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khoicesbyk · 2 years ago

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The Royal Romance.

Love Everlasting.

A/N: I had a different name and plot for this fic over a year ago. But after being in the RP community for more than a year, I've decided to write the current Royal Life of my favorite OTP.

Rated: Mature (at times can and will be Explicit. I'll be sure to change the rating when and if that happens). | Contains sexual content and strong language. (You know? The usual. Y'all should be used to this from me by now 😁) | Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters. | Main Characters: King Marquise Rys (LI) and Queen Shanelle Miller-Rys (MC) | All Characters and names: (except MC and original characters created by me and/or other authors [their characters have been mentioned and/or used in the story with their permission] ) are property of Pixelberry.

Current Word Count: 19.8K words. (may be slightly more or may be slightly less. Look, I stop counting after editing and re-editing and driving myself insane. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or dm me and I will gladly add you! 😁😘

This series is rated Mature and/or Explicit. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

Missing a chapter or want to read a chapter again? I got you covered! Click ——> Here!

We are STILL in King Liam Appreciation Week! 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳 I didn't have a specific day for this fic but that's okay. I'm still celebrating my FAVORITE Fictional King.

And this is Part 2 of Chapter 11! It picks up where Part 1 left off I hope you all enjoy it!

TW: murder/execution and blackmail. If you are sensitive to any of those topics do not read any further. if you choose to continue on: THIS WILL BE YOUR ONLY WARNING! READER DISCRETION IS STRONGLY ADVISED!

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations @kingliamappreciationweek

Chapter 11.) Fate. Part 2.

He stopped massaging her feet long enough to answer the knock at the door. Their lunch was being delivered. The attendant pushed in a cart with four covered plates. 2 large plates and 2 small dessert plates.

"Thank you, Josef. That will be all." Marquise said to the attendant. The attendant smiled and bowed to them both before leaving.

"Food! Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!" she squealed happily.

"You are such a child."

"No, I'm childish now feed me Seymour!"

Marquise shook his head with a smirk before uncovering the dishes. He was served a Grilled Shrimp Cobb Salad. While she was served a Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon fillet, French lentils in a warm mustard vinaigrette, with wilted Swiss Chard. And for dessert, they each were served a dark chocolate and strawberry Napoleon.

"Mmmmm! This food is always so damn good!" she said happily.

"I'm glad you're enjoying your lunch, my love. You know it pays to have a Michelin Starred chef on the payroll."

"No really it does. Chef Daniel never disappoints with his food. And Jenna has always excelled at her desserts."

"They make a great team. They run the kitchens as efficiently as we run the kingdom."

"Indeed they do."

Shanelle was in heaven. Everything was delicious.

"That had to be one of the best lunches we've ever had. I loved it."

"Good. I'm glad. I asked the kitchen to make sure you were served foods that were high in iron."

"Thank you, baby. You always take care of me."

"I always will. You know this," he replies as he clears their dishes. "And now I believe I owe you a continuation of an earlier foot massage."

Shanelle squealed and clapped happily as she put her feet up on his shoulders with her dessert plate sitting on her stomach.

"At least this bump is good for something."

Marquise shook his head with a smile as he began to massage her feet again. He listened to her moan and watched her eyes roll back as she enjoyed her dessert and her massage.

"I hope your eyes rolling back is because of this foot massage."

"And this dessert! I never knew how much I could love chocolate and strawberry together."

Marquise snickered as he continued to massage her feet. Taking advantage of Shanelle's happy delirium, Marquise placed a soft kiss on the top of her right foot. Shanelle cocked an eyebrow at her husband while taking another bite of her dessert.

"The King is being kinky again," she said to him.

"So what's your point?" he asked.

She hated it when he did this to her but she loves it as well. His massages were indeed good for her circulation but she knew that's not why he gave them to her. He did it for his own selfish reasons.

"Sir if you don't stop...we won't make it back to the trial," she warned.

He smirked at her.

"Challenge accepted."

Shanelle was mid-bite when she felt him put a suckling bite on her left foot and damn near choked. She bopped him with her fork.

"Ow!" he said.

"That's what you get for nearly making me choke! Also, do that again."

Marquise shook his head.

"You could've just said that you liked it."

"I liked it. Now keep going."

Marquise smirked.

"As my Queen commands..."

He went back to sucking on her foot. Taking care to pay close attention to every sound she made. He watched her suck the last bit of chocolate cream off her finger.

"Dang! My dessert is all gone." she pouted.

He moved her plate out of the way when an idea hit him.

"Y'know I haven't even touched mine. Until now."

Shanelle looked at him.

"What are you about to do?" she asked.

Instead of answering, he took the cover off of his dessert and laid the plate next to her. He then took a small dab of the chocolate cream and swiped it on the sole of her right foot.

"What are you do—" was all she managed to say before he dragged his tongue up her sole, licking the cream off. He watched her squirm with a smirk on his face.

"You were saying?" he asked as he flexed his fingers.

"No! No! No!" she said as she tried to pull away from him.

"Stay still!" he commanded.

"No! Not if you're gonna do that!" she replied.

Marquise rolled his eyes.

"Calm down! I'm not going to tickle you."

"You promise?" she asked.

"Yes. I know how much you hate being tickled. Also, I like my teeth right where they are. Besides, I wouldn't do that to you. Now hold still and don't move." he replied.

She eyed him suspiciously but didn't move. He took a slice of strawberry that was covered in chocolate and dragged it from the heel of her right foot to the bottom of her toes and followed it with his tongue. He watched her shiver.

"It's okay to say you enjoy it, my love."

"I do. But not as much as you do."

Marquise went back to eating his dessert off her feet. Every time he looked up at her she had a look of pure ecstasy on her face. He licked, sucked, touched, and teased her toes and soles. When he got down to the last of his dessert, he held a strawberry that was covered in chocolate to her lips.

"Bite," he instructed.

She took a bite of the strawberry savoring the sweet taste. She watched him finish the rest of the strawberry.

"That was a damn good dessert."

"Hmm, are you talking about the food or my feet?" she asked.

"Both," he replied as he stood up.

"Well someone is happy to see me," she said as she tapped the bulge in his pants with her right foot.

Marquise snorted.

"He's always happy to see you."

"That outfit looks a little stuffy."

"It's a part of wearing the regalia love."

"You should take it off."

"Nope."

"Why not?" she asked.

"Because as you said, we will never leave this room and we have a trial to preside over," he replied.

"But I can't leave you unsatisfied, my King."

"My satisfaction comes from pleasing you."

She rubbed her foot across his bulge and watched him groan with his eyes closed.

"You are going to be the death of me."

"That's the point."

"That's not the point."

She continued to tease him.

"Shanelle..."

"Hmm?"

"Stop. Now."

"Nope."

"You're being a brat," he muttered.

"And you like it," she said as she tapped her foot on his bulge. "Now open up. You know you want to."

He looked at her with just his left eye open before sighing and unbuckling his belt and pants. He freed himself with a sigh.

"See? Now don't you feel better?" she asked.

"Not yet. But I will in a minute," he replied.

She rubbed the insides of her feet along his shaft. Causing him to take a sharp breath in.

"I reiterate you are going to be the death of me."

She continued to rub her feet along his shaft and listened to his breathing begin to become shallow.

"God yes..." he breathed out.

She loved making him curse under his breath.

"Shit..."

He wrapped his hands around her ankles to hold her feet in place and started to thrust his hips.

"Fuck! This feels so good..." he said as his voice got raspier. "You have no idea the power you have over me."

Shanelle bit her bottom lip.

"I am your vexation, my King."

"Yes, you are my love. Now I don't know how much longer I can last like this."

He let out a shuddering breath.

"If word of you loving footjobs ever got out..."

Marquise scoffed.

"Let it. The world would have to prove it," he said before gesturing downward. "Now if you don't mind."

"Very well."

Shanelle moved her feet so she could slide to the floor. She wrapped a hand around his very hard shaft and began to stroke him.

"Shit...yes that's it. Like that." he moaned.

She swirled her tongue around the swollen tip before taking him into her mouth.

"I could literally die right now." he breathed out.

She was determined to go slow and torture him but he had other plans. He wrapped a hand around the back of her neck and one under her chin and started to thrust his hips forward fucking her face.

"God, you feel so damn good." he breathed out.

He loved the feeling of her tongue sliding across his dick. It sent his orgasm soaring higher. He dug his nails into the skin of her neck as he used her mouth and throat.

"Oh fuck! Shit! That's it, baby. Suck this dick! You know you love it."

Shanelle chuckled to herself as she sucked him off. She could always tell whenever he was close. He always became a lot more vocal as his pleasure began to hit its peak.

"Don't stop love. Please don't stop," he said through gritted teeth.

She closed her eyes and breathed through her nose as she took him deep in her mouth and stayed like that. It sent him into a deliciously happy tailspin. His grip tightened, and he went rigid as he exploded in her mouth. He stayed still for a moment before pulling out of her mouth. After adjusting himself, he helped her up before collapsing onto the couch next to her.

"Well, that was fun," he said as he caught his breath.

She snuggled against him.

"I'll say." she agreed.

Marquise looked at his Apple Watch and sighed.

"We still have another 30 or so minutes before the trial resumes."

"Good. That means we have to go explore the garden here."

Marquise scoffed.

"I am not leaving this couch until I get my strength back so you'll have to settle for hearing the history of the garden."

"Fineeee!" she pouted.

"You'll live. Now what would you like to know?" he asked.

"How long has it been here?" she replied.

"It was a wedding gift to Queen Maja. She married King Fabian's oldest son Simon. It was from her homeland of Denmark."

"Denmark?!" she asked.

"Yup. She was the Crown Princess of Denmark. Her Father King Fredrik and King Fabian matched their children together. It's how we gained land close to the border with Ardona." he replied.

"Geez! What is it with you Rys men and marrying outsiders?" she asked.

Marquise snickered.

"The heart knows what it wants," he replied.

"Even though they were matched together?" she asked.

"Yes. Just like we were. And just like us, Simon and Maja eventually fell in love and continued the line." he replied.

"What kind of flowers are in the garden?" she asked.

"Tulips. They were always her favorite," he replied.

"Are you sure we can't go see them?" she asked.

"I'm not getting up!" he replied.

She pouted with her lower lip poked out. Marquise groaned.

"Fine! Let's go."

"Yay!" she cheered.

"I don't know why I constantly let you and your daughter take advantage of me."

"Because you're a simp for me and a pushover for your daughter," Shanelle said matter-of-factly.

"True."

The couple got up and walked out to the garden. Shanelle was in awe of the rows and rows of orange, yellow, white, and red tulips.

"They're beautiful. I can't believe I didn't know about this garden."

"We hardly come to this part of the palace. But I keep up this garden because it's a family tradition."

"Wait until your daughter sees it."

"No..."

"Yes, Marquise. We can't keep this from her. It's bad enough that you kept it from me."

Marquise made a face.

"Fine. We'll bring her after the trial is over."

"I accept your terms, sir."

Marquise chuckled before checking his Apple Watch.

"We're due back now."

"Okay. Lead the way, Your Majesty."

After locking the French doors and freshening up in the adjoining bathroom, the couple left the room and returned to the courtroom. When they walked back in, many in the room were eager to see who Giancarlo would call as his next witness. Marquise cleared his throat before speaking.

"I trust that everyone had a wonderful break for lunch, now then the trial may continue. Giancarlo, you may call your next witness."

"I call Lord Tariq's former assistant, Sir Harold Jenkins," Giancarlo replied.

Marquise nodded as a primly dressed man walked up to face the King and Queen.

"Good afternoon Sir Jenkins. Thank you for joining us today. Now you were Lord Tariq's assistant, yes?" Giancarlo asked.

"Yes sir I was." Sir Jenkins replies.

"Tell us how you got that job," Giancarlo said to him.

Sir Jenkins smiled fondly.

"Lord Tariq and I had known each other for years. We grew up together. When he took over his family's Duchy and estate after his father retired, he hired me as his assistant. I helped him to run the day-to-day operations of the Sauvageon estate."

"Can you describe your relationship with the deceased?" Giancarlo asked.

"We were like brothers. Always sneaking out of class together. Might as well say we were thick as thieves." Sir Jenkins replied.

"Since you ran the day-to-day at the estate then you must've known about the marriage to Princess Naya," Giancarlo said to him.

"Yes, I knew about it. I also know that they didn't always get along. But Lord Tariq would never harm her." Sir Jenkins replied.

"Is it true their marriage was a political one?" Giancarlo asked.

"Yes. A political and financial marriage. Many noble marriages are. They were matched by their fathers King Elgin and Lord Gerard." Sir Jenkins replied.

"Financial?" Giancarlo asked.

"Yes. King Elgin owed a debt to King Constantine. And matching his daughter to Tariq would secure his family's financial future." Sir Jenkins replied.

"So what's with the line of questions?" Shanelle whispered to Marquise.

"To establish what Tariq and Naya's marriage was like," Marquise replied.

"Tell me, Sir Jenkins, was their marriage ever contentious?" Giancarlo asked.

"Not in the way you may think. They attended events at court together but when they were home they barely spoke to each other. They didn't even sleep in the same room." Sir Jenkins replied.

"They had separate rooms?" Giancarlo asked.

"Yes. At Princess Naya's request." Sir Jenkins replied.

"Tell me, do you know anything about Princess Naya wanting a divorce from the former Lord?" Marquise asked.

"Yes. She did ask." Sir Jenkins replied.

"And he declined to get one?" Marquise asked.

"Yes. But please let me explain. He told her to wait until after his final business transaction had been completed." Sir Jenkins replies.

"What business transaction?" Marquise asked.

"Lord Tariq had acquired a very lucrative contract with DuPont Shipping and Exports. They are one of the biggest Exporting Companies in Europe." Sir Jenkins replies.

"When was this transaction completed?" Marquise asked.

"Two weeks before Lord Tariq died." Sir Jenkins replied.

"How much was the deal worth?" Marquise asked.

"£200,000,000.00." Sir Jenkins replies.

"Which means she stood to inherit a fortune big enough to pay off the rest of her father's debt," Shanelle whispered to her husband.

"And she failed to mention the deal to me," Marquise whispered back.

Marquise nodded.

"Thank you, Sir Jenkins. That will be all for now. You will be interviewed by the defense next so please make plans to return." Marquise said to him.

When Marquise glanced in Naya's direction she had her head down.

"She's not making eye contact," Marquise whispered to his wife.

"Probably because she knows she is guilty or maybe because she's pregnant it could be nausea," Shanelle replies.

"Let's find out."

Marquise cleared his throat.

"I'd like to call the Princess to the stand," Marquise announced.

Naya's head snapped up and she had a look of horror on her face.

"That got her attention," Shanelle whispered.

"No, Your Majesty, please," she begged.

"Now Princess," Marquise commanded.

Everyone watched as Naya gingerly made her way to sit in front of the King and Queen. She looked up to see Marquise looking directly at her.

"Now everyone here knows that you and I have a long and complicated history. We were once a couple in love. And there is a part of me that wishes I didn't have to do this but you have left me no choice. So tell me in your own words, what happened? How did we get here?" Marquise asked.

Just as Naya got ready to speak, she suddenly grabbed her stomach while a hand flew to her mouth. Shanelle knew she was nauseous and about to throw up.

"Get her a trash can now!" Shanelle ordered.

An attendant had just gotten to Naya as she threw up. Edwin rushed to her side to assist her.

"Are you sick Princess?" Marquise asked.

"No she's not sick you imbecile! She's terrified thanks to this trumped-up murder charge from you and my so-called cousin!" Edwin replied with a growl.

"Watch your tongue, Your Highness!" Marquise hissed.

Edwin stood up straighter.

"Or what? We both know your threats are hollow as you are!" Edwin snapped at Marquise.

"Don't you ever speak to him like that!" Shanelle spat at her cousin.

Edwin scoffed.

"You know it's a shame. Our simp of a grandfather handed you a kingdom that should be mine."

Shanelle shrugged.

"Well that's too bad Eddy. Maybe if your father had been married with a child before I was born you'd be a King, not some just lowly Prince. But hey! That's what happens when you're the firstborn heir."

Edwin's blood boiled.

"You good for nothing bitch!" Edwin hissed.

That's when Marquise had heard enough.

"That is enough!" Marquise's voice boomed, silencing all in the room. "Edwin if you ever disrespect my wife again I will have your head displayed on a spike!"

Edwin seethed as he stared at the King and Queen.

"And for the record, Your Highness, your wife isn't scared. She's pregnant." Shanelle announced.

Edwin's face went from angry to confused.

"What are you babbling about Shanelle?" Edwin asked.

"That's Your Majesty, you dipshit! And it's as I said, your wife isn't scared she's pregnant. That's why she threw up. It's also why she's had her head down this entire time. She's been nauseous. Which is a symptom of morning sickness." Shanelle replies.

Edwin's brow furrowed.

"No. There's no way she's pregnant!" Edwin protested.

"Very well. Since you're so convinced that Naya isn't pregnant, how do you explain this?" Marquise asked as he handed the results of Naya's pregnancy test to the attendant next to him. "Give this to Prince Edwin."

"No! Wait, please!" Naya blurted out.

It was too late. The attendant handed the results to Edwin. As he read the document his face went from shock to confusion to anger.

"You're pregnant?!" Edwin asked Naya.

Naya looked at Edwin. And Marquise took in the look on her face.

"He didn't know," he whispered to his wife.

"Well, that's obvious. But why does he look like he is about to blow a gasket at her?" Shanelle asked.

"Answer me!" Edwin demanded.

"Give her space Edwin."

"Oh fuck off Marquise!" Edwin snapped at him.

Naya shook her head sadly.

"Yes. Yes, I'm pregnant." Naya replies.

"There. Are you happy now, Your Highness?" Marquise asked.

Edwin looked at Naya and then back at the results.

"This...this...this is impossible! Naya can't be pregnant." Edwin said.

"What are you talking about Edwin?" Marquise asked.

"That baby is not mine!" Edwin replied.

"You're her husband Edwin. What do you mean that the baby isn't yours?" Shanelle asked.

"Because..." Edwin replied.

"Because what?" Shanelle asked.

"Because I can't have children!" Edwin replies.

Everyone was stunned.

"Your Highness, what do you mean you can't have children?" Marquise asked.

Edwin sighed heavily.

"I had a vasectomy done 11 months ago. And it's too early to reverse it. Which means I can't have children!" Edwin replied.

Shanelle and Marquise just looked at each other in shock.

"That means..." Shanelle trailed off.

"Yes. That means my wife is a no-good cheating whore!" Edwin seethed.

"Fuck you, Edwin!" Naya snapped at him.

"If Edwin isn't the father then who is Naya?" Marquise asked.

Naya looked at Marquise.

"That was a question that requires an answer, Princess."

Naya swallowed.

"It was one time. We were drunk. It shouldn't have happened." Naya teared up.

"Who is this child's father Naya?" Marquise asked.

"...King Edward," Naya replied.

The courtroom went deathly silent at the revelation. Edwin looked shell-shocked. And Shanelle had to hide her face while peeking like the Marge Simpson GIF.

(Shanelle's reaction)

"YOU SLEPT WITH MY FATHER?!" Edwin yelled.

All eyes turned to the former King sitting in attendance.

"Fuck you!" Naya sneered.

"You filthy dirty disgusting! I don't even know why I married you!" Edwin snapped at Naya.

"You married me for my money because you and your family are still dead broke."

Edwin took a menacing step toward Naya.

"Also we got married because your mother had hoped that you, being married to a woman, would stop you from sleeping with your sister's husband!" Naya hissed.

Marquise's jaw dropped and Shanelle covered her mouth with a hand. When Shanelle looked out into the crowd she saw the look of sheer horror on her cousin Princess Giavana's face as she sat next to her husband.

"Oh! My! God!" Shanelle whispered.

"But unfortunately for your poor mother and your now shocked sister, you are still sleeping with Duke Pascal!" Naya spat at Edwin.

Edwin stepped back in shock.

"You God awful bitch!" Edwin sneered at Naya.

And soon the two were in a shouting match for all in the room to see.

"This is a disaster!" Marquise groaned.

"What are you talking about? This is great!" Shanelle said while cackling.

Marquise shot her a look that stopped her laughter.

"Enough!" his voice boomed as he stood up. "Have some kind of decorum for God's sake! This is a murder trial, not a place to air personal, private, and petty grievances!"

Marquise sat back down and took a deep breath to regain his composure.

"Now that this child's paternity has been established—" Marquise started to say before Edwin cut him off, "Your Majesty, I am formally requesting that my marriage to this whore be terminated effective immediately!"

Marquise let out an exasperated sigh.

"Your Highness, unfortunately, I can't grant you a divorce. Based on the fact that you and Naya are the Heads Of State for Comery Isle. So unless you want to renounce your title, you will remain married. Now. Sit. Down!"

Marquise watched Edwin storm out of the room without a second look back.

"That's not actually a law on the books is it?" Shanelle whispered.

"Quiet!" Marquise replied before clearing his throat.

