#does godfrey have to help him get courted?

[thefirsteldenlord]

A thousand years have you been gone. And yet your son Morgott, an old man now, is still a virgin.

"Ehhh...?" He was taken aback by the comment. The old man broke his eternal scowl to show an expression of suprise and even slight embarrassment. He could have gone his whole tarnished life without knowing that...

"Mayhaps he's saving himself for the right maiden?" He stammered. They still do stuff like that, right?

[forgottenedmund]

I love your novels -- I AM HERE FOR THIS <3

I'm also CRYING!!! because I feel like Edmund feels as though he needs to be wary of his mom and his dad and even his siblings trying to manipulate him into doing what they want him to do, but I don't think he's every really worried about that so much from Godfrey, who he definitely has always trusted more than any other adult figure in his life, so the fact that Godfrey would be plotting all of this and using Edmund as a literal pawn is TRAGIC!!!!! (i'm so on board!!!)

Of course, it iS stemming from a place of love lmao and also the desire to create a better world for everyone b/c he trusts Edmund to lead such an existence but STILL!!!!

That being said, I can definitely see where Edmund might have told Godfrey about Rose. Perhaps not that he's in love w/ her or anything, but Godfrey def knows how much he enjoys her company and he's probably also eluded to the fact that he is here for Astairan rights to remain as much in tact as possible -- which would also fit into this narrative that Godfrey may ultimately plan out. Edmund is, on his own, already a lowkey advocate for the people of Astaira.

Eeeee!!! honestly godfrey teaching edmund secretly gives me life!! Especially since those are such private moments, y'know, that exist between the two of them w/o the eyes of the court constantly on Edmund!!! It's sorta the same kinda relief that he gets being w/ the Malconaires! It's nice not being on display all the time where you feel like literally every move you make / every breathe you take / they'll be watching you ;D

But no -- I also love the idea that Godfrey has actually encouraged Edmund to hide his skills -- smthg Edmund is only too willing to do!! TBH, he's hoping one day he can actually beat Arthur just b/c Arthur won't see it coming, even if Arthur is still far and away the better swordsmen ... (meanhile godfrey out here hoping Edmund can use it to KILL arthur if it comes to it #whoops!)

I also agree that Edmund shouldn't know the lengths Godfrey is willing to go to here -- it would definitely change their relationship/alter the trust Edmund has in him (not to mention just cause severe psychological distress b/c there goes the literal only person edmund felt like he could trust his entire life!!!)

I do agree that whatever the Calainon situation was like, prior to this, that it was not a good one. I feel like Amira did single-handedly pull them from a bad situation w/ her marriage to Roderick and propelled them all into a comfortable spot. I also agree that Tristan is probably the best of them -- but also probably only because he was allowed to be, because both Godfrey and Amira are the sort to do whatever they need to do to get shit done. Def big ends justify the means people and b/c Tristan had both of them looking out for him, he had the luxury of not ever having to be like that!

alskfjaslfjlasfjlajsf OH MY GOD!!! I love all of these things that Godfrey has been out here teaching Edmund, b/c it also just works so well w/ who he is as a person??? I do feel like he's sorta struggled with the ~acts of charity~ bit, because he is a naturally distrusting person and having lived in so many places where the people literally hate them b/c they've literally just been conquered, hasn't done much to spark sympathy from Edmund! Like he does know that there are many good people among them -- people he would like to help but it's easy to overlook their suffering from his position, y'know?

Plus, I feel like teenaged Edmund definitely spent a lot of time in his room with his books and whatever the medieval equivalent is of drowning out the world by wearing headphones 24/7. Until he started helping his dad w/ the war strategies, I think Edmund felt he was a failure, since he was constantly getting defeated so publicly by his brothers (tbh I feel like Sebastian once let him win but it was so clear that he did that it was an even bigger humiliation to Edmund than if he had just straight out lost, and their relationship definitely soured a little after that!) I think he certainly severely struggled with his self-confidence to the point where it probably even gave him some social anxiety. He probably would donate to charitable causes in his name, but you wouldn't ever really catch Edmund out there doing things for the people, unless his mom/uncle made him.

Since then, he's definitely gained self-confidence and although he still despises his weaknesses, he knows that he's not worthless and he feels that he has proved himself, at least to a point. But I also feel like there's been a lot of self-entitlement that he has, just b/c of who his dad is/and his general position in life that has sorta kept him from being quite the advocate for the people that Godfrey knows he can be. And while I'm sure whatever stories Godfrey has told him of his own childhood has helped w/ this, I don't think he's really truly cared until he's met Rose? Like she's the first person he's befriended who is from a conquered land and even though she's still nobility, she's acted as a bridge between his world and the world of those less fortunate. So I feel like she's been instrumental in Edmund finally learning that last lesson and it's because he's finally getting out in the world and not only seeing the Malconaires, but also their servants and the people in the towns he passes on the way there, etc. etc.

And yeah, if there's anyone who is gonna get him really passionate about doing charity work, it's Rose! Besides, if she like ever made him aware of a poor family that was struggling or something, it's also an excuse that they could like go together and bring them food and supplies, etc. etc. which would also unwittingly work SO WELL for Godfrey's ultimate plan to shape Edmund as a person of the Astairan people!!!

but also I'm realizing that Godfrey is probably a big reason Edmund keeps his siblings at an arm's length??? Like he knows his mom hates all of them, but it is clear that she hates them because she lets her emotions get in the way? And w/ Godfrey, it is clear he doesn't hate them, he just knows the position that Edmund is in, and unfortunately they are all pawns in the same game and if Edmund wants to win, he cannot trust them fully/has to be willing to expose their weaknesses ... all under the guise that this is for the greater good to do so/the people need to know that the best ruler for them is Edmund!

OOC | Godfrey & Edmund

nephew!!! godfrey honestly can't wait for the day that edmund is emperor!! he's got a lot of ideas about how the empire can be run more smoothly and like???? god, he's so weird idek how to explain sdafjklsdjf ok so i feel like godfrey is a really weiRD mix of characteristics like???? he's cutthroat and ruthless but he's also innovative and altruistic, like he legit wants to make the world a better place!!!!! but mostly bc he thinks its a black terrible place and he thinks it'll take a monster to carve a paradise out of the muck basically????? and he aint afraid to make the world a lot worse on his way to the top to do that?????? lskjflasjdkfjf

anyway uncle godfrey out here literally willing to lie cheat steal and kill to get edmund on the throne!!!! and then he's gonna do everything it takes to realize his vision of a better future like????? he's so weird idek let's blame the witch grandma bc its always good to blame the witch </3

i feel like godfrey and amira and tristan had a really tough time growing up, saw some really bad stuff, and godfrey is convinced that he needs to cleanse this world and, thanks to edmund, he can! thanks, bud! and i think he's like 'they can hate me, but my children will have a better future ahead than i ever did etc' but!!! i don't think he is ~just team edmund bc edmund's his nephew (tho that's not nothing to him!), i think he genuinely believes in edmund and thinks he's brilliant and capable and is the ideal princeling to help him achieve his ends!! and godfrey can be his pet monster, cleansing this world for him w fire and sword!!

but all that being said, i ALSO think that godfrey legit loves his nephew v much and is super proud of him and protective of him and always has his back in his own particular distant and scheming way!!

im also toying w the notion that, given his witchy grandma, he may know about the guardians BUT, if so, i lowkey think he might actually be in favor of the apocalypse like -- i think he might actually lowkey be egging on roderick about his monotheistic religion intentionally to bring that on bc that would be a v effective cleansing reset for this wicked world and after that anyone left can help clean up whatever's left over alkjsfkjlsdfjksf BUT he wants to get safeguards in place first -- like, godfrey aint letting his family members get swallowed by the apocalypse so i feel like he's building various stuff into his new keep but!!! anyway!!! idk!!!! it depends a lil on what the mythos about the apocalypse is like if there's no chance for humanity if that happens then he's def against it hahaha -- also, alternately, he might not believe in any of that stuff at all and might just think their grandma was a crazy old hag and there are no gods whatsoever, even monstrous ones etc idk aljskdfkjdsfjk

but yeah basically the cojent points here are that he's messed up af and wants to make the world a better place...by lowkey destroying it -- like, he does terrible things and legit believes he's doing it for the greater good, he wants his nephew to rule, and finally in his own bizarre way he loves his fam v much and would do anything for them but its complicated bc he's hella messed up asdljfkdskjfkljsf so yeah yet another super mentally healthy family member for edmund over here lkajsdfljksdjfjsdkfl

[lichdragon-fortissax]

Hey! Love your analysis of Elden Ring lore, especially Morgott. So I'd like to hear your thoughts too. I'm very interested in The Shattering and the way Morgott goes about it. How someone from the sewers suddendly had to hold of a major war and grip the politics of court. There is a great theory video on YouTube by Hawkshaw that talks about Perfumers and mentions how they use fire for battle even though it was strictly forbbiden. That was most certanly Morgotts doing, having to use whatever resource he had. Just imagining how difficult it must have been to convince some noble fanatics to use fire and himself as well, since that isn't just against the Order but the Erdtree itself. Not only that, but actualy turning the order that helped people and even Omen and Misbegotten into war figures, that became so good at it Morgott was apointing some as leaders, must have been a moral conflict.

Oh, and the spear things in the trailer, their war use explained in the video (to spread, usualy poison, mists in the enemy ranks), I belive were before used by Perfumers in rooms to nicely spread the plesant concoctions. So just imagining some noble asking Morgott how does he intended to use the perfumes in the battlefileds and his eye just darting to that in the corner of the room "Stick it on a stick and just blast it lmao" It worked.

I don't watch any lore videos on youtube (mostly bc I like coming up with interpretations of my own nowadays), but tbh I think that the point Hawkshaw brought up about embracing forbidden tactics is actually the key behind Morgott's success as a ruler. We see from the draconic tree sentinel and many of the Leyndell knights that the arts of the dragon cult are accepted, even though they are heretical, so it's not too far off to assume that similar previously-forbidden arts were given a pardon as long as they were used to benefit the Erdtree. The Night's Cavalry also appear to use a magic that's not tied to the Golden Order, the Misbegotten have been armed even though they're still relegated to a poorer part of the city/segregated from the other armies, and, like you said, the perfumers use fire arts, despite them being previously forbidden. All of this was probably quite unpopular at first, but the advantages that they offered were too good to be turned down. And it probably allowed Morgott to get away with other little things, such as giving cloaks to the omen soldiers and weapons to the ones in the sewers, though I feel like breaking their chains was probably something that still had to be done in secret.

Honestly, I think that Morgott's loyalty lies only to the Erdtree, not the Golden Order, because even if he hates himself, most of his actions are all about defending the Erdtree/the Lands Between themselves rather than holding to the Golden Order's standards. Which, given the fact that Godfrey raised him and was all about that crucible magic, kind of makes a lot of sense

Likewise, Marika's most recent children (Miquella and Malenia) were cursed with ill health, so the populace of the city probably wouldn't have cared too much about their ruler being rarely seen, though I can see the appointing of 'Margit' to have raised some stink before people got used to a big Omen hulking about- either that or Margit absolutely ruining any and all invaders made them shut up and turn a blind eye to such blemishes

[alj4890]

Hi you are awesome! Got an ask. What do you think will happen if the gang found out that Barthelemy along the others involved was behind Queen Eleanor's deat, just after days of him threatening to take the Princess and be a regent?I want to know Liam's POV on it.

Aww!!! Thank you ☺Honestly, I think Liam would have figured it out when he realized the goblet was from both Godfrey and Barthelemy. He was the one to devote his free time to secretly study the effects of poisons and ways it could be administered. Once the group found his mother's secret room, I think it would have all come together in his mind. For your request though, I will try and show Liam's reaction if he discovered the connection after Barthelemy's threat. Plus, I think this is one circumstance where he wouldn't want to involve the others. To be able to capture his mother's murderer would be something he would want to do himself with the help of his king's guards.

@gkittylove99 @darley1101 @krsnlove @kingliam2019 @texaskitten30 @yourmajesty09 @mom2000aggie @ofpixelsandscribbles @twinkleallnight @lodberg @twinkleallnight @amandablink @neotericthemis @mm2305

Masterlist

Subversion

"I've got you." Liam gently took his wife's trembling form into his arms.

The nightmares were getting out of hand.

Ever since Maxwell's father had threatened to take their daughter from them, Riley's nerves were shot. She tried so hard to put on a brave face during the day, but when night came across the land, she fell apart.

Tears slipped down her cheeks as she held fast to Liam. Her breaths hitched at the thought of Barthelemy Beaumont winning in the end.

"How did he get so many of the court on his side?" She whispered. "After all we've done for them!"

Liam rested his cheek on top of her head. "I don't know."

"He's been gone for what...fifteen, twenty years or so?" She grumbled. "We saved the country from Justin. We secured the throne with Eleanor's birth." Her anger began to overcome her fear. "And these traitors do this to us?!"

"The court serves its on purposes." He explained. "They always have. It is rare to find a truly selfless noble amongst the group."

Riley left his arms to reach for a tissue on her nightstand. "I saw how selfish they could be during your bride search."

She blew her nose softly before a frown firmed her lips. "I mean, the whole reason Bertrand wanted me to win you was so House Beaumont could be restored, reputation wise. He said he also wanted to see us happy, but now I doubt it."

Liam listened quietly as she went through her nightly rants of those that had betrayed them. She then went into a litany of how ridiculous it was that they had to travel with a one year old to their homes in the hopes of swaying their fickle minds back in their favor.

Before long, she had worn herself out and began to doze off. He held her until he felt her slow deep breaths. Easing his arms away, he crept out of their bedroom.

As had been his nightly ritual for the past year, he first went to the nursery.

His lips curved over his one year old daughter's tendency to cocoon herself in her blankets. Eleanor's head and that of the purple stuffed bunny she loved to sleep with were the only things visible.

He tenderly brushed her hair from her forehead as he gazed upon his most prized possession. His inner resolve hardened with the vow that nothing would ever take her from him and Riley.

On his way out of the nursery, he paused to pet Chance. The sweet corgi seemed to almost understand that something was going on and that he needed to guard the little princess. Lady Luck and their puppies were curled up at the foot of the toddler bed, being the next line of defense if Chance failed.

Liam quietly closed the door and continued downstairs. He nodded briefly to the guards that were stationed at various points along the halls and staircase. None seemed surprised by their king up at such a late hour.

Why should they, when he had been doing this for a year now?

Liam met Bastien in his study. The older man handed him a steaming cup of coffee, before sitting down across from him.

The workspace between them was covered with pictures, reports, and test results.

"Anything new?" Liam asked.

"I received this from one of my underground informants." Bastien handed over a set of photographs. "And I uncovered this report through the help of the queen mother. We came across this while going through your late father's personal files."

Liam's lips firmed into a thin line as he flipped through the old photographs. Barthelemy had made a wide variety of friends during his supposed' "coma".

"Is that...?" Liam handed the picture over.

"It is, sir." Bastien reached across the table for another set of photographs. "Lord Barthelemy along with Godfrey had been developing close ties with both the Nevarkis family and those that raised the leader of The Sons of the Earth."

"I see." Liam tapped his fingers against his mug. "So our initial theory was correct. Godfrey didn't act alone when my mother was poisoned."

"In all honesty sir, I never thought he had the stomach for such an act." Bastien frowned over the picture of the late Queen Eleanor that also showed Jackson Walker in the background. "Of the two friends of your father, I suspected Barthelemy."

Liam looked up. "You did?"

Bastien shrugged. "I was the junior agent when the first attack on your mother failed. Jackson told me only what was relevant." His eyes narrowed in memory. "He said it was for her protection that I wasn't told more. Now I think he and your mother were hoping to not put anyone else at risk with what they were uncovering."

Liam focused once more on the last picture his mother had taken. It was the very ball in which she received the poisoned golden goblet. He felt that familiar breath aching pain in his heart. She had missed so much of his life. His growing up, his marriage, his child.

He wanted to destroy the men responsible for this. He wanted vengeance for his mother and all the lives affected by her death.

He wanted them to suffer as he had. As his late father had.

They deserved it. They deserved so much more agony than a mere prison sentence or swift death could give.

He knew it was wrong, but he hoped Barthelemy resisted being captured. Then the king's guards could use other methods to apprehend him.

Godfrey's capture had not given him the satisfaction that Liam needed. Something had always felt off when he thought of the fastidious former Duke of Karlington. He just couldn't believe the man had acted alone.

"I believe we have enough evidence with this last report." Bastien handed him another sheet of paper. "Queen Amalas sent this along with her regards."

Liam read through the many sheets.

This was it. This was the final nail to Barthelemy Beaumont's coffin.

Liam stood up. "Prepare the guards. We are going to Ramsford immediately."

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

Duchy Ramsford, at the first blush of dawn...

"We have every inch surrounded, sir." Bastien whispered.

"Good." Liam squared his shoulders. He tried to itch his side, but encountered nothing but the Kevlar vest his guards insisted he wear. "Let's go."

The pair, flanked by four more guards walked up to the front door and banged on it.

A sleepy servant appeared, perplexed to see the king standing on the steps.

Liam and Bastien pushed past him, stating they were there for kingdom business, and began to climb the stairs.

Their footsteps were silent as they checked each room they came to.

Having finally come to the family wing of the manor, they opened the door to the room where the culprit slept.

Before the old man had a chance to come fully awake, he was handcuffed and shoved out into the hallway.

"What is the meaning of this?" Barthelemy yelled. "How dare you come into my room in such a manner?"

Bertrand and Savannah rushed out, only to stop in surprise at the sight before them.

"Barthelemy Beaumont." Liam's voice held a sinister edge. "For crimes against the royal family and Cordonia, I hereby sentence you to death."

"What?" Barthelemy dropped his easy going mien he had maintained since he first reappeared.

Something more dark and evil took over his features. "You do not have the power to do that, King Liam. You gave the Council those rights. Now that you're family is under attack, you think getting rid of me will stop them from taking the princess away?" He snorted in derision. "Even if you find a way to kill me, others will make certain neither you nor that pitiful excuse for a queen ever see Princess Eleanor again."

"I do not think any noble will fight my decision once they see your list of crimes Liam's blue eyes blazed with fury.

He began to approach the man who had formulated the plan to kill his mother. The man who had blackmailed numerous nobles so that they were forced to support him. The very man trying once more to destroy his family and take the crown from him.

Barthelemy snarled at him "You know nothing of my supporters." His chin lifted in triumph. "There are many outside of Cordonia who would love to see me take the throne as Prince Regent."

Liam's slow, deliberate steps caused Barthelemy to shrink back. He stumbled over his own feet as he was backed into a corner.

His eyes were wild as he looked for anyone who might possibly be on his side.

"Bertrand! As the Duke of Ramsford, you must stop him before he--"

His son shook his head. "House Ramsford has always stood behind King Liam and Queen Riley." He felt Savannah's hand slip into his to help him through this. "Anyone, be them blood relation or friend, who does not will become an enemy of this duchy."

Barthelemy began to spew insults upon his son. His hatred and disgust was then directed to both of his progeny having failed him in every possible way.

