

Drake was replying back instantly. He didn't even bother to wait a few minutes to look cool.

Drake Walker was a lot of things but ‘cool’ wasn't one of ‘em.

Drake: Hey, it's cool. Are you okay? X

She read his message instantly. The blue dots under his text started bubbling. Clearly, Camille wasn't cool either.

Camille: Not really. I feel sad and overwhelmed. I wasn't in the mood tonight. Did you have a nice time? X

Drake thought about his response. He wanted her to be honest with him, feel like she could tell him anything. But he didn't want to push it in case she closed up.

Drake: Wanna talk about it? I get feeling overwhelmed, Cordonia does that to you! It was a ball, do I ever have nice times at balls? X

He was trying to keep this light. Make her smile.

Camille: It's a lot. Everything is too much right now. Haha good point, at least you get whiskey from the bar! X

Drake smiled. He started typing again, feeling a thrill at her name on his phone.

Drake: Is the competition getting you down? If it helps, you're doing great. That's true, whiskey at these balls certainly helps x

Camille read his message.

Two minutes and no response.

Fuck. He'd pushed her. Fuck.

************

She replied a few minutes later with an essay.

That was all Drake could describe it as. An essay but it was an essay worth reading.

Camille: I don't want to be in this competition anymore. At first, I thought it would be an experience. I didn't think I'd be in the running to win it but now Liam keeps telling me that I'm his favourite amongst the suitors. He is so kind and sweet but I just don't feel that way about him. I don't want to hurt his feelings but I don't want to lead him on either.

I'm at these balls and all I want to do is sit with you. Drink whiskey, talk, make fun of the nobles. The more I get to know you, the more I feel myself pulling away from Liam and just gravitating towards you. I know we've kissed a few times and I have no idea what's going on there but I'm so confused. Being inside my own head is fucking exhausting. You usually help calm me down, make me see the bigger picture but now you're in my head all the time and I can't see anything clearly. Sorry this is massive vent and I don't want to make you feel bad. Sorry x

Drake stared at her text, his heart pounding.

He was in her head all the time? Like, how SHE was in his head all the time?

And she wanted to hang out with him rather than Liam?

And she didn't want to be in the competition anymore?!

Drake rubbed his eyes fiercely and focused on the screen. He needed to talk to her.

Not by text. No, this was better done in person.

Drake: I’m coming to your room x

Two minutes passed. She hadn't read it.

Drake: Camille? You okay? X

She still hadn't read it.

*************

Drake was at her door in five minutes. He needed to see her. He needed to talk to her, calm her down, make sense of this situation.

He knocked on the door. ‘Camille?’

‘Yes?’

Her voice was very small.

‘It’s me, open up.’

The door opened slowly. Camille looked up at him, anxiety clear on her face. ‘Hey..’ she said softly.

Drake reached out and gently took her hand. ‘Can we talk?’

Camille nodded mutely and led him inside her room. The TV was on, showing a vintage episode of Sex and the City. The bedsheets were rumpled and a cup of peppermint tea stood on the bedside table.

‘Girly night in?’ Drake joked.

Camille wrapped her arms around herself and perched on the edge of the bed. She was wearing a silk pink striped pyjama top with matching shorts. Drake thought she looked incredibly cute.

‘So you texted me and I texted back but you didn't reply..’ Drake said.

Camille turned red. ‘Umm.. after I texted you, I may have locked my phone in the drawer. It was risky.’

Drake let out a laugh. ‘Was it a risky text?’

Camille’s eyes widened. ‘Yes!’ she protested. ‘I told you how I was feeling and instantly felt embarrassed! That's why I locked my phone away, I didn't want to see your response!’

Drake leaned against her dresser and crossed his arms, looking at her in amusement. ‘You’re cute when you flounder,’ he said, giving her a smirk.

Camille pressed her hands against her eyes and let out a groan. ‘Shurrup, Walker.’

Drake chuckled. He padded across the floor until he was standing in front of her. Gently, he took her hands off her eyes, forcing her to look up at him.

‘Camille,’ he said, his voice low. ‘We need to talk about this.’

Camille looked into his eyes. Hers were filling with tears. ‘It’s getting too hard..’ she croaked.

‘I know,’ Drake murmured. ‘Look, I won't lie. Knowing you think about me.. hell, I think about you all the time too.’

Camille’s eyes widened. ‘You do?’

Drake swallowed. God, he hated talking about feelings. But for some reason, Camille made him more open. Maybe it was her nature, her warmth that made him want to tell her every little thing.

Or maybe it was because she was different to everyone else and quite frankly, she was the only person that mattered.

‘I think about you all the time,’ Drake admitted. ‘I’ve tried to stay away, keep you at arms length but I think after kissing you a couple of times that ain't gonna happen.’

Camille blushed. ‘I think that ship has sailed,’ she agreed, giving him a small smile.

Drake's finger grazed her jaw line. She closed her eyes, focusing on his touch.

‘If you left this competition…’ Drake said hesitantly, ‘what would you do?’

Camille opened her eyes. ‘I.. I guess go back to New York.’

‘Is that what you want?’

‘No.’

She was quick to answer.

Drake cleared his throat, keeping his eyes fixed on hers. ‘So, hypothetically, you leave the competition but you don't go back to New York. What do you do?’

Camille bit her lip. ‘I.. Look, Drake, what do you want me to say? That I will leave the competition for you? Because that's what I want. I want you. I want to be with YOU.’

Drake let out a shaky breath. He looked away, knowing that she had a fire in her eyes now.

‘If we could be together without hurting Liam..’ he muttered.

‘Which we will,’ Camille said bluntly. ‘And that is why I'm feeling overwhelmed, Drake. I feel guilty all the time. I have feelings for you, his best friend. He might propose to me and I have feelings for his BEST FRIEND. How fucked up is that?’

Drake swallowed. ‘Yeah.. it's fucked up.’

Camille stepped away from him and dragged her fingers through her hair. She flopped down on the bed and looked up at the ceiling. ‘We’re stuck in this situation and I don't know how to fix it.’

Drake studied her. Without a word, he moved to the bed and lay down beside her.

‘C’mere,’ he murmured, holding his arm up so Camille could scoot in close to him.

She rolled into him, resting her head on his chest. Drake wrapped his arm around her and held her tightly.

‘This is all we can have,’ he said, looking up at the ceiling. ‘I can't hurt Liam. But I can't say that watching you with him doesn't kill me. But I'm not gonna say anything to him, Camille. He's been loyal to me since we were kids, he's always had my back.’

Camille sniffled. Drake leaned down to press a kiss on top of her head. ‘If I could take you out this competition without any consequences, I would. But it would hurt Liam and your reputation would be dragged through the mud. Leaving a prince just to be with a commoner. To be with me. They would rip you apart.’

Camille clenched his t-shirt in her fist. ‘I don't care.’

Drake held her tighter. ‘I do.’

Camille kept hold of him, not wanting to let him go. He smelled like leather and sandalwood. He was safe.

‘Can you stay here tonight?’ she asked. ‘I don't want to be alone. Not now.’

‘Sure thing.’

A moment of comfortable silence passed until Drake broke it.

‘There’s no such thing as a risky text to me, by the way.’

Camille sat up and looked down at him. ‘Really?’

Drake nodded.

‘I’m never gonna judge you, Camille. You can tell me anything. I'm not going anywhere.’

#drake walker #trr fanfic #the royal romance #drake walker x mc #drake x camille #trr #choices the stories you play

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camillemontespan · 1 year ago

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the best mistake he never had [drake x camille AU] [part two]

Bianca put down the phone and sighed. She heard footsteps behind her and turned to find Drake stepping into the kitchen.

From the anxiety on his face, it was clear that he had overheard everything she had said to Camille.

‘She had to know, sweetie,’ Bianca said softly. ‘She lives four hours away by plane. It's her grandma.’

Drake nodded. ‘I know..’

‘You might not even see Lily.’

Drake swallowed. ‘But what if I do? What do I say? Sorry I rejected her? Yeah, Dad of the Year Award coming right up..’

Bianca didn't know what to say. She hadn't understood Drake’s decision to stay out of Camille's life and reject their unborn child. From what she knew about Drake and Camille, they had always been friendly. They had gone to the same school. If anything, she had always felt like her son harboured a small crush on Camille Montespan.

Drake sat down at the kitchen table and put his head in his hands. He hoped he wouldn't see them. If he did, he knew the guilt would eat him up.

**********

Lily had never been on a plane before. Obviously, she was very excited.

‘Can I meet the pilot?!’ she squealed after Camille told her that they were going to Texas to see Grandma.

Camille had booked the flights and spoke to Lily's school. Her teacher was happy to send through online learning so Lily could keep up to date with school work.

Now, a week later, they were sitting on their seats in the plane, ready for take off. Lily swung her legs with abandon, looking around her to watch her fellow passengers sorting their cabin luggage and getting settled.

Camille opened Lily's backpack and took out her colouring books and pens to keep her entertained for the journey. She had been nervous with how her daughter would cope with flying but it seemed like Lily didn't care. She was just excited to be in the SKY.

Camille thought about what awaited them in Texas. Her best friend, Maxwell, was picking up them up from the airport to drive them to Applewood, the small town where Camille had grown up and Gisele still lived. She and Maxwell had been best friends since high school.

‘Mommy, what's Maxwell like?’ Lily suddenly asked.

Camille blinked. Jesus, it's like the kid can read my mind.

She turned to focus on Lily and gave her a mischievous smile. ‘Okay. Imagine the most excitable, loveable golden retriever puppy.’

Lily giggled. ‘I am!’

‘Imagine that puppy is a human. That is what Maxwell’s like.’

Lily broke out into a grin. Satisfied with Camille's response, she snuggled up to her and waited for take off.

Camille swallowed, pushing down the anxiety in the pit of her stomach.

***************

Maxwell let out a squeal and ran through the arrivals gate to greet them.

‘Aaaaah Little Blossom and Mini Blossom!’

He picked up Lily, throwing her into the air making her scream with giddiness. Pulling Camille into a bear hug, he held both of them for a moment.

When they broke apart, Maxwell gave Camille a smile. ‘Sorry, I got excited. It's just been five years since I've seen you. We've got so much to catch up on and that mainly means talking about this gorgeous little human!’ He jostled Lily up and down. She giggled and snuggled into him, quite pleased with the attention and compliments.

Camille felt more relaxed now. Lily seemed to like Maxwell and he was great with children, always trying to make everything feel exciting and new.

‘He is like a golden retriever!’ Lily said.

Maxwell raised his eyebrows. ‘A golden retriever?! You saying I have golden retriever energy?’

He gave Lily a wink to show he was teasing. Gesturing for Camille to follow, he picked up Lily's backpack and carried her through the airport.

Camille watched with a tug in her heart as the two of them as Maxwell chatted animatedly to her daughter.

She wondered if Lily should have a father figure in her life. Not Maxwell because he was like a brother. But a man who wanted to make Lily happy and make her life more rounded.

Camille sighed and lugged her suitcase along the tarmac.

No regrets. No regrets.

***************

While Lily listened to music through her unicorn headphones, Maxwell told Camille all about Applewood as he drove.

‘My brother is the owner of a party planning business, I am not joking!’

‘Bertrand the Walking Sweater is the party planner?!’ Camille asked.

‘Yeah! Seems his talent for throwing Beaumont Bashes has turned into a career,’ Maxwell explained. ‘I’m the head of social media.’

Camille clapped her hands. ‘Oh my god, Maxwell, please invite us to a Beaumont Bash! Lily would love it!’

Maxwell grinned. ‘Hey, you guys are top of the guest list.’

There was a comfortable silence. Camille looked out of the window, watching the city turn into countryside. She felt like she was in a different world. Everything here felt slower.

‘So, I have to ask…’ Maxwell said hesitantly. ‘Does Lily know about Drake?’

Camille bit her lip. ‘No. I haven't told her anything about him. Does he still live in Applewood?’

Maxwell winced. ‘He does. Still working the ranch.’

Camille groaned. Walker Ranch belonged to Drake and his family. Gisele was their neighbour. Which meant Camille and Lily were bound to see him.

‘Crap..’ Camille muttered.

‘Look, we'll make sure you don't see him. He'll be busy with the horses anyway.’