"As for you, Naya. You have more questions to answer. Fortunately for you, you'll answer them tomorrow because I for one have had enough of this circus!" Marquise said to Naya before addressing her attorney, "Lady Hellstrom, you are to have your client ready and presentable for questioning tomorrow at 8:00 AM. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Your Majesty." Lady Hellstrom replied.

"As for the Parliament, each member of the Parliament will also be here at 8:00 AM when we reconvene," Marquise announced before standing up and helping Shanelle to her feet.

All stood as the King and Queen made their exit.

Later that night, after putting their daughter to bed, Shanelle was in her closet getting ready for bed. But something was bothering her. Marquise had been acting weird and she wanted to know why.

When they got back to the residence it was like he was on autopilot. Yes, he was present and happy as always to see his smiling and giggling baby girl. Even when he and Khari had their nightly debate about what to have for dinner.

"Okay, mon petit amour. What's for dinner?" Marquise asked.

"Chicken nuggies and French fries!" Khari replies.

Marquise made a face.

"What? I like chicken nuggies Daddy."

"I know you do my love but we've had that for 3 nights in a row now. It's time to pick something else."

"Awww."

Khari pouted.

"Khari," he said firmly.

"Mommy?" Khari pleaded with her mother.

"Your Daddy has a point. There are more things to eat for dinner than chicken nuggets and French fries." Shanelle told their daughter.

"Okay..." Khari said dejectedly.

Khari thought for a moment.

"Can we have lasagna Daddy?" Khari asked.

"Sure. And what goes best with lasagna?" Marquise asked.

"Cheesy garlic bread!" Khari replies.

"That's right. We'll have lasagna and cheesy garlic bread for dinner."

"And we can make lasagna sandwiches!" Khari quipped.

"A girl after my own stomach," Marquise said as he took his daughter's hand and they walked to the main dining room.

"Daddy, do you think the twins will like lasagna when they're born?" Khari asked.

"Not until they're older. When they're babies they don't have teeth." Marquise replies.

"Ohhh! I didn't know that."

"Now you do my love."

Later that night after putting Khari to bed. Shanelle was in her closet picking out her outfit for the next day when he walked in. What started out as him wrapping his arms around her and nuzzling her neck turned into him picking her up and carrying her back to their bed and eating her out before blowing her back out.

He knew her body was hypersensitive to his touch and he took advantage of it. He didn't want to stop and he wouldn't have if not for her literally tapping out and begging him to.

"Okay! Okay! Okay! Marquise! Baby! Enough! Enough! Please! I can't anymore! I can't!" she pleaded.

When he finally let her go she just laid there exhausted and trying to catch her breath. She was in this delirious haze and felt numb from the waist down. Marquise curled up with her, pulling her tight to his body. He moved her hair out of her face and kissed the side of her forehead.

"Thank you for that baby. I needed it. And so did you." he whispered in her ear.

She whimpered in response.

"I know. I know. I was a little rough. I'm sorry." he said to her.

He placed his right hand on her belly and rubbed his thumb in small circles.

"Forgive me?" he whispered in her ear, making her shiver.

She looked at him through her eyelids.

"Demon," she whispered.

He chuckled.

"Better than being the devil."

"Fine," she said in a voice barely above a whisper.

He kissed just below her right ear.

"Can't feel my legs." she managed to say.

He winced.

"Sorry about that."

"I don't know what pissed you off but don't ever do that again."

"Promise."

He held her as they both drifted off to sleep.

The next day dawned bright and early and all were back in the courtroom. Waiting and ready to hear Naya's side of the story.

"Thank you all for coming this morning. Today we will hear from Princess Naya." Marquise announced to everyone in the room. "Giancarlo, you may now ask your first question."

Giancarlo nodded before turning to face Naya.

"Princess, is it true that you attacked Her Majesty not once but twice?" Giancarlo asked.

Naya blinked at him.

"I don't know what you are talking about," Naya replied.

Giancarlo presented her with a report.

"Perhaps I can jog your memory. What does this report say?" he asked.

Naya read the report and suddenly looked scared.

"It says that I tried to kill her. That's not true!" Naya replies.

"Then perhaps you can clear this up."

"I was merely expressing my disappointment in His Majesty's lackluster choice of a spouse," Naya replied looking into Shanelle's direction.

Shanelle rolled her eyes.

"With a knife Your Highness?" Giancarlo asked.

"That was a lapse in judgment," Naya replied.

Shanelle could feel her blood pressure rise.

"You spent a night in the dungeons did you not?" Giancarlo asked.

"Yes. It was a mere overreaction to the situation." Naya replied.

"This bitch..." Shanelle muttered.

"I'm sorry Your Majesty. Did you say something?" Naya asked.

"Yeah, I did. I said This. Bitch." Shanelle replied.

"Princess, was this attack provoked?" Giancarlo asked.

"Yes. I shared the same sentiment as the rest of the court at the time, Shanelle doesn't belong here." Naya replied.

"And yet here I sit. at His Majesty's side, a ring on my finger, and his last name." Shanelle sneered at Naya.

Naya scoffed.

"And no idea what the proper temperament of a Queen is." she sneered at Shanelle.

"You know what? You're right, I don't know what the proper temperament of a Queen is. But I know one thing: I'm not carrying a baby that isn't my husband's!" Shanelle sneered.

Naya's face turned ugly.

"By the way Princess, how is my cousin? Still shocked I'm sure. Have you talked to him at all? What about Genevieve? I'm sure she loved hearing the news that her husband fathered your baby. Matter of fact since I don't see him here, have you heard from your baby father-in-law since yesterday?" Shanelle asked.

"FUCK YOU!" Naya screamed.

"Looks like I hit a nerve."

"Enough both of you!" Marquise said to them both.

Shanelle scoffed.

"And to think I was nice enough to make sure you were comfortable today. No one but your counsel, us, members of the Parliament, Giancarlo, and the attendants were allowed to be here today." Shanelle said.

"Gee, thanks for your consideration bitch!" Naya spat at Shanelle.

"Last warning!" Marquise warned.

"Yes. We're getting off track here." Giancarlo agreed.

Both women silently glared at each other.

"Now Princess Naya, based on the findings of the autopsy that His Majesty had done, your husband was killed by Cantarella poisoning. How did that happen?" Giancarlo asked.

Naya went quiet.

"Answer the question Naya," Marquise said to her.

"I can't," she replied quietly.

"What do you mean you can't?" Giancarlo asked.

"I can't say anything about the Cantarella. I'm forbidden to." Naya replied.

"Forbidden? By who?" Giancarlo asked.

"By the King," Naya replied.

All eyes looked at Marquise.

"Not him. Constantine. He forbade me from ever speaking on the matter." Naya said.

That's when her legal counsel spoke.

"Your Majesty, may I have a moment with my client?" Lady Hellstrom asked.

"Granted. In the meantime, Carlo, you're with us." Marquise replied.

Marquise helped Shanelle up and then met Carlo outside.

"What in the world is she talking about?" Shanelle asked.

Carlo and Marquise looked at each other. Then it dawned on them both.

"Sonuvabitch!" Marquise hissed.

"He didn't."

"Yes Carlo, he did."

"Somebody wanna clue me in?" Shanelle asked.

"We know why he forbade her from speaking about the Cantarella," Marquise replied.

"Why?" Shanelle asked.

"Because he's the one that gave it to her," Marquise replied.

Shanelle's eyebrows shot up.

"How can you be sure?" she asked.

"Because he must've found Fabian's hidden sample," Marquise replied.

Marquise closed his eyes.

"Carlo, I want every document, decree, declaration, proclamation, warrant, and NDA he ever signed."

"That will take all day, Your Majesty!"

"I don't care! I'll issue a continuance until tomorrow, just get me those documents!"

Carlo nodded.

"Yes, at once Your Majesty."

Carlo went back inside to gather his things before going to the Archives. Marquise leaned his head against the door with his eyes closed. Shanelle rubbed his arm.

"Are you okay?" she asked.

"If she's telling the truth, I can promise you that I won't be," Marquise replied.

"That's gonna be a lot of reading through."

"I'll get it done somehow."

"We Marquise. We will get it done."

"Shanelle—" he began to say before she cut him off, "do not argue with me. I am as much invested in justice being served as you are. So we will get it done."

Marquise knew he couldn't fight her. So he just took a deep breath and nodded.

"Fine. But we need to get to my office now."

"Let's go."

The couple made their way to his office where boxes were already outside.

"Oh, my God! This will take forever!" Shanelle said as she looked at the boxes.

"Then we better get started," Marquise replied.

Over the next 3 ½ hours the couple poured over everything they could find bearing Connie's seal and signature as more documents and boxes came in. They found answers to the many questions and rumors about His former Majesty but nothing yet about Cantarella or anything about it.

"Ugh! We need a break! My brain hurts and these two are hungry." Shanelle said with a sigh.

"You go get something to eat. I can't stop right now."

"Marquise—" she began to say before he cut her off, "Go Shanelle. I'll be fine. I'll get something later."

"Okay. Promise me you won't be at this all day."

"I can't promise you that. But I can say that I will never miss our family time."

Shanelle sighed.

"I guess that'll have to do. I'm going to get something to eat." Shanelle said before kissing her husband on the cheek and leaving his office.

Over the next few hours, fueled by alcohol, protein bars, and determination, Marquise was going to find out what Naya meant. He knew that whatever it was it couldn't have been good. He was nose deep in paperwork that he didn't hear Margo come in.

"Goodness! You've been at this for hours son."

"I know but I can't stop."

"Have you eaten?" Margo asked.

Marquise gestures to the trash bin full of protein bar wrappers.

"That's not food Marquise," she said as she set a sandwich in front of him.

"Mom, I'm busy right now."

"I can tell. Now eat."

"I'm not about to argue with you."

Margo squared her shoulders.

"Very well Your Majesty. Have it your way."

Marquise knew that tone in her voice all too well.

"I was sent here by Her Majesty to make sure that you had at least eaten since you've been here for hours. And to remind you that my granddaughter will be home in an hour and she will be expecting her father to greet her. I would hate for her to be disappointed."

Marquise looked at the time on his Apple Watch and sighed.

"Alright. Alright. You win. I'll eat and then be there."

"See that you are."

Marquise shook his head as he watched Margo leave. While he didn't want to stop, Margo was right. He needed to eat. And the turkey club she brought him was starting to smell amazing and after one bite he realized how hungry he actually was. Once his sandwich was done he was out the door.

After spending time with his family, Marquise was back at it. Searching for answers well into the night. It was 1 am and he was going through all the death warrants Constantine ever signed off on. He had just started going through them when Shanelle knocked on the door.

"You're still at it?" Shanelle asked.

"Yes. But I think I'm finally onto something," he replies as she sat down across from him.

"Is this everything?" she asked.

"No. Not even a ⅓ of it," he replied.

"What are you looking at?" she asked.

"Copies of every death warrant that my father ever signed," he replies.

"Why would you be looking at those?"

"Because everything else that I've looked at has been a dead end."

"Want some help?" she asked.

"You should be asleep," he replied.

"So should you. But since you're up I'm helping."

"Fine. Start with the pile of folders to your left."

The two spent the next hour combing through death warrants dating back to when Connie first took the crown.

"All these people..." Shanelle trailed off.

"Some of them were justified executions."

"Yeah. But look at all the ones he signed off on after your mother was killed. Most of these are for real petty reasons."

"I knew some of those people very well. They were good people. Most of these executions were of people who were friends of my mother."

Marquise just shook his head.

"This was the demon I was never trying to face," he said quietly.

Shanelle looked at her husband before gingerly taking his hands in hers.

"If this is bothering you, babe we can stop. I don't want you to torture yourself."

"I have to do this Shanelle. None of this makes any sense. I have to find out why. So if that means facing down the demon that Constantine Rys turned into then so be it."

Shanelle nodded before going back to searching. She finally found something that startled her.

"Marquise, take a look at this."

Marquise peered at the warrant in her hands. It was a signed death warrant for Tariq.

"Why the hell would he sign a death warrant for the Cordonian Ambassador to Ethiopia?" Shanelle asked.

Marquise took the warrant out of her hands.

"My guess is to get back at his cousin," Marquise replies.

"Huh?" Shanelle asked.

"Tariq's father Lord Gerard is my father's first cousin. His mother Estelle was my grandfather's sister." Marquise replies.

"Whoa!"

"Estelle fell in love with a man named Claudio. She wanted to marry him but my grandfather forbade her from doing so."

"Why?" she asked.

"Because he was from Rutherland. And at that time all members of the Royal Family were forbidden from marrying outside of other Cordonian Nobility," he replied.

"So it wasn't just you Rys men who married outsiders?" she asked.

Marquise snorted.

"Yes. They eloped and when my grandfather found out he was ready to strip her of her title but then he found out she was pregnant with Lord Gerard. So he allowed his sister to keep her title but he banned her husband from Cordonia and forced her to raise Gerard on by herself." he replied.

Shanelle winced.

"Harsh much?"

Marquise nodded.

"I never said I agreed with it, my love."

"I know. But that doesn't explain why Connie would want Tariq dead."

Marquise sighed.

"Gerard and my father never really got along as children and their relationship all but soured after Sebastian died. My mother tried to mend fences between them and was making progress but when she was killed it all went to shit. And when Tariq came to court my father got his hooks in him. And was doing well or so I thought. You see Tariq was adopted as a baby from an orphanage in Ethiopia because his mother Hilda couldn't have children."

"Wow..."

"Tariq was a shrewd businessman but he was also anal about his station. He always believed in elevating his station. Once he began to get noticed on the court my father named him as the Ambassador to Ethiopia. He secured four military bases from the Ethiopian Government."

"I never knew that about him."

"I did. He never let anyone who knew him forget it."

"This is all very informative but it still doesn't explain why Connie would kill him?" she asked.

Marquise looked down at the death warrant and his brow furrowed.

"What is it?" she asked.

"I don't know why my father signed this warrant but I know who to ask. Take a look at the additional signatures."

Shanelle looked at the additional signatures and gasped.

"No way."

"Yeah. Now it's way past your bedtime love. Let's get some sleep."

Shanelle nodded before getting up and walking out.

Skipping a day the trial resumed.

"Thank you, everyone. I apologize for delaying the trial for two days. Now I have four witnesses that I have questions for." Marquise said before nodding to the guards at the door. When the doors opened former Queen Regina was walked in as well as former Duke Of Karlington Godfrey Amaranth and the former Lord Barthelemy Beaumont and Bastien the former Head of the King's Guard.

"Why are they here?" Shanelle asked Marquise.

"You're about to find out," he replies.

Marquise cleared his throat before addressing the four individuals.

"Good morning to the four of you. I thank you all for coming today."

Regina scoffed.

"It's not like we had a choice not to come, Your Majesty. You summoned me and dragged them from their cells."

"Yea well, I couldn't expect the four of you to willingly show up so I did what I had to do as King. Now to the matter at hand. The four of you are here to clarify something for me."

"What is that?" Godfrey asked.

"I want each of you to take a look at this document," Marquise said as he handed it to an attendant who handed it to Regina.

"It's a signed death warrant," Regina said before passing the document to Bastien and the others.

"Yes. It's a signed death warrant for one Tariq Sauvageon. My question to each of you is simple, why would my father issue a death warrant for someone so lucrative to Cordonia?" Marquise asked.

"Why would we help you?" Barthelemy asked.

"You mean besides the fact that the four of you really have nothing better to do with your lives?" Marquise replied.

"I have plenty to do with my life, thank you very much!" Regina snapped at Marquise.

"Yes yes. Sitting on your ass twiddling your thumbs doing nothing while you live off the Monarchy's dime is very important work, Regina." Marquise said dismissively.

Shanelle snorted.

"I don't have to stand for this!" Regina seethed.

"You do and you will. Now answer the question."

All remained quiet.

"I'll kindly remind each of you that testing my patience is a mistake." Marquise warned.

Barthelemy scoffed.

"Oh please! You don't scare me, Marquise. If you were even half the King your father was then I would be terrified. But you're not. You're weak, hollow, and sorry. As a matter of fact, I'll be so bold as to say you're still the same sad pathetic 11-year-old boy still pining after his dead no-good mother that you have always been. So you want my help, Your Majesty, here's my answer: no! Since you're the King, you can figure this out on your own." Barthelemy sneered.

"Is that your final answer Barthelemy?" Marquise asked calmly.

"Yes!" Barthelemy answered defiantly.

Marquise steepled his fingers together and nodded.

"Very well. Have it your way, Barthelemy."

Marquise nodded subtly to the guard standing behind Barthelemy, who produced a long knife. With deadly grace, precision, and efficiency, the guard slit Barthelemy's throat open from end to end while a horrified Shanelle and others looked on. Splattering his blood everywhere and ending his life. Shanelle thought she would be sick.

"Break now!" Shanelle hissed.

"Per Her Majesty's wishes, we will take a 2-hour break so this mess," Marquise said as he gestured to a now very dead Barthelemy, "can be cleaned up. Now, if the remaining three of you don't want to suffer the same fate as Lord Barthelemy, I suggest one of you starts talking when we return."

Shanelle couldn't run out of that room fast enough. She got halfway down the hall before Marquise caught up with her.

"Will you slow down?" he asked.

That's when she stopped and rounded on him.

"No, I will not slow down! Need I remind you that YOU JUST KILLED A MAN IN FRONT OF ME AND MORE THAN A DOZEN PEOPLE?!" Shanelle exclaimed.

"Calm! Down! And let me explain. A.) I signed Barthelemy's death warrant months ago. Which means B.) All I did was expedite his execution."

Shanelle looked at Marquise like he had lost his mind.

"Was that supposed to fucking make me feel better?! Because it doesn't!" she snapped at him, "I feel like I'm gonna be sick."

"Here come sit down."

He gingerly led her to a sitting room where he helped her sit down. Once she was seated she took deep calming breaths. And when she was calm enough to speak she let him have it.

"What in the entire hell were you thinking?!" she asked.

"Are you seriously upset that Barthelemy is dead?" he replies.

"No! As far as I'm concerned he earned his death. I'm upset you had to traumatize me, your VERY pregnant wife, and a room of people by killing him!"

Shanelle closed her eyes as a way to compose herself. She heard Marquise speak in French to an attendant and when she opened her eyes there was a cup of apple tea waiting for her.

"For you My Queen." the attendant said as he offered her a cup of tea.

"Thank you," she replies before taking a sip, "be sure that Naya gets a cup of tea if you don't mind."

The attendant bowed.

"At once Your Majesty."

As the attendant left Giancarlo walked in.

"Well that's one way to get your point across Marquise," Giancarlo said sarcastically.

Marquise rolled his eyes.

"What in the hell was that?" Giancarlo asked.

"I already asked that question," Shanelle replies.

"Are you two done ganging up on me?" Marquise asked.

"Well actually cousin..." Giancarlo replies.

"NO!" Shanelle snapped at her husband.

Giancarlo snickered.

"Tell me how did you find that death warrant and why is it so important?" Giancarlo asked.

"I didn't find it, she did. And it's important because I need to know why your uncle issued it."

Giancarlo nodded.

"And you think one of the four you summoned knows the answer?" Giancarlo asked.

"I know one of them does. They just needed to be reminded of what happens when someone decides to openly defy me." Marquise replies.

"In my defense, your wife and I openly defy you all the time. Are you saying we deserve death?" Giancarlo asks.

Marquise snorts.

"Now that you mentioned it..." Marquise replied.

Shanelle gave her husband a death stare and he backed down.

"I'm so glad she's on my side," Giancarlo said.

"Yeah yeah."

"For now I have to go prepare for questions and look into this death warrant more," Giancarlo said before taking his leave.

Marquise turned his attention back to his slightly less agitated wife.

"Still mad at me?" he asked.

"Yup, but I guess I can see why you would kill him. I just wish you hadn't done it in front of me."

"I'm sorry."

"Are you?" she asked.

"I honest to God didn't think you'd be so upset. And when you ran out the way you did I knew I had fucked up." he replies.

Shanelle shook her head.

"Sadly I believe you."

"How is your tea?" he asked.

"It's good. I can see why your mother swore by it when she was pregnant. Speaking of which I hope you won't let what Barthelemy said in his final minutes get to you."

"Never. I'm not that little boy anymore."

"You never were that little boy."

"Sometimes it feels like I am."

"Well, I say you're not. And what I say goes, I am the Queen."

Marquise smiled at his bride. He was thankful she wasn't too mad at him. Once the two hours were up they returned to the courtroom and the trial resumed. Marquise cleared his throat before speaking.

"Thank you, everyone, for returning so we could resume this trial. And let me apologize for the sudden yet valid execution of Lord Barthelemy. Now to the three individuals in front of me, I do hope you took the time to consider how you will act for the remainder of the trial and what answers you will have."

All three stood still as they looked at Marquise.

"Now I believe Carlo has a few questions for the three of you."

All eyes went to Giancarlo as he stood up.

"My first question is for Princess Naya actually. Princess, did you know about this death warrant?" Giancarlo asked.

"And if I may, before you answer, do keep in mind that lying is always the wrong answer." Marquise quipped.