Bertrand didn't flinch or even appear to hear the diatribe directed towards him. He instead reported his own investigation into his father's activities.

"Forgive me, your majesty." His voice was hoarse with emotion. "I had to make it look like I had truly turned against you and our queen to make my father more open about his plans. I have all the information you might need for what he intended to do to take the princess away in my bedroom's safe."

"Traitor!" Barthelemy struggled anew against his handcuffs and the guards holding him. "How dare you betray your own blood--"

Liam punched him, knocking out the old man with an uppercut. A blessed silence followed his drop.

Bertrand stared dispassionately upon his father's crumpled form, then turned on his heel, leading Bastien to the safe.

Liam took long, deep breaths to calm himself down. The urge to continue to beat the man at his feet was strong.

He remembered every tear shed in the dark over his mother. Every need for a hug from her. Every holiday memory without her. Every single worry and secret he had longed to share with her.

He then thought of the miserable years he and Riley would have had without their daughter. Every single moment without her sweet smile. Missing each milestone. Being denied the right to even speak to her. No hugs. No kisses for skinned knees or bad dreams. No playtime. No chance of checking on her during the night.

He never knew he could hate a man as much as he did Barthelemy Beaumont.

How had such a man fathered two of Cordonia's most loyal noblemen?

Liam realized he should be grateful for the late Annabelle Beaumont and her sweetness overshadowing all that this man tried to teach them.

It would have hurt even more so, if Maxwell and Bertrand had betrayed him.

"Your majesty?"

Liam lifted his eyes and took the folder filled with all Bertrand had uncovered. It was enough to put his father away for multiple life sentences.

"Sir, I hope..." Bertrand's shoulders drooped. "Do you think Riley will understand why I did what I did?"

"I do." Liam placed a grateful hand on his shoulder. "Thank you, for this and for your continued loyalty."

Bertrand bowed his head, unable to speak from his own relief that it was at last over.

The guards dragged a still unconscious Barthelemy down the stairs and into the back of an armored truck.

Liam and Bastien followed close behind.

The king took a deep breath of the early morning's crisp air. The sun beginning to shine reminded him that this was indeed a new day...one in which he could return to his family victorious, knowing they were once more safe.

[forgottengodfrey]

elizabeth!! i love this!!! ok, so godfrey's got lots going on! on one hand, he's honorable and trustworthy and on the other, he's anything but, and it's really weird bc its the noble part of him that's motivating the bad he does here and lkasjdfkjdf so like???? honestly good luck, ciara lksdajfkjsdf at least he's not ugly and offputting and boring and old, like she expected her future hubby to be???? and omg i love the idea that they've got that chemistry bc of these similarities of character and temperament -- like, im picturing them making each other laugh and like...just having this kind of shorthand they share bc of those shared characteristics yknow???

as for him flirting w others, he'd probs only do so if it serves a greater purpose which...probs doesn't make it any easier, but pragmatism is def a big trait of his and he's got his fingers in all sorts of intrigues i have no doubts whatsoever hahaha bc he's literally doing everything he can to set up edmund to win a varmont civil war he sees in the offing

ok so im thinking maybe they ~were friends before the engagement, just bc she's obv a clever woman, and he would honestly help her so her knowing and trusting in that could be really interesting imo, esp if it then later gets challenged as she sees more and more of the other side of him idk! but also im totally cool if it was a wild and impulsive move that worked out at least first and then??? was that a mistake!!? they both have sm potential!

i feel like godfrey and amira and tristan grew up relying on themselves and e/o, and so godfrey knows firsthand that women are just as capable as men, and while he might not love the idea of his fiancee or anyone he cares about putting themselves in this position, he's also realistic abt her competency and respects her choice to do it, as well, esp when it does give him an extremely valuable tool for what's coming. i mean, a direct pipeline to the astairan resistance when he's staring down a ruinous civil war that he'd do just abt anything to win is invaluable, not to mention the trust that roderick will invest in him for being able to supply information abt them etc, trust which will enhance his position and therefore the chances of his faction at court, etc. and yassss! godfrey has hella problems, don't get me wrong, but i do think he does view her as an equal, and this whole thing as a general positive for their married life bc if they can work together on this, then that seems as promising to him as it does to her.

all this being said, i do think he might ultimately use this info in a way she doesn't necessarily want??? like, he's def got his own intrigues going and if their motives don't align w all of that -- esp as she's questioning everything -- that could lead to some tension etc too bc godfrey sees all as in service of his ultimate goal, and ciara seems to maybe have a more nuanced pov on justice and what's right rather than an ends-justify-the-means kind of outlook like godfrey has? esp if she doesn't even agree w his ends?

speaking of which...what is her take on the three-for-one family situation roderick's got going, and his refusal so far to name an heir? o bv she's still wrestling w astaira vs varmont and all of that, but i wondered if she had a particularly opinion on ~that specifically?

also i love hanthom having been her grandparents/her mom's first home!! i def think roderick would think that extremely tidy and he was probs declared earl when their engagement was announced, im thinking? also, how long do we think they've been engaged, and do we think it was arranged or came together by choice? (I mean, obv either way, since she's a varmont roderick would have to approve it etc but yknow)

ooc | Ciara & Godfrey

honestly so much to unpack here lakjdlajfldjaf

okay, so first thing -- idk how long they have been engaged, but I do think that ciara was relatively happy with the match? godfrey is handsome and charming and fun and young (honestly a lot of traits she didn't think that her future husband would necessarily have???) I'm not sure that she loves him, but she definitely thinks she could love him? I do imagine that they have some good times together, since they are both kind charming/flirtatious/witty and they probably play off of each other nicely? (sidenote though, if he still flirts w/ other girls, it would def make ciara jealous although she'd try to hide that i think it might be obvious haha)

the second thing -- is the whole spy thing ha! I do think that she went to godfrey w/ it, because she trusts him (or at least hopes she can trust him). in hindsight, I think she feels she was probably kinda reckless in going to him w/ something so serious and important if they only know each other on a superficial level (however if they were friends before the engagement, that might change things?)

either way, I think that one of the main reasons she went to him and not her bro/her dad (and certainly NOT Roderick), was because she hoped that he would trust her enough to handle this (even if it was his ambition that ultimately tipped the scales in her favor haha) Because I think that her dad & bro would be like absoulutley not!! it's too dangerous!! And Roderick & co wouldn't trust her to do something so important b/c she's a woman -- but I think she would hope that perhaps Godfrey would. Plus them actually working together as a team on this, is a good pre-marriage exercise in trust/respect/working together ;D (not that this really factored, but I do think she hoped that he would see her more of an equal than he might have otherwise done)

The ironic thing is, if this IS a test, she's honestly the one that is failing hahaha!

(I also have a headcannon that the earldom that godfrey now has here in asteria once belonged to ciara's grandparents (now deceased)/is where her mom grew up??)

[flowerpowelltales]

Until You Hate Me (Liam x MC)

PART THREE - THE BEGINNING

A/N: Yes, I do feel ashamed I forgot about this series for TWO years. I also am aware most of you, who have been tagged, dont even remember ever reading this series. If you’d like to be taken off the taglist just let me know because I don’t want to bother anyone. If you want a refresher - it’s the series where Regina pays Riley to be the worst suitor ever so that in two weeks, Liam would have to marry someone Regina picked for him. Previous parts are on my masterlist. Shoutout to the Nonny who motivated me to write this part. Hope y’all enjoy! Characters belong to PB. 

Rating: G

Word count: 1692

Tagging: @gardeningourmet @delightfullypinkglitter @blackcatkita @badchoicesposts @jared2612 @princess-geek @desiree-pow-35-1986​ @emichelle​ @ao719​ @cordoniantrash @kinggliam @needalittlerain @flyawayboo @nazariortega @jlpplays1 @kimmiedoo5 @annekebbphotography​ @ladyangel70​ @eadanga​ @kingliam2019​ @nz1091​ @emceesynonymroll @texaskitten30 @mskaneko​ @custaroonie @drakesensworld​ @janezillow @ritachacha​ @lodberg​ @msjr0119​ @gkittylove99​ @sweatyrysconnoisseur​ @dcbbw​ @potter1-7harry​

“Welcome to Cordonia,” Liam said when the Royal Jet finally landed. He looked at Riley warily as she took in the sights. The flight was a total disaster and made him rethink his whole life. If he hadn’t known better he’d think she wanted to sabotage his mission.

“Looks sick,” she said and Liam sighed.

“Liam, Riley, the car is here. Come before anyone spots us.” Regina nodded towards their driver.

“Whoa, we have our own driver? That’s mad!”

Regina raised an eyebrow in a ‘do-not-overdo-it’ manner but Riley ignored it. For her it was either go hard or go home. Literally, because if she failed she’d go home with no money.

The ride from the private airport to the palace was silent; Riley was admiring the views, Liam was thinking if he made the right choice and Regina was already planning Liam’s wedding to Madeleine.

When they arrived, Regina excused herself and went straight into her office.

“What do you think?” Liam asked politely when they were the only two left.

“It looks so… majestic. Like something I’d expect a palace look like but at the same time like something I wouldn’t expect. It’s gorgeous.”

Liam turned to her stunned by her words. What happened to “sick” and “mad”? Maybe it wouldn’t be that bad, after all.

“Come inside,” he said and extended his hands towards her. She took it and then gasped at the interior.

“It’s so regal and so big and oof—” Riley was almost knocked out by a small, fluffy ball that jumped at her.

“Ah, this is Chance, Maxwell’s dog. He must feel you’re a good person because he is never that happy about strangers.” Liam smiled as he leaned to take her coat. She handed it to him and when Liam walked away to hang it, she bent over to Chance. 

“Hey, buddy! I’m super flattered you like me but can you please bite me or start barking at me so Liam doesn’t think I’m good?” She asked and Chance titled his head in confusion. “You see,” she lowered her voice, “I have a mission to complete.”

When Chace still couldn’t understand, Riley tried to speak his language.

“Woof woof woof woof,” she barked at Chance in low voice.

“Um… is everything okay, lady Riley?” Liam asked, suddenly appearing behind her. Shoot.

“Mhm. Just talking to that cute little muffin. And please, call me Riley. I’m no lady.”

“If you insist. Would you like to see your room?”

“Sure! Does it have a mini fridge? I bet it’s totally dope!”

Liam shook his head in disbelief. Riley changed her mood every few minutes. He couldn’t figure her out. Sometimes she was serious and really fun to talk to but then she changed again and acted like a spoiled teenager.

“Here we are.” Liam motioned the room when they finally reached the guest chamber. “It doesn’t have a mini fridge but you can call any of the staff members to ask for whatever you’d like, anytime.”

“Cool.”

“Ah, Liam! Riley! I am so glad to see you both here!” Regina exclaimed with a smiled on her face. “We have a dinner today with a few of our friends. Liam, please help lady Riley to prepare for it.”

“Of course, Regina. Who are we expecting?” Liam asked.

“Duchess Olivia Nevrakis, Lord Neville, Duchess Adelaide, her daughter and Duke Godfrey, lady Hana Lee and her parents, and a few of the court members.”

Liam nodded politely but started to panic internally. Lord Neville, Godfrey and Adelaide weren’t exactly the first people he wanted Riley to be introduced to. He knew too well how they treated commoners and how awful they could be. He had only about two hours before the dinner to go through the royal protocol, table manners, dress code and how to address who. When he looked up at Riley he noticed she was already studying him.

“Everything’s alright?”

“Yes, it is. I just thought we would have more time before your debut.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that! I was born ready!” she said reassuringly, which, ironically, made Liam even less reassured.

~~~~

“So when I see Hana Lee’s dad I should say ‘ni hao’, right?”

“Correct! And can you please repeat how you would address Duchess Olivia?”

“Your Grace,” Riley replied.

“Exactly. And Lord Neville?”

“…Also your Grace?”

“Yes. How would you address me, then?”

“Your Majesty?”

“No, Majesty is used for Kings and Queens. I’m not a King yet so I ought to be addressed ‘your Highness’.”

“So Regina is her Majesty?” Riley asked.

“Precisely. Now, what is my title?”

“Prince?”

“Full title.”

“Prince Louis of Cordonia.”

“Ye—What? What Louis?”

“Your name isn’t Louis?”

“No,” he shook his head. “It’s Liam.”

“Oh, right! Sorry, I’ve always had a problem with remembering names.”

Liam smiled but wanted to scream. Remembering names was probably one of the most important things Riley had to learn. And she forgot even his.

“Let me get this straight, when I talk to you I always have to use ‘your highness’?”

“When we’re with nobility, yes. It shows respect. When there’s only me and you, or friends and family, you can call me by my name,” he explained.

“Which is Louis!”

“Liam,” he corrected. Again.

“Sorry! Sorry!” Riley apologized. “I’ll just need something to associate you with… Oh! I know! I used to listen to One Direction a lot and Liam was the name of one of the singers! I liked him a lot!”

“Whatever works for you.” Liam smiled, feeling less and less enthusiastic about his mission.

~~~~

Two hours and three braincell losses later, Riley was walking arm in arm with Liam, into the ballroom. She was wearing a very expensive dress, more expensive than everything she owned altogether. She was very stressed and started to regret coming here. Pretending to be the worst suitor in front of Liam was one thing, but pretending to be the worst suitor in front of all Cordonian nobility was a completely different thing.

“Look, there’s Xinghai, he’s coming here,” Liam whispered and Riley nodded as the man approached them. Liam nudged Riley.

Okay. Show time.

“Hey hoe!” She yelled, making everyone freeze.

I hate myself.

“Riley!” Liam hissed, pinching her arm.

“Excuse me?” Xinghai asked as if not believing his ears.

“I think Riley tried to say ‘ni hao’, is that right?” Liam raised his eyebrows and Riley felt sick.

“Yes! Ni hao! I’m so sorry, I’m very bad at languages!”

Xinghai shook his head. “If you say so.”

“Hi, I’m Hana! And this is my mother, Lorelai.” A girl with a very friendly face extended her hand as if she hadn’t noticed that huge faux-pas. Her mom barely smiled at her.

“Nice to meet you.”

“Your Highness.” A man approached them and raised a glass. “I feel deeply honored to be invited here today. Her Majesty mentioned you would bring an American suitor, is this that lovely lady?”

Riley didn’t know who it was but she sure hated him already. She looked at Liam and realized she wasn’t the only one thinking so.

“Lord Neville. I am very happy you could join us. Yes, this is lady Riley, my suitor. Lady Riley, this is Lord Neville.”

“Lord? Like Lord of the Rings? Is that even a real title?” she asked.

“Excuse me?” Neville was confused and Liam embarrassed. From the corner of her eye, Riley could see Regina smiling at the sight.

At least someone is happy with what I’m doing.

“I believe we haven’t met.” A blond woman interrupted them, holding a glass of champagne in one hand and a very unhappy man in the other.

“This is Duchess Adelaide, Duke Godfrey and their daughter, Countess Madeleine. And this lovely woman by my side is lady Riley.”

“Hi y’all! Louis told me so much about you!” She heard Liam sighing.

“Hmph” was all Godfrey said. The rest of the family looked confused.

“Who’s Louis?” Adelaide asked.

“What happened to One Direction association?” Liam whispered to her when the family wasn’t looking.

“I forgot Louis was in the band, too,” she replied.

“If you excuse us,” Liam turned to Adelaide, “but we need to say hello to Duchess Olivia. Thank you for coming.”

He quickly led Riley far from Adelaide and Godfrey, avoiding other court members on the way. He couldn’t do this. At least not today. Riley clearly wasn’t ready.

“Why hello there,” a lady with red hair and a matching dress greeted them.

“Olivia. Hello. How are you?” Liam started a small talk and Riley noticed he was more relaxed talking to her than he was talking to other people. She must be a friend, she thought.

“I’m great. Haven’t been to a party that is as much fun as this one. And it’s all thanks to you. I’m Olivia.”

“Riley. You’re the Ice Queen?” Riley asked remembering Lythikos was a winter wonderland. She hoped Olivia would be offended just like the others but to her surprise the Duchess burst out laughing.

“Ice Queen! I like her already,” she said as she wiped a tear from her eye. “Absolutely loved when she questioned Neville’s title. The man’s pain in the ass.”

“I’m glad you find it funny,” Liam said firmly. Olivia shrugged and turned to take another glass of wine.

“I’m really sorry I embarrassed you, Louis.”

“Liam,” he corrected.

“Liam,” Riley repeated. “I’ve just came to Cordonia and had only two hours to take it all in. I’ll be better in time.” Not sure how better at making you hate me I can get though.

“It’s fine. Listen, it’s me who should be apologizing. As you said, you just came here and within a few hours you had to learn things I learned throughout the years.”

Riley’s eyes widened. She embarrassed him, she humiliated him and he still apologized? She felt awful.

“I still feel bad. I promise I won’t let you down,” she lied and Liam smiled.

“I’m happy to hear that because we’re visiting our apple orchard tomorrow and the press will be there to meet you, too.”

Riley gulped as she smiled at Liam.

That only meant she had to try even harder.

[obsidivns]

✧･ﾟ: * ( cis man / he/his / ben barnes ) — greetings, [ KYRAN SCAEVOLA ] of [ VIRIDIULA ]. when the doom hit, you were [ UNALTERED ]. now that the doom is over, you are [ ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY-NINE ] and working as [ A CRIMINAL / REFUGEE ]. rumors have been whispered around court that you are [ PRACTICAL ] and [ IRRITABLE ].

TWs: fire, burning, injury, war, death

✦ Full Character File

SUMMARY

The Scaevola name is whispered all throughout Viridiula, and even other parts of Patria, in tones that range from disgust to delight. They are a criminal family, and one so good at what they do that they are virtually untouchable by any of the various governments that hunt them down. Assassins, thieves, smugglers, traffickers, pirates; you name it, the Scaevolas have done it, and almost always gotten away with it. Kyran is no exception to the familial rule. He was raised to be a criminal and loves the life he leads. He couldn’t even imagine doing anything else but rob the rich for every cent they have. Naturally, the Scaevolas have always had ties to the Thieves’ Guild and Nox Dominion, so Kyran entering the former wasn’t much of a surprise to anyone.

What was a surprise was his cousin Arran following him. Arran had always displayed more of a talent for smuggling and information brokering, so many thought they would go solo. To Kyran, it just made sense. The two were close growing up, almost more siblings than cousins, so it felt natural for them to enter the same line of work and be a dynamic duo.

A far more unpleasant surprise was the betrayal of everything he knew at Arran’s hands. Why they betrayed him and the family, he does not know and now never will. What matters is that one night, the Royal Guard of Viridiula conducted a raid on multiple family safehouses and drop sites, almost decimating the Scaevolas’ operation in Viridurbe City. Many of Kyran’s family were arrested, their goods confiscated, and the houses and sites burned in the process. Kyran stayed behind as his family home burned, trying to save Arran and getting his right hand badly burned in the process. It was then that he saw his cousin through the open front door, pointing Kyran out for a guard to arrest. He barely made it out alive.