Camille clenched her fists, digging her fingernails into the skin. ‘I don't know how to do this,’ she admitted. ‘If I see him, fine. But if he sees Lily…’

‘He’ll feel regret,’ Maxwell said, his voice determined. ‘He drinks every night at the bar. He doesn't look happy and I bet that's because he gave you and Lily up.’

‘Do you talk to him?’

Maxwell shook his head fiercely. ‘Fuck no,’ he murmured. ‘I don't give that asshole the time of day.’

Maxwell never spoke like this. He was always happy go lucky, a positive person. He never swore or said anything bad about anybody.

Maxwell looked into the mirror to check Lily. She was looking out the window, bobbing her head along to the music.

‘How anyone could reject you and that little girl doesn't make any sense to me,’ Maxwell said quietly.

Camille blinked back tears. Maxwell reached out to squeeze her hand and drove on in silence.

***********************

They arrived at Gisele's an hour later. Camille helped Lily out of the back seat as Maxwell took their luggage.

‘Welcome to Grandma’s, Little Lady!’ he said in an exaggerated Texas accent. Lily laughed and took his hand, letting him lead her towards the porch.

Camille could see Walker Ranch up the hill and tried her best to ignore it. She had more important things to deal with right now. She took out the house key and opened the door, dreading what was going to greet her.

Was Gisele bed bound? Would she look sick?

The smell of cookies assaulted her senses.

‘Grandma?’ she called.

‘Aaah ma petit chou!’ Gisele cried, rushing from the kitchen into the hallway where she pulled Camille in for a hug.

She felt like a baby bird. Camille could feel the bones through her clothes.

Gisele cast her attention to Lily who stood at the threshold moving from one foot to the other with excitement.

‘Ma petite fleur!’ Gisele cooed, crouching down to envelop Lily into a cuddle. ‘You’ve gotten so big!’

Maxwell stood there slightly awkwardly.

‘Come through, have a cup of tea!’ Gisele said. ‘You too, Maxwell. Thank you for picking my girls up for me.’

‘No problem at all, Mrs Montespan,’ Maxwell smiled.

He felt something brush his fingertips and looking down, he could see that Lily had hesitantly taken his hand. He gave her hand a squeeze, encouraging her. Lily beamed and led him through to the kitchen.

‘Grandma, you should be resting!’ Camille sighed. Trays of cookies rested on the kitchen table. Clearly, Gisele wanted to be a hostess even though she was the one in need of looking after.

‘Shh, stop complaining!’ Gisele scolded. ‘Treat yourselves.’

They all sat down together. Lily snuggled up to Camille on her lap and happily chewed on a cookie while Gisele acted like this was a happy occasion and something Camille shouldn't worry about.

*************

The Walker Ranch stood high on the hill and had an incredible view over Applewood. In Drake's opinion, Walker Ranch was the best property in the town. It even had its own lake with a jetty.

Drake was tidying the porch for his mom. He didn't live at home anymore but he still spent most of his time there, working the farm and helping Bianca with chores. The apartment he had in town was small and bare, nothing like the cosy and welcoming atmosphere of the ranch.

He felt more himself when he was here working the land.

‘Mommy, I left George in the car!’

Drake jumped at the sound of a voice coming a short distance down the hill. He turned to look and his heart jumped in his chest.

A little girl was outside Gisele's house. She was impatiently jumping up and down on both feet. She was small with dark hair. That was all Drake could make out from high on the hill.

‘Alright, honey, I'm coming!’

Drake gripped the wooden fence, not caring that it dug into his skin.

Camille.

She was outside now and walking to the car with the little girl close behind her.

Drake watched, unable to take his eyes off the two of them, as Camille opened the car door. The girl climbed into the car and pulled out a teddy bear, clasping it tightly to her chest.

Drake's daughter. That was his daughter.

She rushed back into the house. Drake watched Camille as she locked the car and followed his daughter back inside.

Suddenly, she turned and looked up. Right in the direction of Drake.

Drake's breath caught in his throat. Time seemed to stand still. His heart hammered in his chest as he couldn't tear his eyes off her.

She stood staring at him.

He didn't know what to do. Wave? Walk down the road to say hello to her? Oh fuck that, she would definitely slap him.

Drake decided to raise his hand awkwardly in a weird sort of wave. Best to be polite. Try and look friendly.

She stared at him for a moment longer then turned on her heel and walked back into Gisele’s house with her head held high.

#drake walker #trr fanfic #the royal romance #drake x camille #choices the stories you play

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camillemontespan · 1 year ago

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insignificant [drake x camille]

I thought I'd write a Drake x Camille fic after months and months of no writing. This is old school Drake x Camille. It felt nice writing them again!

@irisk12

@sophxwithers

@katedrakeohd

@mom2000aggie

@kingliam2019

@saivilo

@moonlightgem7

@jovialyouthmusic

@burnsoslow

@sirbeepsalot

*********

***************************************

‘I am dreading this, Drake,’ Camille groaned. ‘Why does it have to be a whole weekend?’

Drake Walker let out an exasperated sigh. ‘Because Olivia is an asshole, that’s why.’

The two of them were trudging through the snow behind the group. Liam, Hana and Maxwell were ahead, all laughing and joking. It was Drake and Camille, the two unwilling participants, at the back.

They were spending the weekend at Olivia's castle in Lythikos as part of the suitor competition. Camille had never been before and so far, she was out of her comfort zone. New York had cold, bitter winters, yes. But Lythikos was another level.

‘She hates me,’ Camille continued, stomping her way through the heavy snow. ‘I know all the suitors have to do this but I just feel like she’s going to make my weekend a living hell.’

‘Welcome to my life, Montespan,’ Drake said through gritted teeth. ‘Everyday with Olivia Nevrakis is like Groundhog Day.’

‘Oh, are you Bill Murray?’ Camille quipped, her tone lightly teasing.

Drake stopped in his tracks and gave her a withering look. ‘Hey. I am obviously Andie MacDowall.’

Camille burst out laughing. Drake felt his heart skip a beat at the sound. He liked making her laugh even though he shouldn’t.

Stop it. Stop enjoying this.

‘Alright, come on Andie,’ Camille crowed, taking Drake by the arm and pulling him along. ‘We should catch up with the others.’

‘Oh joy..’ Drake muttered.

**************************

Lythikos Keep was a fortress of solitude.That was all Drake could say about it. Most people would say it was a medieval castle that held centuries of rich Cordonian history within its walls but for Drake, it was as cold and empty as the woman who lived in it.

Olivia Neverakis was very tall and slender with skin like porcelain. Her red hair hung down her back in waves and her eyes were blue and catlike. Everything about her was intimidating and that was exactly how she liked it.

She showed the group to their respective bedrooms, leaving Drake and Camille until last.

Hana, Maxwell, Kiara and Penelope were to stay on the fifth floor. Madeline and Liam were to stay on Olivia’s floor which occupied the top of the castle.

Drake was expecting to be housed in the dungeon but clearly, Liam had spoken to Olivia before she had any ideas. His bedroom was on the third floor opposite Camille’s.

‘I thought the two Americans would like to be near each other,’ Olivia explained, her eyes focusing on Drake. ‘Since you have more in common.’

Camille frowned. ‘Olivia, that’s not fair on Drake, he’s Liam’s best friend-’

‘It’s fine,’ Drake interrupted. ‘I’m used to Olivia’s hospitality.’ He cast a glance over at Camille, who was clenching her hands into fists. ‘That doesn’t mean you should put up with it though.’

Camille looked up at Drake. ‘Drake, you shouldn’t be putting up with it either.’

Olivia’s eyes flashed. ‘Are you insulting my hospitality, Camille? If you like, you can stay in the dungeon. I can easily ask my servants to move your things-’

‘Don’t talk to her that way,’ Drake cut in, his voice like ice.

Olivia raised an eyebrow. ‘You’re awfully protective over her, Drake. Anything to tell me?’

Drake’s chest puffed out as he stared at Olivia with narrowed eyes.

He had grown up with her and he knew how she worked. Everything to Olivia was a game and she always had to come out on top.

Her one weakness was Liam.

Everyone knew she was in love with him, including Liam himself. But she would never have him. ‘The she-wolf of Lythikos’ was what some people called her and Drake didn’t blame them.

‘I’m just saying that since it's her first visit here, she should be near her friends,’ Drake bit back. ‘That’s all.’

‘Drake, we’re friends!’ Camille protested. ‘We can be hall mates.’

Olivia rolled her eyes. ‘God, you’re so.. Peppy. Right, wine and cheese downstairs in fifteen minutes. Don’t be late.’

‘Whereabouts downstairs do we meet you…?’ Camille asked but trailed off as Olivia was already strutting away down the corridor.

Camille sighed and rolled her eyes. ‘Fine, we’ll just find our own way through this fortress of solitude then..’

Drake held back a smile as he picked up her suitcases - yes, she had brought two suitcases for one weekend. ‘Come on, Montespan,’ he said, ‘open the door.’

Camille blushed. ‘I can carry my own things, Drake.’

‘I know,’ he said, ‘but since hospitality is at such a low bar, I figured I should at least help you.’

Camille giggled and opened the door to let them both inside.

Drake put her suitcases down on the floor and turned to face Camille. ‘So, meet you in the corridor in fifteen minutes?’

Camille gave him a mischievous look. Drake looked at her warily. He knew that look already. He'd seen it whenever she shared a dirty joke with Maxwell or gossiped with Hana.

‘What the hell are you planning, Montespan?’

Camille reached into her handbag and brought out a hipflask. ‘Fancy some whisky?’

Drake blinked, staring at the hip flask in her hand. She shook it so the liquid sloshed inside, full of promise.

‘Hell yeah,’ Drake finally said, his voice coming out like a croak.

Camille grinned and opened the hip flask. She passed him it and as he took it, their fingers brushed gently.

Drake tossed his head back as he took a long sip. The whisky burned his throat. God, it tasted good. He passed her the hip flask back and she took a swig, not once tearing her eyes off his. Drake stared at her, his eyes boring into hers.

‘You surprise me, Montespan..’ he murmured.

Camille shrugged, giving him a shy smile. ‘Let’s stick together this weekend,’ she said softly.

Drake took the hip flask from her and sipped from it again

I’ve got you, kid.’

************************

Drake didn't like wine.

Tonight's event was wine tasting, canapes and cheeseboards which Drake also didn't like. A cheeseboard was NOT a dessert option!

He stood beside Liam as they sipped red wine from crystal glasses.

‘I appreciate you coming here, Drake,’ Liam told him warmly. ‘It’s nice to see you being social.’

Drake grimaced. ‘Someone’s gotta look out for Montespan.’

Liam looked from Drake to where Camille was sitting talking to Hana and Maxwell, as she always did. ‘Looks like Hana and Maxwell look out for her too,’ he replied wistfully.

Drake swallowed and took a long sip of his wine. He always had to be careful with what he said in front of Liam. He couldn’t let Liam have an inkling that Drake sort of, maybe, kind of liked Camille.

It was fine though. It was just a small crush. He could push it down and then he would get over it.

Drake watched Camille as she talked to Hana and Maxwell. She was focusing on what Maxwell was saying, her eyes trained on him, smiling as he continued speaking. When Camille spoke to you, she made you feel like the only person in the world.

It was just a crush.

***********

Later that evening, the group settled down by the fire for drinks. Olivia made sure that she sat beside Liam, giving him her utmost attention.

Camille settled down beside Drake. Their legs grazed as she moved beside him, making Drake feel like he was on fire.

Or maybe that was just the fire beside him.

‘Having a nice time?’ she asked softly, giving his shoulder a nudge with hers.

‘Now I am,’ Drake said before he could stop himself. He turned bright red as soon as he said it.

Camille smiled. ‘Good, I’m glad.’

Their eyes held for a long moment until the sound of Olivia clearing her throat broke their gazes.

‘So Drake..’ Olivia said, her voice wheedling. ‘How’s Savannah?’

Drake felt his blood run cold. He hadn’t been expecting to hear his sister’s name ever since she had disappeared. Savannah had tried so hard to fit in with Olivia and Madeleine but it had never been enough. She had been gone for ten months and Drake had no idea where she was.

‘None of your business, Olivia,’ Drake muttered.

‘Charming!’ Madeleine cut in, her voice lilting. ‘You going to let him talk to you like that, Livvy?’