Naya nodded and then swallowed.

"Yes, I knew about it. I found out about it after it was signed." Naya replies.

"And how did you find out?" Giancarlo asked.

"I attended a charity gala where Queen Regina informed me of the warrant," Naya replies.

Giancarlo nodded.

"Now for Queen Regina. You were King Constantine's closest confidant. So I'm sure you can answer this question better than anyone, why would King Constantine sign a death warrant for Tariq?" Giancarlo asked.

Regina looked at him before looking at Shanelle and Marquise who tapped the face of his watch.

"A week after the Princess came to us asking for a divorce, my husband had an audience with Lord Gerard, Tariq's father, about him not paying his Duchy's taxes. Constantine told him that he had an outstanding tax balance that had to be paid before it became a permanent debt to the Monarchy. Rather than agree to pay the taxes, Lord Gerard just laughed in my husband's face and said he would not be paying anything more to a selfish self-centered King. Cousin or not. So Constantine decided to teach Lord Gerard a lesson for disrespecting his King." Regina replies.

"And that's when he issued the death warrant for Tariq?" Giancarlo asked.

"Yes," Regina replies.

Giancarlo nodded.

"Duke Godfrey, as his third in command, can you confirm this?" Giancarlo asked.

"Yes. I can confirm this." Godfrey replies.

Shanelle shook her head.

"Petty," she whispered.

"How did Princess Naya get the Cantarella?" Giancarlo asked.

All three went quiet before Bastien awkwardly cleared his throat.

"In 2011 while renovations were being done to the palace grounds, a secret compartment was found in a wall. In that compartment was the sample of Cantrella that Fabian had hidden. His former Majesty had it tested and when it was confirmed to be the same sample, he had a lab begin to quietly produce more of it. No one but myself, Queen Regina, Duke Godfrey, and Lord Barthelemy knew King Constantine had the poison produced. He only used it on those he sentenced to death." Bastien replies.

Giancarlo nodded.

"And how is it administered?" Giancarlo asked.

"I can answer that," Marquise replies.

"You can?" Shanelle replies.

"Yes. Cantarella is given in six doses. Three small and three large. The three small doses are given to slowly build up the poison in the bloodstream. And as for three larger doses, two of them maintain the poison, and the final dose is the lethal one." Marquise explained.

Bastien nodded.

"Yes sir. And those were the instructions that I gave Princess Naya when I delivered the Cantarella to her."

"So to get back at Lord Gerard he decided to kill his only son?" Giancarlo asked.

"Yes. He literally killed two birds with one stone. He got his revenge on Gerard and Princess Naya got out of her marriage." Regina replies.

"One more question then I will be through. Can either one of you tell me when this death warrant was signed?" Giancarlo asked.

"July 21st, 2015," Regina replied.

"Why does that date sound so familiar?" Shanelle asked.

"Because that was two days before you and I took control of the kingdom," Marquise replies.

"Yes, it was. Your father signed that warrant as an act of defiance to the new King and his wife." Regina quipped.

Marquise got a look on his face.

"What is it?" Shanelle asked.

"Regina, I need you to clarify something for me. A death warrant would only be valid as long as your husband was alive, yes?" Marquise replies.

"Yes, that's right. As long as my husband was alive, the death warrant was active." Regina replied.

Marquise nodded before turning his attention to Naya.

"Naya, when did your husband die?" Marquise asked.

Naya went pale.

"Princess..." Marquise warned.

"September 12th, 2021" Naya replied.

"That's six years after the warrant was originally signed." Shanelle piped up.

"And the former King died August 14th, 2016." Marquise added.

"This means the death warrant was no longer valid when Tariq died." Shanelle said.

Marquise nodded.

"Which means Princess Naya killed an innocent man." Giancarlo piped up.

"Indeed."

"My King. I believe I will now rest my case." Giancarlo announced.

"Very well. Now the defense may begin its case." Marquise announced.

Shanelle snickered.

"Lady Hellstrom doesn't have a case. You do know that right?" Shanelle whispered to her husband.

"Still have to let her present one even if it is weak and nonexistent," Marquise replies.

It took Lady Hellstrom two days to present her case before she rested and Marquise ended the trial.

"Now that the trial has come to an end, it is time for members of the Parliament to vote. Now be sure to be sure to keep in mind all of the witness testimony and evidence that has been presented. A vote of majority must be reached either to convict or acquit. You may now convene to vote on the matter." Marquise instructed.

It took the Parliament a day to reach a vote.

"Has a vote been reached?" Marquise asked.

"Yes, my King. A vote has been reached," Bertrand replied.

"What say the Parliament, Duke Ramsford?" Marquise asked.

"The Parliament has voted 11-9...to convict Princess Naya Laurent-Sauvageon-Miller of murdering her former husband."

Marquise looked at Naya to see the color in her face drain out.

"The Parliament has voted on the matter. So shall it be. In addition to the verdict, Naya you hereby have been stripped of your titles and lands."

That's when Naya broke and became hysterical.

"No! Please! I didn't mean it! Please don't do this! I don't deserve this!" Naya cried.

"Guards! Take her away." Marquise commanded.

Everyone watched as a screaming and crying Naya was taken out of the courtroom before Marquise turned to the Parliament.

"On behalf of your kingdom, I thank you all for your service. Go and be well." Marquise said.

A few weeks later, His Majesty was in his office sitting in front of the fireplace, having just nursed a glass of bourbon. When there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," he said to the door.

Guards entered leading Naya who was in chains. When Marquise looked at her he could tell she had been crying.

"Those won't be necessary," Marquise said gesturing to the chains she was in.

Once the chains were removed, the guards left the room.

"Sit," he said to her sternly.

As Naya sat down, Marquise poured himself another drink.

"I'd offer you a drink but given your current situation," Marquise said, gesturing to her growing belly, "it's for the best I'm sure."

"Why am I here?" Naya asked.

"You're here because I have a proposition for you," Marquise replies before taking a sip of his drink.

"What proposition?" she asked.

"The same one my father offered your mother before she died," Marquise replies.

Naya looked at him confused.

"What are you talking about?" she asked.

"Did you know your mother was sleeping with my father?" he replies.

"What?! That's not true! My mother would never!"

"Oh, but she did."

"You have no proof!" Naya sneered.

"That's where you're wrong love. You see I had a conversation with your father after I found a contract my father had drawn up between him and your mother and Elgin confirmed to me that your mother was indeed sleeping with her King."

Naya looked at him in disbelief.

"No. That's not true. She loved my father."

"You're right. She did. According to your father, your mother thought sleeping with my father would get him to forgive your family's debt. And it might've worked if she had signed the agreement my father had drawn up."

"What agreement?" she asked.

"As I said, your mother and my father shared many a night in bed together. This went on for months from what I know. So much so that my father had this agreement drawn up." Marquise said as he produced the document, "I'll spare myself the gory details and just give you a summary. Basically, this is an agreement for your mother to become the property of the Monarchy."

"What does that even mean?" she asked.

"It meant that your mother was to be the King's whore. She was to be at his beck and call at all times. Sometimes for days and weeks if my father so chose. And she was to be available to whoever he decided to pass her off to." Marquise replies.

"You're lying Marquise!"

Marquise took a sip of his drink before showing her the document.

"See for yourself."

Naya read the contract with a look of sheer horror on her face.

"My God."

"Unfortunately your mother's refusal led to my father sending these to yours."

Marquise handed her photos of her mother and Connie in bed together. Looking at them made her sick.

"Do you believe me now?" Marquise asked.

"Mother, why would you?" Naya replied in shock.

"For the love of her family apparently. According to your father, it's what they were arguing about the night she died."

"That's why she stormed out of our home drunk. She was humiliated by your father."

Marquise shrugged.

"Why would you show me all of this?" she asked.

“As I said, I’m prepared to make you a deal,” he replies.

“What deal?” she asked.

“The deal where you are to be exiled forever,” he replies.

“Why the hell would I ever agree to something like that?” she asked in a disgusted tone.

Marquise cocked an eyebrow at her before showing her the death warrant with her name on it.

“Because it beats the alternative. All this death warrant needs is my seal and signature and you and your unborn child are as good as dead,” he replies.

Naya stared at the death warrant with tears of fear in her eyes.

“No Marquise. No. You can't.”

“King. So yes I can and I will. Unless you take the deal that I’m offering you.”

“What about my father?” Naya asked.

“He will continue to receive his medical care and his monthly stipend,” he replies.

“What about Edwin?” she asked.

Marquise scoffed.

“He's furious with you. Because not only did you expose him but, you cost him his brand-new title as the Head Of State Of Comery Isle. At the same time, he has his own shit to deal with. His mother has all but disowned him and his father and his sister is out for blood.” Marquise replies.

“You stripped him of his title?” she asked.

“No. Your scandal forced him out. New elections will begin in November after my sons are born.” he replies.

“And what about our marriage?” she asked.

“Annulled,” he replies.

“What of my family’s debt?” she asked.

He shrugged.

“This will be how you pay it off,” he replies.

Naya took a shaky breath.

“I'll do anything to stay alive but how is this beneficial to me?” she asks.

“This is beneficial to you because I find myself in a position where you are of more use to me alive than you are dead. You made the conscious decision to kill a man. That can't be overlooked. Your murder conviction is the consequence of your own action. I am giving you a chance to live and eventually raise your child as you see fit.” he replies.

“By forcing me into exile?” she asks.

He shrugged.

“Maybe if you hadn't killed Tariq we wouldn't even have to be having this conversation,” he replies.

“You're blackmailing me into exile!”

He gave an almost bored look.

“As I said, beats the alternative.”

“What the hell has happened to you? You used to have compassion. Morals. Principles. But this? This isn't you. This isn't who you are. This is who your father was.”

Marquise’s face contorted into an ugly sneer.

“You know what I’m done being nice. You have a choice to make Naya. You can either take the deal I offered you or I can make the decision for you, and you and your unborn child die. You have 30 seconds. Tick tock!” he sneered.

Naya stared at him before finally relenting.

“Okay. Okay. I'll take the deal.”

“Smart girl.”

Marquise handed her the contract he had drawn up as well as a pen.

“Sign. Now,” he instructed.

Just as Naya went to sign she noticed an extra signature on the contract.

“Your wife knows about this?!”

“Yes, she does. It was her idea after reading the original contract. That's why her signature is on this one. Now sign!”

With a shaking hand, Naya signed the contract on the dotted line. She handed it back to Marquise where he signed and sealed it.

“As of this moment, you are now the property of the Monarchy, you will spend the rest of your life in exile and service. If you ever defy me at any point, you will be executed without question. Is that clear?” he asked.

“Yes. I understand,” she replied.

“Good girl.”

“What about my child? What will happen to them?” she asks.

“You both will live in obscurity. You will not have contact with anyone here in Cordonia. Not your father. Not the press. Not even Edwin. No one is to ever know that you and your baby are alive outside of me and my wife. How you raise that child is up to you. Also, a guard will be present at all times.” he replies.

“When does my servitude start?” she asks.

“It started the moment you signed the contract but I'll be generous and let it start after you give birth,” he replies.

Naya nodded.

“So what happens now?” she asks.

“Guard!” Marquise called out.

The guards reentered the room.

“Take her to the safehouse in Applewood. Make sure she and her baby are as comfortable as possible.” he ordered.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” a guard replies.

Marquise looked at Naya.

“I have an audience in Applewood in three days. You will be ready to leave when I get there. Understood?” he asks.

“Yes,” she replies.

“Yes?” he asks.

“Yes, my King. I will be ready,” she replies.

“Good.”

He nodded to the guards who led Naya out of his office. Once she was gone, Marquise shook his head and finished his drink before leaving his office.

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julystorms · 7 years ago

Note

lol how do rp? i made an rp blog for an unrelated fandom from you but i've been way too scared to post on it or get involved

Hope this advice helps you! I’ll start with some things you should have in place before starting to RP, which might boost your confidence in actually getting started!

1. Don’t use a sideblog. It’s a pain in the ass for everyone, including you. Always make your rp blog its own separate blog. (It’s not hard to go and make yet another gmail account.)

2. Pick a username that doesn’t suck, by which i mean: make sure it’s easy to spell and not hard to remember. It’s easiest if it relates in some way to the character, and originality doesn’t matter too much. For example, my Hitch blog is @hitchisms. Avoid dashes in your username too, as tag tracking doesn’t work well with them. Here’s some other RP urls I’ve had for characters:

Hange: exhaustedresearcherMike: secondstrongestAnabel (Pokemon): @remembrancelessGelgar: notdrinkingonthejob (now just @gelgar lmfao)Dita Ness: poeticsoldier (one of my headcanons was that he loved poetry since originally Charlotte’s name was translated into Shallott and I thought how cute it would be if he liked “The Lady of Shallott”!Akane (Psycho Pass): @clearlyunclouded Lin Beifong: bitterloner

Basically, you don’t want anyone to be confused about whether or not you’re RPing a canon character or not, and you also want to make it easy for people to remember you even if you’re an original character. In the Pokemon fandom it got to be hard to keep track of all of the original RPers due to all of the sun/moon urls.

3. In your description be CLEAR about who you’re rping!

You should also put the tag you’re tracking in there if your url is a canon url. You can see I didn’t do that for my Gelgar blog, but sometimes it’s useful to have there. I usually list the tag I track in my rules, though.

And speaking of that, because my next point is related to this: FOR GOODNESS’ SAKE PLEASE USE A THEME THAT ISN’T HARD TO READ.

The point of RPing is to write, and the point of writing is to be read. If people can’t read your writing, what’s the point of any of this? How is RPing fun if your blog is a minefield to navigate? I grew to hate those fancy themes with random stars and shit as links because I just can’t see well enough to find them anymore–but most of the time, I know it’s not my vision that’s impaired lmao.

Aesthetic should NEVER overcast actual functional purpose. You’re there to write characters you love. You want people to be able to read your description and rule pages.

4. Make some PAGES.

This seems daunting, but it’s not that bad. Really, all you absolutely need is some kind of “about” page. Sometimes I throw other pages in there, too, though, to give people more information. And sometimes I’m just an asshole.

My muse page (which is an “about” about the character, since she would be considered my inspiration for writing and therefore a muse) is literally just this:

I suggest looking at other people’s profiles in your fandom to see if there is any kind of pattern. I personally do the same kind of profile for most of my muses:

I try to keep things short and sweet in the sense that there is a lot of information on the profile page, but it’s not, you know, anything I describe with a lot of text. At the bottom of this (you can read the full page at my Anabel blog link up there), I include a “brief history” or rough outline of a history.

You also kind of need a rules page. If you don’t have one, people may not want to follow you, but you have options: you can keep it simple or you can be elaborate!

Shorter is probably better, but I implore you to be honest with yourself and include things there that may be a problem. As you can see above, I had to include warnings for content that my Hitch blog could run into. It’s better to be safe than to accidentally hurt someone. My Gelgar blog always had a very short set of rules because I started RPing him for fun and didn’t feel that I needed to be selective about who I RP’d with.

I usually break up my rules pages into various categories just to break up the text. A lot of general rules apply across most RP communities but it doesn’t hurt to be clear about it.

Now, the rest is really up to you. As you can see from my above “pages” images, I like having a few different kinds of pages.

Verses aren’t always things I include; it really depends on the character. For Akane, I wanted the option to be able to RP at any point in her career that I wanted to, so I made two verses: one where she’s still a newbie, and one that takes place after the newbieness of season one came to a close. As you can see from the text below, I was considering adding a possible enforcer verse: probably an idea I cooked up with @daantooine.

Relationships pages aren’t strictly necessary. Anabel doesn’t have one because she has so few canonical interactions that I mostly included her information in her profile page. Someone from SnK, however, probably will have many (even if casual) connections in the military and it’s useful for other RPers to kind of see how your character may currently view theirs.

As it says at the top of this page, though, relationships may change; my Gelgar had a very different relationship with two very different interpretations of Lynne! His relationship with Auruo and Hange were both based 100% on RP interactions I had with other RPers; we established a rapport and I drew from that.

Lastly, I think a page I enjoy having that others may not? Threads.

This makes it easy for you to re-read your RPs if you want to. I’ll admit, it can be a pain to remember to add things to the list, but it is worth it if you get really attached to character interaction (as I did with this particular Lynne). Thanks @hairjel! Rest in pieces @momtaku.

5. Make sure everything is updated how you like it: your muse page, about pages, headcanons, rules. If you use icons, have them ready to go. (No bigger than 100x100 for heaven’s sake.) Decide on a posting format.

Tiny text? Bolded dialogue? Fancy lettering? It doesn’t have to be fancy. My Gelgar threads never were formatted much.

Here are my Hitch threads and one from my Anabel blog, too.

In recent years I started using small text & bolding the dialogue. It sounds silly, but it makes it easy for another RPer to respond to the dialogue portion. It’s not always the most important part, but during a conversation it’s awkward if something doesn’t get responded to. Some RPers in the Pokémon fandom quite liked it and also adopted it!

6. Cutting posts. This is important because threads get long and ugly as they get reblogged. There’s an x-kit extension called Editable Reblogs that lets you cut out previous replies to the RP, leaving you with the above format so that when you type in a tag for the thread/chrono, it shows them all in chronological order and you can read straight through with no repeated bits!

7. Tagging. Always tag your posts with the other RPers url. everything else is up to you, but from my tags pages (on Hitch in particular) you can get an idea of the kinds of tags I use. Just remember that consistency is key.

From this point forward it’s all about networking and throwing yourself into the mix. Find other RPers, creep on their blogs, find out people you might like to RP with, and when you feel your blog is ready, follow them. Typically when someone followed me, I’d go check out their blog. Some people require you to send in passwords to prove you’ve read the rules, so be aware of that. That seems to be a very fandom-dependent thing, though, so it’s not prevalent in all fandoms.

Once you’ve followed all your blogs, or at least a few, make a “promo.” Here’s a link to a bunch I reblogged on my Anabel! In the Pokémon fandom, promos tend to be short, and many of them just use one icon. Having a promo allows people to kind of “network” your blog–pass it around to encourage other people to follow you/interact with you.

After this, most people do a “starter call” which is essentially just a post like this:

Most people put an icon in there, but since I don’t typically use icons, I didn’t use one here.

Making a starter call does put the pressure on you to start a thread and fling your writing out there, but it’s less daunting if you have other examples of your writing floating around: for example, the about/muse page we talked about earlier.

If you want advice on how to start threads and how to write good starters for your partners, or any other RP advice/questions that aren’t clicking for you, just hit me up and I’ll try to help!

#long post #really long post #rping and stuff #rp #rp advice #replies to friends #cute anons #hope this helped a bit anon but again #hit me up if u have specific questions i didn't get to

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khoicesbyk · 2 years ago

Text

The Royal Romance.

Love Everlasting.

A/N: I had a different name and plot for this fic over a year ago. But after being in the RP community for more than a year, I've decided to write the current Royal Life of my favorite OTP.

Current Word Count: 18K words. (may be slightly more or may be slightly less. Look, I stop counting after editing and re-editing and driving myself insane. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or dm me and I will gladly add you! 😁😘

This series is rated Mature and/or Explicit. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

Missing a chapter or want to read a chapter again? I got you covered! Click ——> Here!

And this is Part 2 of Chapter 12! I hope you all enjoy it!

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations

Chapter 12.) Best Birthday Ever. Part 2.

The rest of the week went by smoothly and that Friday, it was finally Khari’s birthday. Her parents were just as excited about the day as she was.

“Today is a very special day! Do you know why Princess?” Marquise asked his daughter.

Khari giggled.

“No, why Daddy?” she replies playing along.

“Because today is your birthday! Happy Birthday my love!”

Seeing the smile on her face was all Marquise wanted in life.

“And do you know what we do on your birthday?” he asked.

“What?” Khari replies.

“We sing ‘Happy Birthday’ in different languages!”

Khari clapped as Marquise cleared his throat.

“Now bear with me, Daddy is a tad bit rusty.”

“Sing Daddy sing!” Khari cheered.

“Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday my Princess! Happy Birthday to you! Now that's how we sing it in English. En français, nous chantons: Joyeux anniversaire à toi! Joyeux anniversaire à toi! Joyeux anniversaire ma princesse! Joyeux anniversaire à toi! En español cantamos: ¡Feliz cumpleaños a ti! ¡Feliz cumpleaños a ti! ¡Feliz cumpleaños, mi princesa! ¡Feliz cumpleaños a ti!”

“Thank you, Daddy!”

“You are more than welcome, my love.”

That's when Shanelle walked into Khari’s room.

“There's my birthday girl! Happy Birthday, baby!”

Khari got up and ran into her mother’s arms.

“Thank you, Mommy! I'm excited about my party tomorrow. I wanna see everybody be pretty!”

“Then you, me, and Mommy better get dressed! We have a flight to catch.” Marquise quipped.

“Okay, Daddy!”

Once everyone was dressed, it was time to go but first Khari had to say goodbye to Margo.

“Bye Grammy! I love you!” Khari said as she hugged Margo.

“Goodbye, my darling. I hope you have a great time at your birthday party.”