This betrayal rocked the criminal world, and almost destroyed his life and his family’s lives. After recovering from his injuries, Kyran dedicated himself to the business of revenge, and in the process worked his way up to becoming the Serpo of Viridiula’s chapter of the Thieves’ Guild. With the power of this mighty underground network behind him, he not only oversaw the thieves of his country and their work, but plotted his revenge on Arran. They were not an easy target, though: as a reward for their treachery, they were made the Hand of Secrets to King Godfrey, and commanded his network of spies. But for Kyran, that was just one more obstacle to overcome. That bastard would pay for what they did, even if Kyran had to burn the city to the ground to do it.

As it turned out, he didn’t have to. Kyran didn’t know why the king had welcomed the foreign Ezians into the city so openly, but personally he was willing to take advantage of the fresh faces and coinpurses. Over the course of a year, he got to know a few of the Ezians personally, including one named Eir, who made the mistake of trying to pickpocket him. The pair grew closer, eventually falling into bed with one another, but for Kyran, it was a relationship he had to hold at arms length, no matter how much he was starting to care about her. Nothing was more important than his revenge, and it was clear King Godfrey was planning something which just might open Arran up as an easier mark.

That plan, it turned out, was an all-out war of conquest. And Kyran was right; Arran did become vulnerable on the night Viridurbe City was besieged. But when the time came, Kyran had to make a choice: take his long-awaited vengeance and get answers for why Arran had betrayed their family, or help Eir and her people escape the battle that was rapidly overtaking the city. In a move that shocked even him, he chose the latter, and all the better, too. Eir was grievously injured as they were fleeing to the boats, and Kyran was the one who carried her to safety.

Once the most powerful criminal in all of Viridiula, Kyran is now a refugee in a strange land. All he has is a single pack of supplies, his weapons, and Eir, who is recovering slowly in her friend Llyr’s home. He hasn’t left her side since they arrived, both out of concern for her and out of wariness for the new city around him. He doesn’t regret his choice—Eir might not have made it home alive, and that would hurt him more than he’s willing to admit—but he can’t help his thoughts returning to Viridiula and Arran, wondering what became of his traitorous cousin and the war they helped their king make.

WANTED CONNECTIONS

Literally anything and everything — Kyran is completely new in town and doesn’t exactly know a lot of people, so he needs it all. New friends, new enemies, especially the latter as he’s kind of prickly and doesn’t get close to people easily.

[axwalker]

The Trade: 2

 Synopsis: This is an AU where the monarchy in Cordonia doesn’t longer exist and it has been replaced by a republic. It’s set in the final stages of the presidential race with Senator Liam Rhys competing against Fidelya Governor Godfrey Karlington. To assure his son’s victory, Constantine makes an arrangement behind his back for him to marry the rich ambassador’s daughter: Alexis O’Brien. Due to her father’s threats, she has no other option that seduce Liam and make him fall in love with her. But what does she really feel?

Masterlist:  HERE

Warnings: I love drama and chaos so this will probably get very dark. None for this chapter though. 

Please note that this is my first series and English is not my mother tongue. I appreciate all comments and feedback. 

@pug-bitch​

Pairing: DrakexMC, LiamxMC

Drake stepped out of the shower and turned on the TV. A towel around his waist, he sat on the edge of the bed and switched the channel.

“Good night everyone, I’m Anna de Luca and today in Politics weekly, we’re going to talk about the lasts updates of the presidential race with political expert Donnie Brine. Hi Donnie, we’re happy to have you on the show tonight. Tell us, what do you think of our candidates so far?”

“Hi Anna! Happy to be here. Well, we all already know Governor Godfrey Karlington and his conservative politics. He represents the old ways and rules Fydelia with an iron fist. Personally, I think the most interesting candidate today is the young and charismatic Liam Rhys, a new face in the political map, but well ahead in the polls.”

Drake arched his brows and laughed to himself. -New face?- Liam was a great candidate, the best one, but he was certainly no newcomer.

“New  face?” Ana asked echoing Drake's thoughts. “Please, Donnie. We all know Liam is the son of ex-president Constantine Rhys and that he comes from old Cordonian nobility. He’s hardly a ‘new face’. However, I’ll agree that his rapid popularity growth is worthy of attention.  Now, as a political expert, tell us: Is it true that he intends to surround himself with young politicians?

“Apparently this is all true, Anna. He’ll form his cabinet with his closest political allies, otherwise known as the “Brat-pack” of Cordonian politics, all being sons and daughters of either rich men and government members as Miss Hanna Lee or old noble houses as Sir Rashad Domvallier.”

“Can you give us a sneak peek of his cabinet?”

“Of course, Anna! I’ll give you the name of those we are sure he’ll appoint if he wins:

For Secretary of Treasury, he’ll appoint Bertrand Beaumont, he was Governor of Ramsford and his family have had ties with the Rhys for hundreds of years.

In Education, he’ll name Hanna Lee. Miss Lee is the youngest person that has ever directed Cordonian University. She has won world recognition for her research in educational methods.

In Foreign Affairs we’ll have Kiara Theron, the also daughter of the prominent judge Hakim Castelraillan, was our representative in the UN for two consecutive years and speaks 6 languages fluently.

The Secretary of Defense will be Capitain Olivia Nevrakis, a decorated top army officer.

Rashad Domvallier will be the head of the Department of Commerce, his bold business deals have brought a lot of money to the most prominent companies in Cordonia

And for some experience he will appoint Ex Supreme Court Juge Hakim Theron as the Attorney General and Landon Ebrim as the Minister of Agriculture” Donnie concluded.

“Well, all in all, not a lot of surprises, Donnie. As you said it before, it will be an incredibly young cabinet. Cordonian people should be happy that they’ll have Senator Ebrim and ex-judge Theron to babysit. Now two questions remain. Do we know who he’ll name as his chief of staff? And, more importantly: Who’s going to be his number two? Do you think he’s going to run with his brother, Valtorian Senator Leo Rhys? Or is that too much nepotism even for Cordonian standards?”

“To answer your first question, rumor has it that he will name his assistant, the man that’s been with him his whole career: Mr. Drake Walker. It is an important position, let’s hope that Mr. Walker is qualified for it, after all, he is not a real politician. As for the second question, his number two is the big enigma here, Anna. We know that a double Rhys ticket is the ex-president’s dream, but we are also aware of the Senator’s lifestyle, and I don’t think that the public opinion would approve of him running with the young candidate”.

Drake turned off the TV. Fucking vultures, they would love to see Liam fail just so they could feast in his loss. They didn’t care that he was the best candidate, much more than that fossil Karlington would ever be.

He opened the curtains and looked through the window, it was a sunny Sunday, his day off. He was wondering what to do when his phone rang. He saw Max’s photo on the screen.

Preparing for over the top excitement in three, two, one… he picks up the call.

“Draaaaake! You answered!”

“Yes, Maxwell. What do you want?” He sighed “Wait, is Sunday morning so I assume you need me to go get you at the beach because you woke up naked, surrounded by peacocks, with a horrible hangover and no memory of what happened last night. Am I right?”

“Heyyy Drake! Not all parties end up like last week’s party!” Max laughed

Drake rolled his eyes. “No, you’re right, sometimes you wake up naked in a garden surrounded by pigeons, or with a hippo tattoo you have no recollection getting.”

“Actually, I just wanted to invite you to lunch to thank you for picking me up last week, buddy,” Maxwell replied.

Drake sighed in exasperation “I’ve told you one hundred times NOT to call me buddy. And lunch is the minimum you can offer me after I saw you naked. I’m scarred for life, I hope you know.”

“He! You’re just jealous of my attributes, and jealousy is not a good color on you, Drake. You pick me up at 12…ish?

Drake growled at the phone “I’m starving; I’ll be there at 12 sharp.”

When they arrived at the restaurant at 2 pm, it was so crowded the waitress had to sit them at the bar.

As Maxwell stepped outside to take a mysterious call, Drake immediately noticed a beautiful girl in the stool next to Max’s. She was a tall brunette, with huge brown eyes and a beautiful smile. The short red dress she was wearing uncovered her long, tanned legs and hugged her curves in a way that made Drake blush.

Slightly disappointed, Drake noticed that she was talking to a guy in a blue suit. When he was about to move on and order another whiskey, he heard a very familiar voice:

“Sooo, as I was telling you, my family is very rich, they own the Sartorini brand, a very famous, very luxurious, very expensive brand of men shoes, among a lot, and I mean a lot of other things. You have heard of my family of course.”

Drake rolled his eyes.

“Of course,” He heard her answer, and he couldn’t help but notice a hint of sarcasm in her voice. “The problem… uh…Tariq was it?” Drake was smiling to himself “Is that I have it as a personal rule not to date very smugly, arrogant, conceited men. It’s a pity really, I can tell we really could’ve hit it off”

“Are you making fun of me bitch?” Drake was ready to intervene when he heard her answer.

“Wow, it took you 30 seconds to go from charming prince to creepy pig, a real record. Now if you excuse me, I’m really hungry. Have a good afternoon.”

Tariq got closer to her but as he was facing the girl and not him Drake couldn’t see what he was doing. Unfortunately for Tariq, he found out soon enough.

“I suggest you take off your filthy hand of my thigh right now if you don’t want to end up severely injured!” She seethed.

Tariq took a look at her slender figure and laughed. “By who? You?”

“No, me” Drake had decided to intervene “You heard the lady, Tariq.  Get out of here.” Tariq’s face went white as he apologized.

“Oh! I’m sorry Drake, I didn’t mean to disturb her, I didn’t know you were with her… I…I... I’m leaving..” He sighed, visibly scared, leaving the bar immediately.  

The girl puffed “Typical creep, he doesn’t even apologize to me, but to the man with a savior complex, who no one asked help from in the first place”

Drake arched his brows: “Sorry lady, I know Tariq, and he never would have left you alone. Anyway, have a nice lunch.”

The girl bit her lip feeling guilty, he was only trying to help her after all, and not that it mattered but he was very handsome.

“No, I’m sorry, you were only trying to be a good person”. She moved to the stool next to him while Max was still talking on the phone. “Let me buy you a…what are you drinking?”

Maxwell arrived just in time to hear the last sentence: “Whiskey! It is like he doesn’t know any other beverages. Can you believe that he has never tasted a Cosmopolitan??!!” He said grinning. “I’m Maxwell Beaumont, he’s Drake Walker and you’re…”

“I’m Elena, Elena Ortiz. Nice to meet you both” She grinned, and Drake couldn’t help but noticed what a beautiful smile she had. It felt like she’d be able to light an entire room with it. “And don’t worry Drake, me too I looove whiskey” That time she joined a little wink to the smile and Drake felt like he was actually melting.

“Hi… Magda” She said reading the waitress's name in her uniform “Can you bring us three glasses of Knob Creek, please?”

“Where are you from? You have a bit of an accent” He heard Maxwell ask her

“I’m American Maxwell, from New York”

“Please, call me Max. Is how all of my friends call me and I can tell right now that you and I are going to be great friends”

“How long are you staying in Cordonia, Elena?” Drake hoped she couldn’t hear the expectation in his voice.

“Oh… for now I’m just visiting, I haven’t thought very far ahead”

“Oh, I would looove to show you the highlights of our beautiful country,” Max said, smiling with excitement. “But I have a date tonight, so I can’t. Drake here, on the other hand, is a free as a bird today, aren’t you Drake?”

Since he met him as kids Drake had imagined one thousand different ways to kill the ever-annoying Maxwell, but at that moment, he could’ve kissed him.

“Actually, yes I am. I could show you some spots in the city that aren’t in the guides. What do you say?”

Elena grinned back at him.

“Maybe … where are you taking me?”

“You’ll have to trust me Elena, but I’m thinking you’ll like it”

“Trust you? I’ve known you for like a minute and a half. What if you murder me and hide my body on your baseman forever?

“Heh, that… or I’ll show one of Cordonian’s most beautiful sights while we drink some good whiskey. I guess you’re gonna have to take your chances.” Drake didn’t know why he wanted so desperately her to trust him.

Elena looked deeply into his eyes. She didn’t know why she felt so safe around him, maybe it was his gaze, intense and bright; looking at her longingly now.

“Let’s go!”

Drake took Elena to a beautiful beach next to Cordonia city; he showed her a little cove he visited when he needed some time far away from all the politics and plots.

“Drake! This is beautiful. It makes me think of my favorite spot in New York, next to Orchard beach. I go there whenever I’m feeling that I need some time for myself or to think about something.” She let out a small sigh.“Sometimes life can be too complicated”

Drake could hardly speak, completely lost just by looking at her. The gestures her hands make when she spoke, the elegant curve of her neck, her beautiful smile, and overall those big brown eyes, almost black. They were shinning now, enjoying the view, but there was something else in them; something unreadable…Pain, maybe?

“Do you feel like that often?” Drake asked, avid to know everything about the beautiful stranger next to him.

“You have no idea.”’ She turned to look at him. “But enough about that. What’s your story?” She gave him a flirty smile that almost made Drake’s heart stop. “Do you bring here all your dates?”

Drake gave her a cocky smile. “Ha, good to know this is a date” She blushed in the most adorable way. “In fact, if you have to know you’re the second person I bring here, and the first one was my sister,” he said hoping she didn’t ask a lot of questions about Savannah.

“Oh, well is an amazing spot, but I was promised some excellent whiskey and I’m not seeing any.” He grinned taking out a little silver flask from his pocket and handing it to her.

“You’ll never taste anything better.” When he watched her take a sip and then lick her lips, it took everything he had not to kiss her, but for some strange reason, for once he didn’t want to go to fast with a woman. “So?”

“It’s not Knob Creek but is not bad.” She moved closer to him, hoping he would make a move, it was her last day of freedom and she really liked him, much more than she should. Drake was looking directly at her with his chocolate eyes, and a sexy smile in the corner of his mouth.

“What’s in your mind? You didn’t stop talking all the way here and now you’re very quiet”

Drake was a stranger, she would probably never see him again. However, his strong, steady presence invited her to confide in him. Without a second thought, she blurted out, “I was thinking that I can’t be the person I want to be.”

“What do you mean you can’t? What old are you, like 24? You can do whatever you want Elena.”

She shifted her position to watch the ocean. “25, and no, I can’t. Forget it, you’ll never understand”

He gave her a small smile, he definitely understood. “You mean that you feel trapped in a life that you don’t know how to live anymore but you have no fucking idea how to get out of?”

She looked surprised “That’s exactly it. You have the same feeling?”

He sighed looking at her with a bit of regret in his eyes. “I’m in a job that I hate, very far away from the life I pictured for myself when I was a kid”

She took his hand, feeling an immediate spike of electricity run through her arms “If you hate your job that much, why don’t you just resign?”

“I hope it was that easy, but it’s not. My boss is also my best friend and I owe him and his family everything. He’s asked for my help and I can’t deny it… so here we are”

“Wow, you make it look like the mafia, Drake. Maybe I should be scared” She said teasing him and he smiled.

“Well, actually it’s not that different from the mafia, that I can tell you. But maybe after this job is finished, I’ll be free to do what I want”

“And that is…?” He could see she was genuinely curious.

Drake took a long swig of whiskey. “It seems like a ridiculous child’s dream when I say it out loud, but I love horses and animals in general. I would’ve like to be a veterinarian, instead of going to business school”

“Well maybe someday… you’re young too, there is no reason you can’t make that happen”

“Now that you made me spill my guts, you have to tell me something about you. Why do you feel trapped?”

She also drank before answering. She didn’t want to ruin the mood by confessing the truth.

“Let’s say that I’m in the middle of a very awful business deal, that I can’t undo”

He looked at her quizzically. “What the hell does that mean Elena? Now is you who’s talking like a mob family member”

“He! If only…”  She moved even closer to him, boldened by the whiskey and the confidences they’d shared. “But that’s enough of sad little secrets”.

Elena gave him a very inviting smile and he suddenly realized that she was impossibly close to him. He could smell her scent, delicate and fruity. Her brown silky hair had a cherry fragrance, that was inebriating him much more than the whiskey he had drunk. When Drake saw her dark eyes looking directly at him, he didn’t doubt one more second. He took her face with both his hands and kissed her. She had never been kissed like that, it was sweet and passionate at the same time. With longing and tenderness, desire and reverence all at once.  Elena could smell his scent, something woody and musky and it drove her crazy. His tongue was entering her mouth looking for hers, delicately at first then more and more passionately, until they had to come out for air. He didn’t need much because almost instantly he was kissing the corners of her mouth, her cheeks, her neck, and there he was ravaging her mouth again.

Suddenly, the spell was broken. They were brought back to reality by the incessant ringing of her phone.

“Sorry Drake, I really have to get this” He saw her walking away a few meters and talk to someone, visibly affected by it. Her features hardened, she was still the most beautiful woman he had ever seen, but she seemed different, sadder, gloomier. Drake saw she had ended the call but remained in place, so he went to her.

“What was that about Elena?” He asked softly stroking her left cheek with his thumb.  “Are you okay?”

“Yeah… it’s just that I’m gonna have to go back to real life tomorrow morning, and I don’t want to.”

“I thought you were in Cordonia indefinitely …”

“It’s complicated. Can you bring me back to the restaurant? A car will pick me up there.”

“I can take you to wherever you’re staying, Elena”

She gave him a rueful smile that tugged his heart. “I rather not, thank you.”

“This is the last time we will see each other. Isn’t it?” Drake asked, sadly.

Elena could feel the tears. Tears of sadness for everything she’d always wanted but never would have. Tears of joy for the moment she just shared with Drake, as briefed as it was. Tears of regret for leaving him despite all the possibilities that he held.

“Yes …it was the last time”

[jovialyouthmusic]

Uneasy Lies the Head

A Royal Romance AU fanfic

Queen Charlotte of Cordonia springs a surprise on her prospective consort, Drake Walker

Word Count 4123

A/N A triple does of fluff - some angst, no smut. My tag list for this series is a mess, so I have tagged anyone who reblogged or commented on the last few chapters.

12 To Have and to Hold

Bastien’s face was grim. He walked out to the royal jet alone. There was no sign of Bianca, so he was to return to Cordonia without her. He hated to admit defeat, but he couldn’t force Drake’s mother to go back to the country she had fled after her husband had died doing his duty. He stood at the top of the stairs and turned to take one last look toward the tiny departure shed of the private airfield – and squinted. A car drove full pelt along the road that led to the hangar, leaving a trail of dust. It barrelled straight up to the perimeter guard post and screeched to a halt. He leaned inside the aircraft and shouted to the pilot.

‘Hold on a bit longer, I think we may have an extra passenger’

------

Drake pulled the grooming brush across Sultan’s flanks, flexing his trunk to ease off the stiffness he still felt from his ordeal with Anton’s men. His ribs were healing slowly and although he couldn’t go riding just yet, he could pay attention to his mount and assure the creature that it wouldn’t be long before he’d be able to take him out to ride. He’d gotten up late that morning and as sometimes happened, Charlotte was nowhere to be seen. She was probably in her office dealing with official business, and he would catch up with her at lunchtime.