Olivia narrowed her eyes at Drake as she held her wine glass in her hand. ‘No I’m not. Watch how you talk to me, Walker. You’re a guest at my castle this weekend, I demand respect. I know that’s hard for you but this weekend, just try it.’

‘Liv, enough..’ Liam muttered. ‘Please just be nice-’

‘I am being nice,’ Olivia interrupted. ‘I’m asking him about Savannah.’

‘And I’m telling you it’s none of your business,’ Drake said cooly.

‘Who’s Savannah?’ Camille asked.

Drake closed his eyes. He hadn’t told Camille about his sister. He hadn’t wanted to open up like that. Unburdening himself seemed like more trouble than it was worth.

‘His sister, of course!’ Madeleine said. ‘Come on, Camille, you’ve been spending so much time with Drake, you didn’t know about her?’

Camille frowned and looked down at her wine glass. ‘No..’ she said quietly.

‘Wow, I guess the two Americans don’t really know each other after all,’ Olivia quipped, running her finger along her wine glass.

Drake stood up abruptly. Without a word, he slammed his wine glass down on the table and strode away from the sofa area. He pulled open the French doors that led outside. He needed air. He needed to get away from this situation.

****************************

As soon as Drake stepped outside, he realised that he hadn’t taken his coat or scarf. It was fucking freezing. Snow covered the ground and it was still falling.

‘Fuck it,’ Drake muttered. He strode through the snow, bracing himself as his boots plunged through. If he caught a cold, fuck it. He could spend a few days resting in his room at the palace, excused from social events. If he died from hypothermia, fuck it. He would be dead.

He kept walking until the snow felt heavy against his legs. Without one last fuck left to give, Drake slumped down on the snow and breathed out into the cold night air.

It was so dark. The stars above him twinkled in the sky. Looking up at them, he felt insignificant. That wasn’t new but at least, in the grand scheme of things, everyone who looked up at the stars felt insignificant. Under the milky way, everyone in the world was insignificant. Even Olivia Nevrakis.

Drake sighed. He thought about how quiet and despondent Camille had sounded when she realised she didn’t know who Savannah was. His heart tugged with guilt.

Camille was a woman who wore her heart on her sleeve. She cared deeply about people. She was an open book, always talking about feelings. If she wasn’t so beautiful and kind, Drake would have avoided her like the plague.

But he hadn’t avoided her like the plague. No, Drake had looked after her. When Liam was busy with the other suitors, Drake spent time with Camille. He would go out of his way to talk to her, see her, tease her. By being Camille, she had pulled Drake in and now he was in her world.

Camille wasn’t insignificant.

***********************

‘Drake.’

He looked up to find Camille standing over him. She was bundled up in a coat and scarf, her breath thick in the air.

‘Montespan? You should be inside-’

‘No, YOU should be inside,’ Camille interrupted. ‘Don’t let Olivia get to you! Come back inside and sit by the fire with me. We can talk. You’re not wearing a coat or scarf, you’re going to catch hypothermia-’

‘Fuck it..’ Drake droned, his voice monotone.

Camille stared at him for a long moment until she nodded, seeming to make a decision. Drake watched as she pulled her scarf from her neck.

‘Montespan, what are you doing-’

She sank down to her knees and wrapped her scarf around his neck. It was warm from her skin and it smelled of her perfume. Notes of jasmine and musk.

‘I don’t want you getting sick,’ Camille said quietly,’ and I don’t want you feeling bad.’

Her eyes fixed on his. Drake swallowed, unsure of how to react to how close she was, how intense she was. She had never been this intense with him before.

‘Olivia’s a bitch,’ Camille went on. ‘So is Madeline. They had no right to bring up your sister. I don’t know what happened with Savannah but it’s clearly a painful topic for you. But you should not be outside in the snow. You don’t belong out here, you belong with me.’

Drake started at her words. ‘W-with you?’

Camille bit her lip before smiling weakly. ‘We said we would stick together this weekend, didn’t we?’

Drake felt his heart sink. Of course. She wasn’t being all romantic. She was being his friend.

It’s just a crush.

Camille held out her hand to him. ‘Come back with me?’

Drake looked at her for a long moment. She was silhouetted against the moon which cast a silver glow over her. She looked even more beautiful than ever. He studied her, taking in everything about her. How her mouth quirked up at the corners so it looked like she was always smiling. He thought about her as a person. How she tried so hard to be kind to everyone, including him. How good a person she was. How genuine she was.

It’s not just a crush.

He gestured up to the sky. ‘Actually, do you wanna look at the stars with me?’

Camille blinked, not expecting Drake Walker of all people to ask her to look at the stars.

‘Uhh, sure..’

She sat down beside him, letting out a squeak as her ass settled on the snow. Drake let out a laugh. ‘Montespan, did you just squeak?’

‘No!’

‘You did! You sounded like a mouse!’

Camille covered her eyes with her hands. ‘Oh god, get me some more cheese!’

Drake grinned at her and the two of them slowly became quiet, looking up at the stars.

‘I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about my sister,’ Drake said, his voice breaking the silence. ‘I should have.’

‘You don’t owe me anything, Drake,’ Camille replied. ‘It’s your business.’

‘Yeah but you tell me everything..’

Camille visibly swallowed. ‘Not everything..’ she whispered.

Drake wanted to ask her more. What did she not tell him? What was inside that mind of hers?

Before he could speak, Camille pointed up at the sky and let out a squeal. ‘Oh my god, Drake, a shooting star!’

Drake was alert now. ‘What?! Where?!’

‘In the sky, you idiot!’ Camille teased, playfully hitting his shoulder.

Drake turned red. ‘I meant, where in the sky, Montespan!’

Camille laughed and rested her head on his shoulder without warning. ‘You missed it,’ she said softly, ‘but it was beautiful. I’ve never seen a shooting star before. I should make a wish.’

Drake was afraid to move. He didn’t want her to move either.

‘Whatcha gonna wish for, Montespan?’

Camille giggled. ‘For you to call me Camille.’

Drake let out a surprised laugh. ‘No chance.’

‘One day you will.’

Camille stood up, shivering now. ‘I’m cold,’ she said simply.

Drake sighed and dragged himself to his feet. ‘I suppose we should go back in,’ he muttered. ‘Because it’s so fun at Olivia’s castle.’

His voice dripped with sarcasm.

Camille pressed her lips together to hold in laughter at how dry he was. Together, they began to walk through the snow. Drake breathed in the scent of Camille’s scarf, feeling warm.

‘Aah!’

Camille skidded. Drake caught her by the arm, pulling her into him so she didn’t fall. They remained pressed close to each other. Camille’s hands gripped his elbows.

‘I’m a clutz..’ she muttered.

‘Easy done,’ Drake murmured. He could feel his heart hammering in his chest and he hoped she couldn’t feel it. Slowly, they broke apart but Camille’s hand travelled down his arm to take his hand.

‘For safety,’ she said assertively.

Drake felt his heart leap in his chest. To cover his surprise, he smirked. ‘Sure. For safety.’

They held hands as they trudged through the snow, Camille’s delicate slender hands in Drake’s bear paw. As they got closer to the castle, they walked slower and slower.

‘Wanna just hang out here just us?’ Drake asked, half joking, half hopeful. ‘I’m good at camping, I can find us something to build a tent-like structure, burn some wood..’

Camille laughed and squeezed his hand. ‘As fun as that would be, I kind of want my bed.’

They were close to the castle now. Stopping, Camille looked up at Drake and gave hish hand another squeeze. ‘We stick together, remember?’

Drake smiled softly. He reached out to unwind Camille’s scarf from his neck. Silently, he wound it around her neck, making sure it was knotted comfortably. His fingers grazed her collarbone. In a moment, Camille’s hand reached up to grasp his wrist, keeping his fingers in place on her skin. Their eyes remained fixed on each other.

‘I’ve got you, kid,’ Drake told her.

It’s not just a crush.

#drake walker #trr fanfic #the royal romance #drake x camille

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camillemontespan · 2 years ago

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forever and eternity [drake x camille AU] [chapter two: the descendants]

@karahalloway @sophxwithers @katedrakeohd @angelasscribbles @notoriouscs @jovialyouthmusic @twinkle1973 @gardeningourmet @saivilo

@moonlightgem7

I’m not sure who else is still languishing in this fandom but here is the 2nd chapter of this AU fic that seems to have gotten some popularity. Thank you so much for reading the first chapter, I appreciate your comments.

Chapter One here

In my head canon, Camille is actually a descendant of Madame de Montespan, purely because I LOVE Montespan’s story. It might seem a bit silly writing her into it like this but this is my fic so...

********************************* It had been 96 years since Camille Montespan had seen Drake Walker.

She rounded the corner around the back of the diner and pitched up against the brick wall, leaning her hands on the wall so she could steady herself. Hot tears blinded her vision as she struggled to breathe.

‘Camille!’

His voice. His voice had a certain softness underneath the deep tones. So familiar to her.

She slowly turned around to face Drake. He looked like he had seen a ghost. She imagined that she did too.

‘How are.. How are you still alive?’ Camille asked, knowing her question sounded incredibly weird to a casual observer but to her, it meant the world.

‘How are YOU still alive?’ Drake hurled back. His skin had gone back to normal but his eyes were still wild. ‘Camille, what the fuck?’

Camille raised a hand. ‘Hey, don’t start interrogating me, Drake! I have questions for you too!’

Drake stepped back. His eyes now narrowed.

‘You’ve got questions for me?’ he asked. ‘Seriously? Camille, you’re the one who upped and left! You didn’t even leave a note! I woke up and you were gone!’

As his voice began to rise, Camille’s eyes filled with fresh tears. She brought her hands up to grip her head as she turned around in a circle, trying to make sense of what was happening right now.

‘It’s been 96 years,’ Drake went on, his voice harsh, ‘I have thought about you every fucking day for 96 years. I thought you were gone. Dead. But no. Here you are, working in this shitty diner looking like you haven’t aged a day!’

Camille rubbed her eyes fiercely. When she looked up at him, he was staring at her, waiting for her to speak.

‘I didn’t know-’ she began.

‘Didn’t know what?’ Drake interrupted.

Camille bit her lip and looked down at the ground, wringing her hands together. ‘I didn’t know you were like me..’

Drake swallowed. ‘I didn’t know you were like me either.’

Camille felt a sob escape her throat. She could feel tears slowly sliding down her cheeks as she felt every emotion a human could feel.

Sadness. Guilt. Shame. Love. Joy. Confusion. Anger.

Anger.

Yes, she was more angry. Angry at herself. Angry at the universe.

96 years she had thought about Drake Walker. 96 years she thought he was dead. But here he was, alive and well, looking exactly as he did when she left him.

96 years wasted.

*************************************

Throughout her time on earth, Camille Montespan had lived many lives. She had been poor, she had been rich. She had travelled the globe. She had loved and she had lost.

She had loved one more than most.

Camille’s beginnings were confined to the history books. Her name - her real name - was Francois-Athenais (Athenais being her preferred name) and she was born in 1640. The daughter of a French duke, she became a prolific member of the royal court, serving as a lady in waiting for the Queen. Her wit and beauty had soon earned her a place in the king’s bed.

Louis, the Sun King, had fallen for her and she became his favourite. Until she wasn’t anymore.

Sometimes, when Camille waited tables and locked up the diner at midnight, she thought back to her time amongst the gold silk sheets of Louis’ bed, and laughed at how different her life was now.

Camille came to the slow, haunting realisation that she was in fact, immortal, when she reached her 60th birthday yet still looked 27.

She had suspicions, of course. But it was on her 60th birthday that she truly accepted the fact. France had become a place of suspicion and death; many people believed that ordinary women were witches. If they looked at her and saw her unlined face and smooth skin, the accusations would be life threatening.

Camille left France in 1700, deciding to travel to the New World to see where life would take her.

And what a life.

It was a life she could never tell anyone about. She changed her name to Camille Montespan; she wanted to hold onto that integral part of her identity that had shaped her. If anyone studied French history and thought it was funny that she shared a name with the infamous Madame de Montespan, who was the Sun King’s favourite mistress and who was embroiled in one of the most deadly events at Versailles, she simply said that she was her descendant.

Because at this point, she felt like a descendant. She had lived this long.