“Daddy said you weren't feeling good.”

“I'm not but I promise when you get back from celebrating with all your friends and family, we'll have our own party. Okay?”

Khari nodded.

“Okay!”

“Good. Now go have fun, my love.”

“Will do!”

With that everyone was off to the winery for Khari’s Pokemon Party. The next day it was kids, Pokemon costumes, pizza, cupcakes, and loads of fun. The winery had been transformed into a life-size Pokemon gym. Almost everyone had on a costume. Even the hosts of the party.

“Oh. My. God!” Shanelle said to Bron and Logan who were dressed up as Poke Balls.

“Ohhhh my!” Marquise said with a snicker.

“Don't mind him! You two look adorable!”

“Thank you, Nelle,” Bron said to her.

Marquise looked at Logan and snickered.

“This your idea?” he asks Logan gesturing to the costume.

“Nope. Wife’s idea.” Logan replies.

Marquise nodded before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a cigar.

“For later.”

Logan nodded gratefully.

The party was a hit. It was heartwarming to watch the kids run around, hopped up on sugar, and have the time of their lives. When the party was officially over the kids were out cold and sleeping in their daddy’s arms.

“Annnnnnnd the kiddos are out like taillights,” Shanelle said to Bron, “thanks again, babe. I don’t know how to repay you and Logan for everything.”

Bronwyn smiled.

“It was an absolute pleasure. Anything for her.”

The two friends smiled at each other. Shanelle couldn't have been any happier. Her daughter’s birthday party was everything she could've hoped for.

Next up was His Majesty and Dee’s shared birthday and the day she's been waiting for: The Last Apple Ball. It is still October after all.

The palace staff was all abuzz about the upcoming ball. Many were busy with final preparations for the Last Apple Ball and Shanelle was getting her husband's birthday gifts ready. Starting with the new cigar and whiskey lounge she had built for him. Cigars aren't her thing but she knows what they mean to him so she wanted him to have a place where he could enjoy a good drink and an even better cigar.

Then there was Dee. She couldn't wait to spoil her. She had her birthday presents ready to go but first, it was hosting Dee’s birthday dinner at the palace.

These are two people that Shanelle cares about the most and she wanted them both to have the best birthday ever. So on October 21st, her mission was simple, it was Operation: Birthday Bash.

On the morning of the 21st, Shanelle was awake while her husband was still asleep so she laid there next to him with a hand on his chest. When she looked at him she didn't just see the King, the Father, and the Husband that he is. She saw a survivor.

He has survived all these years when many thought and wished him to fail. Has he always gotten it right? No. But that's what she loved about him, even when he stumbles he does not give up nor does he know how to quit. He can't. When she looked at him she saw a man who always strived for peace even when it wasn't always attainable.

As she traced abstract shapes on his chest he slowly started to wake up. He blinked sleepily before turning to face her with a slow smile.

“Good morning my love.”

“Good morning handsome. Happy Birthday.”

He kissed her softly.

“Thank you.”

“How do you feel? Any older?” she asked.

He chuckled softly.

“No, not really. It feels like any other day I am excited to celebrate though,” he replies.

“I'm sure. You and the boys are going to the new casino in Fydelia.”

“I can't wait! I do hope you and the girls have fun tonight.”

“It's gonna be us and all the pasta combinations we can eat.”

Just then the sound of running feet was heard.

“Uh oh! I hear the pitter-patter of little feet.”

“Quick! Hide me!” he said as he ducked under the covers.

“What are you doing?” Shanelle asks.

“If she asks, I’m on the moon!” he replied.

Shanelle cackled as her daughter excitedly entered their bedroom with a gift in her hand.

“Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!” Khari said as ran to his side of the bed, “Oh! Morning Mommy!”

“Morning baby.”

Khari turned her attention back to her father.

“Daddy! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!” she said as she tried to shake him. “Come on Daddy! You gotta wake up!”

“What's that?” Shanelle asks, gesturing to the item in Khari’s hands.

“It's a birthday card I made in arts and crafts at school yesterday. Ms. Renard, my art teacher, said that Daddy would like it.”

Shanelle looked down at Marquise who was still hiding.

“Jig’s up. You can come out now.” Shanelle said to her husband.

Marquise pulled back the covers.

“Daddy! Happy Birthday!” Khari said as she hugged her dad.

“Thank you my little one. Now what's this about a birthday card you made?” he replies.

“Right here Daddy. See?” Khari said before handing him the card.

It was decorated with stickers and glitter.

“Happy Birthday Daddy. I love you. Love, Khari.” Marquise read aloud. It melted his heart and brought a tear to his eye that Khari made him a birthday card. “Thank you, my beautiful one. This means the world to me.”

“So you like it?” Khari asks.

“I love it. It's the best birthday present I have ever had. And do you know why?” he replies.

Khari shook her head no.

“Because you made it for me. I could not ask for a better birthday present.”

Shanelle loved their relationship. There was nothing he wouldn't do for their daughter. And nobody loves that man more than Khari.

“You two are gonna make me cry,” Shanelle said to them.

“Nooo! This is a no-crying zone, Mommy.”

“Is it a hugging zone?” Shanelle asked.

Khari nodded.

“Yup. Right Daddy?” Khari asks.

“Always,” Marquise replies.

What started as a hug between father and daughter turned into a family hug. This was all Marquise wanted and needed. His girls. They are everything he could've ever asked God for. Their love gives him strength. Their support gives him courage. They are his reasons for everything that he does in life.

“Now as much as I love our family moments together, I’m starving! Let's all get dressed so we can go eat.” Marquise said.

“Okay!” Khari replies before hopping out of their bed and running to go get dressed.

Marquise sat with Shanelle for a second holding the handmade card.

“You okay?” Shanelle asks.

Marquise smiled to himself.

“Yes, I’m fine. This just touched my heart is all,” he replies.

Shanelle kissed his cheek.

“You. Teddybear. Ring a bell?” she asks.

Marquise rolled his eyes good-naturedly.

“Come on. Let's get dressed.”

After getting dressed and having breakfast with her family, and surprising her husband with his fully stocked cigar and whiskey lounge, the men were off on joy rides while the girls were celebrating Dee.

“Those boys were outta here quick,” Dee said.

“And they'll be out of our hair for the rest of the day thank goodness,” Shanelle said as they watched the kids play together.

“So it'll just be us, the moms, and the kids?” Dee asks.

“Yup. Just us girls. And Brayden, Branden, and Rain.” Shanelle replies.

“I can't wait!” Dee said.

That night while the guys were out, the girls and kids were celebrating Dee for her birthday.

“Happy Birthday Dee!” the girls said to her.

“Thank you, everyone! This has been amazing! The food is top-tier. The company…I couldn't ask for a better group of friends, sisters, nieces, and nephews,” Dee replies.

“Time for presents Mommy?” Khari whispered to her mom.

“Go for it kiddo!” Shanelle replies.

“Aunt Dee! It's time for birthday presents.” Khari said to Dee.

“Birthday presents?” Dee asks.

“Yeah,” Khari replies.

“What did you get me?” Dee asks.

Khari whistled.

“Bring it in!”

Attendants walked in with four giant vases of different colored roses.

“Oh. My. God!” Dee exclaimed.

“Here Aunt Dee,” Khari said as she handed a card.

Dee read the card out loud.

“For my birthday twin. Happy Birthday! P.S. Khari helped me pick out the roses.”

Dee looked at Khari.

“You did this?” Dee asks.

Khari nodded.

“Yeah! Daddy’s not very good at buying flowers. So I helped,” Khari replies.

Everyone died laughing.

“Little girl! No, you didn't just embarrass your Daddy in a room full of people!” Shanelle said with a laugh.

Dee shook her head with a smile.

“Thank you, Khari. They're absolutely beautiful.”

Khari hugged Dee.

“Happy Birthday!”

“Thank you, sweetie.”

That's when an attendant handed Shanelle a tablet.

“Oh, Dee! Apparently, you left these at the airport.” Shanelle said.

“Left what?” Dee asks.

“These,” Shanelle replies.

When Shanelle handed Dee the tablet, she nearly dropped it. Sitting in a hangar was an all-white Maybach and a private Jet.

“You…” Dee trailed off.

“Weren't about to be upstaged by my husband and daughter? No, I wasn't.” Shanelle replies.

Dee squealed.

“Thank you, Nelle! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

“You're so welcome baby. Hopefully, James won't be too mad at me?”

Dee scoffed.

“Who cares if he is? You got me a jet!”

The rest of the night was filled with giggles, kids, and love. That night Shanelle was leaning against the railing of her balcony when her husband came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her.

“You wonderful, amazing, beautiful woman! Oh, how I love you, let me count the ways!” he whispered in her ear.

“You are so drunk,” she said to him.

“And rich! Did I mention rich?” he asks.

��What do you think I’m doing here?” she replies.

He snickered.

“How was the casino?” she asked.

“Amazing. It's in a perfect location,” he replies.

“I'm not so sure Regina would agree. After all, you did seize the majority of her parent's lands and have the casino built there.”

Marquise rolled his eyes.

“It's not my fault that her father owed on a loan that he never paid back and it forced her to have to pay the interest.”

“That's funny. Because I don't remember seeing that loan on the books for Duke Henri.”

“Her husband was a crafty one. He hid it from the Monarchy. Carlo found it and well my hands were tied.”

“Are you sure you weren't being petty?” she asks.

Marquise gave her a look out the corner of his right eye.

“Okay fine. Whatever your reasons were my King, I'm sure they were justified.”

He brought the palm of her right hand to his lips for a tender kiss.

“Indeed my Queen. And now onto tomorrow night!”

“Finally!”

The two smiled at each other before they turned in.

It was finally the day of The Last Apple Ball. Tonight, the Palace and Cordonia as well as The Royals' family and friends would gather together to celebrate the coming to an end of Shanelle’s pregnancy. What they didn't know was she had one more birthday surprise for her unsuspecting husband.

That whole day was spent as a whirlwind at the palace. It was also the time for her to go over the plan to surprise Marquise with Khari.

“Alright, Peanut! What's the plan for tonight?” Shanelle asked her daughter.

“To surprise Daddy!” Khari replies.

“Right on kiddo! But what are we surprising him with?” Shanelle asks.

Khari thought for a moment.

“The surprise from you and me!” Khari replied.

Shanelle snorted.

“Yes, baby. But what is the surprise?” Shanelle asks.

“The big surprise! The one with me and Daddy.” Khari replies.

“That's right! So go get ready and you can join Grammy and Pop Pop.”

“Okay, Mommy.”

Shanelle watched Khari run off to get ready. Then got ready herself. She was excited for tonight. Because it was about her and her twins. After final hair and makeup, it was time to get dressed. With Abhi’s help, she was ready. She and Marquise opted to skip tradition and not to wear crowns this evening.

They were led to a separate small room as guests were let into the main ballroom. They could hear voices fill the room. Once guests were seated in the main ballroom, the herald announced the entrances.

“Introducing the Mistress Of Ceremonies, Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Khari Rys! Accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Damien Miller and Duchess Shantel Miller!” the herald announced.

Khari walked in with her grandparents and when they reached the center of the room, they were joined by Margo.

“Hello everybody! Welcome to the palace and welcome to The Last Apple Ball! Tonight we celebrate my Mommy and my brothers!” Khari announced to the room.

Hearing their daughter announce brought tears to Marquise’s eyes. It reminded him of all the times he had announced for his mother and Shanelle noticed.

“You okay?” she asked her husband.

“Yeah. I'm okay. I'm just…I’m so proud of her.” he replied.

“I know. I am too.”

Shanelle laid her head on his shoulder just as Damien was heard clearing his throat.

“Ladies and Gentlemen! Please rise! For His Majesty Marquise Rys and Her Majesty Shanelle Miller-Rys!”

“My Mommy and Daddy!” Khari added.

“The King and Queen Of Cordonia!” Damien announced.

Shanelle slipped her right hand into his left as the Cordonian National Anthem played and the main doors opened up. The couple walked into the room with all eyes on them.

“This is all for you,” Marquise whispered to his wife.

“Us. This is all for us. You deserve to be celebrated just as much as I do. After all, you’re the one who’s had to put up with me.” she replies.

Marquise chuckled softly as they reached the center of the ballroom and their daughter.

“Daddy, were you and Mommy able to hear me?” Khari asked.

“Yes, my love we were. You did fabulously. You were a very big girl. I'm so proud of you.” Marquise replies.

Khari smiled at her father before standing off to the side with her grandparents.

“On behalf of our children, I want to personally thank all of you for coming tonight to celebrate this courageous woman to my left.”

Marquise cleared his throat.

“Being pregnant is not easy. Sacrificing nine to ten months of your life to nurture the precious life of an unborn child is a burden I could never bear. Much less bear the burden to nurture the lives of two unborn children. But she has. My wife has practiced and mastered the intricacies of the arts of grace, poise, patience, tenacity, strength, courage, resilience, beauty, and most importantly love.”

“And my mommy did a great job too!” Khari added.

Marquise chuckled before looking at his wife.

“Tonight is all about you. This celebration of life and love is all for you. Your courage. Your strength. Your protectiveness. Your love. All of these things are privileges that you freely give to the world but mostly to your family. Tonight we celebrate the Queen you are. Tonight we celebrate the Wife you are. But mostly tonight, we celebrate the Mother you are. And the Mother you will become. Because in a matter of just days, your long, arduous journey through pregnancy and your sacrifice will come to an end. And at that end, our boys, our Princes, your sons…will be here. Safe and sound in your arms and surrounded by your love.”

Marquise took a deep breath before kissing the back of her left hand and kneeling before her.

“I want and desperately need you to know that I absolutely adore you, I cherish you, and above all else I love you. As a King, I bend my knee to no one…except you. Tonight, the world celebrates you, it's one true Queen.”

“I hate you so much right now!” she replied quietly with tears in her eyes.

Marquise smiled before rising to his feet.

“Now I believe the Princess has one more thing to say.”

Khari nodded.

“Let the party begin!” Khari declared.

Once the couple took their seats, dinner was served and the celebration began.

Dinner was divine. It was an upscale meal fit for the Queen.

Soon, it was time for dancing! Because they always dance in Cordonia. The ballroom was filled with couples swaying and twirling together in a sea of colors.

“Daddy! Will you dance with me?” Khari asked her father.

“Mon amour, ce serait un honneur pour moi de danser avec toi,” Marquise replies as he took Khari’s hand in his and went out on the dance floor.

Many of the other couples on the floor stopped and watched as the King danced with his daughter. She stood on his feet as they danced around the floor.

“Daddy you're very tall!”

“And you're very short.”

Khari made a face.

“I’m a kid Daddy!”

Marquise snickered.

“No, you're a Princess.”

“Yup!”

Shanelle smiled as she watched them with her parents.

“You know there was a time when you used to do that with me,” Damien said to his daughter.

Shanelle snorted.

“Still could. Wanna dance Daddy?” Shanelle asks.

Damien bowed.

“I would love to,” Damien replied.

Damien took Shanelle by the hand and led her out to the dance floor. Around the dance floor, they went. Eventually dancing in circles with the King and the Princess.

“Hi, Mommy! Hi, Pop Pop!”

“Fancy meeting you two here,” Shanelle said to them.

Marquise looked at Damien with an eyebrow raised.

“Careful Your Highness. That's my wife you got your hands on.”

Damien scoffed.

“She was my daughter way before she was ever your wife. Don't ever forget that.”

Marquise smirked.

“Well played…dad.”

“You're welcome…son.”

Shanelle rolled her eyes good-naturedly.

“You two never stop.”

“Your husband started it!” Damien complained.

Shanelle shrugged.

“Technically, you are in his kingdom.”

Damien grumbled.

“You'll be okay Daddy.”

Eventually, His Majesty switched partners with Damien and was happy to dance with his wife as other couples joined the dance floor.

“My feet hurt and I was starting to get a crick in my neck.”

Shanelle rolled her eyes with a smirk.

“And you enjoyed every second of it.”

“Oh absolutely. Dancing with our 5-year-old ball of energy and giggles is always fun. Reminded me of dancing with my mother.”

“You really miss her.”

Marquise smiled ruefully.

“With us being so close to your due date, I can't help it. I can't help but wish that she was here. I can't help but wish she could be here for you and Khari and especially the boys.”

Shanelle smiled softly at him.

“She's proud of you. You know that right?” Shanelle asks.

“God I can only hope so.”

As the night went on and everyone mingled, danced, laughed, and had a good time. While Shanelle pulled Khari aside for their surprise.

“Alright, kiddo! Are you ready?” Shanelle asked her daughter.

“Yup! Let's surprise Daddy!” Khari replies.

Shanelle looked out to the dance floor to see her husband dancing with Margo.

“He’s gonna be so happy!” Khari said.

“Indeed he will, baby.”

Shanelle cleared her throat before calling for everyone’s attention.

“If I may have everyone’s attention!” Shanellen announced to the gathered crowd, “This little one and I have a special surprise for her father. “

“What?!” Marquise called out from the dance floor.

“You heard me!” Shanelle replies.

Marquise looked at Margo who just shrugged.

“Damien! What is your daughter talking about?” Marquise asked.

“I have no idea, Your Majesty! I’m not part of this!” Damien replied.

“Oh God! This is how I die. Oh God! Oh God! Oh God!”

Margo stifled a laugh.

“Stop complaining and go see what it is.”

Marquise gave her a look.

“If I die because of whatever it is they have planned, I will haunt you until the end of your days,” Marquise warned her.

“Duly noted my King. Now go.”

With a kiss on Margo’s cheek, Marquise joined his wife and daughter.

“Okay, I’m here. What is it?” he asked them.

That’s when Shanelle signaled for the surprise to be presented. Attendants wheeled in a large square covered in a crushed red velvet veil.

“Now Daddy you gotta close your eyes,” Khari told her father.

Marquise looked over and raised an eyebrow at Shanelle.

“This better not be an assassination attempt.”

Shanelle shrugged innocently.

“That doesn't help. At all.“

“Come on Daddy! You gotta close your eyes.”

“Okay…”

Marquise closed his eyes and Khari led him closer to the surprise. After angling him just right, Khari looked at her mother.

“You ready?” Shanelle mouthed.

When Khari gave her mother two thumbs up, Shanelle gave the signal to have the surprise unveiled.

It was a portrait of him and Khari. Sitting on the steps of the library at Duchy Anyango. They were holding the Monarchial Orb and wearing matching t-shirts.

“Okay, Daddy. You can open your eyes now.”

When Marquise opened his eyes he was stunned. He just stood there staring at the portrait with a hand over his mouth.

“Uh, Mommy?” Khari asks.

“Yeah?” Shanelle replies.

“I think we broke Daddy.”

“Quick! We gotta go!”

“Go where?” Khari asked.

“To your daddy’s office! If he's broken then that means you’re the new Monarch!” Shanelle replies.

“But I’m 5!”

“Exactly! Until you become of age I get to rule! Come on girl! We gotta move!”

Khari gave her mother a look.

“Mommy!” she fussed.

“What?! This is what me and Grammy have been working for! I get for rule and she gets to finally retire. This is our chance!”

Khari wouldn't budge.

“Ugh! Why do you have to be such a Daddy’s girl?” Shanelle fussed.

“Ask Pop Pop that question,” Khari replies.

Shanelle rolled her eyes with a smile.

“Fine! Go check on your Daddy.”

Khari walked over to her father and put her right hand in his left.

“Daddy?” Khari asked.

Her question snapped him out of whatever trance he was in.

“Huh?” he replies.

“Are you okay?” she asks.

“Yes, my love. I'm okay. Did you do this?” he asked.

“Me and Mommy did this. Do you like it?” Khari replies.

He knelt down to look his daughter in the eye.

“I love it. When did you and your mother do this?” he asked.

“A few weeks ago. Mommy said it would be a big surprise for your birthday but I had to keep quiet. Do you know what it means?” she replies.

Marquise looked at the portrait with a smile.

“Cordonia Forever?”

Khari giggled.

“No silly! It means Cordonia present,” she said as she placed her right hand over his heart.

“And future,” he said as he placed his hand over hers and finished her sentence. She nodded. Marquise shook his head with a sniffle.

“I don’t think you understand what you mean to me. God knows I adore you. I will do any and everything for you. You are my entire reason for everything that I do. You are my pride and joy. My reason for waking up. My reason for being the King that I am.“

“I love you, Daddy.”

He smiled at her with tears in his eyes.

“I love you too. You are my sweet Princess, and no matter how old you get, no matter how independent you become, no matter where you go or what course you chart in this life…I want you to know that you will always be my little girl.”

Khari threw her arms around his neck and gave him the biggest hug that she could muster. When he stood up, she was in his arms.

“Do me a favor, go stand over there with your grandparents while I deal with your mother.”

Khari nodded.

“Be nice Daddy!”

“I'm always nice!”

Khari gave him a look.

“Okay, I’m nice most of the time.”

“Much better.”

With a sweet kiss on her forehead, Marquise put his daughter down and watched her run off to her grandparents before turning his attention to his wife.

“Hi!” Shanelle said to her husband.