He brooded over his recent meeting with Bertrand Beaumont. He had been devastated to discover the reason for Savannah’s absence from court, and had apologised unreservedly to Drake. The two of them had met a few times and were making some sort of relationship from what Drake could tell, but it was early days. They were at least speaking to each other, and it seemed that dating might be on the horizon, although he couldn’t picture the dour Duke of Ramsford doing something as ‘ordinary’ as dating.

He was aware of a figure approaching, and looked up curiously, having a strange feeling that it wasn’t Charlotte or one of the grooms. Bastien was due back from some task that he hadn’t been party too, but it wasn’t him that approached.

‘Brad!’ he called out in surprise ‘What the hell are you doing here? I thought you were seeing to things in Rutland’ The Englishman walked up and took Drake’s hand firmly, shaking it firmly and slapping his shoulder.

‘Good to see you, my friend. I’m here for your wedding’ Brad said, and Drake grinned

‘Of course you are, but that’s not for a couple of weeks yet’ Brad tapped the side of his nose

‘Now that’s where you’re wrong. Come back to the Palace with me, you have to get ready for your bride’ Drake’s jaw dropped open in amazement. ‘Come on, Livvy’s here too and I don’t want to keep her waiting – or Charlotte’

------

Hana adjusted the diamond tiara on Charlotte’s head as she stood in front of the full length mirror. She ran her hands over the delicate white lace, white shoes peeping out from under the hem.

‘Hana, it’s beautiful’ breathed Charlotte ‘I can’t thank you enough’

‘It’s my pleasure’ the petite woman smiled ‘You have a big name designer for your big wedding, but you have me for your private ceremony’ Charlotte nodded

‘Drake should be finding out about it right about now’ Charlotte said ‘I hope he has a ring ready’ Hana patted her shoulder

‘Don’t worry, Max and I have something special planned for if he’s unprepared’ she said. Charlotte picked up the little velvet box on the dressing table. Hana had heard the story, but it played in Charlotte’s mind again. It had happened a year before the social season that had just passed.

‘Well Charlotte, the social season approaches, and you’re almost old enough to marry’ Constantine said as they sat eating breakfast together. Regina was away visiting a relative, so they had some time together, father and daughter, which was rare. ‘You’ve grown into a lovely young woman, and your mother would be so proud of you’ Charlotte dropped her head. Thinking about her mother made her feel sad, and it was rare that the King mentioned her.

‘I don’t feel ready, Father’ she protested

‘Perhaps, but you should treat this season as a dress rehearsal’ he insisted ‘Then you will be more prepared to choose a husband to rule with you when the time comes’ He got up and went across to his desk, taking a little key from his pocket and unlocking a drawer. He kept his back to her, so that she didn’t see what it was that he took out. When he turned back to her his hand was hidden behind him. He came back to the breakfast table looking out over the lawns toward the maze her mother had planned and sat facing her. She delicately wiped her mouth with the crisp white napkin and placed her hands in her lap, waiting for him to speak. He looked down at the floor for a moment before he raised his head to look into her eyes.

‘The time has come’ he said, bringing his hand out from his back, holding a padded envelope ‘To give you this’ He held it out, and she took it gingerly. She let out a little gasp as she recognised her mother’s handwriting.

‘A monarch’s job is not easy’ explained Constantine ‘and there are people who plot against us. Although your mother died suddenly, she made plans for if she were not here when you grew old enough to marry, and left instructions along with a letter.’ He smiled, a hint of pain in his eyes ‘I have done my best, but you have lacked the love of your own mother. Be assured that she did not want to leave you to grow up without her, and I would rather it had been me who had…’ he coughed but Charlotte knew it was to cover the sadness in his voice. ‘Take this, and read it privately’ His manservant, Godfrey, entered at that moment.

‘Your Majesty – I’m sorry to interrupt, but the trade delegation from Monaco…’ The King waved his hand.

‘Very well, I’m on my way.’ He stood and looked down at his daughter ‘She loved you so much my dear. Please, remember her with fondness, as I do’ and he was gone. Charlotte sat and looked at the envelope for a moment, tears pricking her eyes. She got up and went to the door, where Bastien stood guard.

‘I’m going out to the maze, Mr Lykel’ she said ‘Will you see that nobody follows me in, please?’ The guard smiled and nodded.

‘Of course, your grace’ He answered. Clutching the envelope, she made her way along the corridor toward the door that led outside, the older man following her. She could feel a little box inside, and curiosity burned. She wanted to be quite alone, where she could think of her mother, though she had precious few memories. She used to go there with a handkerchief that still smelled of her perfume, and that was still in a box hidden away in her bedroom which she had not opened for a couple of years now.

Lost in thought, she didn’t see Drake start across the lawn toward her – and she didn’t see Bastien make a gesture and shake his head. She didn’t see Drake’s head drop, or notice him turn back and sit under a tree.

A few minutes later she reached the centre of the maze as Bastien waited at the only entrance. She sat on the swing that hung from the oak tree and carefully prised open the flap of the envelope. She paused before she reached in and found a letter, a single sheet of paper folded over. Reverently she held it and gently opened it out flat. Tears sprung to her eyes to see her mother’s writing, and she paused for a moment for them to clear before she read, hearing her mother’s words in her head.

 My Darling Charlotte, my sweet daughter

If you are reading this, the world has plotted against us and I am not with you to see you grow. Be certain that I wanted more than anything in the world to see you live up to your potential and be the young woman you need to be to lead our country. I know you carry a heavy burden, and you will need someone beside you to help you govern wisely.

The role of a monarch is not easy, and I can only hope that the man you choose will love you, and that you will love him too. I have left something for you in the box which should accompany this letter. Do with it as you will – whether you wear it to remember me, or give it to the one you love. I am sure you will not give it lightly.

If it is possible to watch over you, I will watch over you. Who knows what happens when we leave this world. If all was perfect we would be together – but if you read this, we have lost our luck. Remember me, remember that I love you above everything else, and make me proud, my sweet girl.

With all my love and affection

Your loving mother xx

 It was a while before Charlotte could pull herself together enough to retrieve the little box from the envelope, catching a whiff of her mother’s perfume from it. She sat for a while looking at it, but at last she steeled herself and gently levered it open. It was a ring box, and there was a scrap of paper in the lid. A thick gold band nestled in the velvet slit but Charlotte carefully prised the piece of paper from its place. She unfolded the delicate scrap, to see a set of letters and numbers which did not take long to work out. They were the initials of her parents and the date of their marriage.

Silent sobs shook her as she bowed her head over the tiny box.

 When she left the maze, she was barely aware of the guard waiting for her, and didn’t see Drake watching either. She went straight to her bedroom and secreted the letter and the box into her secret hiding place with the handkerchief and the bottle of perfume that still held just a drop of precious liquid. Then she drew herself up straight and went out to the stables to seek out Drake and go for a ride.

Now, on the morning of the wedding she had prepared as a surprise for Drake – the small private affair at which his mother would attend after a separation of years – she reverently took out the box and took the last precious drop of perfume onto her wrist and put the ring box and her mother’s carefully folded handkerchief into a little pouch that hung at her waist. This way, she  would be with her as she pledged herself to the man she loved.

‘I’m ready’ she said to Hana ‘Let’s go’

------

Drake stood in his office and fiddled with his tie nervously while Brad brushed down his jacket.

‘Why today?’ he asked petulantly ‘I haven’t even written my vows. Charlie didn’t even hint at it’

‘This isn’t the big state wedding’ Brad replied ‘It’s just your closest friends here to see you and Charlotte have your own private ceremony. You don’t have to have vows at all if you don’t want to.’

‘But – it’s Charlie’ Drake said nervously ‘I want to do things properly. I’m sure she’ll have a whole thing written up and memorised’

‘You know her best’ replied Brad ‘But she knows you wanted something low key. I’m sure she’ll have thought of everything you’d want’

‘Bas was going to give her away – is he even back yet?’ he asked

‘Don’t worry Drake, it’s all taken care of’ Brad assured him ‘Just relax and I’ll take you there’

‘That’s another thing – where are we going? Is it the Ballroom? I bet it’s the ballroom. Who’s officiating?’ Brad chuckled

‘You’ll find out soon enough. Now, I have to blindfold you, so stand still’ Drake did his best not to fidget as Brad took a scarf and tied it around his eyes. ‘Now, are you sure you can’t see?’ He asked after fiddling around for a while.

‘I can’t see a damn thing’ Drake grumbled ‘I wish Charlotte had warned me about all this’

‘Come on, you’re marrying the girl of your dreams, you lucky devil’ Brad nudged him ‘Now come on, we have to be there first so she can follow’ Brad took his arm and lead him out into the corridor.

Drake’s mind whirled as he walked unsteadily despite Brad’s support. It was unlike Charlotte to spring such a surprise on him, and he wondered what had spurred her on. She had given no clue the day before. Of course he was delighted that they would finally formally be joining their lives, though they had pledged themselves a long time ago and had every intention of growing old together whatever life brought them. He just wondered exactly what she had planned now that he wasn’t able to travel to Texas to include his mother in the ceremony.

Brad paused to open a door and he was aware that they stepped outside into the fresh air. He allowed himself a smile as they descended stone steps to the gravel path of what must be the formal lawn that he was almost certain led to the maze. That maze meant so much to the two of them. Her mother had planted it, and they had played there over the years as it grew. They had raced to the centre when they could barely see over the tops of the growing hedges, making for the great oak tree that had stood there for decades. He himself often went there alone over the years when life seemed unfair or he felt unhappy.  He smiled as he sensed the green walls about him and started the twists and turns that would take them to the centre.

‘You can take the blindfold off now Brad’ he said ‘I know we’re in the maze, and I know it like the back of my hand. It wouldn’t do to get lost’

‘Nope, the blindfold stays on. The way is marked, we won’t lose our way’ Brad told him. Drake sighed and they continued on, and he trailed his free hand over the sides, the familiar touch of the foliage grounding him and reminding him of the times he had navigated it in the dark to meet Charlotte in private, to kiss and slake their needs.  After more twists and turns he had the sense of space opening out at last around them, and he heard soft chuckles of amusement and odd sniffles as he and Brad came to a stop. He put his hand up to his face, but Brad stopped him.

‘Just wait a moment’ He rang the bell that hung there ‘Now Charlotte knows to come’ he said ‘But first…’ There was a murmur of voices and he heard soft steps on the grass as someone moved to stand in front of him – he could feel their presence close to him. Brad took his hand away from his arm and coughed politely. Drake reached up and took the blindfold off.

‘Mom?’ he croaked as he dropped the cloth to the ground ‘How..’ His words were muffled as Bianca threw her arms around him and held him as if she’d never let go.

‘Drake – oh my boy, my son. I love you so much’ she sobbed, her voice muffled against his jacket ‘I’m sorry – I’m so, so sorry. And happy – so happy’ Incredulously he put his arms around her, looking at the others standing watching – Savannah with tears in her eyes, flanked by Bertrand and Maxwell. Hana, also teary eyed – Olivia, a soft smirk on her face. Brad standing close, smiling. He felt almost numb, not sure what emotions stirred inside him, almost overwhelmed.

‘Mom? How did you get here?’ he asked incredulously as she let him go and held him at arm’s length, looking him up and down.

‘You’ve grown – oh Drake, I don’t have any right to be here’ she choked ‘But Charlotte sent Bastien to get me – and here I am. Please forgive me, son – my brave, strong boy’

‘I – oh god, you’re really here’ He pulled her to him again, and they clung to each other, tears flowing and laughter bubbling up all at the same time. Charlotte appeared behind them, holding on to Bastien’s arm, radiant in a simple long white lacy dress and a sparkling tiara holding a wisp of net about her dark hair. She held a bouquet of yellow and white roses and baby’s breath and smiled and dabbed at her eyes, watching the touching reunion. Savannah stepped forward and the little family, long separated, hugged and cried and laughed as the others looked on.

At last he let go of the two women and took a step toward Charlotte. He stepped away from his old family and forward to his future – the love of his life, the woman he would worship and cherish and support for the rest of his days. The woman he had known as a girl, as a young woman, as his lover; as a playmate, as a Princess, now as a Queen and shortly as his wife at last. He took her hands in his and raised them to his lips to kiss.

‘Charlotte – my love – my life’ he murmured. Hana sobbed and buried her face in her handkerchief and Olivia rolled her eyes but he saw they were moist. Charlotte smiled back

‘Let go Drake, we need to get married, my love’ she said softly. He nodded and looked around at their friends. Brad moved to stand at the base of the oak tree and the others made a line facing him.

‘You, Brad?’ Drake gasped ‘You’re officiating?’ The Englishman nodded modestly

‘Well, have I ever told you the story…’ he began, and Drake groaned and dropped his head

‘I might have known. Brad, your skills are endless. I look forward to hearing the tale later.’ Maxwell stood at his shoulder and he turned to him in alarm ‘You’re my best man? I’m grateful you didn’t throw a par…’ he stopped ‘You’re throwing me a bachelor party for the big one, aren’t you?’ He slapped his hand over his face, trying not to imagine what bizarre event Maxwell Beaumont, of the infamous Beaumont Bash, would dream up for him. The young man grinned sheepishly

‘Don’t worry Walker, I have him in hand’ intoned Bastien, still standing with Charlotte. He turned to the guard,  his mentor and father figure, taking his hand in both of his and squeezing.

‘Bas – you brought Mom back. How can I ever thank you?’ Bastien bowed his head

‘On her Majesty’s instructions and all part of the job, Walker’ he said gravely ‘But it was my pleasure’ Behind him, Brad coughed again.

‘We should get on with the ceremony, if everyone’s ready’ he said, and Drake stepped forward, Maxwell beside him.

‘Wait! He said ‘I don’t have a ring’ Bianca stepped forward and put her hand on his arm.

‘Son’ she said, and, trembling, raised her hand. He gasped as he saw that she wore two gold bands on her finger, and twisted at the one that seemed to hang loose. He reached out to stop her, but she shook her head firmly as she pulled it free

‘It’s the one your father wore’ she said, her voice shaking. ‘I’m sure he’d want you to have it – and he would be overjoyed to see who your bride is.’ She pressed the ring into his hand as he stared at her, dumbfounded. Charlotte came close, and placed her arm on Bianca’s shoulder. Behind her, Bastien blew his nose discretely and blinked rapidly.

‘Thankyou so much, Mrs Walker. I’d be honoured to wear your husband’s ring’ Bianca nodded wordlessly and Drake took it, tears in his eyes. He didn’t see Maxwell tuck a small box into his jacket pocket, smiling faintly.

‘For Dad’ Drake said quietly, and turned back to face Brad. Bianca went back to stand with Savannah, who had tears streaming freely over her cheeks. Bertrand patted her shoulder gingerly and handed her a crisp white cotton handkerchief. Bastien took Charlotte the last few steps to Drake and took her hand from the crook of his elbow to place it on Drake’s. He nodded and gave Drake a small smile, then moved back away from them, taking the stance that made him fade, chameleon-like, into the background. Drake and Charlotte gazed at each other, and Drake swallowed hard to keep check of his emotions. Charlotte’s eyes shone and a soft smile played on her lips. She squeezed his arm as she held it, helping to ground him.

‘Friends, we are here today for two very special people’ Brad began ‘Two people who so plainly belong together, who have known each other since they were children, and who, they tell me, intend to stay together for as long as they are on this earth. I’m not going to make a long speech, but let me say how delighted and honoured I am to be allowed to join them together in marriage.’ He turned to Drake

‘Drake Walker - before I pronounce you man and wife, is there anything you wish to say to your beloved?’ Drake swallowed, his hand on hers, and turned to look deep into her eyes. The others looked on, breathless as he cleared his throat and started to speak.

‘Charlotte, I loved you from the moment I understood what it was to love someone, and I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you, in whatever way I could. You will always be my sweet princess, the Queen of my heart, and I’m privileged to have your love and affection. Not many see the real you – the sweet, sensitive, caring girl that I fell in love with. We’ve had a long difficult path to get where we are today, but I wouldn’t change a single thing, because all those things brought us together. I want to be there when you need me, to love and support you, whatever life brings our way. Without you I’m lost. You complete me – you’re my anchor, my hope, my everything. I’m honoured that you love me back and I’ll do everything in my power to return that love, for as long as I walk this earth.’ Charlotte’s eyes still shone, but she blinked away a tear as she grasped his hands tightly.

‘Charlotte, do you have any words for Drake?’ Brad asked. She never broke eye contact from Drake for a second as she spoke clearly.

‘Drake Walker, for a long time I didn’t recognise my feelings for you, and when I began to realise, I denied them. I told myself I regretted the times I overlooked you, but I believe that it only made our love stronger. Knowing what it was like to live in ignorance without you by my side only makes me appreciate you more. My love for you grows stronger every day, and I can’t imagine a life without you. You’re brave and loyal and strong and with you beside me I’m a stronger woman – I’m the Queen I need to be with your devotion and support. I love you, Drake Walker, and I look forward to a long future together.’

‘With the giving of vows and the exchange of rings, I pronounce you, Drake Walker, and you, Charlotte Valois-Rys, man and wife under the common laws of this country’. Brad said. Drake took his father’s ring and kissed it before slipping it onto Charlotte’s finger, hands trembling. She reached into the pouch at her waist to produce a thick gold band.

‘My mother left it to me, and told me to give it to the one I love’ she whispered as she slipped the ring onto his finger. It fitted snugly, and he stared at it for a  while before he looked up at Charlotte again. The whole world seemed to wait with bated breath before he closed the distance between them. Their lips met for the first time as man and wife, and he felt as if his heart would burst with happiness. Through a fog he heard the small group of friends cheering and laughing, shouting their congratulations. He knew he was the luckiest man on Earth, and he would remember the day for the rest of his life.

[lizzybeth1986]

Quick Thoughts on The Royal Retcon Book 1 Chapter 11

• You've gotta admit, guys. This series spends more time retconning various aspects of their original story than they do on the actual premise.

• The food fight was wild and chaotic, the background history is always welcome, seeing Jess and Blake was nice and the moonlit hot springs scene was a nice change from everything...but my head is spinning from the constant shifts, okay?

• To avoid seeing my QTs in your dash, blacklist the following tags: #trh quick thoughts, #trh qts, #trh qt reblogs, #long post.

• Screenshots:

Hana: The Abhirio YouTube channel

Maxwell: @thethots-plicken and @itsbrindleybinch

Drake: The HIMEME YouTube channel

• Title: The Prodigal Father

Alternative: Most Parents in TRR Shouldn't Have Even Been Parents To Begin With

• The last chapter ended with a surprise twist: the return of Barthelemy Beaumont, father of Bertrand and Maxwell Beaumont. We had a lot of questions. Did Bertrand know he wasn't dead? Did Maxwell not know he wasn't dead? What the hell was he doing all these years and why had he left his sons in such a horrible position?

• Turns out the writers may have taken a leaf out from a Hindi serial or something coz - drumrolls - he was in a coma!