********************

‘We need to talk,’ Drake said, interrupting Camille’s thoughts. ‘You owe me that much.’

Camille pressed her lips together and nodded. ‘Okay. Let’s talk. I know a bar down the street.’

Drake smirked and Camille felt her stomach flip. God, that smirk. She forgot the impact it always had on her.

‘Hey!’

Camille turned to see a tall blonde man walking towards them. He nodded at Drake. ‘You okay, man?’

Drake laughed bitterly. ‘I’m alive.’

The man cast a long glance at Camille. ‘So she’s one of us.’

Camille frowned. ‘Who are you?’

‘Leo,’ he said. ‘And I know exactly who you are, Camille. This guy hasn’t shut up about you for 96 years.’

Drake turned red. Camille’s eyes widened. ‘You’re like us?’

Leo nodded. ‘Unfortunately.’

Camille’s head swam with more thoughts. How many people were out there who were like her? She thought she was the only one.

‘I need a drink..’ she muttered.

Leo laughed. ‘I second that. Drake?’

‘I need a whisky,’ Drake said. ‘A bottle.’

Leo pointed down the street. ‘I know this bar-’

‘We’re going there,’ Camille interrupted.

Leo glanced between Camille and Drake. ‘God, I can see why you guys got together.’

Drake let out a groan. ‘Leo, man!’

‘I’m KIDDING,’ Leo protested. ‘Alright, let’s go. Camille can explain what she’s been doing.’

The three of them began to make their way down the street towards the bar. Camille’s heart hammered in her chest. How could she explain? How could she tell Drake what happened?

96 years wasted.

#the royal romance #drake walker #drake x camille #drake x camille au #choices fanfic

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camillemontespan · 2 years ago

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the memory of us [drake x camille AU] [part two]

@sophxwithers @katedrakeohd @saivilo @burnsoslow @jovialyouthmusic @gardeningourmet @kingliam2019 ***************

Camille stared at the man standing before her. He was tall, around six foot four, and his body was broad and muscled; he looked strong. His dark hair was tousled and he had deep brown eyes.

Eyes that were filled with pain and horror at this very moment.

‘Camille..’ he whispered, his voice breaking. ‘Wha-’

‘How do you know my name?’ Camille asked. She gripped hold of the duvet cover. ‘Where am I?’

‘You’re in the hospital.’

A lady dressed in a doctors uniform stepped forward. Her hands were clasped in front of her and she looked extremely concerned.

‘You were involved in a car accident,’ the doctor went on, ‘and you suffered a head injury.’

Camille blinked. ‘I don’t remember the car accident..’

‘What do you remember?’ the doctor asked softly.

Camille looked at the man who was watching her. He was physically trembling, his hands clenched into tights fists by his side.

‘I… I remember working a shift last night?’ Camille said hesitantly. ‘I work as a waitress-’

She broke off when the man let out a choked sob. He turned and stumbled into the corner of the room, his head in his hands. He leaned against the wall; his shoulders started to shake as he quietly cried.

Camille felt confusion and guilt. Who was this man and why was he so broken up about this? About her? Was he a witness to the car accident? She didn’t know him from anywhere.

The doctor sat down on the edge of the bed. Her lips were pressed together. This didn’t look good.

‘Camille.. I think you’ve suffered some memory loss-’

‘SOME MEMORY LOSS?’ the man burst out, pushing himself away from the wall. ‘Doctor, she thinks she’s still a fucking waitress! She doesn’t know who I am!’

Camille’s eyes darted between the doctor, who was trying to calm him down, and the man who was shouting.

‘I’m sorry…’ Camille said quietly.

The man made his way back to the bed and crouched down on the floor in front of Camille. She looked down into his distraught eyes. Without a word, he took out his phone and showed her the screen.

The screensaver showed a picture of Camille cuddling a little girl and a baby.

‘I’m your husband,’ he told her, his voice sounding detached. ‘And these are your daughters.’

*******************

Panic surged up in Camille. ‘What?!’ she cried. ‘No no no.. I’m sorry, that has to be photoshop and you’re a stalker or something - I’m not married! I don’t have kids! I’m just Camille Montespan from New York!’

Every word she said seemed to break the man apart even more. Eventually, she stopped speaking all together when she realised how upset he was.

‘Your Grace..’ the doctor murmured to the man.

Camille pointed at her. ‘Why is she calling you that? WHO ARE YOU?’

The man sighed and rubbed his eyes with his hands before fixing her with a steady stare. ‘I’m Drake,’ he said bluntly. ‘I’m the Duke of Valtoria. In case you don’t know, Valtoria is a duchy in the European country of Cordonia. Cordonia is tiny and our delicacy is an apple-’

‘Your Grace..’ the doctor cut in, her voice like a warning. But Drake kept talking, his voice monotone, as if he was reading from a script.

‘We have been married for five years,’ Drake said. ‘We met at a suitor competition in which you were competing to marry the prince of Cordonia- now the King- who is called Liam. He is my best friend. We caught feelings for each other though and that made everything with Liam very awkward, can’t say that was surprising. Anyway, he proposed to you but you said no -’

‘Your Grace..’ the doctor cut in again, her voice like ice. ‘Stop it-’

‘So I proposed to you instead and you said yes. I was so happy-’

Drake DID NOT sound happy in this moment.

‘So we got married and became the Duke of Duchess of Valtoria. If it was up to us, we would live in Texas, where I’m actually from, as we actually hate the nobility and rules that dictate our life. But we get on with it and you are actually an incredible Duchess. The people love you. They tolerate me. We have two daughters. Lily is five and Luna is ten months old-’

He broke off there. Thinking about the two girls seemed to have caught Drake off guard. Camille swallowed, watching him warily.

‘I can’t do this..’ Drake croaked, looking at the doctor now. She looked furious. Turning, Drake strode out of the room, slamming the door behind him. The doctor looked at Camille, bowed quickly, and rushed out of the room after him.

Camille flopped down against the pillows. Her heart was racing. This had to be dream. There was no way this was real. A Duchess. In Europe. Married. Two kids.

She saw Drake’s phone lying on the duvet. Quickly, she reached out and pressed the button. The screensaver of her and the two girls came up again.

Camille studied the photo. She was cuddling the girls; the older one was laughing while the baby was looking up at Camille with wide eyes. Camille herself looked happy.

It wasn’t photoshop; the older girl looked like an exact copy of Camille. Genetics were strong.

Camille let out a sob and dropped the phone. If Drake was telling the truth - and the doctor was right-, this was her life. She felt so guilty that she couldn’t remember any of it. She couldn’t remember the two little girls who looked so in love with her.

*************************

‘Your Grace-’

‘Just call me Drake, please.’

‘Fine. Drake.’

The doctor had found Drake down the corridor. He was sitting on the corridor floor, trying to calm himself down. The doctor sat down beside him.

‘You can’t shout at her about everything she can’t remember, it’s too much,’ Doctor Santiago said. ‘It’s not her fault.’

Drake closed his eyes. ‘I know it’s not,’ he replied. ‘I just.. I feel helpless. I got too emotional. I just can’t believe that she doesn’t remember who I am.. Who our daughters are. This morning, she was getting Lily ready for school and kissing me, and now she looks at me like I’m a total stranger. It’s terrifying.’

Doctor Santiago nodded. ‘I know,’ she said gently. ‘This might not be permanent. Her memory could come back, it’s happened before.’

Drake looked at her. ‘What if it doesn’t?’

The doctor looked down at her hands. ‘I will be honest, I’ve not had this sort of case before,’ she admitted. ‘But all I can suggest is you take Camille home. Get her into her normal routine and that might help kickstart some memories. Nothing too big to begin with. And with time, she might start to remember.’

Drake nodded slowly. ‘How do I deal with my daughters?’

The doctor winced. ‘For now, I would tell them that Camille has had an accident and may not be very good at remembering things. Kids know, Drake. They’re intuitive.’

The two of them stood up and looked back towards Camille’s door. ‘I’ll keep her in for a few nights for observation,’ Doctor Santiago told him. ‘And in six weeks, she will have another brain scan.’

The doctor went to file Camille’s documents, leaving Drake alone in the corridor. He looked at Camille’s door and prepared himself to go back inside.

*****************************

Camille looked up as the door opened. She wiped her eyes furiously, trying to appear normal. As normal as the situation would allow, anyway.

Drake awkwardly came into the room. He gave her a slight nod and sat down on the edge of the bed. ‘I’ve got to go home and see Lily.’

Camille had a feeling he meant the older daughter.

‘Lily..’ she said, sounding out the name. It was pretty.

‘What about.. The other one?’

Drake swallowed. Camille felt guilty, knowing every question was a knife in his heart.

‘Luna is also there,’ Drake told her. ‘The girls are being watched by their Uncle Leo and Aunt Olivia,’ Drake explained. ‘They’re our best friends. Surprising considering me and Liv used to hate each other..’

He looked down and shook his head. ‘That’s not important. Anyway, Leo picked up Lily from school as soon as the news broke about your accident and Liv is looking after Luna. I need to tell them what’s going on and try and explain to Lily about the situation. You’re being kept here for a few nights for observation.’

There was a long stretch of silence between them until Camille broke it.

‘Can I meet them?’

Drake blinked in surprise. ‘Who?’

‘Lily and Luna,’ she said. ‘My.. our daughters.’

Drake smiled softly. ‘Of course. I’ll bring them to you tomorrow morning.’

Camille looked anxious about this but also like she desperately wanted to please him. ‘Um.. what does Lily like? I’ll need to talk to her so would be good to have some pointers.’

Drake studied his hands, which were still shaking.

‘She loves Disney, particularly the film Tangled,’ he said, ‘and her favourite character is Flynn Rider, she’s obsessed with him. She’s very girly so if you mention how much you like her outfit, that’ll get you brownie points.’

Camille smiled. ‘What about Luna?’

‘She’s ten months old, very quiet,’ Drake explained. ‘Always watching everyone around her.’

Camille nodded, making mental notes. Drake sighed and got up from the bed. ‘I should go,’ he told her.

For a long moment, they stared at each other. He looked like he didn’t know how to say goodbye. Clearing his throat, he reached out and gently took her left hand. He kissed it; the silver ring on her wedding ring finger glimmered in the light.

#drake walker #choices trr #the royal romance #drake x camille

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camillemontespan · 4 years ago

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ms. camille montespan

@ibldw-main @jovialyouthmusic @katedrakeohd @mskaneko @pedudley @axwalker @burnsoslow @princessleac1 @pug-bitch @moonlightgem7 @kingliam2019 @gardeningourmet

#My edit #camille montespan

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camillemontespan · 5 years ago

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get to know camille! [questions set by mskaneko)

Thank you to @mskaneko for drawing up these awesome questions about getting to know our MC! Please tag me in all your answers because I love reading about how different each MC is.

Taggin those who read Camille and who may want to answer these:

@ibldw-main @moonlightgem7 @pug-bitch @argylemnwrites @jovialyouthmusic @katedrakeohd @pedudley @axwalker @marshmallowsandfire @marshmallowsaremyfavorite @princessleac1 @notoriouscs @burnsoslow @sirbeepsalot @dcbbw @hipstercoffeeshop

1. Name (+ bonus why did you choose that name?)

Camille Montespan. I chose her first name because I just find the name Camille to be really pretty. When I started playing TRR, I thought it would be awesome to give her the same last name as a real life noble (Madame de Montespan who was Louis XIV’s mistress). I wanted this American girl to be descended from actual nobility and be more blue blood than the bitchy courtiers she would obviously meet.

2. Faceclaim

Meghan Markle

3. Nicknames

Leo calls her ‘Cammy’

4. Birthday

8th October 1992

5. Height

5′6

6. Eye color

Brown with gold flecks, like an owl (as Drake describes them)

7. Hair color

Black

8. Love interest (why did she choose this person?)

Drake Walker. She chose him because he is the first person she ever met in her life who understood her. He is her soulmate.

9. Best friend

Officially, Olivia Nevrakis. Unofficially, her husband Drake.

10. Personality traits

She is incredibly caring and generous. She always puts others before herself. She can be goofy with her friends and family but when she has her Duchess hat on, she is more reserved; Bertrand taught her well. When she talks to you, she has the gift of making you feel like the only person in the world as she is genuinely interested in what you have to say. She is kind and warm. Massive worrier. Perfectionist. But don’t underestimate her; she is a lioness protecting her cubs when it comes to Drake and their daughters.