“You tried to kill me!”

“I did not!”

“You did too! I nearly had a stroke!”

“Why would I kill you in a room full of witnesses, specifically our daughter?” Shanelle asks.

“Because you’re a sadist who is evil like that!” he replied.

Shanelle couldn't disagree with him.

“Good point.”

Marquise shook his head with tears in his eyes.

“How did you do this?” he barely managed to ask his wife.

“I wanted you to have something that symbolizes your love for Khari and the boys,” she replied.

He took a deep breath as he ran a hand over the border of the portrait. As if to remind himself of the love he is so blessed to have.

He spoke softly, “I don’t even know what to say to you. You have given me the greatest I could ever ask for in our daughter and our sons but this…Shanelle you have no idea how much this means to me.”

She smiled softly at him and said, “I think I have a pretty good idea. But in all seriousness, I’m happy that you like it.”

He shook his head and said, “I don’t like it, my love. I love it. I truly love it.”

“Happy Birthday, Marquise. It might have taken a while but this was the birthday present we wanted you to have. Isn’t that right babe?”, she said as she looked over to see their daughter who was asleep in her father’s arms. “Annnnd…she’s out!”

Her mother mouthed the words, “We’ll go put her to bed.”

“Awww! Poor baby couldn't hang.”

Marquise chuckled.

“Message well received,” he said.

He knelt before her. Resting his forehead against her stomach.

“I would be dead without you in my life. You have given me the life I always prayed to God for. I adore you. I cherish you. I worship you. I lay myself, my love, and my life at your altar. You are a Goddess to me and to the world. You have given me our beautiful children. You have given me a love I am not worthy of. I don't deserve you. I never will deserve you. Tonight is about you. Not me. And yet you refuse the spotlight that was always meant to be just for you.”

“Because tonight is about us. Not just me. I can't do any of this, hell I would not have any of this without you.”

Marquise took a shaky breath before standing up.

“I'm reminded of the song we chose for our anniversary this year.”

He cleared his throat before singing softly.

“We were made, we were made to love. Oh, baby. You came along and rescued me, rescued me. Stuck on you. And Lord I pray, we keep holding on.”

“Holding on…” she sang to him.

“I'll be holding on. I’ll keep holding on.” he sang to her.

They smiled at each other.

“I love you Shanelle.”

“I love you too Marquise.”

Marquise signaled to an attendant to bring him and her a glass.

“If you all will take a glass and indulge me in one last toast,” he said to the crowd before turning to Shanelle.

“I can say a million and one things to and about you. And all of it would do you no justice. But I will say this, my love, you are an incredibly phenomenal woman. You are brave. You are selfless. You are unconditionally loving. You are protective. You are fierce in your unwavering loyalty. You lead this kingdom with conviction. You give without question, rhyme, or reason. You are the Queen this world deserves to have and to celebrate. So here's to you.”

Marquise raised his glass and others followed suit.

“All Hail The Queen!”

Shanelle nodded tearfully as she clinked her glass with his. She placed a hand on her stomach before speaking.

“You know one would think I could do this whole closing speech thing in my sleep. Because I have done it a million times before. But right now I’m speechless. I have no words to thank everyone with. Many of you traveled far and wide to attend this ball tonight and I have not been and can not be more grateful. To my friends, and especially to my family, I love you all so much. Tonight was about joy and excitement. And I couldn't ask for a better night to celebrate. But tonight was not just about me. It was about us. It is about our family. And the life and love we share.”

Shanelle took a deep breath.

“So I say this to you. My husband.”

Shanelle cleared her throat.

“Long Live The King! May your reign be steadfast and true!”

Marquise bowed to her. As the crowd began to filter out of the ballroom, Marquise led his wife to a side door.

“Walk with me?” he whispered.

“Sure. Where are we going?” she replies.

“To the hedge maze.”

She looped her left arm with his right as they stepped out into the cool autumn air. They walked in companionable silence to the entrance of the maze.

“So why are we walking to the hedge maze?” she asks.

“It's been a long time since we walked the maze. And with the boys due soon, I was feeling nostalgic,” he replied.

They walked into the maze hand in hand. Disappearing into the hedges and flowers. They walked until they came to the swing at the halfway point.

“Here sit,” he said to her.

“I don’t know if you know this but I don't fit in this swing anymore.”

He gave her a look.

“Okay but if I get stuck that's gonna be your ass,” she warned him.

“Worth it.”

He knelt before her as if to pray.

“You've been doing that all night. Your knees are gonna be killing you in the morning,” she said to him.

He smiled softly before looking at her.

“It's worth the pain.”

He rested his forehead against her stomach before placing a sweet kiss. When he stood up he walked behind her gently placing his hands around hers.

“You know what I saw as we walked the path here?” he asked her.

“No, what?” she replies.

“I saw our children. Laughing and running down the path. Each one trying to be the first to get to the swing.”

“Like you and Leo used to do?” she asks.

“Yes. Just without all the tripping and snickering,” he replied.

“And what else do you see in this vision of yours?” she asks.

“I saw me behind them. Way behind them,” he replies.

“Why are you way behind them?”

“Because I’m still at the entrance trying to catch my breath.”

Shanelle snorted.

“But when I finally reach them, they're all on the swing together. The boys are sitting in Khari’s lap and they're just waiting for me to push them.”

Marquise shook his head.

“You probably think it's silly.”

“No. I think it's beautiful. You see them being children. Getting to be happy and carefree for a time. Getting to laugh and run around. But mostly you see them having the childhood you didn't. You see them getting to feel the love of their father. Something you never had.”

She felt his hands tighten around hers.

“I can't get this wrong. I can’t. I can't screw this up. I will never be able to forgive myself. I will never be able to live with myself. I can't be like him. I refuse to be like him.”

“You aren't. And you never will be. You are not your father. You love and care for your children. Will you always get this father thing right? No. But you never give up. You always strive to be the best father you can be. Because you know what it feels like to not have a father. Connie was horrible. The absolute worst example of a father. He was cruel, cold, neglectful, arrogant, and callous. You aren't like that. You could never be like that.”

Marquise sat down in front of her. Resting his head against her belly. She rested her arms on his shoulders.

“I know you see him as your demon. And I understand why you do. But he is not your burden or your cross to bear. Connie made his own choices in life and now his soul sits in whatever hell he created for himself. You are not responsible for him. You never were. Unlike him, you are good to your children. Just look at Khari. That little girl adores you and will cuss out anyone before shanking them with a Barbie doll if they dare to speak ill of her Daddy. Because her Daddy is the best Daddy in the whole wide world.”

Marquise cackled.

“Shanking them with a Barbie doll?” he asks.

“Have you met your daughter?” she replies.

“True enough.”

Shanelle leaned forward slightly.

“Our kids are so incredibly blessed to call you their father. You have always been the father to Khari that you always wanted Connie to be to you. You guide her. You love her. You teach her. You sing to her. You dance with her. You will embarrass yourself just to make her laugh and smile. When she's scared you’re there to comfort her. You put in the work to show up and be present in her life. Because that's who you are. You’re a good father. And soon, these two munchkins will know the love that their sister knows.”

“Thank you, my love.”

“You're welcome. Now get me out of this swing before I get stuck.”

Marquise stood up before helping his wife out of the swing and brushing off the grass stuck to his pants.

“Abhi is going to blow a gasket when he finds out you got grass on your pants,” Shanelle said to him.

Marquise threw her a cocky smirk before falling back into the grass wildly moving his arms and legs up and down.

“What are you doing?” Shanelle asked.

“Making grass angels! They're like snow angels but without the snow!” he replies.

Shanelle couldn't help but laugh at her husband's antics.

“Stop it before you give your uncle a stroke,” she said to him while laughing.

“Oh come on! You should try it!”

“If I get down there with you I won't be getting back up.”

“Suit yourself! Wheeeeeeee!”

“You are so childish!”

The two laughed until both were out of breath. Finally, Marquise stood up covered in grass.

“You are something else. You know that right?” she asks.

“I made you laugh and I got to see that smile that I love so much. So I’d say my childishness paid off,” he replies.

Shanelle shook her head before wrapping her arms around his neck.

“You know why I love this part of the hedge maze?” he asks.

She shook her head no.

“Because this is where we spent our first anniversary. Just you, me, a blanket, a ton of snow, and mugs of hot chocolate.”

She smiled at him.

“I love you. So much,” he whispers to her.

“I love you too,” she replied before kissing him sweetly.

He took her by the hand and they walked back into the palace.

This whole weekend had been a birthday to remember for him and now it was her turn to celebrate. She and the girls are going to see Usher.

The days leading up to her birthday flew by. And before she knew it, she was on a plane headed to Spain to pick Robin up so they could fly to Las Vegas together. While the plane refueled, Shanelle went to pick up Robin who was more than ready to go.

As soon as Shanelle stepped out of the waiting car, Robin ran past her.

“What in the world?” Shanelle asks.

“Nelle! Let's go! We got a plane to catch!” Rob replies.

“Why did you run past me like that?” Shanelle asked.

“Because your friend is on demon time!” Rob replied.

“My friend?” Shanelle asked herself. Just as Eddie walked up.

“Hey, Butta!”

“Boy don't ‘Hey Butta’ me! What did you do?” she asked him.

“I ain't do nothing!” he replies.

“Uh huh. Then why did she run past me talking about you on demon time?” she asked.

“You really gotta ask me that?” he replies with a grin.

“You know what? Bye! Ain't got it in me to go down that rabbit hole. See you Monday!” Shanelle said before she walked off.

When Shanelle got back in the car, she and Robin just shared a look before they died laughing as they drove off.

“Demon time huh?” Shanelle asks.

“Chileeeeeeee! That man has been on my ass!” Robin replies.

“I mean is that such a bad thing?” Shanelle asks.

“Girl! Bye!” Robin replies.

Shanelle snickered.

“Anyways! You ready to go see Usher?” Robin asks.

“I can hear him calling me now,” Shanelle replies.

“Chile! I can't wait to see that man!”

“Look, all I know is y'all better not let me drop these twins while we’re there.”

“Speaking of, how are my babies?” Robin asks.

“Ready to come out. I'm ready to meet them.” Shanelle replies.

“I know. It's just a matter of time before they get here.”

“That time can't come fast enough.”

The two rode to the airport. Giggling and gossiping and were soon in the sky bound for Las Vegas. After touching down the girls grabbed dinner before heading to the Presidential Suite at the Bellagio Hotel.

“Look at the views! And your husband paid for all of this?” Robin asks.

“All of it baby! We will be living like Queens this whole weekend!” Shanelle replies.

“Remind me to thank your husband later. In the meantime, I’m gonna go raid the bar.”

“Have fun baby.”

Shanelle watched Robin head to the bar before turning her attention back to the skyline before her. As the sun started to set her excitement started to peak. Her birthday was in just a few hours. And she gets to spend it with her friends. Once most of the girls got there it was time to party.

The next day was the day of the Queen. It was finally Shanelle’s birthday. And she was planning on acting a whole fool. Pregnant belly and all. She and the girls spent the day getting pampered, going shopping, and being a part of the groundbreaking for her newest hotel. Slated to open on her birthday the following year.

Before dinner, she got a call from the two people she loved the most. Her husband and daughter.

“Happy Birthday Mommy!” Khari said to her.

“Thank you Peanut. And thank you for my card. I love it so much.”

“You're welcome, Mommy. Are you having fun?” Khari asked.

“Yes, baby I am. We've had so much fun today.”

“That's good. And when you come back Daddy and I will have a big surprise for you!”

“Oh really?” Shanelle asks.

“Yeah! Right Daddy?” Khari replies.

“That's right my love,” Marquise said.

“Uh-huh. What did you do sir?” Shanelle asks.

“Can't tell you. It'll ruin the surprise,” he replies.

“Fine! Be that way! Oh! And thank you for all the flowers. They're beautiful.”

“You're more than welcome. Now you should go. We can hear your stomach.”

Shanelle looked down at her belly.

“Good idea. I love you both so much. Thank you for the birthday wishes. I'll talk to you both soon.”

“Okay,” Marquise replied.

“Daddy! Your phone is ringing!” Khari said to him.

He groaned.

“What's wrong?” Shanelle asked.

“Group chat,” he replies.

Shanelle winced.

“They giving you the third degree?” Shanelle asks.

“You have no idea,” Marquise replies.

“Yikes!”

“Yeah…we’ll let you go. Have fun, my love. Happy Birthday.”

Shanelle smiled at him.

“I'll see both soon. I love you.”

“We love you too.”

With that, the call ended with butterflies fluttering in her stomach, and not because of the twins.

At her birthday dinner, the girls enjoyed a full luxury 5-course meal courtesy of Marquise. Well, all except Bronwyn who was late getting there. She texted the group chat that she’d meet them at the hotel. The girls couldn't help but crack jokes about it.

“Oh no! It actually happened!” Shanelle said in feigned shock.

“What?” Dee asked.

“For the first time, Aly and Chut weren't late! Normally we’d just be leaving the show when they showed up!” Shanelle replies.

The girls died laughing as their waiter brought Shanelle’s favorite cupcakes. Red Velvet and Marble.

“Mmmm! These are divine!!” Shanelle said as she devoured hers.

“This chocolate frosting is heaven!” Robin added.

“We're gonna save some for Bron right?” Nina asks.

Everybody looked at each other.

“We gonna try to,” Shanelle replies with a mouth full of cupcake.

Later after dinner, the girls were all together at the hotel suite getting ready for the show.

“I can't believe we're going to see Usher!” Bronwyn squealed.

“I can't believe you were late. You broke the streak!” Shanelle teased.

“Oh, my God, Nelle! I texted you and said I would be late. I had to put out a small fire at the winery!”

“You're lucky that I love you so much. Otherwise, I wouldn't have saved you some cupcakes.”

Bronwyn hugged her.

“I love you too, birthday girl. And if I may, those cupcakes were to die for!”

“Indeed they were. Now ladies! It is time! Let's go see our husband!” Shanelle announced.

With a cheer, the girls were out the door and on their way to see Usher. The girls were chauffeured to the venue and then taken to a private VIP lounge before the show.

“Just so we're all on the same page, Usher is gonna come through that door, right?” Aly asked.

“Yup. All tall, fine, and chocolate of him.” Shanelle replies.

The excitement was through the roof and when Usher walked in the girls damn near melted. They couldn't get enough of him. His smile dazzled them. His voice made them hot all over. They couldn't wait to get to their seats. The show was amazing. They watched him perform on skates. And the way his body moved was hypnotizing.

Usher was just about to change to his next song when he stopped and said, “I wanna take a moment to shoutout some very special guests. The FabBabes are in the building because it’s Queen Shanelle’s birthday so Happy Birthday Beautiful! I hope you, Robin, Desha, Nina, Bronwyn, Chutney, and Alyssa enjoy yourselves tonight.”

And when he winked at them, that did it for them. That put the girls on the floor. They didn't know what to do with themselves. When they got back to the hotel room they were buzzing.

“So to recap, Usher basically proposed to us right?” Shanelle asks.

“Yup!” the girls replied.

“And we all said yes right?” she asks.

“YES!!” they replied.

“BEST FUCKING BIRTHDAY EVER!”

And now it was time for act two of the Birthday Bachelorette Bash. That Saturday was all about Nina. And Shanelle was gonna make sure the girls sent her off to married life right!

They met up for brunch and then went running loose around Vegas. Exploring and genuinely having fun in Sin City. They wound up at a pool party and took over the scene. So many at the party wanted to get autographs and pictures with the girls. They were celebrities after all. Later that night at dinner, Shanelle toasted her best friend.

“My beautiful one. My love. My Bride to be. In a few short days, you will go from Miss Nina Keane to Mrs. Sam Dalton. And I can not wait to watch it all unfold. I will get the honor and privilege to bear witness to you cementing the love you have worked hard to achieve and keep. I will bear witness to you receiving the love you have always been worthy of. I can not tell you how happy that makes me. I have only ever wanted the best for you. And baby. You found it. And the best found you. We love you. Here's to Mrs. Sam Dalton!”

The girls toasted Nina who had tears in her eyes.

“Thank you, girls! I could not ask for a better send-off than this one. And we're not done! We're STILL going club hopping! I appreciate you all. And I love you all so much! Here's to me bitches!”

The girls cheered before heading out into the night to party til they dropped.

The next morning, Shanelle was just walking into the living room when she was met with blue balloons and gifts galore.

“Uh, what is all this?” she asks.

“Your baby shower! Duh!” Nina replied.

Shanelle looked around in shock.

“Y’all serious?” she asks.

“No. We got presents and food for those two special boys for no reason.” Nina replied.

“Y’know I'd kick you square in your ass but unfortunately my leg can't go that high right now.”

The girls laughed.

“Sit down Nelle. You've got gifts to open.” Bronwyn said to her.

“Yeah sit!” Nina added.

Shanelle sucked her teeth before throwing a pillow at Nina as she sat down. As Shanelle looked around at the many presents for the boys, she couldn't help but get emotional.

“Oh my goodness! Y'all didn't have to do this.”

“Um, your husband told us we could plan your baby shower so yes we did. And with The Last Apple Ball being last week, we wanted to do something small and intimate.” Robin replied.

Shanelle smiles before looking down at her belly.

“You two hear all that? You’re being spoiled.”

“As our nephews should be!” Dee piped up.

Shanelle laughed as she wiped away tears.

“I don’t know what I would do or where I would be without you girls by my side. Thank you so much!”

Shanelle took a deep breath and then dried her eyes.

“Okay! Okay! Enough tears! I got presents to open!”

Shanelle couldn't believe her friends did all of this. She loved all the gifts her friends had gotten for the boys. They spent the rest of the day hanging around the hotel suite and ordering room service. Later that night the girls decided to try their luck at the casino. They all split up going about the casino. Eventually, they met up at the private poker room where Shanelle and Bronwyn were killing their competition.

“How much money have you two won?” Dee asked.

Shanelle looked at her enormous stack of chips.

“More than enough to set our kids up for the rest of their lives,” Shanelle replied.

“Shanelle has been a beast since we sat down,” Bronwyn said as she raked in her chips.

“Learned from the best and now I teach others how to win, not just play.”

The girls sat around and watched Shanelle and Bronwyn slaughter everyone that tried to beat them.

That Monday it was time to say goodbye. And Shanelle summed the weekend up perfectly.

“Best. Weekend. Ever!”

#khoicesbyk #choices #choices stories you play #pixelberry #fanfic #choices fanfiction #king marquise #queen shanelle #king of cordonia #queen of cordonia #king and queen of cordonia #love everlasting #black marriage #black couple #black love #cfwc fics of the week

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khoicesbyk · 2 years ago

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The Royal Romance.

Love Everlasting.

A/N: I had a different name and plot for this fic over a year ago. But after being in the RP community for more than a year, I've decided to write the current Royal Life of my favorite OTP.

Current Word Count: 13K words. (may be slightly more or may be slightly less. Look, I stop counting after editing and re-editing and driving myself insane. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or dm me and I will gladly add you! 😁😘

This series is rated Mature and/or Explicit. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

Missing a chapter or want to read a chapter again? I got you covered! Click ——> Here!

TW: mentions of Abuse, Child Abuse, and Childhood Trauma! Reader Discretion is STRONGLY ADVISED!

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations

Boys Of Summer PT. 2.

Meanwhile, it was a party in the Maldives. When Marquise touched down at the private resort airstrip he was immediately chauffeured to the resort to his private ocean-view villa. Far as his eyes could see it was nothing but sunlight and crystal-clear blue waters. After changing, Marquise walked out to his deck and took it all in. When he looked at the outdoor bar he noticed a bottle of rum, whiskey, tequila, and scotch all of them were top-shelf liquors with a card next to them. It was a note from his wife.

Let loose. Have fun. I love you.

He smiled before pouring himself a glass of rum. Just as he downed that drink there was a knock at the door. It was the boys. They all filed into Marquise’s villa.

“Now hold on! Why is your villa bigger than the rest of us?” Logan asked.

Marquise shrugged.

“Perk of fucking the owner every night. You get the owner’s villa. Take a look around.” he replied.

The boys explored until they found themselves with Marquise around the bar. After pouring them each a drink Marquise raised his glass in a toast.

“Here’s to the girls. This was their idea.”

The men toasted.

“Where did you find this place?” Sam asked His Majesty.

“I didn't. It was given to my father way back when and it was used by the nobles back home until they just stopped coming. And it sat vacant for years. And when Shanelle found out about it she decided to turn it into all of this.” Marquise replied.

“I knew I liked Butta. Girl be on her shit.” Eddie quipped.

Marquise snorted before finishing his drink.

“I don’t know about you guys but I'm going swimming.” Marquise announced.

“You going down to the beach?” Logan asked.

“Nope. Right here. Off the side.” Marquise replied before walking to the edge of the deck and diving off.

When he resurfaced he was feeling it.

“What are you dopes waiting on? Get in here!” Marquise called out to the boys.