• Why do we never hear much about this so-called illness or even have a name put to it. What mysterious illness caused Barthelemy to deteriorate so much that he was trying out miracle cures from quacks and that he ended up in a coma for years? Why were his next of kin not informed when he came out of it or while he was rehabilitating? Why the heck wasn't Maxwell telling his wife this, or Bertrand his girlfriend? There is so much about this plot that doesn't even make sense.

• How does Barthelemy remember Drake from the court days but not Savannah ("Liam and Drake, you're so grown up now! Miss Savannah, you're lovelier than your reputation..."). Somehow he knows what's been said about Savannah and about Hana's accomplishments - wait if he'd been mostly getting his body back in order, how would he know this stuff? Who is telling him this? (Godfrey?? Is that why he's so faux-patriotic around us now??? Is that his real reason for visiting Cordonia only once a year or something?)

•

In Liam and Drake's cases, Barthelemy says the same thing about how Maxwell outdid himself by bringing the MC to the House, and that she has brought prestige to the Beaumonts. It's in Hana's and Maxwell's cases that the dialogue is different. In Maxwell's it's obviously as his daughter-in-law that he greets you, and in Hana's he speaks of now having two "daughters" in his house.

• Barthelemy then gets to the more serious part of his departure - the fact that Bertrand had to shoulder the responsibilities of being Duke earlier because of Barthelemy's condition, and that now Bertrand can relax while his father takes care of things at the estate. Is that care for his son talking...or his desire for control? I'm leaning towards the second.

• I'm pretty sure Bertrand is leaning towards the second because he's looking pretty resistant about this sudden change. His bride-to-be, Savannah, in the meantime, is super happy to meet her father-in-law and son's namesake. Hah. That'll change.

• Maxwell is nervous. Because he wants his father to see how different he is now, and how responsible he has become, but doesn't know what his old man will think. Don't worry, Esther says, plan this smartly and you'll get a new Pictagram follower!

• In any case, Maxwell's friends promise to help him get through this and support him, except for Drake who thinks he can impose limits (like "no singing"), because, yknow. The universe has to revolve around his comfort zone. Must be a Walker trait.

• More Jess and Blake nuggets! You get an option to ask them how they met, and they tell you about the cruise they first worked in (and presumably where Jess' sister met Liam's brother and (optionally) married him) and how they used to butt heads often. Nice RoE nugget, too bad the writers have so far barely even remembered Liam's brother who is from that series!

•

Yeah yeah I know that Kiara is probably back in Castelserraillian like the other courtly ladies (or chilling in a hotel somewhere in Texas), but if they're all supposed to be there for the wedding Savannah might as well have included her. Not only is Savannah a stinky fiancée and a stinky person in general (not a surprise considering her family), she is also a stinky friend.

• I repeat: my MC Esther has done practically nothing for Savannah. Nor has Hana. Why are we such a huge part of her ceremony again when she already had a long-time friend from court who had actually helped her and actually cared?? Only because we're the ones on an extended holiday in her ranch? Then say that - why do you need to make such a long speech about friendship while snubbing the one woman who made a damned effort to help you? (oh...right. I keep forgetting. Kiara is only remembered when people want to use her 😒).

• At the start of the rehearsals, Savannah tells Jess about the horse-riding-to-the-altar tradition, complete with a saddle that's been a family heirloom. Bianca and Leona, apologetically, inform Savannah that they had to sell it. Savannah tries to mask her disappointment, but fails. Barthelemy in the meantime, jumps in, in what he assumes would be "saving the day" (it's not, Bartie Sr. It really isn't)

Bartie...dude...you just got here. You can't already know what'll make your daughter-in-law happy when you've only spoken to her for all of five seconds. Plant your ass at the back of the congregation where it belongs!

• The girl really really wanted that saddle, okay Bartie Sr? Allow her to grieve that lost dream ffs.

• This scene I guess is helpful because while it still places Bartie Sr rather awkwardly in the "father trying to make amends and be caring" category, it gives you an inkling of why that persona doesn't sit so well on him. Bartie Sr may assume that this is something a caring parent does, except that what he's really doing is taking over, making all the attention revolve around him, believing he knows best and not listening to anyone. Even when he's being "nice".

• That saddle is going to come back some way or other, and it's probably going to be a diamond option, for which the free option is Savannah walking down the aisle with Bartie Sr. Eh. She threw a tantrum at my reception so her boyfriend could marry her, I'm not about to get her her dilapidated saddle. She can make do with her crusty father-in-law.

(The other possibility is that [at the end of the chapter] Bertrand left the house to get it or something idk, and it might be free after all. Is it too late to ask for the entire WEDDING to be a diamond option?)

• So this exchange leads us all to the Beaumont brothers remembering their childhood. Maxwell views it all through rose-coloured spectacles, Bertrand has very different memories of that time. Which is such a change from the previous series! I mean, wasn't Bertrand the one who kept going "my father's legacy, my father's legacy", while Maxwell was the one who didn't have very good memories of that time?

I can always imagine that Bertrand's views on his father must have changed when he started taking on the responsibilities of a father himself (thus making him view his childhood as 'not normal'). And Maxwell may well have come to appreciate Bartie Sr once he began taking House responsibilities. But guess who is breaking their heads to make these "connections". Us. Not the writers. Not the team in charge of this story.

• There are two PoVs to this scene: Maxwell's and Bertrand's. Maxwell's is the one that is lighter, funnier, showing us a wilder side of his brother, Bertrand is given the meatier one, with intrigue and a hint of plot.

- We're taken back to when Bertrand's motorbike was just purchased, and the boys choose to take it for a test ride. The Bertrand shown here is kinda similar to the one in the 6-years-ago flashback in Book 1, just...younger and cuter. Apparently in the time that Bertrand was living alone in a house with Maxwell, he aged like an avocado.

- What's with using this team and using the Waverley kids' faces for the Beaumont brothers??

- Young Bertrand and Maxwell don't mind living on the wild side - taking the Cavilieri Novanta 9S on a test drive through different areas in the estate, planning how they'll debut this beauty at the Beaumont Bash and generally making a racket. Bartie Sr scolds them from the window of his office, then asks them to come up and see him there. Bertrand opts to protect little Maxwell from his father's ire by going there alone, and then telling his brother that their father is "very proud" of them. Maxwell doesn't question this (the writers have forgotten that Young Maxwell was perceptive even as a little boy, so I'm not quite buying that he simply accepted what Bertrand said at face value), and jumps instead into planning a logo for their biker jackets (he suggests a kraken and a tiger). They can also opt to have a special kraken-related handshake.

- Bertrand, however, fills in the blanks, speaking to us about what he witnessed at the office, and what actually transpired.

-

This conversation is the point of the whole scene, and is connected to the Young! Drake scene in the sense that Bartie Sr and Godfrey are from the Great Houses that Constantine mentions are opposing the alliance with Auvernal. While they don't tell us what has disappointed these two so much, we do get the idea that they are displeased esp with the Queen because she has somehow convinced Constantine to not agree with what the two are planning so quickly. It's very possible that their frustration with Eleanor might have gotten them involved in some way with her death, but it's also possible that there are other players involved.

- Bertrand does not focus much on this bit because Bertrand is young and his priorities are different. The interesting thing about using these childhood flashbacks for the characters is that we will always get an incomplete picture, if only because the kids' priorities are different, and for them these side discussions will always count as "adult stuff". Big, scary, too complicated to understand.

- We do get a mention of Maxwell's weight (finally!). The writers frame it as Maxwell losing his weight after his mother's death and getting his regular exercise with his brother. This we get to know by Bartie Sr's fat-shaming comment about not wanted to see Maxwell get back to his "wide suits" (Seriously. Fuck this guy).

• Hypocrite alert! Godfrey who treats his perfectionist daughter as a failure just for existing and being a girl, now thinks he can yap about "being too hard" on one's children. Go fuck yourself Godfrey Not Gao (this nickname was brought to you by @callmetippytumbles).

• The bit that's most important to Bertrand is that he tries to pass an overdue bill to his dad, and his father ignores it to concentrate on "bigger" things. Which kinda leads you to believe that the problem existed waaaaay before Bartie Sr started believing in miracle cures for his mysterious illness. In fact I'm pretty sure both those things might be fabricated.

• So that's what Bertrand is trying to tell us. That Bartie Sr expected his sons to understand responsibility when he was not exactly ready to live up to that example himself. It still doesn't make sense though, considering every time Bertrand spoke about Bartie Sr it was as if he had to uphold the same legacy, and everytime Maxwell spoke about him it was to highlight what a disappointment he was to his father...and funny enough they've now switched roles.

• Anyway, Maxwell is now more inclined to believe Bartie Sr has turned a new leaf, while Bertrand is wary. He is not wrong about the controlling aspect though, even when his dad is trying to be nice he's being a controlling ass.

• Hana comes in and comforts Bertrand, in a scene I found pretty touching. She knows plenty about controlling, overbearing parents who expect plenty from her but fail to measure up to the little that she asks of them. I love how she makes the point that, having support or company of any form, works to lessen the pain of that kind of upbringing...and she knows this because she never had it.

• The bonding that takes place between Hana and Bertrand is lovely, although it's marred by the fact that were we going by the original idea of the Beaumont brothers' lives, Maxwell would be the one she'd be comforting.

• Two bits that stood out to me were where Bertrand offered to make up for all those years of disappointment and pain that Hana suffered, by being a sort of stand-in older brother now - and Hana's response to the whole idea of mending bridges:

I love the fact that she says this even as she still maintains her complicated relationship with her mother. It's small but a lot more than she was allowed to say earlier. In Book 3, a lot of what they had Hana say to Lorelai was more for Lorelai's benefit than her own (constantly educating her and telling the family that the most important thing was that they be happy together). Her responses were centered around Lorelai's comfort, not Hana's conflict. At least here, she gets to state (while safely away from her parents) how complicated her relationship with her parents is. I just hope this is not the last time we hear about it.

• It's now time for the rehearsal dinner! Everyone's seated at a pop-up restaurant Blake and Jess have made for the wedding, and includes the courses for the special day. It's bruschetta, a quiche and the wedding cake for dessert.

•

Auntie Bitch I hope you realize that the biggest freeloaders in this house are your own nephew and niece! Drake doesn't have a job until his wedding is over (unless one counts moaning and griping while enjoying shit that his BFF has paid for, his job (oh...wait...maybe that's why "Constantly Complaining Freeloader" was listed as a job description in his Italian Restaurant scene lmao)). The other biggest freeloader is your niece, who didn't mind accepting money from Maxwell and then turned around and acted towards Bertrand like she didn't need his damn money that she was already using.

• Also for the amount of complaining Leona has been doing for her own niece's wedding she might as well have not hosted them at all. You took the responsibility, you made all the guests you were hosting do work for you and spent all your time mocking them for not having the kind of specific skillsets you grew up with. If you wanted to stay alone with your sister in this crusty dilapidated ranch where you probably don't even pay people fairly, you could have told Savannah to go somewhere else. Like Applewood. Or Ramsford idk. You couldn't even save the saddle your niece would have wanted for the wedding, and if that's not a pointer to what a failure you are, Leona, IDK what is. So maybe stop acting like you're better than the nobles and keep quiet.

• Bianca states that she has never depended on the Crown yet somehow left behind both her children whose well-being was largely being maintained from the Crown coffers???

• But also given the response to Liam I have a feeling we might have a flashback from her next chapter. While she doesn't appear as angry as her sister, there is definitely an underlying bitterness there that I think the narrative might explore before we leave Texas. Idk.

• Bartie Sr focuses his attention on us again, insisting that he is like a father figure to us. You can either firmly refuse (my favourite option), express pride in House Beaumont (which pleases Bartie Sr no end) or be polite (in which case Liam lets out a cryptic "how generous of you" aimed at Bartie Sr it one point, showing us that he's not very impressed. Hmm. Hmm.)

• Bartie Sr is being controlling again, complaining that the quiche is not an elegant main course and insisting to Savannah that she try whatever he is demanding for the wedding. He keeps saying "trust me Savannah, you'll love it!" as if he knows her tastes better than she herself does.

• Chuck tries to offer cake, and Bartie Sr in his eagerness to refuse accidentally tosses it over on Leona's clothes.

• That's kiiind of a breaking point with Leona, and to sum it all up, THIS happens:

Jess has seen and participated in utter chaos, okay. So for her to appear all flummoxed and say "it was...a lot", it really, really has to be a lot.

• My favourite parts have to be Hana and Liam thoroughly enjoying the food fight and finding it cathartic, because they're the two who most need to channel their repressed energies into that kind of catharsis. Drake and Maxwell don't feel this need as much as they do because they already have ways and opportunities to channel it.

• The fight allows both the nobles and the Walkers to meet on common ground - common enough ground that Bertrand can (if we choose) finally tell his father that he and Savannah can manage their own wedding, thank you very much.

• Funny how Bertrand is expected to stand up to his father and ensure that what Savannah wants is not ignored, yet Savannah herself never makes even a quarter of the effort that he does, in making Bertrand comfortable in her home. Why does Bertrand have to do all the work in this relationship? Why do I only see Savannah complaining when Bertrand is not doing things exactly as she wants them to be done, yet not even lifting a finger when he's the one who needs the help and reassurance? Perhaps the best option is if he becomes runaway groom.

• We get to give one (1) solitary fuck about the country we're leading when we're back in the bedroom after this whole skirmish has gone down.

• LI diamond scene! At a moonlit hot spring nearby. The scenes mostly include the mandatory admiration for the lingerie, awe at the scenery and once the sex is done, an exploration into family and children from the would-be parents.

Liam: Calls the MC a "twilight goddess fit for worship" as soon as he sees her with her lacy lingerie in the moonlight. If you've done those scenes, there's a mention of the Forgotten Falls and the Blue Grotto and how Liam has a penchant for whisking the MC away to secluded watery places. (Liam also mentions finding a matching pearl to the first one they got at the Blue Grotto, even though the writers have practically forgotten what has happened to that first one 🙄).

The MC can choose to either go fast or slow in the love scene, and afterwards, Liam wonders aloud whether all families are complicated. The MC can counter this, by telling Liam they can ensure their child never gets to the point that Bertrand or Hana have by ensuring the child has their space to be open about how they feel.

Caption: Spring Fling

Hana: The two women mostly admire each other in silence (Hana tells the MC she would simply like to look at her as the MC gives a twirl) and the MC suggests expanding the "sample size" of Hana's lingerie because Hana in the moonlight is a vision. Hana offers to massage the MC's shoulders, and speaks about wanting to get away from the chaos and check in on her. Hana wants to take as much of their alone time as possible to check if the MC is doing okay, which IMO is her way of maintaining a relationship - by giving her partner space to talk about how they feel, something she rarely had the opportunity to do. She also admits to how exhilarating the food fight was. Hana is playful and teasing in her love scene, and brings the MC to the point where she will beg for more.

Once they are done, the two speak about how being in this place is like being in a fairytale, and there's a particularly lovely line nestled in this bit:

I wished for storybooks with scenes just like this as a kid. Not ones where the princess got rescued by the prince or the knight...but where she found love and happiness on her own...and the freedom to embrace them.

It's...it's so beautiful 😭

Caption: Woodland Nymphs

Maxwell: Now obviously Maxwell has the most personal experience among the four this time, since it's his father that returned home, and it's his family that is now dealing with some tough, complicated questions. Some of that shows in this scene. It begins with Maxwell seeing the MC in her lingerie and confession he almost forgot she had them...which is a good thing otherwise he would never be able to concentrate on anything else. He speaks to her about all the things he loves about her and about their relationship - especially how much they make each other laugh. Underwater, the two let go of their restraint and make love with abandon.

The conversation that follows is the most important, exploring Maxwell's feelings about his father's return. He doesn't have a lot of memories of his father - most of it was from when he was very young, or from Bertrand's eyes. Maxwell is very happy that Bartie Sr has returned, and wants him to see how happy he is with the MC. He speaks of wanting to tell him about the social season, about marrying the MC, about his bestseller book. There is a cute bit where the MC asks whether he would tell Bartie Sr about the hippo tattoo and Maxwell seems almost terrified by that option. But overall, there is nervousness in his scene, and also hope. He definitely is invested in making his old man proud. Proving himself has always been a theme with Maxwell, and that need possibly will increase with the arrival of his father.

Caption: Blue Lagoon

Drake: Calls the MC in her lingerie in the moonlight, "art that should be in a museum". The two admire each other in their new lingerie, and then admire the scenery. Drake has brought the MC to the hot spring mostly because it was rumoured to be called "Makeout Point", and he's always been curious to see what the big deal was. The MC can point out the beauty and romantic potential of the area, mentioning that she can imagine a sixteen year old swooning if her high school sweetheart brought her there, "or a duchess, if her marshmallow brought her here". During the love scene, Drake likens her to a siren, the sex can either be rough or gentle and the MC can either take control or allow him to.

Towards the end, the two talk wonder how their child might be, who they would resemble. There's a bit of banter back and forth about how the world is not ready for their collective sass 😄 I think because Drake is the most comfortable with his own family now, that his conversations with the MC about family focus largely on his memories of good times, and on what their child will be like.

Caption: Spring Fever

• Why the hell are you guys ruining all that nice lingerie in water!!!

• After a few days, and presumably on the day of the wedding, Savannah comes to us, shocked and worried, telling us that Bertrand is gone. This could be either a fakeout leading to him trying to get something nice and romantic done for her, or his insecurities cropping up IDK.

• General Thoughts:

- As much as I'd LOVE for the twist to be that Bertrand has realized this marriage will never work and has called it all off, I know for a fact they won't let that happen. Either his insecurities have come to a head with Bartholemy's return and he needs time to clear his head, or he's gone all heroic and tried to get Savannah's saddle for her, which we then have to pay diamonds to retrieve.

- Some way or the other that saddle is going to feature.

- They'll have Bertrand do something heroic I guess so that Leona will FINALLY stop being a whiny asshole. And Savannah as usual? Will not even lift her little finger.

- I'm more worried about what Bartie Sr will be upto once he's back at Ramsford estate! Esp given that his controlling has already begun at an event as innocuous as a wedding. ALSO given that this man will be back in Cordonia!!

- We're obviously going to get more hints about our pregnancy in the coming chapter, that I'm sure we'll ignore coz we don't want to jump into conclusions like the last time.

- Hana's bonding scene with Bertrand reminds me a little of a scene in Book 2, where she speaks of how Bertrand reminds her a little of her father...in, like, a good way.

- If it turns out that Godfrey and Barthelemy were indeed involved in Eleanor's death, it will be the ultimate irony. It would mean that the present occupants of the duchies that were once undermining the Crown...are now their stanchest allies. Lucretia and Olivia's parents vs Olivia, Godfrey vs Madeleine, and Bartie Sr vs Bertrand and Maxwell. It would be a nice contrast.

- Istg if they try and make HAKIM AND JOELLE suspicious too I will literally throw hands 😡

- Jesus, the amount of retconning going on in this book. That scene would have lost nothing by making Bertrand the guy who was desperate to prove himself to his father and Maxwell the one who had mixed feelings. Having both of them overhear that conversation rather than one would have been fine too. But this is one in a looooooong list of things that the team is shifting around, believing no one will notice. Maybe I should just call this series The Royal Retcon from now on because there is more of that happening than actual babymaking!!