11. Family background

I had a head canon for a long time about her parents but ever since I wrote a fic about them, I can’t bring myself to write the head canon I had for them.

But Camille did live with her grandmother, Gisele.

12. Hometown

New York

13. Education

Graduated high school.

14. What languages does she know?

French due to her grandmother’s insistence as they are part French.

15. Occupation

Duchess but also women’s rights activist and podcast creator on the side!

16. Dream job

Therapist so she can meet people and help them :)

17. Hidden talent

Drawing as shown by her drawing time with Lily and Luna

18. Her strengths

She’s a strong lady who shielded her daughter, Lily, from Drake’s alcohol addiction. She also tried to help him with his struggles while keeping him protected from the media and intrusive spotlight. She is fiercely protective of her family who has dealt with many negative opinions about her parenting skills (eg choosing to have her kids attend a ‘normal’ school) and the fact she is not of noble blood (but really, she is, thanks to Madame de Montespan!)

19. Her weaknesses

Worries to the point of becoming sick. A perfectionist; everything has to be just so.

20. Pet peeves

People being late. When Drake turns off her pop music in the car.

21. Guilty pleasure

90s pop music which she dances to in the kitchen and listens to when she drives Lily to school when it’s her morning to do the drop off. Lily joins in with Britney.

22. Ideal outfit

Denim shorts, white cotton shirt, strappy sandals. But as a Duchess, she has to wear more sophisticated outfits.

23. Favorite season

Summer as that is when her family escape to Texas and can be free.

24. Favorite vacation spot

Rome for the food, wine and cultural hot spots.

25. Celebrity crush

Hugh Jackman

26. Who is her inspiration

Her husband, Drake. He’s made huge strides with his alcohol addiction and mental health, going so far as to set up his own mental health charity, Mind Over Matter, which focuses on men’s mental health in Cordonia.

27. Whats is the craziest thing she has ever done?

Aside from flying to Cordonia on a whim to take part in a suitor competition…

Cliff diving on her honeymoon.

28. Describe her dream date

Honestly? Setting up a little den on the terrace with fairylights strung up, a bottle of whiskey, a blanket and Drake.

29. What’s more important for her in a relationship: physical attraction or emotional connection?

Emotional. Although she and Drake are fireworks, Camille needs the emotional connection to be strong. They both understand each other without saying a word. They’re best friends.

30. Three things she would take to a desert island

Drake, Lily and Luna

31. What is one thing she could never forgive?

All the negative comments made about Drake.

32. What gets her out of bed in the morning?

Literally, Lily bursts through the door with baby Luna in tow so Camille HAS to get up otherwise kids run rampant and Drake gets grumbly.

33. What does she use more often: her intuition or logical reasoning?

Intuition.

34. Would she rather be alone doing something she enjoy, or doing something she does’t like with her best friends?

Alone doing something she enjoys. She calls these activities ‘Camille Things.’ So, reading her favourite book, practicing yoga, learning to cook a new recipe. Little pockets of joy, you know?

35. What's her biggest regret?

Her grandmother never meeting Drake or her children.

Bonus: three random facts about your MC

She is terrified of heights

She is a terrible driver - she speeds, much to Drake’s horror. He refuses to get in the ‘death seat’ when she’s at the wheel.

Her hair smells of coconut but how it manages to smell so coconut-like is a closely guarded secret ;) (drake calls her his coconut girl).

#camille montespan #my coconut girl

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camillemontespan · 5 years ago

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confident camille [interview!]

I really really hope you like this. I was planning to release this in like two weeks but I feel I can’t add anymore to this piece. I really enjoyed writing this one, like ridiculously enjoyed. It felt like sitting down with a friend - and I know that’s weird but I guess that I’ve been writing Camille for so long now that she does feel like a friend.

Imagine this is a magazine spread :)

I’m so excited to publish this one. Not because I think it’s good but because this is Camille right here.

@moonlightgem7 @ibldw-main @emichelle @fromthedeskofpaisleybleakmore @katedrakeohd @loveellamae @mskaneko @gardeningourmet @jovialyouthmusic @sirbeepsalot @dcbbw @marshmallowsaremyfavorite @saivilo @notoriouscs @walkerswhiskeygirl @pug-bitch @dcbbw @rainbowsinthestorm @burnsoslow ***************************************************************************************

The Duchess of Valtoria is in a chatty mood. As she poses for photographs for our cover story, Camille takes breaks to ask the crew how they are, what’s everyone got planned for the weekend and what did we think of the latest Beaumont Bash theme?

She is dressed in a bohemian pink dress which fits the theme of our issue today - confidence. The dress is bright and colourful, just like the woman wearing it. Later, she will be changed into a white shirt and ripped denim jeans with heels, and more pictures will be taken. Our creative director wants Camille’s confidence to shine from the page; looking at the images, we agree that our vision has come to life.

When Camille finally gets a moment to sit down with a cup of coffee, she changes into jeans and a loose fitting sweater. She hooks her denim clad legs up beside her and settles in for our interview. She looks upbeat and happy, her smile making the corners of her eyes crease, a smile that is genuine.

It’s remarkable to me that despite the current press attention - which has been intrusive and negative - Camille is still smiling. She must have really thick skin.

'I’ve learned to block a lot of it out,’ she admits. 'At the end of the day, only you know who you really are, not anyone else. I don’t listen to those who say I’m the worst Duchess in Cordonia or that I’m a bad mom. I get on with it.’

And she certainly has been doing that. For the past ten years, Camille and her husband, Drake, have fielded negative press. Yes, they have also been subjects of positive articles and they are much loved in Cordonia; but there are still many traditionalists who make a point of slating them.

Previous negative news stories have focused on Drake being too vocal about men’s health, Camille being too ‘fake’, their decision to have their daughters study at a ‘normal’ school (i.e one where they are the only noble students) and the couple implementing a restraining order against the paparazzi. While news outlets condemned the couple, Drake and Camille carried on with their daily lives.

I ask what led to their decisions, starting with the restraining order.

'Our daughter, Lily, was photographed in the school playground when she was five,’ Camille tells me, her eyes flashing. 'That made us incredibly angry and so that set the wheels in motion to get the courts involved. Then when we found out I was pregnant with Luna, that really forced us to evaluate everything.’

I wonder what that entailed.

'Drake and I sat down together at the kitchen table and we set out what we wanted for our family,’ she explains gently, hands spread, justifying herself to me. 'It’s one thing when we are being photographed, you know? That comes with the territory of being Duke and Duchess. But when your child becomes involved.. The child you have tried so hard to protect.. Well, it makes you take a long hard look at everything around you. We felt like we failed Lily and we refused to make the same mistake with our second child. ’

Her voice cracks now. I tell her that they hadn’t failed their daughter but she shakes her head. 'We had,’ she interrupts, her voice thick. 'She was supposed to be safe and when her picture was plastered all over the news, she was instantly vulnerable.’

Drake and Camille are notoriously private when it comes to their family life. Their daughters go to a school where they are the only noble children, a decision that prompted outrage among the aristocracy and media.

'We wanted them to have a normal childhood,’ Camille says, shrugging. ‘I was born a commoner, as was Drake. The whole royal circus doesn’t fit our personalities and we wanted our kids to just be kids, you know? I think it’s amazing that they have their own friends who are not of noble blood, it’s refreshing. And guess what? The other kids don’t care that Lily and Luna are noble! They literally don’t! They just play and fight and get muddy outside; they exchange leaves as a declaration of love, for gods sake. They’re children.’

I get the feeling that their girls are little firecrackers. Camille grins. 'That’s exactly the word to describe them. Actually, funny you should say that because Drake calls them his little pocket rockets.’

Drake is the one who first told the press that they were seeking a restraining order against them. He has made no secret of his dislike of the media circus that surrounds his family, yet I wonder why he isn’t here today.

'Because he will get all fiery,’ Camille says, giving me a wink. 'He’s a fiery guy, my husband.’

That is certainly one way to describe Drake Walker.

‘He is very protective,’ she continues. ‘But he has to be. I guess when I was being stalked on a daily basis, I didn’t want to complain? Like, I thought if I complained about my invasion of privacy then everyone would go ‘oh poor little Duchess in her golden tower.’ I didn’t want to seem.. Ungrateful for my position. And the photographs come with my position so I didn’t say anything. Does that make sense?’

She looks at me with wide eyes. I say it does. She smiles, her shoulders relaxing now. ‘Well, Drake isn’t like that. He saw me being stalked by the paparazzi and it made him so, so angry. He defended me when I wouldn’t defend myself. I was so good at keeping my head down, trying to be a polite and regal Duchess. I wouldn’t make a scene. Drake can’t do that and I’m grateful to him for being the tough one.’

Drake has ensured that whenever his family are photographed, pixels cover their children’s faces. Yet it was a rogue photographer who took Lily’s picture while she was playing in the playground years ago and sold it to the highest bidder. ‘We felt sick to our stomachs,’ Camille tells me quietly. ‘She was only five. So I’m here today to say that I’m tearing up the rule book when it comes to what’s expected of me. I’m not going to sit and be silent anymore; when you target my little girls, I’m like a lioness protecting her cubs. I will go after you.’

She says all of this in a quiet, soft voice but not once does she waver. Since becoming a mother, it is clear that Camille has changed. Gone are the days of when she first came to public attention and wore an innocent smile, winked at the cameras and talked non-stop about New York. She seems more self aware, more reserved, fragile.

‘Oh, this life changes you,’ she confirms, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. ‘One hundred percent. When you have to watch how you appear to the masses, watch what you say.. You have to look out for yourself. I actually cringe when I look back at previous interviews I’ve done and I’m showing the journalist around my dressing room. Like, here’s my new Valentino dress! I was so new to this shiny world. Uhhh why?! That is not how a duchess behaves! I can totally see it from Bertrand Beaumont’s viewpoint now!’

I admit that Trend does love a look around their interviewee’s closet and the beauty section on our website is partial to a video of a celebrity showing off their make-up routine. Something tells me that Camille wouldn’t take part in this now.

She has changed, but so has her husband. He used to be in the background at court; now he is at the forefront. Has the change been gradual?

‘Yes,’ she says. ‘But he’s changed for the better. His walls are down, he talks about how he’s feeling which is so, so important. He has his mental health foundation, Mind over Matter, that is going from strength to strength and he is such a good dad. I honestly couldn’t live without him.’

Drake and Camille met during the suitor competition that saw her compete against the other noble ladies of court for King Liam’s hand in marriage. The suitors had to take part in events such as boating and horse riding, while touring the country to show themselves to the public. Camille was the favourite to win; she shocked everyone when she rejected Liam’s proposal, instead choosing to be with his best friend, the one and only Drake Walker. When did she realise she wasn’t there for Liam anymore?

Camille reddens at my question and clears her throat. ‘I had to be very, very honest,’ she admits. ‘Questions were asked. I guess I realised that throughout the whole thing, the one person I wanted to spend time with was Drake. Okay, you know when you have a big crush and you wake up and the first thing you do is think of them? Or you feel constant butterflies in your stomach that just won’t go away when you talk to them? That was Drake for me. He was it.’

But when did she realise she loved him?

‘When I saw him dancing with someone else,’ she says instantly. ‘I always danced with Liam, you see. But one night, while I’m dancing with Liam, I looked over his shoulder and saw Drake dancing with my friend Kiara and that.. that hurt because Drake never danced with anyone. It was innocent, of course, but I realised that all I wanted was to dance with him. I wanted to dance all my dances with him.’

She shrugs.

I ask how she feels about Kiara, who is well known amongst the press. Did Camille feel like she was competing for his attention?

Camille blinks. ‘Uh, no,’ she replies. ‘I’ll be honest, I’m a girls girl. I support other women, like with my podcast (more on this later). When I say that it hurt to see Drake dancing with Kiara, it doesn’t mean I didn’t like her. I do like her, very much actually. But I never viewed it as a competition because it wasn’t; if anything, Drake was doing his own thing. I was in a contest to marry his best friend, it would have been totally unfair for me to want him to ignore other women and just focus on me.’

She is panicking now, trying her best not to say something that will bite her on the ass. I divert back to her feelings about Drake and Liam; how did she feel when she came clean?