Marquise watched as the guys jumped off. The boys spent the next two hours horsing around, laughing, and cracking jokes. This is what Shanelle wanted. She wanted her husband and the guys to relax and have fun. To be like kids that were locked in a candy store. That night after an amazing dinner literally for a King, Marquise decided to FaceTime his wife.

“Hey, beautiful.”

“Hey yourself handsome. How is it?” she asked.

“You are a fucking genius! This place is beyond my wildest dreams,” he replied.

“Yay! I'm so happy to hear that you are enjoying yourself. How are the boys liking it?” she asked.

“They love it. We're having an amazing time.”

“Good. Very good.”

“I miss you and my little ones though.”

“We miss you too. But it's been good to have the girls and the kiddos here.”

“What did you all do today?” he asked.

“We took the horses out and let the kids ride in the field behind the stables,” she replied.

“Did the boys finally learn that the horses don't giddy up?” he asked.

She snorted.

“No, at least not yet. They did learn how to feed the horse though,” she replied.

“Good. As long as you two aren't by yourselves in the palace.”

“Even if the others weren't here with us, Khari and I would've still spent the weekend here.”

“I know.”

Shanelle noticed the tan her husband has gotten.

“You've been out in the sun.”

“How can you tell?” he asked.

“Your tan. You've gotten darker. The sun looks good on you.”

“Thank you, my love. I plan on being in the sun as much as possible.”

“Sunscreen. Don't forget!”

“I won't. Since I know it's late there, I'll let you go so you can get some sleep. I'll talk to you tomorrow. I love you.”

“I love you too baby. Sweet dreams.”

After blowing him a kiss, he ended the call and they both went to bed. The next day Shanelle woke up to giggles and the pitter-patter of little feet.

“Good morning mommy!” Khari said as she climbed into her bed followed by Logi, Branden, and Brayden. “Morning TiTi!”

“Morning babies! What are the four of you doing awake?” Shanelle asked.

“Auntie Bronwyn woke us up and we played for a little bit,” Khari replies.

Shanelle watched as Brayden laid his head on her belly to listen for the babies.

“Baby?” he asked.

“That's right angel. The babies are in my tummy.”

Branden put his hand on her tummy.

“There?” he asked.

“Yes, baby. There. Although they might not be awake yet.”

“They're sleeping?” Logi asked.

“Yup. And you know how we wake them up?” Shanelle replied.

“How mommy?” Khari asked.

“Breakfast! Let's go get us some food!” Shanelle replied.

Seeing the kids cheer made Shanelle’s heart leap. She walked with them to the dining room where the girls and the last two babies were.

“Morning my beauties! Let's eat!”

They had a smorgasbord of food to choose from complete with an egg station. After getting the kids squared away with their food, the girls got something to eat. When Shanelle sat down she had a plate full of food.

“Damn. What did you get?” Robin asked.

“A ham, swiss, and spinach omelet, French toast, three types of bacon, berries and cream parfait, Belgian waffles, breakfast potatoes, chocolate chip pancakes, and orange and cranberry scones. Why?” Shanelle replied.

“You're gonna eat ALL of that Princess?” Nina asked.

Shanelle patted her belly.

“Table for three,” she replied.

The girls laughed.

“Mmmm! What kind of bread do they use to make the French toast?” Dee asked.

“Brioche,” Shanelle replied.

“Oh yeah, that's right! We have to remember that you’re a Queen now. So you’re into all the bougie bread.” Robin teases.

“And all the bougie butter. And all the bougie big ass breakfast buffets.” Shanelle quipped.

Brayden tapped Shanelle on her leg.

“TiTi more?” he asked, holding up his plate.

“Of course angel. Come on,” she replied.

“Are you sure?” Bronwyn asked.

“Yeah. You finish eating your food babe.” Shanelle replied.

Shanelle led Brayden to the buffet and got him what he wanted before taking him back to his seat. Before he sat down he told her thank you.

“Thank you TiTi,” he said before giving her a big hug and kiss. “Love you.”

Shanelle literally floated back to her seat.

“I am Brayden’s favorite Auntie. Thank you for coming to my TEDTalk! Have a good rest of your Saturday! God Bless!”

The girls laughed.

“Bronwyn, you better watch him. That's gonna be your heartbreaker.”

Bronwyn snorted.

“Just like his dad.”

“Worse!” Shanelle and Nina said in unison.

Meanwhile, in the Maldives, the boys were racing jet skis all up and down the beach. After a big breakfast of their own, the guys made it down to the marina where they were each given a jet ski.

“Wait! We get to keep these?” Eddie asked the attendant.

“Yes sir. You each get a jet ski to keep. Each jet ski has your name on them.” the attendant replied.

“I love my big sister,” Logan said out loud.

Marquise snorted.

“I would hope so. She just gifted you a jet ski. So who's racing?”

The boys hopped on and took off. Racing across the water enjoying themselves. This was what the girls wanted for their men. To be able to relax, have fun, and be themselves. They each work so hard and they needed time to just be guys. The boys split up after spending 3 hours on the water. Marquise and Dino took the time to visit the spa. The Deep Tissue Massage Marquise got was life-changing.

“Remind me to thank the Queen for this,” Dino said to Marquise as they walked back to his villa.

“Noted,” Marquise replies.

When they got there the boys were there raiding the bar and smoking cigars.

“Why am I not surprised to see you boys here?” Marquise asked as he went behind the bar to pour him and Dino a drink.

“You got the best liquor and cigars. That's why.” Eddie replies. “Man these are smooth! Where you get this shit at?”

“Cuba,” Marquise replied.

“¿Auténticos Cubanos?” Sam asked.

“Sí. Los he importado de una fábrica en las afueras de La Habana.”

Sam nodded appreciatively.

“Nice.”

“What the hell did y'all just say?” Eddie asked.

The men laughed.

Meanwhile, the girls were setting up for painting the boys’ nursery. Well sort of. They had the kids change into bathing suits and swim trunks and had buckets of paint-filled balloons ready to go.

“Alright, kiddos! When I say go, you throw.” Shanelle announces.

“Throw?” Branden asked before throwing his balloon at the wall.

“No, not yet baby. You have to wait until I say go.”

“Go? Go!” Brayden said before throwing his balloon.

That's when Shanelle made a decision.

“You know what? Have at it!” she said before getting out of dodge.

She and the girls watched as the kids got to have fun throwing balloons and getting messy. It was a fun time had by all. And when all the balloons were splattered against the wall, the kids got to write their names. or at least they tried to.

The men were sitting around a poker table smoking cigars, drinking, and laughing.

“I fold! You have been on a tear.” James said to Marquise.

Marquise snickered.

“Damn, just when I was having fun.”

“I'm not about to lose AJ’s college fund to you.”

“Now you know I would never allow my niece’s college fund to be depleted. Whatever you lost would've been replaced. You know me.”

James took a sip of his rum.

“This is true but still I'm good.”

“Very well,” Marquise said before turning to the rest of the guys, “who's up?”

That's when Eddie down his drink.

“Deal me in Lo.”

“You sure man? He's been unstoppable.” Logan said to Eddie.

“Ain't nobody scared of his ass,” Eddie replies.

A slow smirk bloomed on Marquise’s face.

“Finally! A challenge! I was starting to get bored.”

“I’m about to rob yo ass,” Eddie said to Marquise.

“And I’m about to send you back to my sister in tears.”

Eddie scoffed.

“Best 2 out of 3?” Marquise asked.

“Hell yeah!” Eddie replies.

“Deal the cards, Logan.”

With liquor, cigars, food, and poker in hand, the boys spent the rest of the night enjoying one friendly competition after another.

And for the girls, it was movie night! Complete with chicken tenders, French fries, Chicken Caesar Salad wraps, applesauce for the babies, create your own hot fudge brownie sundaes, and 101 Dalmatians. The kids didn't even make it through the first 30 minutes before all of them were out like a light.

After putting the kids to bed, the girls were gathered in Shanelle's room with wine in hand. They were discussing the latest chapter of The Forgotten Heir. Well, the girls were discussing it. Shanelle kept her mouth shut. Which was unusual for her.

“Alright, Nelle you've been quiet. Way too quiet. What's wrong?” Robin asked.

“Nothing. I'm just sitting here listening.” Shanelle replies.

“That's just it, you don't listen. So what is it?” Nina asked.

Shanelle took a big sip of her sparkling cider.

“Is it the book? Are you bothered by it?” Bronwyn asked.

“Bothered? Hardly. Annoyed that people are making a big deal out of nothing? Yes.” Shanelle replies.

“Now now Your Majesty. Be nice.” Dee said to Shanelle.

“I am being nice. I haven't called bullshit have I?” Shanelle asked.

“No. But you want to.” Nina replied.

Shanelle shrugged.

“I feel for Myah,” Bronwyn said.

“That's because you’re little miss give everybody a chance,” Robin said to her.

“I’m glad you feel for her because I don't.” Shanelle said.

“Why?” Bronwyn asked.

“Because your sister-in-law kept coming for my husband and she feels entitled to something that isn't hers to begin with that's why. I'm not about to feel bad for her or anyone that cares for her.” Shanelle replies.

“Okay. I get why you feel that way but you have to understand that she's hurt.” Dee said.

“Okay and?” Shanelle asked.

“Don't be like that Nelle,” Bronwyn replied.

“Don't be what? Fed up? The crown is more than just some fancy title. It is a job. One that is nonstop and never-ending.” Shanelle replied.

Shanelle sighed.

“Look, if she's angry, fine. I get it because Connie at the end of the day, was a cold-hearted, calloused, selfish, self-centered bastard. He didn't care about anyone but himself. But her anger at Connie should have nothing to do with my husband. She's not his responsibility. He owes her nothing. Connie did. And if Connie chose not to do right by her, then that's on him. The old man’s sins are not Marquise’s to pay. If she's gonna be mad at anyone, be mad at the two people who acted like they didn't know how a condom works.”

“Ouch,” Dee said.

“Though her delivery needs major work, Nelle has a point. While it is heartbreaking that Connie chose his responsibility over Myah, you just can't expect Marquise to just hand over anything. Especially when he's got Khari and the twins to think about.” Robin said.

“Finally someone gets it,” Shanelle said.

“I don’t know. If he didn't want her to have a title he wouldn't have granted her one.” Bronwyn quipped.

“He didn't want her to have it. Believe me.” a voice called out. It was Margo. “I apologize for butting in.”

“How do you know?” Nina asked Margo.

Margo sat down on the edge of the bed.

“Because I have worked for The Royal Family for almost 40 years. A good 38 of those years have been spent serving The Family. I know all there is to know about Constantine.” Margo replied. “Constantine was a lot of things. A loving, caring, concerned father? Never. If he couldn't even do right by his sons, I can assure you, he would never do right by this girl.”

“Then why grant her a title?” Nina asked.

“Let me ask this, why do you think he never married her mother?” Margo asked.

“Because there was a chance his enemies could come after her and her mother,” Bronwyn replied.

Margo shook her head no.

“Only if she were the heir to the throne. Which she wasn't. Because the Monarchy would never recognize her.”

“Why not?” Robin asked.

“Because he didn't marry her mother. Cordonian Law is crystal clear: the declaration he signed would only be valid if he married her mother. And Connie knew that. He was the King after all. But since he didn't, granting her a title is not an obligation for my son.” Margo replied.

“So he signed it to do what?” Nina asked.

“Pacify if nothing else. You have to understand his thought process. If it wasn't selfish or self-serving Constantine did not care. That is who he was. A selfish, self-centered, cold-hearted, cruel, calloused bastard.” Margo replied.

Shanelle poured Margo a glass of wine.

“Thank you, dear. Listen, what you girls read in that book is not who Connie was a father. Because if he was that concerned of a father, he wouldn't have left the raising of his two children to me and the rest of the staff. Not that I’m not grateful. Marquise was a wonderful child. Hard-headed and stubborn as an ox at times but no less loving and protective. Raising him and Leo was and is one of the joys of my life, but it should have been Constantine's responsibility. Not mine.”

“If you feel that way, why have you stayed all these years?” Dee asked.

“Because they needed someone to protect them from the madman he had become. The year and a half after Eleanor was killed was the worst of them all. To be fair every day that man breathed was terrible but those first 18-19 months were completely unbearable. And I was ready to resign. But my Prince begged me to stay. Besides, I couldn't leave two innocent children to face his wrath alone. I wasn't about to kidnap them either. That would've meant death for me and my family. So I promised Marquise that I would stay until he turned 18. And I have been here ever since.”

“You keep saying that Connie was a bad father but what exactly did he do?” Robin asked.

Margo went quiet before clearing her throat and taking a sip of her wine.

“I'm not even sure I should tell this story because I swore to Marquise that I would take it to my grave.” Margo replies.

“What?” Bronwyn asked.

Margo looked at Shanelle.

“Marquise had just gotten his acceptance letter to Harvard, which was just about 5 months after his 16th birthday. Around that time, Connie would go into his study and drink himself into a stupor and then get belligerent as all hell. Well, one night my husband George and I were making our rounds as we did as the senior staff when we heard Connie’s raised voice coming from the King’s study. We knew it couldn't be good.” Margo replied.

“What was going on?” Robin asked.

“When we got there Connie was in Marquise’s face yelling and screaming at the top of his lungs. George and I were able to separate them. He took Constantine and I took Marquise with Connie still berating him, calling him everything but a child of God. George tried to get Connie to calm down and leave Marquise alone but that only angered him more. I had just gotten him to the doors when Constantine broke free of my husband and it happened.” Margo replied.

“When what happened?” Nina asked.

Margo closed her eyes while shaking her head.

“I watched Constantine ball up his fist and strike his own son.” Margo replied.

The girls went deathly silent. When Margo opened her eyes, she saw the look of shock and utter horror written on Shanelle's face.

“Oh My God! Oh My God!” Shanelle whispered.

“The hit knocked Marquise back into the door and it stunned him. And that's not even the worst part, the worst part is Connie got ready to hit him again. But that second time my husband was able to catch his fist and pin him to his desk. That's when George told me to get Marquise out of that office. Imagine all 5’2 of me trying to drag a then 6’3 16-year-old out of his father’s office. When I finally got him back to his wing of the palace, he sat down on his bed with his head in his hands. And when he looked up at me, I saw all the rage, the shock, the heartbreak, and the pain in his eyes. When I sat down next to him, he laid his head in my lap and just cried. He kept asking ‘what did I do wrong?’ ‘Why does he hate me so much?’”

Margo paused to collect herself.

“I was able to get him to take a shower and get something to eat. But not before he told me…that wasn't the first time that Connie had hit him.”

The girls were in shock.

“I have a question.” Bronwyn finally spoke.

“Yes?” Margo asked.

“Why didn't you let Marquise go so he could bury that sonuvabitch?” Bronwyn asked.

“I couldn't,” Margo replies.

“Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! What do you mean you couldn't?” Robin asked.

“She's right.” Shanelle finally spoke. Her voice was shaky. “She couldn't. Neither could George.”

“What?! Why not?!” Nina asked.

“Because had Marquise hit his father, Connie would've wasted no time having him arrested and thrown in a dungeon,” Shanelle replies.

“But Connie started it!” Dee piped up.

“That wouldn't matter. Because at that time Connie was the Monarch. And the Parliament and Monarchy’s job is simple. Protect the Monarch at all times. Especially from family. It was a rule established by the Monarchy back in the 1600s when then Queen Kendra’s brother plotted to kill her and take the throne for himself.” Shanelle said.

Margo nodded while taking Shanelle’s trembling hands in her own.

“Connie would've spun the story to make himself the victim of an assault by his unruly and ungrateful son who wanted to usurp him and take the throne from him. And with many in the Parliament being stuck so far up Constantine’s ass at the time, they wouldn't have hesitated.” Margo said.

Shanelle closed her eyes to stop tears of anger from rolling.

“My husband never would've stood a fighting chance. The Parliament would've convicted Marquise without question. And Connie would've sentenced him to death.”

Margo nodded sadly.

“And I would've had to watch my sweet, cocky, thickheaded, loving, caring, protective boy. My beautiful son…I would've had to watch him walk to the gallows. And that would've killed me.”

“The gallows? Like Pirates Of The Caribbean?!” Bron asked.

“Yes. Cordonia still believes in criminals being hung by the neck until dead. Marquise hasn't implemented it but it is a punishment in the books.” Shanelle replied.

Shanelle took a deep breath.

“I hate that man. I hate him so much. If I could I would've killed him myself if his cancer hadn't beaten me to it. Maxwell told me years ago that Connie used to take whatever he was feeling when he was drunk out on Marquise but I never thought it would be that bad.” Shanelle seethed.

Margo rubbed Shanelle's knuckles.

“I'm sorry if I upset you. That was never my intention. And please don't think Marquise was intentionally hiding this from you.”

Shanelle nodded.

“I know he wasn't. I’m not mad. Well not at him or you. I am furious with Connie. Absolutely disgusted. But that's exactly who that good-for-nothing bastard was. As Margo said, he was cold-hearted, callous, and cruel.”

Margo looked at Shanelle softly.

“This is why I fight so hard for him. That night was the first and last time he ever allowed Connie to break him and his spirit. As soon as he was able to, Marquise left for Harvard. And was determined to stay in Boston. He even invited me and my family to live there with him.”

“Why didn't you move to Boston with him?” Dee asked.

“Because Leo abdicated that's why. There was no need to leave. The new King was coming home.” Margo replied.

Shanelle squeezed Margo’s hands gently.

“Thank you, Margo,” Shanelle said to her lead attendant.

“Of course, Your Majesty. Again I didn't mean to upset you and I can only hope my son won't be too angry with me for telling you.”

Shanelle gave her a small smile.

“If he does get mad, you have a 4-year-old trump card in your pocket.”

Margo chuckled.

“Indeed I do. Now if you will excuse me, I will go check on the children.”

“Thank you, Margo.”

Margo smiled.

“Of course my Queen.”

Once Margo left Shanelle let out a breath she didn't know she was holding in before looking at her girls.

“Do you believe me now?”

Robin threw her arms around Shanelle. Bronwyn just shook her head. Nina and Dee just sat there trying to process everything.

“He used to…” Bronwyn trailed off.

“Hit his son? Yes. He did.” Shanelle said.

“That's…he…” Dee said.

“Yeah. So while Myah’s version of Connie is cute as all get out, it's historically inaccurate. You wanna know who Constantine Leonidas Rys really was? Ask the son he abused. Ask the staff he always terrorized. Ask the people he exiled. Hell, ask the families of the people he had killed. They will tell you all you need to know. He wasn't loving, or caring, or compassionate, or concerned. He deserved his cancer. He deserved the pain it caused him. He deserves to sit in hell and rot.”

Shanelle shook her head as she angrily swiped away a stray tear.

“Just know. Marquise is loved and protected by us all the same way he loves and protects us. And he will never ever have to deal with that sperm donor ever again.” Robin declared.

“I need you girls to do me a favor. Do not speak of this to anyone. Please.”

The girls all agreed and Shanelle nodded gratefully.

The next night was the final night in the Maldives for the guys. After spending all day doing their own things, they met for one final drink and salute to their amazing weekend together.

“Well, boys! This is it. Our final night in paradise. We have been spoiled by our beautiful wives. We've had a great time together and we will be doing this again.” Marquise said in toast, “Here's to the incomparable FabBabes!”

The boys saluted before downing the last of their shots. The next morning just before the guys checked out, Shanelle had one more surprise. She gifted each of the guys iced-out chains, rings, watches, and earrings.

“It's official! Butta loves her some of me!” Eddie said as he flicked his wrist. The diamonds in his watch caught the sun.

“You will break your wrist doing that,” Marquise said to him.

“You see this watch? Nigga it's worth it!”

Marquise shook his head with a smirk. This whole weekend was more than he could've asked for. But now it was time to get back home. Back to his life. Back to his job as King. But he would definitely be linking up with the guys again. When he got back to the palace he was greeted by his daughter.

“Daddy!” Khari called out as she ran into his outstretched waiting arms. “I missed you so much, Daddy!”

“I missed you too, my love,” he said as he hugged his daughter.

“And what about me?” Shanelle asked Marquise with an eyebrow raised.

“I always miss you, my Queen,” he replies with a sweet kiss to his wife.

“Good answer Your Majesty.”

Marquise spent the rest of the afternoon and evening with his two favorite girls and after putting his little one to bed, it was time for some one on one with the woman of his dreams. They were snuggled together.

“I missed being in these big strong arms of yours,” Shanelle said to him.

“I missed having you in my arms,” he replies, “did you and Khari have fun this weekend?”

“Yes, we did. I can't wait for you to see the boys’ nursery. Those kids made a mess. Even the baby babies got in on the fun.”

Marquise groaned.

“Are you sure I don't need to hire professionals?” he asked.

“Yes. I wanted the kids to have fun, get creative, and be messy as all get out,” she replies.

Marquise chuckles.

“Fair enough. So what did you and the girls do while I was gone?” he asked.

“The standard overindulgence, gossip, and giggles,” she replied.

“How much overindulgence, gossip, and giggles happened?” he asked.

“The girls talked about your little sister's new book,” she replied.

Marquise rolled his eyes.

“Blood makes you related. It doesn't make you a family.”