- I'm pretty intrigued by Liam's lukewarm reaction to Bartie Sr personally. What does he know. Why doesn't Liam tell me and why doesn't the MC ask!!

- Bartie Sr spends surprisingly little time with his own namesake, but perhaps I shouldn't be so surprised since Junior's own parents are hardly seen with him either.

- Next chapter is the wedding (if we can find the groom, that is), Savannah getting her dream entry (possibly if we pay the diamonds) and hints that we may be pregnant that will culminate in the big reveal at the end. Yay?

- I know I haven't gotten out a QT for Book 1 in two weeks but those past two weeks have been filled with lots of IRL stuff. Hopefully I'll get back to that soon.

- Until next week, folks!

[mrsrhys23]

I wish you'd write a fic where Riley is queen but is having doubts about whether or not she can do it and Liam is all sweet and supportive I really love your fics btw thanks xxx

Thanks for the request Nonny! I’m so happy that you like my fics! I hope you like this. 

Permatag: @desiree-0816, @itschoicesstuff, @cordoniaqueensworld, @addictedtochoiceslove

Riley had been queen for coming up to four months and everyone, including her husband seemed to have forgotten she wasn't born into this. 

The group were stuck in a council meeting, everyone was yapping away but Riley wasn't listening. 

“You’re Majesty?” Madeline asked, “Your Majesty?! Madeline yelled when Riley didn't answer. 

Riley looked up at the demon, then clocked everybody, including Liam was looking at her.

“I’m sorry?” Riley asked. 

“Riley are okay?” Liam asked, placing a hand on his wife's shoulder.

“...Yeah...” she stuttered, shaking off his hand, she couldn't really tell everybody she wasn't listening during an important meeting. 

“Who ever thought a commoner being queen was a good idea?” Godfrey grumbled to himself, but Riley heard anyway.

Riley felt tears prickling at her eyes. She had more than proved herself over the last few months she was capable of being queen, but they still obviously didn't see that. 

The people had all accepted her, came to love her but the nobles didn't, she could see it on their faces during balls, they didn't think she belonged there, and she didn't, she was a waitress not a queen, the was just the harsh reality.

Riley fought back the tears as she looked at the group. “Right listen to me. I may not be the best at this, I know that and yes, I am still learning things about Cordonia, how to be queen. It doesn’t help that I’m not from here or born into this, I know I’ve made mistakes, but I am trying,” she explained, turning to face Madeline.  “You were right Madeline, you would be better at this, I’m not denying that, but I am trying my best. You’re better than me and you always will be. You’re better at court, you’re better in front of the press…  Maybe you’re right, maybe you should’ve married Liam instead.”

She turned to face Godfrey, still fighting back the onslaught of tears. “I don’t know why Liam thought I could do this. I don’t know why he thought a commoner could do this.”

“Riley,” Liam started but Riley cut him off.

“No, Liam, this needs to be said.  I don’t know why I even bothered to come back that night with Bertrand and Max… Everything since I came to this godforsaken country has gone wrong.”

Riley stood in a hurry, knocking over her chair in the process and stormed out determined to get to her and Liam’s bedroom before she would let herself break.

Riley made her way in the royal chambers, heading straight to her closet and pulled out a duffle bag and pulled a load of clothes from the rail.

Just then Liam ran in. “Riley?” he questioned as she started shoving her belongings into her bag. “Riley stop,” Liam said calmly, placing a hand on her shoulder. 

Riley looked up at him, tears streaming uncontrollably down her face. Liam felt his heart shatter. “Talk to me,” he pleaded. 

“I c-can’t do this,” she cried. 

Liam cupped her face in his hand, making her look up at him. “Yes you can,” he insisted. “I know you can do this,”  Liam said, wiping her tears away. 

“They don't think I can. None of them do,” She sobbed, the tears Liam had just wiped away being replaced with fresh ones. 

“Does It matter what they think? I love you, Riley, so, so much and I know you can do this. Riley do You think it was easy for me to become king?” Liam asked calmly.

No,” Riley said, sniffling and shaking her head. 

“Because It wasn't. It still isn't,” Liam explained. 

“But you always seem to know what to do.”

“Because that’s easier than to admit that I have no idea what I’m doing. I wasn’t supposed to be king. My dad and Regina made it look easy. I’m starting to think…

“You chose the wrong person? Maybe you should have gone along with Madeline’s little plan,” she said, more tears beginning to fall.

I love you. I want to be with you. we can figure this out together as a team. We’ll figure this out together. I promise.”

[jj-lynn21]

Roman & Princess: Castle in the Desert ch 4

Warnings: fluff, lust, female/female, blood

ch 1  ch 2   ch 3  ch 5

“You ready to go down?” Roman puts his seatbelt back on as you do the same.

“I think I already did that,” you smirked.

“Seat belts/shoulder harnesses — secure.” Bill started his descent list. You buckled up. “Landing gear — Down.”

The wheel squealed as they hit the grown gripping the runway. Roman had complete control as he slowed to a stop near another plane at a hanger. A limousine waited for their departure from the plane.

“That was the most fun I have ever had on a plane.” You took your seatbelt off standing.

Roman took his seat belt off. Stood up to stretch. Then grabbed you around the waist. Pulled you close for a deep kiss. “Glad to know I’m the only one you joined the mile-high club with.”

You giggled.

The Limo driver got the luggage when Roman opens the compartment and places in the trunk. He opens the back door for you and Roman to get inside. You can see the Castle in the distance. It only took minutes to drive to the Castle from the plane hangar.

As you and Roman stepped through the heavy metal doors holding hands a multicolored carpet stretched out before you. This was the Casino level. It included the Casino, a bar called Bloody Mary’s resort, a buffet restaurant called dragons layer that had a dragon’s head with green glowing eyes above the door and a food court with a Subway, Pizza Hut, Chipolte, Auntie Anne’s and Taco Bell. There were 14 table games and a myriad of slot machines from fifty-dollar machines to a section of penny slot machines. A sign stood at the entrance that told customers to follow each color of the carpet blue, orange and red to a specific area.

You and Roman looked around in awe listening to the sounds of coins, cards being shuffled and the excitement a win can bring. The place wasn’t full, but it was busy enough to make a profit you suspected. King Bill and Queen Jen waited for you to notice them. Relishing the looks on your faces.

Roman noticed them first, “Hey man, this is a big place. I bet it spins a better profit than the smaller clubs.”

“We are doing alright at all are locations,” Bill said stoically. “Would you like to see the rest of my Castle, Prince?”

“You don’t need to call me that,” Roman fidget under Bill stare.

Jen eased her hand into your free hand, “We are quite formal here, for the guests, so you might as well both get use to it, Prince and Princess Godfrey.”

You smile slightly nervous. One hand still holding Roman’s. The other, your fingers weave through hers. Your eyes meeting hers. Your lips dry. Her red lips shimmer in the lighting.

“Let me show you my favorite place in the Castle, Princess, while the guys talk business or whatever they wish to do.” The Queen gently pulls you away from Roman.

As you loose grip on his hand you look to him, “Roman?”

Roman looks to you with a comforting smile, “It’s ok Princess. Go on with the Queen for now. I will see you before the ball.” He releases your hand fulling going off with Bill.

You walk the other way holding the Queen hand. “So, what is your favorite place in the castle?”

“The spa is amazing” She led you to a elevator that took you to the top floor.

The elevator opened to the ballroom. “This is where the Ball will be held tonight.” Jen guides you through the open room to where the blood red carpet over a black marble floor ends at the thrones. “You will be seated on the throne to Roman’s right. Go on and take a seat Princess.”

You sit holding your head up high. Then you laugh at the absurdity of the seriousness she seems to put on such a roleplay.

Jen raises an eye brow, “The throne suits you my dear. Keep your head held high. Those customers that come though the door tonight expect it. They demand it with their eyes and body language. All we do is appease them to make them comfortable. Tonight, I will show you the ropes so to speak. Choose a few customers one by one to take to a room so we can drink. Then we wash it all away other than a nice memory for them to take home. I will heal the wounds. It will be better than anything. Better than the rawness of the club we have in Hemlock Grove, I promise you.”

“I’ll have to take your word on that for now,” You get up. “Its one thing to be referred to as Princess. It’s a whole other thing trying to act like one truly.” You laugh at the thought again.

“I had that problem myself,” she reached out for your hand again. “You are more natural in the role than you think.”

You walk with her down a hallway of rooms. At the end are two suites. She opens the door to one, “This will be you and Roman’s room. I’ll bring you back here after some time at the spa. The air does wonders for the skin right before a Ball.”

You head down another hallway to the right. There is something familiar about the crimson tapestries from floor to ceiling with a plush ebony rug below your feet. You just can’t pinpoint where you have scene something like it. As soon as she opens the glass doors of the spa the thick chlorinated air hits you. You take in a deep breath. Its warm. A haze is caste over the room from the heat coming off the pool.

“Come this way Princess,” Jen heads into another room with lockers and robes. “Off with your cloths my dear and on with a fluffy white robe for now.”

You do as she asks.

“You want a drink?” You follow her out to sit on one of the lounge chairs near the pool.

“Sure,” you sit in the chair beside her.

Jen snaps her fingers. Two young people, a boy, and a girl barely legal, kneel beside you and her. Their wrists turned to the insides. Heads bowed.

“Have a fresh sip Princess,” I’ll take care of them after. They live to serve. She grins fangs showing before biting down on the females wrist. The girl never moves. A smile of adoration on her lips although she never looks up.

You bite into the young man’s flesh. As you take a safe sip, he moans. You finish licking the blood from your lips.

Jen finishes and heals her food source.  “Thank you, Anabelle. You served me well, go about your other work. Samuel come here so I can help you.” The young man goes to kneel bye her. Blood still seeps from the wound you made. She heals him. “Thank you, Samuel. Go about your work.”

“Mmmm I always like fresh so much better,” you practically moan from the enjoyment, “Feels better.” You close your eyes.

Jen stands walking to the edge of the pool. She drops her robe. You open your eyes and just watch her. Your eyes moving over her shoulders, down her back taking in every luscious curve you see. She dives in the water swimming to the other end where you can barely see her.

“Come join me, Princess” she beckons, “It’s warm.”

You stand, look around before disrobing and diving in, to swim to her side. The water is warm almost like a hot tub. 

“You are beautiful in a very special way Princess,” She said as you emerged from under the water.

You blushed as you leaned against the wall by her. Your eyes closed as you leaned back. You felt cool lips on yours first. Hands stroking down your curves. You thought about what Roman would think as you felt the desire to kiss her back.

Jen pulled you over her. “It is alright Princess. Our men know how strong our love for them is even if we have other needs sometimes. Roman is getting well taken care of right now.”

Your legs up against each side of her body, head back as she finds that sweet spot on your neck that drives you so wild. “I, we…”

She quiets you with another sensual kiss. You kiss her back. It feels so right. Any trepidation you have is pushed to back of your mind. Her hand moves between your legs. 

“How’s that sweet girl?” She runs her fingers over your clit. starts making tiny circle.

You relax into her touch moaning softly, “you’re,” Your voices catches, “good.”  

“Just wait until you are bound. There will be no fear in your heart, Princess.”

The dream of the ropes binding you. The hallway. The voice saying “you need to be bound” floats into the front of your mind. You push away from Jen stunned 

[gtenvs3000-19]

The Conclusion of Our Journey

Hello all my readers, as you can tell by the title of this post unfortunately our blog days together are coming to an end. I have enjoyed sharing my perspective on different topics about nature interpretation throughout this semester. As this journey together comes to an end, I thought I would look back on how I have developed as a nature interpreter. So sit back, relax, and let’s conclude this journey.

Photo of my campers and I at the end of our hike / journey. Photo taken by Lucy Cook (co-worker).

My Beliefs

As someone who was raised to respect others, my core belief has always been “you do you, unless it’s hurting others”. Essentially I was raised to not care what others were doing, feeling, saying, loving, etc., unless it was effecting myself or others. I like to bring this same belief into nature. Going on a nature walk every four days at the Bruce Peninsula National Park, you see a lot of different people. My campers would sometimes make fun of other people who were taking selfies, or singing as they hiked, or using walking sticks. I always asked my campers if those people are living their life and what they’re doing isn’t affecting you, why do you care? What difference does it make to your life? Feeling embarrassed, they never really knew how to answer me. I believe that people shouldn’t judge each other especially in nature where everyone should feel accepted. Where my belief changes is if those people are affecting myself or others. A great example would be a young couple my campers and I came across who were smoking cigarettes and throwing their garbage onto the path. I kindly asked them to put their cigarettes out and told them that I could keep their garbage in my bag but suggested they bring a bag of their own next time. My belief of “you do you” changed because what that couple was doing was affecting nature.

Photo of myself at the Bruce Peninsula National Park, a hike where I practice my belief of “you do you unless it’s hurting others”. Photo taken by Jake Godfrey (co-worker).

Another belief I have while being a nature interpreter is that nature is essential to wellness. I believe that children, adults, and seniors should all have the time and the access to go out into nature. As a nature interpreter and someone who is a part of the nature community, I would try my hardest to reach out to everyone and get them outside. I personally believe being outside significantly increases your wellness and your mental health. For example, I had a camper who had recently transitioned and was going through a lot of mental health issues. He didn’t like camp since he was forced to be in girls cabin with a girl councillor (myself) which I cannot even imagine how difficult that would be for him. I finally convinced him to go to the park and when he saw a beautifully time rainbow on the water, he was taken aback. After that moment his mood completely changed. I am not saying that nature completely helped his mental health issues, but it definitely made a positive difference.  

Whenever my campers felt stressed, we would take a trip to the garden to calm down. Photo taken by myself.

My Responsibilities

As a nature interpreter, I believe I have many responsibilities, not only to nature but also to my audience. First there are the obvious responsibilities that I have to nature such as to protect and preserve nature. This means stopping people like my littering couple from before from using the earth as their garbage bag. As well, I owe it to nature to be educated and understand what is happening to our earth. This can help me educate the public on real dangers that are happening to our earth, such as climate change, habitat destruction, and more. With education comes preservation. I also have a responsibility to nature to do as much as I can to raise awareness, and get people out there. Getting people out into nature and having them experience it can lead to them loving it. It is harder to see something you love get destroyed.

Photo of an ice cave, not the most normal nature but still super cool to learn about. Photo taken by myself.

The second and maybe most important responsibility I have as a nature interpreter is my responsibility to my audience. I need to make sure that I am inclusive, accepting, and open to all. As my class talked about in my nature interpretation course, nature should be accessible to everyone. Unfortunately as of today I don’t believe nature is truly attainable to all, but one of my responsibilities will be to try as hard as I can so that one day it is. As well as I have talked about many times before, I need to give my audience a gift of a spark. The textbook I have been reading this semester states “To spark an interest, interpreters must relate the subject to the lives of the people in their audience” (Beck and Cable 2011). I need to be able to relate my audiences lives to nature, and spark their interest. “In addition to being passionate for the interpretive site, the interpreter has a passion for sharing his or her knowledge and wisdom with others” (Beck and Cable 2011). The combination of relating and showing the audience my passion will hopefully have my audience leaving the walk, hike, classroom with a new perspective on nature.

Photo of us councillors out on the court hustling to show our passion and hope the kids passion will shine through. Photo taken by Riley Windsor (co-worker).

My Approaches

As I talked about before in my blog post about my scientific hero, there are many approaches to take to teach auditory, visual and tactile learners. The approach I will continue to take and improve on will be taking my audience out into nature and doing an interactive walk / hike with them. I usually have printed out photos of certain flora or fauna that I like to talk about which can appeal to the visual learner. I also usually have paint chips in my backpack and give each student a paint chip and ask them to go find a flora or fauna that matches that paint colour, appealing to my more tactile learners. Finally I give facts and ask my audience questions for my auditory learners. Obviously, every walk / hike needs to be modified depending on the age and maturity of each group, demonstrating the gift of targeted programming.

Photo of fellow councillor and I dressing up before our hike to make it more interactive for the kids. Photo taken by Logan Barnes (co-worker).

Conclusion

I hope my blogs have provided everyone with a different perspective on nature interpretation and have been a joy to read. Thank you to everyone who took the time to read my posts and respond to. I will leave you all with this final question, what more can we do to help nature be more accessible to all?

Reference: “The Gifts of Interpretation” by Larry Beck and Ted T. Cable. 3rd Edition, Copyright 2011

[granada-brett-crumbs]

It’s been a while since my last extensive fic rec list, and there’ve been so many new, great, lovely and amazing fics since then that it was about time to make another list, so, here it is, enjoy!

Also a HUGE thanks to all fic writes, I love you all :’)

1K - 9K WORDS

A Combination of Events by ColebaltBlue, G, 3k: There was no one moment when John Watson realized he loved Sherlock Holmes, but rather just a combination of events in the summer of '95.

Acts of Caring by takingoffmyshoes, G, 1k: “Outside, the frigid rain continued undeterred, but in our home we were far beyond its reach.” Domestic and lovely.

An Evening of Deductions by Brynn_Jones, G, 1k: Holmes and Watson spend a pleasant evening with some violin music and deductions. 

As if the World Should Roll Itself Out Like a Cloak by earlybloomingparentheses, G, 4k: Watson feels deeply for Holmes, but what it is he feels is less than clear.

A Taste of Honey by methylviolet10b, T, 3k, sickfic: A failure to observe leads to a successful deduction. Holmes POV.

A Very Ordinary Man by Garonne, T, 6k, casefic, established relationship: The disappearance of a lonely, middle-aged clerk prompts a fit of wordiness on Watson's part. Not that Holmes objects...

Broken, Mended, Mine by janeofarc, G, 2k, angst with a happy ending: Old wounds are reopened in the aftermath of Holmes' nearly disastrous experiment with the devil's foot root.

Christmas Observations by methylviolet10b, G, 4k: Mycroft's Christmas Eve observations on Holmes and Watson relationship, over the years 1881 - 1894.

Courting Sherlock Holmes by A_Candle_For_Sherlock, G, 5k, sickfick, first kiss: It was, in all probability, the fault of the flowers. The title says it all :>

Dr Watson's Unpublished Stories by Stavia_Scott_Grayson, series, G, 5k, 2 works: Stories written by Dr Watson only for the eye of his friend, Mr Sherlock Holmes, while they were apart.

Idée fixe by nowstfucallicles, G, 1k: He does not know what to begin with it. It is too grave a thing to be treated as a mere distraction, too tenacious to be dissolved in tobacco smoke. What does one begin with an idée fixe? With a mind bent towards one single thing. —An extraordinary take of the first kiss trope, brilliant!

Ignorance of Instinct by NimWallace, G, 1k, first kiss: In which Sherlock Holmes chooses to ignore his instincts thrice, and once he does not.

I’ll Change That Name With You by hoc_voluerunt, G, 2k: Holmes may have no regard for his own health, but friendship still cuts both ways, and emotions may run deep in an intellectual man.