‘Like a weight was lifted,’ she says. ‘Once I was honest, I felt like I could move on. It was hard and I felt guilty, but I did feel relief.’

I imagine Drake felt more than relief at landing the girl of his dreams. ‘No,’ Camille muses. ‘He took it really hard actually. He is a glutton for punishment and felt so guilty for betraying his best friend. When I told him I had said no to Liam, he didn’t believe me and when he finally did, he asked why I had done something so stupid..’

I ask her to elaborate. She smiles weakly. ‘Drake used to be really negative about himself. He didn’t believe he was worthy of happiness. But he is so worthy and I’ve worked really hard to make sure his walls don’t come back up and that he talks to me if things start feeling too much.’

Drake has been vocal in the past about his struggle with depression and alcohol. How did Camille feel when she found out? Was she aware of it?

She bites her lip. ‘He was good at hiding it,’ she finally says. ‘I feel like I failed him as I just didn’t realise for a long time. I’m usually so good at understanding people, you know? I can tell when someone is feeling vulnerable. But it completely blind sided me.’

Did Drake tell her himself? ‘No. He just slipped up. I wish he had had the courage to tell me, but I understand why he felt he couldn’t. He’s a proud man, my husband. He doesn’t like to feel like a burden - not that he is. But there’s only so much shit one person can take..’

I gently ask Camille how she deals with his demons.

‘You take it day by day,’ she tells me. ‘I don’t force him to be something he’s not. If he’s having a bad day, I leave him to it but at the end of that day, I do sit him down and ask him to talk about how he’s feeling. He attends AA meetings and has therapy. He’s made huge strides in talking about his emotions - he set up his own mental health foundation for God's sake, that’s huge. I’m honestly so proud of him.’

Drake has received somewhat narrow minded criticism from male journalists who call him ‘weak’ for discussing mental health issues in men. Apparently, according to some, men in Cordonia are happy and strong, thank you very much. I wonder what Camille thinks of him being the public figurehead of men's mental health, leading the crusade.

‘I think it’s really brave of him actually,’ she says instantly. She’s clenched her fists and I can see from the ramrod straight position of her back that she has been expecting this line of questioning and is on the defensive. ‘It takes a lot for a man of his position to stand up and admit that he is an alcoholic and suffered from depression. He opened himself up to a lot of scrutiny; he’s such a private person too, so he really was going against his own nature to talk about something that is so important. He’s helped thousands of men in Cordonia because of it.’

She is passionate and fierce when it comes to her husband. Her voice quietens and she wrings her hands together. ‘He’s inspired me to be more brave,’ she murmurs. ‘He’s made me want to stand up for things that matter, to ignore the naysayers and just do my thing. Drake paves the way and I’m just happy to follow in his footsteps.’

They are a refreshing noble couple in that they don’t shy away from real world issues. They make it their mission to spread positivity and reach out to those in need. Camille set up a rehabilitation centre for recovering drug users, a move that many found to be too risky as it would bring up questions about her past, but Camille shrugs it off.

‘I saw my parents struggle in their battle with drug addiction,’ she says. ‘It’s an issue that’s very important to me.’

We know nothing about her parents except for their drug abuse. Is there anything Camille can tell us today that shines a light on them? Camille bites her lip and hesitates, as if trying to work out if this is a trick question. In the end, she smiles and she clears her throat.

‘My father was called Jacob,’ she begins. ‘My mother was called Gabrielle.’ She laughs to herself. ‘You know Chanel’s perfume Gabrielle? I wear it everyday. Not because it smells beautiful, though it does, but because it’s my mom’s name. I like to think I’m close with her when I wear that scent. You know when you miss your mom so you wear her scarf that smells of her skin? It’s like that. Lily does that with one of my sweaters, she will wear it sometimes when I’m away on business as a way to keep me with her. So, the perfume works like that with me and my mom. We weren’t exactly close when I was a child, so I guess that’s my way of trying to rectify that.’

I ask her which of her parents she is most like. ‘My dad,’ she says, smiling. ‘Before he became an addict, he was the best dad ever. He was also so handsome, so so handsome. He had these beautiful green eyes that shone. My eyes are my mom’s and Drake loves my eyes, right, but I wish I had my daddy’s eyes.’ She says this last part wistfully, as if she’s imagining it.

She’s being so open right now which is a delight; usually, she doesn’t mention her parents at all. She continues. ‘He was a great cook and he loved to talk to people. If he spoke to you, he would make you feel like you were the only person in the world. He had that gift.’

She tails off. I must admit that Camille has that gift too. I tell her so and her face breaks into a wide grin that crinkles up the corners of her brown eyes. ‘Really?!’ she cries. ‘Oh my gosh, thank you so much. That is really sweet of you.’

It is tragic that this man that she speaks of so highly is no longer here. But she shuts down when she mentions his downfall and so, I move the conversation onto something lighter, such as her new podcast.

Camille rolls her eyes. ‘Are you going to say I’m being a crappy Duchess who doesn’t know her place?’ she teases, gently squeezing my hand. I’m not; I’m actually an avid listener of her episodes and Camille claps her hands excitedly. ‘Aah you’re so kind!’

There has been negative press about the release of Camille’s podcast ‘Working Girl.’ Released last year, the podcast is hosted by the Duchess who interviews women who are at the top of their careers to pick their brains on their career paths, the glass ceiling, women’s opportunities at work and if they have any wisdom to share with the listeners. According to statistics, 80% of listeners are women. Does Camille want male listeners too?

‘Yes,’ she says instantly. ‘I want to close that gap. I want men to listen to these powerful women and re-evaluate everything they’ve been conditioned to believe at work, like women should be paid less or that men can do a better job. I want to challenge the traditional views held by most of Cordonian society - because let’s face it, Cordonia is so, so traditional- and I want to use my voice to make a difference. I’m feeling brave and I’m doing it my way.’

The media has called her ‘out of touch’ with noble life. Because hosting a podcast about women’s rights is apparently not something a Duchess should do. According to the experts of regal life - the tabloids-, Camille must stay in her duchy for all time, under lock and key, pushing out baby after baby after baby, wave politely and must, absolutely, let the paparazzi take pictures of her anytime they want to. I say this to Camille and she bursts out laughing, a deep throaty laugh that makes you feel warm just by hearing it.

‘You got it in one,’ she tells me, wiping her eyes. ‘Look, I know I’m not a traditional duchess and my husband isn’t a traditional duke. But we are deliberately like that; we want to challenge convention and make changes from the inside. Drake wants to improve the lives and wellbeing of the men in Cordonia while I want every women at work to feel like they can achieve their ambitions. I want a world where my daughters can get a job and know that they will have a great future there, without being held back by perceived notions about their gender. Men forget that women are strong and powerful; it’s about time we reminded them of that little detail.’

She has clearly been spending a lot of time with Olivia Nevrakis. Camille giggles. ‘She’s one of my interviewees! Oh my God, she’s a riot. She wanted to drink wine during our podcast session and I was like, ‘Liv, it’s 10am,’ and she goes, ‘So?’ I honestly love her.’

What made Camille decide to make the podcast?

‘My friend, Kiara- you know, the Duchess who danced with my husband all those years ago-’ she says with a knowing wink - ‘wanted to land a top job within international trade in the government. But she kept being passed over for men who weren’t as qualified as she was. She was literally told by an interviewer that she should just settle down and be a Duchess. It was rude. I spoke to our friends, like Olivia, Hana and Penelope, and we were all in agreement that we wanted to do more with our roles. We have this amazing platform to make a change and I realised that if Kiara, who is fluent in four languages and has an incredible education, is struggling to land the job of her dreams, how many more women out there are in the same boat? So, Working Girl was set up.’

It is a great podcast. It fires you up and makes you feel like you can take on the world. I literally went out and bought a power suit after listening to her fiery discussion with Olivia. I ask her if Drake listens to it.

‘Of course!’ she cries, her eyes widening. ‘Oh, he is so supportive. If I’m researching another women to interview, he will give me suggestions. He suggested Salma Hayek but I think that’s only because he has a huge crush on her.. I contacted her people, just waiting to hear back. I’d love to see Drake go all nervous and tongue tied! I wouldn’t blame him.’

She laughs and then goes back to being serious. ‘Yes, he listens. He tells me that if he is away in another country and it’s a different time zone which means I’m asleep, he will listen to my podcast so he can hear my voice.’

Her voice is like caramel; it can be quite husky in places but soft in others. She has the right voice for recording podcasts; if she wasn’t a Duchess, I’d suggest she host a radio show.

Moving on from women, we begin to chat about her daughters. I tell her that looking at Drake, you can’t imagine him being the type to have daughters. He has always talked about his love for the outdoors, getting muddy. I can’t see his daughters being excited by mud. Lily is ten, while Luna is five; they are the spitting image of Camille.

‘Ah, but you forget that they are half Walker!’ Camille tells me, laughing. ‘Lily is a daddy’s girl and she loves getting outside with him. She likes camping and hiking. When she was younger, she was always collecting frogs.. Seriously, she had a frog collection in our garden and she gave them all names. My older daughter may be really girly but she is also a little rough and ready. I wouldn’t have her any other way.’

What is Luna like? Are they close or is the age difference tricky?

Camille considers this. ‘Luna is very different to Lily,’ she says. ‘Yes, obviously the age difference means they are at totally different stages of life but they are close; Lily really looks out for her sister. In terms of personality, Luna is quieter and quite reserved. Like, when Lily was her age, she was bounding around, a firecracker, bursting with energy. Luna is not like that. She always has her head in a book, she loves to draw and she hates the colour pink, unlike Lily who adores pink. Her favourite film is Nightmare Before Christmas, which isn’t a typical kid’s film, right? But she loves spooky stuff. I think the fact her name means ‘moon’ is a good indication of her personality. Also, while Lily is more like me, Luna is very much like her daddy.’

I’m surprised by this. In what way, I ask.

‘She is very observant,’ Camille explains. ‘Even as a baby, you could tell she was always looking around the room, at the people around her, trying to suss them out. Drake was the same; he’s good at reading people just from always being the background when he was young. She also has quite a dry sense of humour which is rare in a five year old. Like, the other day she accidently broke one of Lily’s necklaces and handed it to her with a totally blank face and went, ‘Oops.’ Deadpan. I’m really curious to see what she will be like when she’s older. I got a feeling she isn’t going to take any shit.’

She smiles now. ‘I love her so much.’

I ask if Luna enjoys camping too. After all, if she prefers to read books, maybe camping isn’t her scene.

‘Make no mistake,’ Camille says, ‘Luna loves camping too. Drake has succeeded in his mission to make his daughters love the outdoors! Dad of the Year Award coming up, he would probably say.’

Can she see a son in their future?

Camille shrugs. ‘Maybe? Who knows. We haven’t really discussed it; I think Drake has resigned himself to a life of tea parties. But if we did have a son in the future, we would call the baby Jackson after Drake’s own dad. Lily, Luna and Jackson. It sounds nice, right?’

They are a close family unit. I ask what they get up to in their downtime, as surely being Duke and Duchess takes it out of them.

‘Sundays are our day,’ she confirms. ‘That’s the morning when the kids barrel into our bedroom at 8am, excited to greet the day because it means they can spend all the time with us without school or our meetings getting in the way. I read the paper or drink my coffee in bed, while Drake and Lily play on top of us. Luna snuggles into me and tries to read the articles too, though she is still learning so she won’t understand it all. We’re all squished up together. It’s claustrophobic, it’s messy, it’s elbows in faces, but I love it.’

She pauses for a moment with a thoughtful expression on her face. ‘If I’ve learned anything from ten years of marriage, it’s the moments in between that count.’

I ask her what that means, hoping she will impart wisdom for me to absorb and apply to my daily life. Camille smiles. ‘My husband loves the moments in between,’ she explains softly. ‘It’s when you take a moment to yourself and do something that gives you joy and peace. Like, drinking a glass of whiskey by the fire. Or getting lost in a deep conversation with a friend. It’s carving that little space for yourself to just.. Be.’

Drake sounds quite philosophical, I tell her. Camille giggles. ‘He is! When I first came to Cordonia and we hung out, we had those moments. If I needed to escape the competition for an hour, get out of the claustrophobic bubble we were in, Drake was there. He would take me to dive bars or to pizza restaurants. It was a sense of normality and calm amongst the chaos. It helped me to focus on myself and enjoy those little moments that Drake gave me.’