“This is true but she's still related to you.”

“No, she's related to him. She's his child out of wedlock. Not mine. We have nothing in common. I have one blood sibling. That's it.”

Shanelle shrugged.

“Okay. I'll back off. But that's not all we talked about.”

“What else is there?” he asked.

Shanelle sat up in bed and cleared her throat before speaking.

“Margo came in mid-conversation and she…” Shanelle trailed off.

“And she what?” he asked as he sat up as well.

Shanelle turned her head while biting her bottom lip. Marquise gently grabbed her chin and turned her face so that she was looking at him.

“Tell me.”

“Promise me you won't be angry?” she asked in a soft voice.

“I promise now what is it? You’re starting to scare me,” he replies.

“Margo told us that Connie…he…” Shanelle struggled to say the words. Not that she needed to. Marquise already knew what she was going to say.

Marquise closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

“She told you about?” he asked.

“The time he punched you in front of her and George? Yes,” she replied.

Marquise nodded slowly.

“Please don't be mad at her. She didn't tell us to betray your confidence or your trust. The girls wanted to know why Connie was so bad and that's when she told us.”

“I'm not mad at mom. Because truth be told, I should've told you years ago. I was just…”

“Still traumatized?” she asked.

“Something like that,” he replied.

Marquise let out a breath.

“She said you told her that wasn't the first time he hit you.”

“That's right. He had hit me before. That time was just the first time he’d done it in front of an audience.”

Shanelle’s heart began to break. She'd never seen her husband like this. So vulnerable.

“If you don't mind telling me, when was the first time?” she asked.

Marquise set his jaw then inhaled and exhaled slowly before he spoke.

“I was 14. I had just won my latest chess match and I wanted to show him the trophy I'd gotten. I knocked on his door but I didn't hear anything. And I should've just left but instead, I opened the door. He was sitting at the desk drunk with a bottle in his hand. He looked at me with this rage in his eyes. He asked me why I was there and I told him. That's when he took a swig from his bottle and went off on me. I did everything I could think of to reassure and calm him down but I was a kid. And it didn't work anyway.”

Marquise stopped and Shanelle wrapped her arms around him.

“He grabbed me by my collar and kept screaming for me to stop haunting him. That I should've died the day she did so he wouldn't be cursed to know she was never coming back. That's when he let me go and he backhanded me.”

Shanelle shuddered.

“George must've heard me fall because he came running in and when he saw me on the floor he asked what had happened. And in classic Constantine Rys form…” Marquise trailed off.

That's when he contorted his face into a scowl that mirrored Connie’s sneer.

“Calm down George! Everything is fine. This clumsy idiot tripped over his own feet. Isn't that right boy?”

Their bedroom was quiet for a few seconds before he continued.

“George helped me up and walked me out of his office. And when we were far enough away, he asked me what really happened and I told him everything. That's when he brought me to mom and told her. And I begged them both not to say anything. Because at that time I was terrified he would retaliate. Either against me or worse them. So they agreed to keep quiet. She got me cleaned up and something to eat and then put me to bed.”

Shanelle’s heart broke for her husband and her blood boiled.

“I'm so sorry baby.”

Marquise shook his head.

“Don't be. Because I got my revenge in the end. I got his throne and his kingdom. I got to watch the devil incarnate die a slow, painful, and well-deserved death. And if that's who Myah wants to call her father, she can fucking have him.”

“Marquise you are a victim. He abused you.”

“I refuse to be one. I refuse to let him believe he could ever break me twice.”

Shanelle kissed his cheek just before he kissed the palm of her right hand.

“I need you to swear to me that you won't say anything about this. I'm not saying that I don't trust the girls but it's bad enough that they know. So you have to swear not to say anything to anyone else. Not even to Khari.”

“Marquise—” she started to say something before he cut her off, “swear to it Shanelle!”

Shanelle closed her eyes and exhaled slowly.

“I swear to you that I won't say anything to anyone else.”

Marquise let out a breath.

“Thank you, my love. Now let's get some sleep. It's been a long day.”

Shanelle nodded before they laid back down with him holding her close with his left resting on her stomach.

The next week it was business as usual for His Majesty. There was a kingdom to be run. He spent the week in and out of meetings with advisors and foreign dignitaries. And he got the news he’d been waiting on. Monterisso finally agreed to be acquired by Cordonia. Which was a major win for him. He could leverage Monterisso’s spy tech with his kingdom’s special ops corp.

He couldn't wait to tell Shanelle the great news over lunch.

“Well done Your Majesty! This is quite an accomplishment for you and our kingdom.” Shanelle said to him.

“Thank you, my Queen. It took me negotiating tooth and nail but we are now a truly fortified kingdom.”

“I'm proud of you. You didn't let the last few Monterissan holdouts deter you.”

“Thank you, beautiful.”

“So what happens now?” she asked.

“I have a trip to Monterisso in the coming weeks to tour the kingdom and take stock of everything,” he replies.

“You mean you plan to play with all the drone tech?” she asked.

“Stop raining on my parade!” he replies.

Shanelle snickered. Just then there was a knock at the door.

“Come in!” Marquise called out.

An attendant came in with a Manila envelope in their hands.

“Pardon the interruption Your Majesties, but I was told to deliver this to you, my King.” the attendant said.

Marquise nodded.

“Set it down. Thank you.”

The attendant nodded before setting the envelope down and leaving the room.

“What's that?” Shanelle asked.

“I don’t know. Let's find out shall we?” Marquise replied before grabbing one of his letter openers.

He broke the seal and then pulled the documents out. After a quick scan, his features darkened.

“What? What is it?” Shanelle asked.

“This is the autopsy report I had done on Tariq’s body,” he replies.

Shanelle’s eyebrows shot up.

“What does it say?” she asked.

“Exactly what I feared. Tariq didn't die of acute organ failure. He was poisoned.” he replies.

“WHAT?!” Shanelle exclaimed.

“Naya killed her husband.”

Shanelle’s jaw dropped.

“So what happens now?” she asked.

Instead of responding, Marquise dialed a number on his office phone.

“My King?” a voice answers.

“Issue an arrest warrant for one Princess Naya Laurent of Duchy Arnaud,” Marquise replied.

“The charge?” the voice asked.

“Murder,” Marquise replied.

“At once Your Majesty.”

The call ended. This was it. Marquise was about to issue his first-ever death warrant as King. Whether he wanted to or not was a different story.

#khoicesbyk #choices #choices stories you play #pixelberry #fanfic #choices fanfiction #king of cordonia #queen of cordonia #king marquise #queen shanelle #king and queen of cordonia #love everlasting #black king liam #black couple #black love #black marriage #my otp forever #otp #my otp

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khoicesbyk · 2 years ago

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The Royal Romance.

Love Everlasting.

A/N: I had a different name and plot for this fic over a year ago. But after being in the RP community for more than a year, I've decided to write the current Royal Life of my favorite OTP.

Current Word Count: 50K words. (may be slightly more or may be slightly less. Look, I stop counting after editing and re-editing and driving myself insane. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or dm me and I will gladly add you! 😁😘

This series is rated Mature and/or Explicit. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

Missing a chapter or want to read a chapter again? I got you covered! Click ——> Here!

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations

TW: Mentions of Cancer. Reader Discretion is STRONGLY ADVISED!

Matrimony. Part 4.

That night, after an entire day of revelations and interviews, Shanelle had so many questions for Marquise as they stood on his balcony.

“Okay first question, when did Connie develop cancer?” Shanelle asked.

Marquise took a sip of his whiskey.

“About a year and a half ago. He was getting treatments and chemo quietly but they weren't working, so his Oncologist suggested surgery to remove the tumors. He had his surgery 11 weeks ago. But it didn't take. Cancer has spread throughout his body but it metastasized itself to his liver where it's inoperable and that makes it terminal.” he replies.

“Jesus Christ. How do you feel about it?” she asked.

Marquise shrugged.

“Honestly, I don’t care. I know I should but I don't. His cancer is his karma for everything he's done to people.” he replied before taking another sip of his whiskey.

‘Marquise…”

“You sound like mom.”

“Does she know?” Shanelle asked.

“Yes. A very small circle of people know. And we are all forbidden from speaking about it.” he replies.

“I’m sure that's hard for you.”

“Not really. Far as I’m concerned the sooner he dies the better the world will be.”

“Are you sure?” she asked.

“Positive,” he replied.

“Okay. I won't pry.”

Marquise sighed deeply.

“I'm sorry. I don't mean to sound like that.”

She kissed his cheek.

“I know you don't mean it…mostly.”

He smiled softly at her as he wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close.

“Thank you for understanding my mood. I'm not trying to pile on you. I swear.”

“That's why I'm here. I want to relieve whatever stresses you.”

“You are my Superwoman.”

“I think you mean I’m your Kryptonite.”

“That too.”

They watched the stars above for several minutes before heading to bed. The rest of the week went by in a blur of interviews and internal eye rolls. By Friday afternoon the couple were in a train car making their way to Princess Naya’s duchy of Arnaud. Which is in the northeastern part of Cordonia.

“Just so we're clear, I won't have to kill the Princess this weekend right?” Shanelle asked.

“Yes. She'll be too busy trying to appease her husband. I spoke to him shortly after she left my office and he was not happy. He read the article and saw the footage Donnie put out and couldn't apologize enough. He swore to keep her in check this weekend.” Marquise replies.

“Good. Because I'm not trying to embarrass her again

even though I will.”

“Down Crusher! No embarrassing her! Because I won't be tempted to stop you.”

Shanelle snickered.

“So tell me more about The Grand Hunt. Mr. Master Of The Hunt.”

Marquise threw her a cocky grin.

“Basically it's a skills competition. Archery, skeet shooting, axe throwing that sorta thing. It harkens back to the Cordonia of old. But the main event is groups of 4 will go along into the woods looking for a rabbit that has been tagged. First one to find it wins. And by the first one to find it wins, I mean me.”

“So who's in our group?” Shanelle asks.

“It'll be you, me, Drake, and Maxwell,” he replies.

“So I'll finally meet your two friends?” she asks.

“Yes. And we might even do a little diverting from everyone else.”

“By diverting you mean we'll be cheating?” she asked

“It's only cheating if you get caught.”

“You are so bad!”

Marquise shrugged.

“Just the way you like it.”

They arrived at Naya’s estate later that night. Once they were settled in their room, Marquise was called away which gave Shanelle time to check in with the girls.

“Wait! So you’re at that floozie’s house?” Aly asked.

“Yup. Have to be here for the Grand Hunt. Marquise and I have our own room.” Shanelle replied.

“Girl! Be careful! She might have booby-trapped the room or she'll try to have your food poisoned!” Rob said.

“A.) the guards have been doing a security sweep of this room at my request all week. and B.) the palace kitchen staff is doing the cooking. So I'm good.” Shanelle replied.

“You sure?” Nina asked.

“Yes, babe. I'm sure. I'm safe.” Shanelle replied.

“So what are you actually doing this weekend?” Bron asked.

“I'm going rabbit hunting,” Shanelle replied.

The girls all stared at Shanelle.

“Deadass! I'm getting on a horse and I’m going rabbit hunting.”

“I'm calling it now, you will be on your ass,” Nina said.

Shanelle rolled her eyes.

“Whatever.”

Nina snickered.

“I'm not you Miss Keane. I know how to ride a horse. And a man.”

The girls shared a laugh, just as there was a knock at Shanelle’s door.

“Now who could that be?” Dee asked.

“I don’t know. Give me a sec.” Shanelle before calling out to the door, “Come in!”

Naya walked in and when Shanelle got a look at her face, she died laughing.

“Bwhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!”

The girls on the phone were confused.

“What is it?” Rob asked.

“Yeah, what's so funny?” Nina asked.

“Take a look for yourselves,” Shanelle said as she turned her camera around to show Naya’s face. The girls fell out laughing.

“Daaaaaaaaammmmmmmnnnnnnnnnn!!!!” Rob piped up.

“We fucked her ass up!” Nina said with a cackle.

“Yoooooooo!!!” Bron said.

“We did all that?” Aly asked smugly.

“We! Did! ALL! That!” Dee and Chut said in unison.

“Indeed we did ladies. Now let me deal with this and I'll call y'all back.”

“Byeeeeeee!” the girls said before they hung up.

Naya crossed her arms.

“Are you finished?” Naya asked.

“Nope. Nowhere near,” Shanelle replied.

“I came here to ask if you like your accommodations, Your Regency.”

Shanelle smirked.

“You mean your husband sent you here to offer an olive branch? But to answer your question, no, actually I don't like these accommodations. You have zero taste in interior design and it shows. Even more than that bruise under your eye that your makeup is doing a terrible job of hiding.”

Naya took a deep breath.

“Look, I'm just trying to get through this weekend.”

“You mean you're trying to salvage your damaged name and reputation. I bet your husband was on your ass when he came home.”

Naya set her jaw.

“You had all that attitude and bravado last weekend when you challenged me and lost. And now you look like a dog with its tail tucked between its legs. As a matter of fact, I have all weekend to be on your ass. And it's exactly what you deserve.”

“You're lucky that you–” Naya started to say before Shanelle cut her off. “Sweetie, let me stop you right there. Because you know you can't fight. You proved that last weekend. But anytime you want a round two. I got time for you.”

Naya just stood there fuming.

“So happy we could have this conversation, Princess. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. Have a nice night.” Shanelle said as she dismissed Naya.

Naya looked at Shanelle one last time before leaving the room. 45 minutes later Shanelle was coming out of the bathroom when she saw Marquise laying on the bed with his arms behind his head.

“You are a menace. You know that right?” he said to her.

“Why Your Regency! I have no idea what you mean.” Shanelle said in mock innocence.

“You don't like our accommodations, my love?” he asked with an eyebrow raised.

Shanelle looked at him with a smirk.

“Did Naya tell you that? Did she bat her eyelashes as she shed her crocodile tears?” she replied.

“No. She ran to her husband and cried about you being mean to her when all she was trying to do is be a good hostess. So I had to tell him that you were only joking.”

Shanelle rolled her eyes and sighed dramatically.

“Oh, the poor Princess! Someone was mean to her.” Shanelle said with a cackle.

Marquise shook his head with a smirk.

“Again, you are a menace.”

Shanelle sat down and started applying her lotion.

“Yeah yeah. I'm hungry. Let's get something to eat.”

“Okay. I hope you like venison. This part of Cordonia is known for it.”

Shanelle made a face.

“What?” Marquise asked.

“I've never had venison. Sounds kinda weird. And bougie.”

“It's deer. And it's also a local delicacy.”

“Whatever happened to good old pizza and wings?” Shanelle asked.

“My love, we're not in New York but, I can have that made for you. How about Pizza Bianca with Prosciutto, shaved Fontina, and aged Balsamic Vinegar, plus wings?” he asked.

“Garlic Parm. All drums,” she replied.

“I prefer flats.”

Shanelle made another face.

“God! You are so weird!”

Marquise snickered before putting in a call to have room service delivered.

“This Pizza Bianca is fucking incredible! I love everything about it,” she said as she took a bite of her slice.

“Mmhmm. And these wings are amazing. Compliments to the chefs.”

“You know you could've told me no right?” she asked.

“I know. But my job is to make sure you are as comfortable as possible.” he replied.

“Yeah but that doesn't mean just hand me whatever I want.”

“Are you saying that I’m a doormat?” he asked.

“I'm saying that you don't have to always hand me the world on a silver platter Marquise,” she replies.

“First of all, I would never hand you the world on a silver platter. That is beneath me. What I would do instead is, I would hand you the world on a diamond-studded, gold-plated Sterling silver platter. Second, they'll more than likely serve venison tomorrow at the reception dinner. And lastly, this is how I show my love to and for you. By reminding you that you are deeply loved and greatly appreciated by me.”

“Even if it inconveniences you?” she asked.

“Especially then,” he replied as he tucked her hair behind her ear. “When it comes to you, nothing will ever inconvenience me.”

She smiled at him before kissing him softly.

“You have garlic breath,” he teased.

“So do you, Blacula.”

“Blah! Blah!”

The two laughed before they finished their food.

The next day, they were walking to the stables after Marquise had won the archery and axe throwing and Shanelle won the skeet shooting competitions to see the horse they would be riding for the hunt.

“Are you ready for today?” Marquise asked her.

“As ready as I can be. We're not actually gonna kill a rabbit, are we?” she replies.

“No. They stopped killing rabbits 40 years ago. It'll be released back into the wild.”

“Okay good. So let's go find me a horse.”

“Way ahead of you.”

When they got inside the stables Drake and Maxwell were standing with three horses.

“Is that Marabelle’s Dream?” she asked.

“Yes. I had her brought here from your duchy,” Marquise replied.

“And these two jackasses must be Drake and Liam,” Shanelle said, pointing to Drake and Maxwell.

They winced.

“Lord Maxwell Percival Beaumont, master of all things dance, shimmy, shake, rattle and roll. Good times and all. At your service, Your Regency.” Maxwell said with a flourish.

“Is he?” Shanelle asked.

“Always.” Marquise and Drake replied.

“Okay then…”

“Does she know?” Drake asked Marquise.

“Everything,” Marquise replies.

Shanelle crossed her arms.

“Yeah, so start talking.”

The two looked at each other before they launched into an explanation of what happened and the parts they played in the blowing up of her relationship with Cassian. At the end of their explanation, Shanelle shook her head.

“You two are something else. However, I can forgive the two of you as long as you two swear to stay the hell from Cassian. Got it?” she said to them.

“Yup,” they replied.

“Good. Now I’m no mathematician but there are only three horses and four humans.”

“Ask him.” Drake and Maxwell said, pointing to Marquise.

“Where's your horse?” Shanelle asked Marquise.

“Marabelle’s Dream is my horse,” Marquise replied.

“No. She's MY horse. And her name isn't Marabelle’s Dream.”

“It's not?” Marquise asked.

“Nope. This noble steed with all her beauty will now be known as Midnight Wander.”

Marquise shook his head with a smirk.

“You and that damn book.”

Shanelle shrugged.

“So go find your own horse.”

“Nope. You and I are riding together.”

“I don't wanna ride with you!” Shanelle protested.

“Too bad!”

Shanelle sucked her teeth.

“Like you'd pass up the opportunity to throw our relationship in Naya’s face.”

The idea did intrigue Shanelle.

“Well…when you put it that way…”

“Exactly. Now get up there.”

Shanelle climbed into the saddle with Marquise right behind her. When he wrapped an arm around her and grabbed the reins, she felt her heart race.

“You ready?” Marquise whispered to her.

Shanelle nodded her head.

Marquise pulled at the reins and led their group to where the hunt would be starting. Once everyone was gathered, Tariq gave his opening remarks.

“Good afternoon everyone and thank you all for joining my wife and I at this year's Grand Hunt. We are grateful to be able to host and have you all. To their former Majesties, it is always an honor to have the four of you attend. And to their Regencies, my wife and I look forward to you both attending. Especially when you become King and Queen.”

Many in the crowd cheered and clapped politely. As Tariq continued on with his opening remarks, Shanelle noticed Naya sitting stiffly in her saddle next to Tariq.

“Your ex does not look happy,” Shanelle whispered to Marquise.

“She'll get over it,” Marquise whispers back. “All I need now is for the signal to be given and we'll be off to the races.”

Just as Tariq closed his opening remarks a cage with a rabbit was brought out. Everyone watched as the rabbit was released.

“And so, let the hunt begin!” Tariq announced.

“Is this–” Shanelle started to say before Marquise grabbed the reins and urged their horse on. Soon they were galloping down the route. She was realizing why Midnight Wander was the Derby winner.

“So is there a plan here?” she asked Marquise.

“Yep. Hang on and let me do the driving.” he replied.

“Oh, God! I'm gonna die!”

They rode deeper into the woods following the trail. And when they were far enough ahead, Marquise purposely veered off with Maxwell and Drake behind them. When they finally came to a stop and dismounted, Shanelle was still trying to catch her breath.

“I almost died! You tried to kill me!” Shanelle said to Marquise.

Marquise rolled his eyes.

“You did not almost die. I did not try to kill you.” he replies.

“I mean you were riding kinda fast.” Maxwell quipped.

“Yeah. We know this trail. She doesn't.” Drake added.

“See?! Even they know that you tried to kill me!”

“Quiet! Before I leave you to get lost out here!”

Shanelle stuck her tongue out at him again. Marquise smirked before he turned to Drake and Maxwell.

”You two got everything ready?” Marquise asked.

“Yup,” Maxwell replied.

“And what about the distraction?” Marquise asked.

“As soon as you give the word, the rest of those lazy nobles will get the scare of their lives,” Drake replies.

“Distraction?” Shanelle asked.

“Just watch,” Marquise replied before nodding to Drake. “Go for it.”

Drake smirked before pulling a small remote from his pocket and pressing the button on the front of the remote. Soon, shouts, shrieks, horse whinnying, and screams could be heard in the distance. Marquise and his two friends died laughing.

“What in the world?” Shanelle asked.