In darkness, I call your name (and you, mine) by a_different_equation, T, 2k, first kiss: There are several aspects to Watson’s personality. When the good doctor and the loyal friend are not enough to keep Holmes from craving his seven-percent-solution, Captain John Watson reappears and orders an outing to London's Hyde Park.

Inertia by ColebaltBlue, M, 6k, retirement era: Sherlock Holmes has moved to Sussex without a word. Months later John Watson is asked to a visit and after stumbling into something he never expected to see, they finally say something to each other that took them two-decades to be able to say.

Ingredients of Love by a_different_equation, M, 2k, established relationship: To cheer up his Watson, Sherlock Holmes surprises him with making a cake in the kitchen of 221B. Something sweet, something extra. A tale about so much more than Victorian baking.

Instruments of an Art by keep_calm_and_ks, G, ficlet: “It is Nature’s practice to induce the attraction of two unlike bodies, and I am nothing if not a strict follower of the laws of Nature.” Holmes’s reflections on his love for a certain Dr John Watson. Sweet.

In the Shadow of Mount Sikaram by orchid314, G, 2k: There was a great heart that beat at the centre of things. A look on Dr. Watson’s time in Afghanistan, beautiful and melancholic.

Love is Blind by Artemis (Citrine), G, 1k: Holmes & Watson from Mrs Hudson's pov and a glimpse of her past history. Lovely!

Lovers in a Dangerous Time by Goddess_of_the_Night, G, 1k, established relationship, angst an fluff: An unpublished account of the time Holmes and Watson investigated the murder of a gay couple, and it reminded them just how dangerous their own love is.

Mentor by gardnerhill, G, 2k, established relationship, canon story The Adventure of the Crooked Man: It takes a wounded subcontinental soldier to help a wounded subcontinental soldier.

My Dear Doctor by apliddell, G, 4k, established relationship, canon story The Dying Detective: After the painful events of the Reichenbach Fall, Holmes could never again deceive Watson into thinking he would lose him.

My Greatest Joy and Privilege by apliddell, G, 2k, post-Reichenbach, first kiss: Watson solves Holmes, and then Holmes solves Watson. Absolutely lovely.

Not Again by Etaleah, T, 2k, hurt/comfort: During the Adventure of the Dying Detective, Holmes deceives Watson about being at death's door yet again. This time, Watson snaps.

No Simple Fate by ingridmatthews, G, 1k: Watson is hurt and Holmes is taking care of him - possibly definitely with bonus cuddling. Post The Adventure of the Three Garridebs.

Obliging Sherlock Holmes by baronwaste, T, 2k, first kiss: “It would oblige me greatly if you would kindly kiss me.” Sweet!

Pride & Providence by janeofarc, G, 5k, angst and fluff: Holmes and Watson return to Baker Street after the arrest of Colonel Moran and deal with the aftermath of Holmes' dramatic return from the dead. Lovely!

Strangers by rachelindeed, G, 1k, character study: Mycroft Holmes seems to hold the world at arm's length, but appearances can be deceptive.

The Creeping Men by okapi, E, 3k, Holmes/Watson of course, but also Lestrade/Gregson, crack: Six paths cross in Regent's Park at midnight. *waggles eyebrows*

The Better Part of Valour by rachelindeed, T, 7k, The Greek Interpreter fixit:  Mr Melas considers himself a coward, but more than one man's courage comes with complicated cracks.

The Disappearance of Dr. John Watson's Trouser by tremendousdetectivetheorist, M, 4k, established relationship: When Watson notices he is missing a pair of trousers and questions Holmes about their disappearance, Holmes guides him in a long search for them —putting Watson’s observation skills to the test and making him do the legwork—while never leaving 221B.

The Doctor's Doctor by Ophelia_j, M, 7k: A friend from Watson's army days arrives in London, at the moment when Holmes and Watson's relationship is about to fall apart.

The Incident with the Bicycle by Garonne, G, 2k, established relationship: We know Holmes can ride a bicycle, but when exactly did he learn?

The Matter of Cake by Nibblesofflesh, M, 3k, established relationship: Holmes decides to try his hand at baking a cake, and Watson quite likes the look of Holmes in an apron. Sassiness, silliness, and sexiness ensue.

The Quiet After A Case by Small_Hobbit, G, ficlet: Holmes has solved a case, and so he and Watson head back to Baker Street. A look at their relationship from Watson's POV.

The Science of Touch by cndrow, T, 2k, angst and fluff, post Reichenbach:  Watson is somewhat surprised to find his dearest friend still suffering as much as he from their years-long separation. But is that all that troubles Holmes, or is there something deeper?

The Unusual Comma in the Middle of a Completely Ordinary Phrase by Goddess_of_the_Night, G, 2k, first kiss: Holmes gets called away suddenly to solve a case and writes letters to Watson keeping him informed. Two of the letters contain an unfamiliar comma in the middle of a very familiar phrase. Watson frets over what it’s supposed to mean, if anything at all.

Travelling Issues by Random_Nexus, T, 2k, lots of fluff: Watson and Holmes do a lot of travelling in a short amount of time and Holmes seems to have a problem with something, but Watson has to figure out what it is, because it looks like it might mean the end of their relationship.

Your Sweet Hue by orchid314, G, 1k: Glimpses of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson over four seasons and four decades.

10K - 30K WORDS

An Ideal Husband by PlaidAdder, 22k, T, case fic: Irene Adler is back in London and has returned to the stage, starring in Oscar Wilde's play An Ideal Husband. Violet Hunter ("Copper Beeches") is in London, working as a governess for an aristocratic and dysfunctional family. Holmes, Watson, and Violet are all in the audience on opening night; and they are soon all embroiled in an intrigue involving Irene Adler, Godfrey Norton, Violet's employers, and a diamond brooch in the shape of a snake. Watson and Violet Hunter take turns narrating a story chock full of double-crossing, cross-dressing, and Oscar Wilde.

Dearly Beloved by mistyzeo, M, 20k: set in an alternate timeline where gay marriage is legal in Victorian England, Holmes and Watson get married while drunk and, of course, later a lot of misunderstandings ensue before they finally get to talk.

His Name Is John Watson by ampersand_ch, E, 19k: A summer's idyll in Sussex. Holmes and Watson seek some peace and quiet. But that's not as simple as they imagine.

Holmes' Mistake by pandapony, E, 13k, hurt/comfort: Sherlock Holmes rarely makes mistakes. But the one time he did, Watson paid the price. Now, as Watson heals from the assault, their dynamic has changed. Is Holmes' new behavior stemming from guilt, or something deeper?

If we make it home by blaetter, E, 24k, post Reichenbach: Two years after Holmes's death in the Reichenbach Falls, his elder brother comes to a grieving Watson with what seems to be a case. Watson finds a surprise waiting for him in Berlin.

Injury by The_Cool_Aunt, G, 9k, domestic fluff: “WANTED— Temporary MAID OF ALL WORK, for two gentlemen and housekeeper. Live out. No laundry. Good personal reference. Apply 221B, Baker Street, after twelve.” Doctor Watson delves into the details of domestic life at 221B.

Postcards by okapi, E, 10k, established relationship, fluffy smut: After a series of domestic calamities, Watson & Mrs. Hudson flee on holiday. Holmes writes postcards to Watson. 

The Answer to a Question by A_Candle_For_Sherlock, T, 22k: These are the stories behind the story we know: what really happened to Watson's marriage, and what made him follow Holmes to Reichenbach; what secrets were hidden in the mountains, and what a dead man wrote to the man he left behind. 

The Disappearance of John Watson by CCNSurvivor, T, 22k, angst with a  happy ending: Returning to London after the hiatus, Holmes is eager to share with Watson what truly transpired in Switzerland. But Watson has fled the city, driven out by the grief for his friend and companion, as well as the recent loss of his wife. Now it is up to Holmes to chase after him, following what little clues a series of letters provide.

The Old Pawnbroker by mightymads, M, 18k, established  relationship, hurt/comfort: When a concise telegram arrived to Baker Street, Watson took Holmes along to dispel Holmes’s ennui and distract him from cocaine. Such was the beginning of the case which made the doctor remember things he’d rather forget.

To Join These Men in Holy Matrimony by A_Candle_For_Sherlock, 10k, established relationship: “Sherlock Holmes is a contradiction, an enigma, a force; at once the most generous spirit and the most self-contained man I have ever known. I've known more of him, I think, than anyone on earth. Yet for years I'd learned nothing about his boyhood, nor his fears, nor his future hopes, nor his father’s name. I never felt it as a lack until I knew he loved me.”

40K+ WORDS

Arte Regendus by Violsva, series, 9 works, 60k: A series of stories about relationships and mysteries and secrets and people being in love and people talking to each other and people not talking to each other and people hurting each other without intending to and people working as hard as they can to not hurt each other. It has sex and drugs and angst and romance and adventure and interior monologues and case solving and pretentious classical references. It covers 1881 to 1894 in ACD canon.

Missing Pages by PlaidAdder, series, 22 works, T, 78k: a group of interlinked short stories which tell the story of how Holmes and Watson really came to be separated at the Reichenbach Falls, and how they found each other again. Each story is in the form of a document, which tells us something about that story that was changed or suppressed in Watson's published account of it.

Sherlock Holmes and the Adventure of the Invisible Prism by CCNSurvivor, T, 56k, case fic, post Reichenbach: “In the year 1895, however, it so happened that Holmes and I became involved in not one but two cases of blackmail; the latter of which has never been spoken of since, for it was fraught with a danger which threatened the illusion of normalcy we had so desperately carved out of the ruins of our relationship since his return from the Reichenbach Falls a year prior. And yet it was of that case I often found myself thinking, as it carried some personal significance to both Holmes and myself and drastically changed our lives.”

[newagesispage]

                                                  APRIL                      2019

PAGE   RIB

***** The Rolling Stones have cancelled their North American tour. Mick Jagger apologized for cancelling due to undisclosed medical treatments.  Oh Baby, Get Well Soon!!!!

***** Mick and his squeeze, Melanie Hamrick have put together a ballet set to Stones music called Porte Rouge. After premiering in Russia it will come to NY on April 18 for an opening night charity event to benefit Youth America Grand Prix.  Tickets start at $600.

***** Tina Fey and Carol Burnett  are working on a movie about Carol’s book, Carrie and me: A Mother –Daughter love story.

***** When I hear Bernie Sanders going on, I can’t help but think of Jimmy Carter. He was pushing many of these messages in the seventies. He tried to get us to have more respect for the land and to save energy and the greedy wrote him off as boring and the era of greed took over. Will we listen this time?

***** The Mueller report was finally turned over to Attorney General William Barr. This has started a whole new set of problems. Barr gives us a summary that is like springtime for Trump. He jumps right in to those that done him wrong and FISA warrants. Should congress get a look at the full report? Everyone is talking over each other and don’t seem to hear what the other is saying. Everybody piles on Adam Schiff because they think he isn’t accepting the report like a good Dem should. If they would listen, he makes it very clear that he respects the findings but they need to see the report. How dare they ask HIM to resign as Intel committee chair. It was heartwarming to see his backbone. They must quit backing down. We still don’t have the whole story but he still free to say that he thinks the actions we already know of were wrong. What the hell is wrong with that? Barr is supposed to release the heavily redacted report in mid- April. No collusion? Perhaps, Scary Clown 45 would probably not get his hands dirty. Obstruction? We’ll see. ** Tyler Mcgaughey, William Barrs son in law will now advise Trump and the White House staff. ** I am really sick of listening to the old white man POV.

***** Dow chemical has donated a mil to Trump’s campaign. Strange that Trump has blocked a report  that took years of research and shows proof of Dow toxic pesticides which jeopardizes over 1,200 endangered species.

***** US from Jordan Peele opened to 70.3 mil. Just like his last movie, critics tell us to watch it twice. How great for the bottom line.

***** John McCarty, a dead man is running for village President in Spring Bay, Il.

***** Look out for the new film, The Kid, directed by Vincent D’onofrio. The western stars Ethan Hawke, Chris Pratt, Hawk , D’onofrio , MorningStar Angeline and Leila George.

***** Did you ever see the reunion movie ‘Return to Green Acres? ‘  They tried to warn us of who Trump was a long time ago. How strange that it came full circle with that ridic Emmy Green Acres thing he did.

***** Shaq has become a deputy sheriff and has also been added to the board of directors of Papa John’s where he is an investor.

***** In sexual harassment news, Lucy Flores, a former Nevada assemblywoman has accused Joe Biden of unwanted touching and kissing at a 2014 campaign event.

***** Mark Hamill will voice the Chucky doll in the new Child’s Play.

***** Law and Order will get its 21st season.

***** The daytime Emmy noms have been announced and Days got the most this year. WOO HOO! The soap was nominated for drama, writing, costume, music, casting, art direction and oh, just everything. In the acting category the lead noms are Marci Miller, Tyler Christopher and Billy Flynn.  Kate Mansi was noticed for a guest spot as Abigail so 2 actresses are up for Emmys in the same role. Other guest noms went to Thaao Penghlis and Philip Anthony Rodriguez. Kassie Depaiva, Linsey Godfrey (really?), Martha Madison, Greg Rikaart and Eric Martsolf were all nominated.  Younger actor nods went to Olivia Rose Keegan, Lucas Adams, Victoria Konefal and Kyler Pettis.  C’mon , why nothing for Lauren Koslow, Greg Vaughan, Casey Moss, Susan Seaforth Hayes and Robert Scott Wilson?? I think I would switch a few of these around but it is still great to see Days so blessed.  I was also happy to see Max Gail from GH get noticed. CBS led the networks in noms. Hooray for Wayne Brady for game show host and Mark Hamill, Ruth Negga and Steve Buscemi in animated programs. Watch for the Daytime Emmys on May 5 which will not be on television again.

***** General Robert Neller has told the Pentagon that funds diverted to the wall are keeping Marines from rebuilding hurricane hit bases.

***** Devin Nunes is suing Twitter for the parody accounts, Devin Nunes Mom and Dvin Nunes cow which is pretty funny.

***** The EU is banning straw, cotton swabs and plastic cutlery by 2021.

***** Jenny McCarthy has a book out that slams The View.

***** Roseanne is thinking about suing ABC and has said some rather nasty stuff about Sara Gilbert.

***** Michael Avenatti was arrested for trying to extort $20 mil from Nike in NY. He claims he was just doing some lawyering.  California has him on bank fraud charges.  Why is there so much shadiness in this world? Let’s start rewarding the people doing good in this world and quit talking these headlines everyday.

***** Why did this Jussie Smollett thing go away?

***** Wal Mart is walking back this getting rid of the elderly and handicapped greeter thing.

***** Tracy Morgan and Will Forte are to star in the new animated Scooby Doo movie.

***** Johnny Depp has sued ex Amber Heard over the abuse allegations.

***** Martha Stewart is diving into the Marijuana product industry.

***** New York charges Manafort with 16 crimes. Perhaps he won’t get off as lightly with the state crimes.

***** Season 9 of American Horror Story has no premiere date yet. Emma Roberts is confirmed to return. It looks like it will also include Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters and silver medalist Gus Kenworthy.

***** New California Gov. Gavin Newsom has halted executions for now.

***** Dems will hold their convention in Milwaukee. And if I hear again that Hillary didn’t go to these sorts of places, I am gonna puke. She went! She went! Just not so much at the end.

***** Howard Stern will release his first book in 20 years this May.

***** Ok, so glad to see Whoopie Goldberg is starting to get back to work but it is just so unbelievable in this day and age and access to info that she seemed shocked that the insurance companies decide people’s fate. Of course, that is if you are lucky enough to have insurance.

***** Sandy Hook families can take lawsuits against the gun companies to court now.** Three suicides have recently come from survivors and a parent of Parkland and Sandy Hook. The pain goes on.

***** The Senate voted 59-41 to terminate the emergency declaration. VETO

***** Rick Singer, founder if a college prep business had pled guilty to money laundering, obstruction of justice and racketeering. The nationwide college entrance exam scandal involves about 50 people including Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin that dates back to 2011. People paid millions to use ringers to take or fix their children’s exams and sometimes faked photos with coaches to include them in sports they were never involved in. The U.S. attorney does not believe the schools themselves were involved. **Lawsuits have already begun from those claiming they could not get into a good college because those spots were taken by these alleged cheaters.

***** Jennifer Hudson will play Aretha Franklin in the biopic.

***** Experts say a recession is on the horizon.

***** Two Sacramento police officers will face no charges for their overkill of the unarmed Stephon Clark. Oh Big surprise!!

***** White supremacist groups on line are growing faster than ISIS. ** I never get it, if white supremacists are so supreme, so wonderful, wouldn’t they rise to the top naturally? Why do they need to rid the world of others or keep minorities down?? If they think others are so inferior, those they hate or fear should not be a problem .

***** Jeanine Pirro was pulled off Fox news after a racist rant about Muslims. ** And where is Rudy? The lawyer hasn’t been seen on the air since January. ** Is this true? Did Ivanka and Jared really try to resign? Did Scary Clown 45 try to push them into it and then not accept those resignations?

***** This can’t be true. Only 5 states have laws requiring patient consent for medical students to do vaginal exams on women under sedation.

***** I rarely think about Jay Leno but he was right about the late night comics all doing different versions of the same joke.  But, who is he to talk? I mean how many different things did you do on OJ and Clinton?? At least these guys are funny.

***** The talk that people stay in their bubble becomes crystal clear when you see the poll asking if the President is truthful: Fox viewers : 84%, MSNBC viewers : 21% and CNN viewers: 1%. Whoa!

***** Word is that Scary Clown ordered economic advisor Gary Cohn to pressure the Justice Department to file a lawsuit to block the Att-Time Warner merger to retaliate against CNN.

***** At least 250 power plants across the country are leaking toxic chemicals into nearby water.

***** Jay Inslee is running for president! I think Stacey Abrams and Jay Inslee would be a nice ticket>

***** Beta O’Rourke is running for President! The psychedelic warlord!

***** Kristen Gillibrand is running for President!

***** Conor McGregor was arrested and charged with felony strong armed robbery and criminal mischief in Miami.

***** The process is in the works to get Trumps tax returns.** The house Judiciary committee has requested 81 documents.** This can’t be true. Trump was signing Bibles for volunteers and survivors in Alabama??

***** Just when it can’t get any weirder: Li Yang and her hubby, Zubin Gong run a string of massage parlors with questionable reputations. Until recently they ran the one that Robert Kraft was busted in. They also had a web site that seemed to sell access to their buddy, Donald Trump with Chinese business contacts. As soon as the story broke, the sites for an international consulting firm, text only in Chinese and no prices for the meets came down. Li Yang and her associates are in pictures at the inauguration, the White House, Mar A Lago and Trump’s super bowl party with the Pres, his sons and other Trump family members. We should have seen this coming. The old adage that always holds true with this administration seems true here. They always blame others for what they are really guilty of, this explains the Pizzagate garbage. This could be bigger than we ever dreamed. Even stories that we may have thought a bit out there need to be looked at closer. Can we connect the sex trafficking, the White House, the money? It is time to quit fucking around with the sellers and customers of those exploited in the sex trade. I don’t get it, all these men from Trump to R Kelly have the power over the women they supposedly use and abuse and yet they are always so angry. Perhaps they wouldn’t be losing their power if you treated others with respect and dignity. They always want all the power for themselves. And c’mon media, stop talking your heads off about the Omar story and give this Li Yang story a closer look.