Did Drake know what he was doing?

‘Absolutely,’ she says with a firm nod her head. ‘He knew I was feeling pressure. He can read people really well, you see. Years of being on the sidelines at court taught him to judge situations and people. He can see a fraud from a mile away. He could see me with a fake smile on my face as I took part in the competition and he knew I was feeling like a fish out of water.’

I ask if Camille viewed herself as a fraud, noting the vitriolic way she is now speaking. She sighs. ‘I felt like a fraud, yes,’ she replies. ‘I hated lying and acting like I was wanting to win. It was exhausting. It was hard keeping my feelings down. I can’t do that. I’m a really emotional person, I wear my heart on my sleeve.’

She is clearly talking about her hidden feelings for Drake. I remember her telling me that she felt relief when the truth came out; I see now that her feelings for the king’s best friend were her burden.

‘I’m glad Liam is still my friend,’ she says, keeping her voice steady. ‘I got to say, it would never have worked between us.’ She laughs now and the matter is shut down.

I shift the conversation back to the restraining order. Unless you have been living under a rock for the past ten years, Camille had been stalked by paparazzi practically everyday. Pictures had been taken of her in her car; going for a run in the park; kissing her husband; picking up her daughter from ballet class. Everything she has ever done has been photographed and shared among the media. What was the worst experience that happened to her?

‘I guess it was when I was pregnant with Lily,’ she says after thinking for a long moment. ‘It was terrifying. I would be walking to my car and the photographers would surround me, pushing and shoving. I was scared they would end up pushing me and I’d fall, hurting my baby.. But again, I didn’t complain because I assumed it was part of the royal circus that surrounds the nobility. This shit is what you sign up for, right?’

She fixes me with a steady stare. ‘But it’s not right,’ she continues. ‘It’s disgusting. It is not right for a pregnant woman -or anyone, in fact- to be photographed every single day. I became a commodity. But I was too scared to pipe up and say exactly what I thought; I wasn’t brave. Drake had to do it all for me, he was the one who hired a full security team that would never leave my side. For so long, I thought I could just walk around and be normal. I didn’t realise..’

She breaks off. I hold my breath, waiting for her to speak again. Finally, she does. ‘I didn’t realise I wasn’t normal.’

In a way, she isn’t. Her story is not normal. A former waitress from New York who flies to a European country to take part in a competition to win the hand of a future king. The same waitress who defies expectations, wins his heart, but rejects his proposal in favour of someone else. The rejected king gifts her a duchy and a title instead of sending her home packing. She is now a Duchess who is curtseyed to and called ‘Your Grace.’ Her story is not typical of the average American woman. Her story is the stuff of fairytales.

But what a fairytale.

To round off our interview, I decide to ask her some lighthearted questions. What is the one thing - not a person- that she can’t live without?

Camille giggles. ‘Ooh hard one,’ she says. ‘But I guess I have to say my Canon camera? Drake bought me it as a present for my 30th birthday because I love taking pictures. I don’t use Facebook, you see, so I don’t have online albums. I use Instagram but it’s not exactly the same, so I like to take actual photos and put them in actual albums. I hate this digital age, I miss the innocent, simpler times of just taking photos and sticking them in a book.’

I ask what she takes photos of. ‘My family,’ she tells me with a smile. ‘I’m always taking pictures of Drake and our girls; Drake hates getting his picture taken usually but when he’s posing with Lily and Luna, they make him laugh and put him at ease just by being their adorable selves.’

What are her hobbies? I imagine she is too tired to even think about hobbies what with her job and all the plates she is spinning, but she shakes her head. ‘I love yoga,’ she answers. ‘Every morning, I practice. Sometimes, Lily will join in with me which is quite sweet.’

She likes to read too. ‘I love vintage books. I love an evening by the fire with a glass of wine and a good book. Simple.’

The moments in between?

‘Exactly,’ she says, giving me a nod.

Does she still find time to visit New York, her hometown? Does she miss it?

‘We go once a year,’ she tells me. ‘Whenever we’re in the states to see Drake’s mom, we will go to New York and just be a normal family. What do I miss? Oh man, I miss the accents, the angry cab drivers, the cronut bakery that was next to my old apartment.. I do love New York.’

One final question. How does it feel looking back on everything and seeing where she is now?

She considers this.

‘This feels like a different life,’ she says softly. ‘I’ve changed; grown up. Back in New York, I was stationary, working as a waitress, trying to get all the tips so I could keep a roof over my head. I wasn’t making a difference, I wasn’t really living..’ She bites her lip. ‘Now, I’m living. I’m feeling braver than I ever have and I think that’s all down to my family.’

Is she happy?

‘I am,’ she tells me, her face breaking into a smile. ‘I’m more confident, I feel more belief in myself, I feel like I’m making a difference. I have two amazing daughters and an incredible husband.’

She nods to herself, her cheeks turning pink as she thinks of Drake. ‘Yeah,’ she whispers. ‘I have it good.’

#trr fanfic #camille montespan

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camillemontespan · 4 years ago

Photo

#my edit #camille montespan #my girl cammy

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camillemontespan · 5 years ago

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sneak peak of my current WIP [camille montespan]

Imagine this to be a magazine spread :) this is my current WIP and will be the last fic I put out before I go travelling next month. Let me know if you’re interested in reading (tagging those who may be interested).

A/N: Actually really pleased with my edits here! Is that allowed? Like the cover photo is actually Olivia Palermo’s body with Meghan’s face imposed on top. Okay it’s not the best but I’m still really happy with how it turned out so..

BONUS: ‘If I’ve learned anything from five years of marriage, it’s the moments in between that count.’

@moonlightgem7 @ibldw-main @emichelle @marshmallowsaremyfavorite @mskaneko @jovialyouthmusic @katedrakeohd @fromthedeskofpaisleybleakmore @saivilo @flowerpowell @pug-bitch @walkerswhiskeygirl @dcbbw @loveellamae

#camille montespan

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camillemontespan · 5 years ago

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aesthetic mood board for camille montespan.

obviously not as good as @mskaneko edits but I've seen mood boards floating around today :)

#camille montespan

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camillemontespan · 5 years ago

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she wolves [part seven: raspberry]

Part Six if you want to catch up

Warnings: Character death.

@jovialyouthmusic @sirbeepsalot @fromthedeskofpaisleybleakmore @moonlightgem7 @burnsoslow @ibldw-main @emichelle @katedrakeohd @of-course-i-went-to-hartfeld @mskaneko @nazariortega @dcbbw @gardeningourmet @iplaydrake @notoriouscs @star-spangled-eyes @rainbowsinthestorm @stopforamoment @pedudley @drakesensworld @pug-bitch @msjr0119

***********************************************

Kiara

Cordonia is in even more of a limbo now after the passing of Leo. Only Olivia and I know the truth, we know he was murdered in his bed by Madeleine but only Olivia knows how she wants to proceed.

I'm terrified.

You don't cross Olivia Nevrakis unless you have a death wish.

The funeral is today, a few days following the announcement of his passing. As like his younger brother, Leo is given a state funeral and the public come out in droves to pay their respects. He was well loved. Despite the fact he abdicated and left the country to his dictator brother, everyone in Cordonia had hoped the abdicated king would come home and save them.

That was all anyone wanted.

But instead, he came home and now no longer breathes.

He is displayed in an open casket and is drowned in gold military regalia, despite the fact he never served.

Madeleine reaches his coffin and with a tear sliding down her cheek, she presses her hand to his face and audibly whispers, 'I love you.'

Someone give the girl an Oscar.

I watch Drake and Camille approach him next. Drake's features are drawn and I know what he's thinking. Another Rhys brother dead.

Olivia is next. Her posture is ramrod straight and her hair is pulled back into a high ponytail that hangs down her back. She wears a black net over her face. She looks like a regal widower, except she and Leo were never married.

She presses a kiss on Leo's cold lips and everyone in the room gasps. This is her announcement that she loved him. This is Olivia claiming him as hers.

Madeleine

I stare at Olivia, trying to keep my face calm but I know it's not working. She has kissed Leo in front of everyone. Nobody knew about them. Nobody knew about our uneasy arrangement.

She strides down the marble steps and her eyes narrow at me as she passes. She doesn't need words to tell me that she did that deliberately.

I sense people watching me so I flash them a smile and follow the procession out of the room. Cold and unflinching, that is what I have to be.

Olivia

I go back to my room at the palace. I tear my black net away from my face and toss it on the bed. I sit down at my dressing table and look at my reflection in the mirror. I look paler than usual and my eyes even have eyebags from sleepless nights. It's hard to get to sleep when I believe that I can see Leo lying beside me, the ghost of him always around.

I have a plan.

All I need to do is speak to Kiara.

Kiara

My mobile rings. I don't recognise the number so I reject it, going back to watching the news channel about Leo's funeral.

'Olivia kissed him!' one of the hosts says. 'Did you know something was going on with them?'

'I had no idea!' Natalia, the main newsreader, says. 'I do wonder what Madeleine thinks of all this. It was quite a statement..'

My phone rings again. Sighing, I pick up. 'Hello?'

'Fucking hell, Kiara, you're annoying to get hold of.'

It's Olivia.

'Oh! Sorry Olivia, I don't have your number so -'

'Well, know it now!' she says bluntly. 'I need to talk to you.'

I mute the TV and focus on the phone call. I hope its nothing bad.

'I need you to throw a dinner party for the other ladies,' she says. 'Camille, Penelope, Hana and Madeleine. Me too, of course.'

I'm wary. I have never trusted Olivia and I don't plan to start now. She senses my discomfort as she continues to speak. 'Just a dinner party.'

I don't believe her. 'Why?' I challenge. 'Why invite Madeleine of all people? I know you want her blood so why invite her to a dinner party?'

I know she's rolling her eyes. 'Enough with the questions, Kiara -'

But I've had it. I'm tired of being seen as too quiet, too boring, too weak. I need to stand up for myself.

'No, Liv,' I tell her, my voice harsh. 'If you want me to host a dinner party, then you need to tell me why. I need to know what you have up your sleeve.'

'What makes you think I have something up my sleeve?' she asks, her voice like silk.

'Because I know you,' I tell her, my voice steady. 'I know what you're like. You enjoy manipulation and power plays. There's always an agenda with you.'

'Wow, don't beat around the bush,' she drawls. I stay quiet, wanting my silence to speak volumes.

She sighs. 'Kiara, I can't tell you what I have planned. To involve you even more would make you an accomplice.'

My blood runs cold. 'Accomplice?'

'Trust me, you don't want to know. I just need a venue and an innocent excuse to get Madeleine in the room without prompting suspicion.'

I bristle at this new detail. Olivia has given away more than she meant to.

'So this is about Madeleine.'

She is silent.

'Olivia, I'm not getting involved with you and Madeleine -'

'You won't be,' she says. 'All you have to do is let us into your home for one evening and let me do the rest. Nobody will suspect you. Besides, the less you know, the better because then you can rightly say you had no idea of what I'd been planning.'

'Olivia -'

'We can be allies,' she says urgently. She reeks of desperation. 'Me and you. If I don't win the crown then I can support you. Or, if I do win the crown, I will ensure that you are given a role within my council. You can travel around the world, represent Cordonia!'

'Olivia, you're pathetic,' I spit, disgusted with her.

She goes silent. I hear her breath coming out harsh, almost like she's choking.

'I need her gone,' she whispers, her voice cracking. 'I can't have that monster on the throne. She killed Leo. I can imagine she also killed Liam as his room also smelled of vanilla when he was found.'

I can't help but gasp. 'How did you know that?'

'Leo told me,' she mutters. 'The smell of vanilla haunted him afterwards.'

We're both quiet. She is waiting for my answer. I think about Cordonia under Madeleine's rule. She would become power mad. She would be a cold queen, unfeeling.

Olivia may be a terrifying person but I know she is loyal to Cordonia and she does have some sort of emotion. I don't want her to be Queen, clearly, but anything is better than Madeleine. Especially now.

'In interviews, when asked which of your competitors you respect most, you say my name,' I dictate.

'Done,' she says.

I think to myself. 'You stop insulting me and treating me like I'm the shit on your shoe.'

'Done,' she says.