***** The story of the fall of Theranos and Elizabeth Holmes is a sad one. It does show that greed and massive fraud are not just for the men of this world. When I first heard of her plans for the blood testing, I was so impressed with what she was accomplishing at her age. Yes, she was another poor little rich girl whose family fortune was quite diminished by the time it got to her. Even without the Fleischman yeast money, she did seem to have advantages. I can see how some of us were fooled but what about the big investors, the stalwart statesmen?  Do they not remember that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is? How can all the hype, the press, the marketing snowball before there is any proof that something is what is actually supposed to be?? I always assumed that by the time I am hearing about it, things are about ready to go. Seeing all these stories like Trump and Deutsche bank, light sentences for Manafort and now Holmes and her partner in crime seeming to get off lightly, there is not much hope for the little guy. WHY can’t we hold those involved in big money crimes really responsible??

***** It’s true, rich people cause socialism – Neal Brennan.

***** Even in 1692 the rich were different. –Stacy Schiff- The Witches.

***** FEMA released the personal data of 2.3 million victims.

***** They have dug up old words from Fox’s Tucker Carlson. Big surprise that he seemed to empathize with Warren Jeffs, thought women should just shut up and called a woman “cunty.”  The women who lap up the words of these men must not think much of themselves.

***** Why are we letting the banks finance detention centers and prisoners? It’s more than immigration or punishing criminals. Why is this big business?? I can’t believe this is still going on. Wake up!!! When will the children be free?  C’mon House and Senate, Pass the Shut Down child prison camps bill.

***** Somebody has to pay for this President’s folly: The scary clown new budget cuts:$ 1.5 trillion from Medicaid/ $845 billion from Medicare/ &25 billion from Social Security.

***** About 1 rural hospital a month is shutting down due to lack of support and lack of funds.

***** Globalization seems to be spreading a pathogen killing the olive trees in Italy.

***** A fake Melania?? WTF? UGH!

***** Matthew Whitaker is out! Bill Shine is out!

***** When will we ever be able to buy the boxed set of Late Night with Dave?? Hurry so the next generation can see the genius they may have missed.

***** Pete Davidson and Kate Beckinsale??

***** Hey Bill Maher, way to go with your PETA message about the terrible treatment of the geese used to make Canada Goose down jackets.  I will stay away!!

***** J Lo and A Rod are engaged.

***** Bette Midler and Judith Light will join the cast of The Politician.

***** Jussie Smollett has been indicted on 16 felony counts.

***** HBO’s Crashing was cancelled. Pete Holmes was great in this but I never really saw much promotion for it. I hate it when good stuff falls thru the cracks.

***** Kathy Griffin has a new film about the ridiculous Trump head, nearly career ending, Government harassment crap in her life. Kathy Griffin: A Hell of a story. Make that lemonade!! A girl has to take care of herself. It premiered at SXSW.** Speaking of SXSW, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez drew great crowds while she was there.

***** R Kelly lives in Trump tower in Chicago. Well, of course he does.  Why is it ok for the rest of us to put up with these arrogant, abusive males in this society? Everyone is giving kudos to Gayle King for her calm demeanor in her interview. Yes, how professional of her but why should she be subject to that disrespect??  She is in her workplace. Would R Kelly have liked his Mother or daughter to be treated that way?

***** So, word is that Isaiah 45 is a Trump thing with the evangelicals. This scripture refers to Cyrus , the anointed one. OY!

***** Days alert: Robin Strasser is coming OH BOY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!** Judith Chapman and her old style soap acting just too much. ** C’mon Chloe and Rex!!** More Nurse Shelly!! ** Is Johnny Dimera on his way to town? ** I was so glad to see Tony, one of the best characters ever anywhere, even if it was part of an out of body experience.

***** Why do we have to keep talking about George and Kelly Ann Conway?? Are they just covering their bases? With one on each side of the Trump argument, they win no matter what happens right?

***** So now we know that about 400 Catholic clergy have been accused of sexual  misconduct in Illinois. It never ends.

***** End the electoral college!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

***** S

***** Fox has hired Donna Brazile. People seem to finally be taking Bill Maher’s advice and telling their point of view to the other side. How else will sanity prevail if we don’t find common ground? We cannot look to this administration for guidance in this world, we have to figure these things out for ourselves, which we should be able to do anyway.

***** Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 15-24 year olds.  We have to find our self- worth.  

R.I.P. Andy Anderson, Katherine Helmond, Nathaniel Taylor, Luke Perry, Alabama tornado victims, Jan Michael Vincent,  the Ethiopian airlines disaster victims, Hal Blaine, victims of the New Zealand Mosque shootings, Sydney Aiello, the Ogossogou village attack victims, Denise DuBarry, Larry Cohen, Jeremy Richman, Ray Sawyer, Tania Mallet and Nipsey Hussle.

[mind-reader1]

Queen of Hearts (Ch.9)

Drake x MC (Emma Barnes)

TRR AU: What would happen if Emma loved Drake but had to marry Liam?

Catch up here

Warnings: None. Pure Fluff 

Note: If you’d like to be added to the tag list let me know! Also I love talking with you guys about the chapters and story to please don’t be afraid to tell me what you thought! :) 

Word Count:  2735

Summary: The first stop on the engagement tour is Fydelia, Madeline’s home! Will she be able to recruit her as a press secretary and Madeleine’s family’s support? Emma and Drake find a moment to themselves and she tries her best to teach him the waltz.

Chapter 9: I don’t Dance (Lee Brice)

I’ll never settle down, That’s what I always thought Yeah, I was that kind of man, Just ask anyone

I don’t dance, but here I am Spinning you around and around in circles It ain’t my style, but I don’t care I’d do anything with you anywhere Yes, you got me in the palm of your hand girl 'Cause, I don’t dance

Love’s never come my way, I’ve never been this far 'Cause you took these two left feet And waltzed away with my heart

Once he cleared the hall she went back into her room and started packing, it was the first day of the unity tour. She had just finished packing when there was a knock on the door.

“Maxwe- Bertrand?” She was surprised to see the elder Beaumont at her door. Now she was really glad that she had made Drake leave.

“I'm glad to see you're already packed and ready. Today is a very important day, it's the first stop on the unity tour.”

“Where are we going exactly?”

“Fydelia.” Emma laughed and looked at Bertrand whose expression didn't change.

“Good one, where are we really going?”

“We're going to Fydelia. It's an important stop, even more important since it's the first. It shows that you, Madeleine and Liam can put aside your differences and get along, and we're going to be recruiting Madeleine as your new press secretary.” Emma felt like she had walked into a nightmare.

Later that day in the boutique with Bertrand and Maxwell, Emma still hadn't wrapped her head around the idea.

“Of all the press secretaries in Europe, why does it have to be Madeleine?” Emma was getting desperate, she was willing to beg and grovel if it meant she didn't have to recruit Madeleine, her least favorite person in Cordonia.

“As you know Justin isn't an option because he was injured and is still in the hospital, he recommended Madeleine though. He was impressed by the way she handled the press during her brief engagement to Liam.”

“You have to admit she did manage to spin everything in a favorable manner.” Emma shot Maxwell a look, he was not helping her case. Maxwell being Maxwell however, took it in stride, he'd rather have Emma be upset with him for a few minutes than have Bertrand lecturing him about the impending doom of House Beaumont.

“If I must. I suppose it will be good to have her evil, snake charming powers working for me rather than against me.”

“Yes! The unlikely hero-villain team up against a greater threat.” Maxwell grinned.

“Exactly. She still holds much influence at court and is frankly far greater an asset than enemy.” Emma really couldn't argue with that, even if she tried it would be futile, Bertrand had made up his mind.

“This is all assuming we can convince her to help me. We never exactly had a close relationship, especially after everything that happened.”

“Precisely why you will need every advantage you can get, and why we are here.”

“A dress with the color of Madeleine and Adelaide's house. A dress as green as her envy towards you and as black as her shriveled heart.” With a flourish Maxwell pulled a dress off the rack. Emma grabbed the dress and slipped into the changing room. It was a club style dress, tight fighting so it hugged her curves but a halter, so it wouldn't slip while she was dancing. It appeared to be black with a patterned green lace over it, some of which extended past the end, just long enough to be classy. It was beautiful, as always.

“Don't forget this isn't only about Madeleine, you also must convince Adelaide to attend the wedding.” Emma brushed off Bertrand's concern.

“Adelaide won't take any convincing, if there's a party she's there.”

“Yes, but you will also need the support of Adelaide's husband, Madeleine's father which will be far more difficult.” Emma raised her eyebrows in surprise.

“Adelaide is married?”

“Duke Godfrey doesn't reside in Cordonia. He spends most of his time in England at his duchy.”

“The rumors at court are that Adelaide and Godfrey don't exactly get along.” Maxwell whispered as if someone may overhear.

“Which means his attendance at your wedding will be so important and hold a lot of sway, further into this tour.”

“So, do the impossible. Sounds like a normal day at this point.”

That evening Emma approached Madeleine's estate with her friends, but she hung back as they gushed over it, not feeling in much of a party mood.

“What's on your mind Barnes?” Drake fell into step beside her.

“What do you know about Godfrey and his relationship with Adelaide?” Drake sighed.

“Not much. Married for political reasons, as far as nobles go, he's as uptight and pretentious as they come. All he cares about is titles. My least favorite kind of noble.”

“Well I guess I have my work cut out for me then.”

“If anyone can do it Barnes, it's you.” Emma reached over and squeezed his hand, releasing it before they entered the ballroom which was…surprisingly empty.

“Wow, this place is like a ghost town.”

“Father mentioned that there would be a lot turn out. Fear is still high along the nobles after the attack on the palace and more recently the video.”

“They're afraid to be seen supporting the monarchy.” Drake scowled. He hated the idea that his best friend and love of his life had to put their lives in danger while the other nobles hid like the cowards he always thought they were. Scanning the room, Emma saw Adelaide speaking with Constantine and Regina, and a man with white hair, a permanent scowl on his face who she assumed was Godfrey as he took a seat right next to Adelaide.

“You'll win then over though, you always do. It's like magic!” Maxwell inserted himself into the conversation.

“It'll be easier to talk to them alone though.” Emma noticed Madeleine on the other side of the room, clearly not interested in the party. She approached Madeleine who properly greeted her for the sake of tradition.

“You've been greeted, could you leave me alone now, for once?”

“Actually, I needed to speak to you about something, an opportunity for you.”

“I'm sure it's of no interest to me.” Madeleine tried to leave.

“I want you to be my press secretary on this upcoming tour.” Madeleine stopped and turned, a satisfied smirk on her face.

“I knew it. You've come crawling back to me, begging for help because you've dug yourself too deep into a hole. Good luck getting yourself out. I'll be sitting at the top watching.” Madeleine hissed, and this time didn't stop as she walked away from her. Emma explained what happened to her friends and they decided to take a break. While they were getting some food, Drake accidentally bumped into Neville. Emma couldn't help but roll her eyes as she approached, he was amongst her least favorite people. He droned on and on while still managing to find a way to insult them all. Drake stepped in to defend Emma, some part of her loved that Drake would defend her even if publicly she was with Liam, but another part wanted to be able to elevate Drakes status so people like Neville would leave him alone. When Neville had the audacity to compare Drake to a dog she could see him losing it, Emma almost lost control of her own temper, it took all of her will power not to.

“He's not worth it Drake.” She whispered in his ear. As much as he hated Neville, he couldn't make things more difficult for her or his best friend and so he backed off, Emma was right. Drake had a feeling that Neville would get what was coming to him, even if that day wasn't today.

“We still need his support though. We need all the nobles we can get.” Hana said. The idea that Drake would have to watch Emma get married to Liam, knowing Neville would be in the crowd to mock him made his anger spike again. He needed a moment to himself and so he made a beeline for outside, hoping he wouldn't be followed. He turned when he heard soft footsteps, relieved to see it was only Emma.

“I'm sorry, I just needed some fresh air. I couldn't let my anger get the best of me. He was right, if I do something rash it only hurts you and Liam.” Emma gave him a sympathetic smile.

“For the record, I want to punch him too.” Drake chuckled.

“I don't suppose there's a metaphorical way I could punch him.”

“Maybe if you knew what fork was for what purpose.” Drake smirked.

“Guy like him, he'd know all that stuff. I did have one idea though.” Emma raised her eyebrows at him.

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah, something you could help me with.”

“What would that be?”

“Don't make me say it Barnes. You know what I'm talking about.” Emma really had no idea though, she shrugged.

“Dancing. Maybe you could teach me some fancy court dances.” Emma grinned.

“The Drake Walker is asking for dancing lessons?”

“I know. Can you help me or not Barnes?” Emma smiled and grabbed Drake's hands.

“Let's start.” He led her to a secluded part of the gardens under an arch filled with twinkling lights.

“Why dancing?” Drake sighed.

“We'll be going to a lot of balls, dancing is usually involved.”

“Neville got to you. Fuck what he thinks Drake.”

“It's not just Neville. I want to do this for you! For Liam! You guys need all the support you can get, and I can't be just the commoner friend who sticks around, I need to show them that I'm an asset.”

“Drake you don't need to change. You don't need to earn their respect to be helpful. I could never ask you to change for me.” He lifted her chin gently.

“I want to Barnes.”

“I love you Drake. Despite what anyone else thinks.” Drake kissed her gently and smiled.

“Okay, where do we start?”

“What do you know?”

“You know me Barnes, I don't dance. I know the starting position and that's it.”

“Let's start there then!” Drake gently placed his hand on her waist and grabbed her other hand with his, holding it out. She put her hand on his shoulder and slowly began gliding him through box steps, as she sped up, he struggled to keep up with her. His footwork became sloppy, almost stomping on her toes. Drake sighed in frustration, breaking hold.

“This is hard. You always make it look so effortless.” He ran a hand through his hair.

“That's because I'm not stomping like I'm part of some military marching band, you need to glide. Your movements need to flow together rather than stiff, and individual.” Drake just stared at her like she was speaking another language.

“Imagine you're dancing on glasses of whiskey, every time you stomp you break a glass.” Drake gasped.

“That's a tragedy Barnes.”

“Then I guess you better learn to glide.” It only took Drake a few more steps to finally learn to glide.

“Am I good? A perfect dancer now?” Emma smiled and shook her head.

“You still need to correct your frame, you have to hold it at all times.” Emma waited for Drake to find the correct frame.

“When you hold your frame, it helps your partner react to your movements accordingly.”

“Like this?” Emma pretended to be checking over Drake's frame and snuck in for a kiss. Drake immediately broke hold, falling into the kiss before pulling away.

“That's not the next move.” Emma giggled.

“You don't know that. You said yourself you don't know anything about dancing.”

“I've been around court for years Barnes, nobles don't go around kissing each other. That was a cheap move.” She winked.

“You loved it though. Anyways, my point was that you need to be able to focus through distractions. Your partner is trusting you to lead them through the dance, especially this next step.” Emma demonstrated and explained the next step before Drake took his place with her. Drake glided forward, and Emma took a step back, spinning under Drake's arm.

“What's the last step?” Emma grinned and jumped into Drake's arms, catching him off guard. She wrapped her arms around his neck and enjoyed the quiet moment together.

“As much I love this, what's the real move?”

“A simple spin.” Drake began twirling and Emma giggled until he lost his balance and they tumbled into the bushes.

“Aah!” Drake hissed and grabbed his shoulder. Emma rolled off him and looked at him, worried.

“Drake I'm sorry! Are you okay?” He nodded and let out a deep breath.

“I'm fine.” He pulled Emma back on top of him who wasn't convinced.

“Your shoulder, Drake.” He silenced her by kissing her. Her protests immediately stopped as his tongue slipped into her mouth.

“Drake? Emma!” Maxwell's voice forced them apart just as Drake's hand began wandering up her dress.

“We've been gone too long.” She whispered. Drake sighed and helped her up.

“Right here Maxwell.” They brushed each other off and stepped out from the gardens.

“What were you doing out here?” He looked them up and down.

“I was teaching Drake to dance.” Maxwell clearly didn't buy it.

“She was Maxwell.” Everyone dropped the subject.

“Thanks Barnes. I never wanted to learn because I didn't want court to change me. You've done it all though, you're going to be queen, but you're still the New York waitress that I fell in love with. If you can do it, then so can I. For Liam, for Cordonia, for you.” He gave her a meaningful look and she returned it, walking back inside to the ball behind Maxwell.

“Lady Emma!”

“Bertrand!” She mocked his rushed tone and waited for him to explain.

“I've been looking everywhere for you. Adelaide and Godfrey are alone, you should talk to them now.” Emma made her way over to Adelaide and tried to recruit her with no luck, she also had no luck with Godfrey, but she was able to figure out why everyone was so tense. It was something at least, she needed to talk to Madeleine again though, Bertrand would be furious if she didn't recruit her.

“Any luck?” Hana asked. Emma shook her head.

“I need to talk to Madeleine again, I know what's bothering them all.”

“I think that's going to have to wait.” Emma followed Maxwell's gaze to where Neville was asking Madeleine to dance. Emma's lips curled into a smile, Liam was nowhere to been seen.

“Let's show them how it's done Drake.” He looked at her wide-eyed and shook his head. “You want to give him the courtly middle finger, this is how you do it. You've got this.” Emma grabbed his hand and dragged him on to the dance floor. Drake took one look at Neville and his demeanor changed, he deftly began guiding Emma through the steps. She looked over her shoulder and saw him scowling at them, Emma turned back to Drake and grinned.

“We're definitely getting to him.”

“Guess he can't handle a little competition.” Neville grew increasingly showy, twirling Madeleine and gliding her across the dance floor, his scowl never leaving them.

“I think he's going to do something big. Can you do a lift?” Emma looked at Drake and was genuinely concerned, she wasn't going to ask him to do something that would hurt him. He nodded and met her gaze, he could do it. As the music crested, Drake lifted Emma by her waist and spun her as she threw her arms back, he gently set her down as the music stopped.

“That was amazing Drake!” Emma wrapped her arms around him and laughed as their friends rushed over.

“I guess she really was teaching you to dance. Stop holding out on me Drake!”

“Where'd you learn to do that Drake?” Hana joined them as Neville stormed over. Again, he tried to pick a fight with Drake and the others.

“Just because you did one waltz doesn't mean you belong here with us.”

“Why are you so threatened by Drake? It it because you know that no matter what you do in your sniveling life you'll never be as good as the commoner who took a bullet for the future queen.” Emma got in Neville's face and he took a step back sneering.

“That's the most ridiculous idea I've ever heard.”

“Really? Then why are you running with your tail tucked between your legs?” Neville huffed and walked off, at a loss of words.

“Thanks Barnes.” Before Emma could say anymore, she heard a commotion and turned to see what it was. Madeleine and her parents had begun arguing in raised voices.

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