I sigh. 'I'll invite them this weekend.'

'Good,' she says. 'Oh, Kiara?'

'Yes?'

'Don't you fucking dare make me beg again.'

Camille

Drake hasn’t stopped smiling since we found out I’m pregnant. He is practically giddy. We’re going to the hospital today for a dating scan and he helps me into the car even though I don’t need assistance; he’s so eager to be supportive.

Usually our driver will take us places but today, Drake insisted on driving us himself.

‘This is the beginning of the Walker family,’ he told me. ‘I want to be like a normal family, just us and our kid. I want to drive us everywhere, do normal family things, just be Drake and Camille.’

I understand completely. We don’t want any frills or fuss about this; we want to act like a normal couple on our way to a hospital appointment.

He plays the radio station I like in the car, which is Absolute 90s. He hates 90s music but he’s put it on for me specially because he wants me to be happy. I’m so happy already, nothing can taint this joy I feel inside, but he just keeps trying. He even goes the extra mile and sings along to The Backstreet Boys. ‘Tell me whyyyyy!’

I burst out laughing and he grins at me, not caring how cheesy he is being. ‘What? I’m so fucking excited, Camille!’

I reach over and hold his hand. He squeezes it gently and I can see the kind of father he will be. Protective, loving, utter goofball. My marshmallow.

**************************************************************

‘You’re eight weeks along,’ Dr Valentina confirms. ‘So far, the baby is as big as a raspberry.’

Drake presses a kiss on my forehead and whispers, ‘Our little raspberry.’

He is so involved. He’s asking the doctor so many questions: ‘What can she eat? What does she have to avoid? Will morning sickness fade? What can I do to help?’

Dr Valentina answers every question and just when she is about to go onto something else, Drake comes up with another question. He is already so in love with our little family and I feel my heart swell as I watch him.

‘I’ll give you two a moment,’ the doctor tells us and she leaves the room. Drake turns to me and his eyes are crinkled up in the corners because he’s smiling so much.

I lean over to kiss him softly. When we part, he is still smiling.

‘I love you,’ I murmur. He reaches out to twirl a lock of my hair around his finger and his eyes roam my face, taking me in. Drake always makes me feel like he’s memorising every detail of me; like I’m not real and will fade away before he can commit my features to memory.

‘Husband and father joint first, Duke second,’ he says simply. I frown. ‘What do you mean?’

‘My priorities. You and Raspberry are my only priority. Family comes first before everything else.’ He places his hand on my stomach. ‘I’m never going to forget that. You both are everything to me.’

I blink back happy tears and place my hand on top of his. ‘So are you. Wife and mother joint first, Duchess second.’

We don’t mention the possibility of me becoming Queen. This is not the moment for that. This is our little pocket of normality which is us finding out how far along I am and how tiny our baby is. Nothing else is allowed to disrupt this peace. I just want us to continue being this happy and hopeful for our future together.

He kisses me hard, a deep, urgent kiss that conveys his absolute devotion.

‘Family first,’ he whispers.

******************************************************************************

Kiara

That weekend, the other ladies arrive at my home for an elegant dinner. I’ve chosen the finest wines and delicious cheeses for us to enjoy and the dining room is decorated with tall pillar candles. I am trying my best to conceal my nerves over what Olivia has planned. I don’t want to know what she’s doing but I wish I had some sort of idea so I could prepare.

I assume she’s asked me to host because Madeleine can’t say no. It would be rude and arrogant for her to reject my invitation; if Olivia had invited her, Madeleine would have given her the cold shoulder.

The other ladies are invited as a cover. Make this look like a dinner party but really, it’s Olivia’s revenge.

Olivia arrives first. She is wearing her usual red, a long silk red dress with a split up the thigh. Around her thigh is a holster with a dagger encased inside it; purely for show or is she intending to use it?

Around her arm is a ruby cuff that resembles a snake. It twists around her arm and glints in the candle light.

Camille arrives next. She is wearing an emerald green silk dress, rose gold heels and her hair is pulled up in her signature chignon. She always looks chic and sophisticated, which is a true feat for an American.

She and Olivia exchange awkward small talk; Camille rejects a glass of wine, instead asking for sparkling water. Our eyes meet and I give her a smile as a sort of silent congratulations.

Soon, everyone is here. Penelope arrived later than everyone which is a surprise as she is usually so prompt but I see her hair is a little dishevelled and she has a pink flush to her cheeks. I look out of the front door and see her driver, Thomas, getting back into the vehicle. I wink at Penelope and she puts her finger to her lips. ‘Shh..’ she whispers, a sneaky smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

Madeleine is wearing black. She never wears black but she is acting the part of grieving ex-fiancee so she has to stick to her role. Olivia’s eyes scan her black dress and she gives a harsh laugh, shaking her head in disgust.

We all sit down at the long table and toast our glasses together.

‘Any reason why you’re not drinking wine, Camille?’ Madeleine asks.

Camille keeps her face straight. ‘I just don’t feel like drinking, that’s all.’

‘But Kiara always has the best wine,’ Madeleine says, her eyes flashing. ‘It’s rude to reject your host’s efforts.’

Camille’s eyes widen and she looks at me, ready to apologise, but I shake my head. ‘Don’t worry, Camille,’ I say. ‘I’m not offended at all.’

She gives me a grateful smile and sips her water.

‘I think you’re lying,’ Madeleine continues. ‘It’s just us girls. Let’s be honest!’

She is trying to get a rise out of Camille but she forgets that Camille is usually level headed and has been trained by the best to always smile while gritting your teeth.

‘Well, if you want to start talking about honesty, Madeleine..’ Olivia says, her voice laced with venom.

Madeleine blinks. ‘Whatever do you mean?’

She blinks again, trying to look like Bambi. Olivia looks like she wants to launch herself across the table at her rival. Instead, she stands up and struts out of the room, her head held high.

Olivia

I pick up my handbag and go into the kitchen. Spotting a servant, I beckon them over.

'Serve this to Madeleine,' I instruct, taking the bottle I've brought with me out of my bag. 'She'll love this wine.'

The servant looks too terrified of me to ask what I'm doing in the kitchen or why I'm handing them this suspicious bottle. This is when being feared becomes a positive thing. People do what you want, no questions asked.

The servant takes the bottle and I turn on my heel back into the hallway. I'm about to re-enter the dining room when a familiar voice behind me stops me in my tracks.

'Hey, trouble.'

I turn slowly to see Leo.

I collapse against the wall. My heart is pounding and my skin breaks out in a sweat. I'm seeing things, I'm definitely seeing things. He is leaning against the opposite wall, arms crossed with his lazy smile on his face. He's wearing a white shirt, the top three buttons open, and black trousers. It's what he was wearing when Kiara found him.

I close my eyes, willing him to disappear, and open them again. He's gone.

I turn back towards the dining room but the cold air around me has me frozen and the hairs on the back of my neck stand up as I hear Leo whisper in my ear, 'Be careful, my love.'

********************************************

Penelope

I'm day dreaming again. I can't help it. Madeleine started insulting Hana and I zoned out, my automatic reaction when it comes to Madeleine and her bitchy comments.

I think about Thomas. He is waiting outside for me in the car, doing his job as my parents ask. But what they don't know is that I was in the back seat with him before I knocked on Kiara's door. I straddled his lap and fucked him hard.

'Now both Rhys brothers are dead, surely there will be an investigation?' Hana asks, breaking into my thoughts.

Madeleine scoffs. 'Investigation into what?'

'Well, they were both found in their beds,' Hana says, her voice sharp. 'Bit suspicious, isn't it?'

'I think Leo would want us to move forward,' Madeleine tells her. 'He wouldn't want us to dwell on the past.'

Olivia comes back into the room and let's out a cold laugh. 'Is that why you're wearing black, Maddie?'

Madeleine's lip curls in contempt. 'Don't call me that.'

Olivia sits down and stares at Madeleine. 'I can call you what I want. Maddie. Mads. Bitch. Desperate. Murderer.'

We all start at this last word.

I see Kiara's eyes widen and she scrambles trying to move the conversation on -'More wine!- but we are all fixated on Olivia's accusation.

Madeleine looks like a fish out of water. 'Don't call me that.'

Olivia raises an eyebrow. 'What? Which word? Desperate? Murderer?'

'WINE!' Kiara calls out. The servants come rushing in with a tray of glasses filled with wine and set them out in front of us. Camille rejects hers and picks up her glass of water.

Kiara

I need this to calm down but I know that Olivia and Madeleine are too far gone. I didn't expect Olivia to call out Madeleine with such an accusation. I curse myself. Usually, I'm good at reading people and situations. I should have expected this to blow up. Why else did Olivia want to invite her?

Olivia picks up her glass to do a toast. Everyone follows suit, too scared to say anything.

'To Leo,' Olivia says. 'May he rest in peace.'

We all say, 'To Leo,' except Madeleine who tosses her wine down her throat.

Olivia stares at Madeleine with a look of pure hatred and something else etched on her face before speaking.

'May he rest knowing he hasn't died in vain.'

Hana

Madeleine's face turns purple. Literally purple.

'Um, guys..' I say, pointing at her. 'Madeleine.'

Madeleine begins to choke and she brings her hand around her neck, spluttering and coughing. 'Help..' she croaks.

'Nobody can help you now,' Olivia tells her, sipping more of her wine.

I turn to her. 'Olivia, what have you done?'

She shrugs. 'What I should have done ages ago.'

I look at Kiara who has gone white. I see everyone around this table has gone white.

'We have to do something!' I scream. I forget that I hate Madeleine and she makes me feel like shit. Her life is at stake, she is choking.

I get up to help. Camille is on her feet also, shaking, and we are all shouting at once, panicking while Madeleine chokes some more.

She falls to the floor.

'Oh god, oh god!' Camille shouts, rushing over to get on her knees. 'Do I roll her over?! She'll choke on her back -'

'She's choking anyway,' Olivia drawls. 'She'll be dead in a minute.'

Madeleine's fingernails claw at the floor and a horrible sound emits from her throat. Tears are pouring down my face as I get down beside Camille, who has rolled Madeleine onto her side.

Kiara is screaming at Olivia.

'This was your plan?! You were going to poison her?!'

'Yes, this was my plan,' Olivia replies. 'Deal with it.'

Kiara

I'm furious. I knew Olivia was planning something but not this. I didn't expect poison. I didn't expect to see Madeleine fighting for her life.

'I thought you would only make her tell the truth, not poison her!' I scream, unable to calm down. 'You're just as bad as she is!'

'How do you know she murdered Leo?' Penelope bursts out. She's holding onto the edge of the table, tears falling down her cheeks. 'What proof do you have?'

Olivia whips around to speak but is interrupted by Hana.

'She's dead.'

We all look down at Madeleine who is lying still. Foam has frothed at her mouth and her eyes are open and like glass.

Camille has pressed her hands against her mouth, stifling sobs. 'Oh no.. Oh no..' she whispers.

Her hands then go down to her stomach and she turns on Olivia.

'I'm pregnant!' she screams. 'What if that drink had been given to me?!'

'You've been rejecting wine all evening, it's fine,' Olivia says, rolling her eyes. 'You wouldn't have been killed accidentally.'

Camille's breath comes out shallow. She looks like she's going to pass out.

Hana's eyes narrow at Olivia. 'If you're right and she killed Leo, you're just as bad as she is.'

Olivia is on her feet now. 'I know she did because she was the last person he saw the night before he died! The room smelled of vanilla which is HER scent! You know what other room smelled of vanilla? LIAM'S! She killed both of them in cold blood! She needed to be stopped!'

'You didn't have to kill her!' Penelope shrieks, joining in. 'You could have reported her to the police, got her investigated! But no, instead you had to be typical Olivia and resort to violence!'

'Oh, do shut up Penelope,' Olivia droans. 'It's done.'

'Why did you involve us?' Hana asks. 'We can just go to the police and tell them what you have done.'

We all look at Olivia who's face is hard to read. But I know that she doesn't feel remorse.

'If you go to the police,' she says, 'you'll have a similar fate to that murderer at our feet.'

'You're disgusting,' Camille chokes out. 'You're not even human.'

Olivia's eyes flash.

'I did what I had to do. Accept it.'

#trr fanfic #olivia nevrakis #hana lee #camille montespan #choices fanfiction

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