“A little distraction. I had Drake and Maxwell plant cherry bombs around the route. Not enough to hurt anyone but enough to spook their horses and throw everyone off course. And maybe have some of them thrown into the mud along the way.” Marquise replies.

Shanelle shook her head while laughing.

“And you have the nerve to call me a menace,” Shanelle said to Marquise.

“You are a menace. I just have fun at the nobles' expense. Now we have a rabbit to catch.” Marquise replied.

Everyone mounted their horses and took off. But Shanelle had one question.

“How do you know where the rabbit will be?” Shanelle asked.

“The one they released? I don't. That poor thing is probably long gone. But! I did get one that is identical to the one they released. Same tag and all. Oh, and it was microchipped. So I know how to track it.” Marquise replies.

Shanelle shook her head.

“I'd like to reiterate: you’re. Cheating!”

“It's either I win or you deal with having to hear your uncle brag about his wife winning. Because her father was an avid hunter.”

Shanelle winced.

“Good point.”

“Glad you see things my way.”

They rode until they got to a clearing where a trap was set up. Once everyone dismounted, the men went to work setting up for when everyone else arrived.

“Alright! Flare gun?” Marquise asked.

“Got it!” Maxwell replied.

“Food to lure the rabbit out?” Marquise asked.

“Right here,” Drake replies.

“Perfect! Max, you stay here with Shanelle and ready the trap. Walker, let's go find Roger.”

Shanelle watched Marquise and Drake disappear into the woods, before turning to see Maxwell struggling to set up the trap.

“Need a little help?” Shanelle asked.

“Me? Nah! I got it. I have everything under con–” Maxwell started to say before the trap fell apart.

Shanelle stifled her laugh.

“Y’know maybe I could use an extra set of hands.”

Shanelle walked over and started to help Maxwell set up the trap. She even took the time to find out a little bit more about her fiance.

“How long have you known Marquise?” Shanelle asked.

“Me? Maybe 15-20 years. Drake has known him longer. They met when Drake’s dad Jackson joined the King’s Guard and was assigned to the Royal Family. Jackson was Connie’s lead guard.” Maxwell replies.

“That's a very long time to know someone.”

“Yeah. He's a good guy. Loyal, firm, stern, fair, understanding of the people around him, caring, and he's protective of everyone and everything that he cares about. His mother Eleanor was the same way. He tries his hardest to be just like her.” Maxwell replies.

“So I've heard. So he's nothing like his dad?” she asked.

Maxwell took a deep breath.

“No. At least not in the way you may think. He and Connie are like night and day. Except for when and if you are stupid to piss him off. Marquise tries his damnedest to never be anything like Connie. But not even he can run away from who he is. No matter how hard he tries to.” Maxwell replies.

“Why don't they have a relationship?” she asked.

“Because Connie feels like Marquise is only here to haunt him. Marquise looks a lot like his mother and Connie can't stand it. He feels like Marquise is a constant reminder of the one true love he lost. So he's always taken whatever he’s feeling out on him. Especially when he's drunk.” Maxwell replies.

“Jesus Christ!”

Maxwell nodded solemnly.

“Marquise doesn't like to talk about it. And I really think I shouldn't have told you. But at the same time, you deserved to know.”

Shanelle nodded.

“Thank you, Maxwell.”

“You're welcome. And call me Max.”

Shanelle smiled at him.

“Oh! Look! We did it! We got the trap set up!” Max triumphantly exclaimed.

“Yeah, we did.” Shanelle agreed.

“Teamwork high-five!” Maxwell said to her.

“Teamwork!”

The two high-fived just as Marquise’s voice rang out.

“MAX! GET THE TRAP READY!”

Maxwell and Shanelle scrambled to their feet just as the rabbit came darting out of the woods, with Marquise and Drake hot on its heels.

“NOW!” Marquise and Drake yelled.

“Push the button, Max!” Shanelle said to Maxwell.

“Pushing the button!”

Shanelle watched as the trap sprang and they caught the scared rabbit.

“Woohoo! We did it!” Max cheered.

“Nice going! You did it!” Drake said as he congratulated Marquise.

“HAH HAH! I win again! The title of Grand Master is MINE!” Marquise said triumphantly.

“Congratulations handsome. You won. Even though you cheated.”

Marquise gave her a cocky smile.

“Beats the alternative.”

“Fair enough. So what happens now?” Shanelle asked.

“Max send up the flare,” Marquise instructed.

Max grabbed the flare gun and then handed it to Shanelle.

“Why don't we let her do it?” Maxwell asked.

Marquise shrugged.

“Okay. Send up the flare love.”

Shanelle sent the flare signal and within 15 minutes the rest of the nobles began making their way to the group. Including a very disgusted-looking Queen Genevieve.

“It seems His Regency has won the competition. By winning 5 years in a row, he is now Grand Master Of The Hunt!”

Many of the nobles cheered and congratulated Marquise, who had a firm arm around Shanelle’s waist. Directly in the sight line of his jealously seething ex.

“Thank you, everyone. I appreciate you all and I couldn't have done without this one at my side. Oh and Max and Drake too.”

Many in the crowd laughed.

“And to her former Majesty who was looking to regain the title of Master Of The Hunt, better luck next year. Assuming I don't win again.” Marquise said to a fuming Genevieve before throwing her a cocky grin.

“Now if His Regency will do the honors of releasing the animal into the woods,” Tariq said.

“Actually if you all don't mind, I’d like Her Regency to do the honors,” Marquise said.

“Very well,” Tariq said to Marquise before turning his attention to Shanelle, “Your Regency if you will.”

Shanelle had Maxwell set the trap down before she opened the door of the cage and pulled the rabbit out and set it down on the ground.

“There you go, little one. You’re free.” Shanelle whispered to the rabbit.

Everyone watched as the rabbit hopped off into the woods.

“Now that the Grand Hunt has been completed, let us all head back to the main estate and get ready for the reception dinner,” Tariq announced.

As people began to head back to the estate, Connie rode up to his son.

“Congratulations my son. You managed to keep your title. While gaining a new one.”

Marquise rolled his eyes.

“I'd tell you to go to hell, but you'll be there soon enough.”

Connie’s face soured before looking at Shanelle.

“Does she know?” Connie asked Marquise.

“Yes, she knows. Everything.” Marquise replies.

Constantine gave Shanelle a haughty expression.

“I take it you feel the same way as he does,” Connie said to her.

“Let's just say that whenever your time comes, I won't cry at your funeral.” Shanelle spat at him.

“Petulant child!” Connie sneered.

“That's Her Regency to you. Now if you'll excuse us.” Shanelle said to Connie before she and Marquise left.

After returning to the estate and taking a long hot shower, the couple was ready for the reception dinner.

“You look beautiful my love,” Marquise said to her as they walked to the dining room.

“And you look like a King. Very official yet dapper.”

Marquise brought the back of her left hand to his lips for a small kiss.

“Thank you, my love. Now let's make our debut.”

Soon the herald made the official announcement.

“All rise for Their Regencies, Marquise Rys and Shanelle Miller!”

As they walked in, all eyes were on them.

“Wait until they announce us as Their Majesties,” he whispered to her.

“Ooh! Your ex will hate that,” she whispered back.

“Believe me when I say I don't give a fuck.”

They walked to the center of the room where Naya and Tariq were standing.

“Thank you all. Please be seated as we present His Regency with his official trophy.” Tariq announced to those in attendance.

Shanelle watched as the staff walked with a beautiful bronze statue.

“Nice! How many of these do you have?” Shanelle whispered to her fiancè.

“Including this one? 5 all together. The other four are at the main house of my Duchy,” he replied.

“Your Regency, I present you this statue as a token of your victory today,” Tariq said to Marquise.

“Thank you, Lord Tariq. I humbly accept your token.” Marquise replied to him as the two shook hands before posing in front of the statue. Marquise turned to Shanelle with a grin.

“Join me?” he asked.

She stepped next to him as Tariq stepped away and the couple snapped a few pictures together.

“Now that His Regency’s trophy has been presented, dinner can be served.” Tariq announced.

Before they took their seats Tariq pulled Shanelle and Marquise to the side.

“Again I’d like to congratulate you on your win, Marquise,” Tariq said to him.

“Thank you, Tariq. It's an honor to win and it's a privilege to be able to stick it to Queen Genevieve for another year.” Marquise replies.

“Indeed.”

Tariq turned to Shanelle with a polite smile.

“And to you Your Regency, I would like to formally apologize for my wife’s heinous and atrocious actions toward you. She has had no right whatsoever to belittle or demean you. And she certainly had no right to attack you. And for that, I am horrified and do humbly apologize to you for any harm my wife has caused.” Tariq said to her.

Shanelle nodded politely.

“Thank you, Lord Tariq. I appreciate your kind words and I accept your apology.” Shanelle replied.

“You're quite welcome, Your Regency. Now, I believe my wife has something she’d like to say.”

Shanelle internally rolled her eyes and braced herself.

“Shanelle, I'd like to sincerely apologize to you for my behavior. I let my jealousy cloud my judgment and I took it all out on you. I am…appalled by my actions. Especially when I'm a married woman. I had no right to do that. And for that, I do apologize.”

Shanelle looked at Naya with an eyebrow raised.

“I want to believe you but I know you don't mean any of what you just said. But, for the sake of the kingdom and peace within it, I will be a bigger person and accept your apology.”

Naya nodded.

“Thank you, Your Regency.”

“Now that apologies have been given. I believe it is time we took our seats.” Tariq said.

They took their seats and dinner was served. Instead of serving her venison, Marquise had one of her favorite dishes prepared, Spaghetti Alla Vongole (Linguine and Clams).

“Mmm! So good!”

“I'm happy you like it, my love.”

“I am curious though,” she said to Marquise.

“Hmm?”

“Not that I’m not grateful but why am I eating this and not venison like you?” she asked.

“I told you why. Venison is a bit adventurous for you so we can try it another time when it's just us. I want you to always be comfortable. But if you want to try it now, you can always steal a bite of mine,” he replies.

“You're impossible.”

He winked at her.

“Here. Try it,” he said as he offered her a small bite of his venison.

“Okay. It's not bad but I think I prefer my pasta with clams, olive oil, and Parmesan Cheese.”

“Told you.”

After dinner, it was drinks, dessert, and dancing. Everyone in attendance watched as the couple gracefully twirled and glided around the dancefloor.

“Well, whaddya know? You do know how to do a proper Cordonian Waltz. I guess that private lesson in your bedroom paid off after all.” he teased her.

“Shut up before I step on your foot!”

He snickered as they continued to dance. By the end of the evening, Shanelle’s feet were barking and she was ready to crash but she soldiered on as she stood in the receiving line with her fiance. Many of the people the couple received were friendly and most pledged their support for the new Monarchy. Including Maxwell’s brother Bertrand.

“Hello, you two!” Maxwell said in greeting, “Shanelle, I’d like you to meet my older brother, Bertrand Archibald Beaumont. The Duke of Ramsford.”

Bertrand bowed to Shanelle.

“Good evening, Your Regency. It is a pleasure and honor to meet you.” Bertrand said to her.

“The pleasure is mine, Duke Ramsford,” Shanelle replied.

“I am here to formally give you and His Regency, Duchy Ramsford’s full support to the new Monarchy.”

“Thank you, Bertrand. I always knew I could count on you.” Marquise replied.

“Of course Your Regency. Ramsford has always been about progress, growth, and change for Cordonia. And with you and Her Regency at the helm of that change, I know we are all in very good hands.”

Marquise nodded politely.

“And besides, anyone better than King Constantine is a win in my book,” Maxwell added.

“I knew I liked you, Max.” Shanelle said to him.

“Quite. Now we shall take our leave but we do wish you both the best. Come along now Maxwell.” Bertrand said as they left.

When the couple got back to their room, Shanelle was thankful the night was finally over.

“You did it, my love. You survived your very first state dinner. Without so much as an hors d’oeuvre needing to be thrown at someone.”

Shanelle snorted.

“Shut up and rub my aching feet.”

“Gladly.”

Shanelle melted into the foot massage. She deserved it for all she had to endure that weekend.

“How are you so good at this?” she asked him.

“You already know why, my love,” he replies.

“Y’know if this whole ruling a kingdom thing doesn't work out, you could make good money giving out foot massages.”

Marquise snickered.

“Unless the money is coming from you for services rendered then I don't want it. You are the only woman I would do this for.”

“I can live with that.”

“So how would you rate this weekend, my love?” he asked.

“Not too bad. I know it won't always be like this but it wasn't too bad for my first experience. And I didn't have to kill your ex. So that's a win.” she replied.

“Yes. I'm proud of you for showing restraint. It's never easy with her. Even though I wouldn't have stopped you if you did decide to clock her.”

“You’d let me get away with murder if you could.”

Marquise cleared his throat.

“Your words not mine.”

“So what happens now?” she asked.

“Don't you have a wedding to plan?” he replies.

“Seriously?! I can start planning?” she asked.

“Yes. Your official Royal Business here is over. So you’re free to plan the wedding of your dreams.” he replied.

“Does that mean?”

“If you want to head back to Boston or New York you’re free to do so.”

Shanelle’s face lit up.

“I gotta call mama! I gotta call the girls! We have a wedding to plan!” Shanelle squealed.

“Indeed you do.” Marquise agreed.

“Is there anything you want before the girls and I go crazy?” she asked.

“What are the colors?” he replied.

“I know the official colors of Cordonia are Royal/Navy Blue and Gold but I was thinking of Purple, White, and Silver.”

“I can live with that.”

“Anything else?” she asked.

“I want a VERY PRIVATE penthouse suite for after we get married,” he replies.

“You got plans for that suite?” she asked.

“I got plans to fuck you all over that suite, my Queen,” he replied with a wolfish grin.

Shanelle snickered.

“Then I better get a move on.”

“Yes, you should.”

After traveling back to the palace the next day, Shanelle grabbed Ozzie and headed to the airport. She was on her way home.

“I'm gonna miss you,” she said to Marquise.

“No worries. Besides, the next time I see you will be in a church at the altar.” he replies.

“What are you gonna do while I'm gone?” she asked.

“You have a wedding to plan and I have coronations to plan,” he replies.

“Oooh!”

“Exactly.”

With a sweet kiss, it was time to say see you later.

“I'll see you soon, my Queen.”

“See you soon handsome.”

With that Shanelle boarded her flight home to Boston. When she finally touched down at Logan Airport that night, she was happy to be back on U.S. soil.

“It's good to be home, isn't Ozzie?” she said as they got into the car that was waiting.

When she got to the brownstone and set her bags down, she noticed two giant vases sitting on the island counter. One was full of red roses and the other full of white carnations with a handwritten note from him in front of them.

Welcome home, my love. Soon, you'll be my Queen.

She couldn't help but smile and blush at the note. After taking one last look at the flowers, she headed up the backstairs and went to bed. The next afternoon Shanelle was on a FaceTime call with Nina and her mother.

“Alright, you two! I trust the two of you to be the main voices of reason while I plan this wedding.”

“You mean while WE plan this wedding.” Shantel corrected her.

“What she said!” Nina added.

“Yeah yeah. So here's the plan mom, you and I will handle the wedding. Nina, you and the girls get to go crazy on planning the Bachelorette Party and Bridal Shower.”

Nina rubbed her hands together.

“Oh, yessssss!”

“Nina, don't you have my daughter and the girls doing something crazy.” Shantel warned.

“Yes, mom,” Nina replied.

“Now I will handle the catering, flowers, and decorations. Also, what are the colors?” Shantel asked.

“Purple, white, and silver,” Shanelle replies.

“And who's officiating?” Nina asked.

“My dad,” Shanelle replied.

“Awwww! Pop is gonna dust off his preacher suit!”

Shanelle snorted and Shantel cackled.

“And what about the venues?” Shantel asked.

“Well, they have to be big enough to host at least 300 people,” Shanelle replies.

“Hmmm…the only place I can think of that can accommodate that many people is St. Francis.” Shantel said.

Shanelle and Nina groaned.

“The Catholic Church off 87th?” Shanelle asked.

“Nobody wants to go into that mausoleum!” Nina quipped.

“No. The Baptist Church off 129th. The presiding Elder’s granddaughter is in my class this year. I'll talk to him and his wife.” Shantel replied.

The girls let out a sigh of relief.

“Now, what about the venue for the reception?” Shantel asked.

“I want either the Marriott Marquis in Times Square or the Waldorf Astoria Hotel,” Shanelle replies.

“Well, you can rule those two out. Their capacity limits are max 200 people each. The only other place big enough to hold that many people is the Consulate.” Shantel said.

“Fineeeeeee! I guess I'll just pick the penthouse suite of Marriott Marquis.”

“What are you gonna do with the penthouse suite?” Nina asked.

“It's not what I’m gonna do. It's what I’m gonna do.” Shanelle replies.

Nina snickered and Shantel groaned.

“Well, that takes care of the venues. As I said, I'll work on catering. Do you know what you want to eat?” Shantel asked.

“Yup! I had a sample menu in Cordonia. I'll text you the menu.” Shanelle replied.

“And what about the cake?” Shantel asked.

“Surprise me,” Shanelle replied.

“Very well. Well since I have all I need to do, I'll let you girls talk. Just remember, we're going dress shopping in LA this weekend.” Shantel said.

“We won't forget. I'll talk to you later.” Shanelle replied.

“Bye, mom!” Nina piped up.

“Bye, girls.”

“And then there were two!” Nina said after Shantel hung up.

“Exactly. Now, what do you have planned in that head of yours as far as my Bachelorette Party and Bridal Shower are concerned?” Shanelle asked.

“I'm not telling you! It's a surprise!” Nina replies.

“For the record, I am not going to Vegas for my Bachelorette Party!”

“What's wrong with going to Vegas?” Nina asked.

“Besides the fact that Vegas is basic? Nina, I am marrying a man who is to be King. The last thing I want to do is spend my last days as a free woman staring at Fat Elvis impersonators,” Shanelle replies.

“You know you’re a brat right?” Nina asked.

“Spoiled rotten. And it's all your fault.” Shanelle replied.

“Okay fine. Where would you like to go?” Nina asked.

“Somewhere that screams, exotic, chaotic, and erotic,” Shanelle replied.

“Once again, you are a brat.”

“And it's all your damn fault. What's your point?” Shanelle asked.

Nina tapped her fingers in thought.

“Yeah…I got nothing.”

“You got all that intelligence and beauty and can't think of anywhere else?” Shanelle asked.

“First off, thank you and secondly, you shot down my Vegas idea so no,” Nina replies.

“I gotta do everything my damn self. I have three places in mind.”

“Okay, what are they?” Nina asked.

“Monaco, Ibiza, and lastly Milan,” Shanelle replied.

“Okay. Maybe you were right. Vegas does sound basic.”

“Thank you.”

Shanelle took a piece of paper, tore it into three pieces, wrote down the names, and then threw them into an empty cup.

“Okay gimme a drum roll.”

Nina gave her a drum roll.

“That's a terrible drum roll.”

“Shut up and pick!”

Shanelle snickered before pulling out a name.

“Pack ya bags and grab ya passport baby! You, me, and the girls are going to Ibiza!” Shanelle announced.

“Looks like Bron will get her Spanish Prince after all.”

The two friends cackled.

“Alright. I'll send out the text and I'll see y'all this weekend.”

“Yup yup.”

“Uh huh. Uh huh.”

Nina rolled her eyes.

“Bye Princess!”

“Bye bestie!”

If there were two people that Shanelle could always count on it was Nina and her mother. That Friday Shanelle, her mother, Nina, Chut, Robin, and Dee were all on a jet headed to LA. Aly was filming a movie there and Bron was finishing her clinical residency. They all went out to dinner at Spago when they touched down.

The next day the girls were visiting a custom bridal shop on Rodeo drive.

“Shantel!” the shop owner called to Shanelle’s mother.

“Hello, Ingrid! It's been far too long.” Shantel said in greeting.

“Indeed it has my dear. I was so happy when you reached out about needing dresses for both of your daughters.”

The girls looked at each other.

“Daughters?” Shanelle asked.

Shantel smiled and took her and Bronwyn by the hand.

“This is my oldest daughter Shanelle and my youngest daughter Bronwyn. Ingrid, I want you to spare no expense and make sure both look stunning at their weddings.”

Ingrid nodded.

“Of course! Of course! I will make sure your daughters look like Princesses. After all, they will be wearing Ingrid Kozlov originals. Now let me gather a few things and we'll get started.” Ingrid replied before going into the back of her shop.

The girls all looked at Shantel completely stunned.

“Mom?” Shanelle asked.

“Yes?” Shantel replies.

“You're buying my dress?” Bron asked Shantel.

Shantel gave her a motherly smile.

“Yes. A mother always buys her daughter’s wedding dress. So when and if you have a daughter, you can buy her wedding dress. Besides, it's the least I can do for the beautiful smart young woman who is marrying one of the two boys that always ran through my house.”

Bron looked at her with tears in her eyes.

“But…”

Shantel took Bronwyn’s hands in her own.

“I can not replace your mother. I would never even try. But that doesn't mean I can't treat you like you are my daughter.”

“You don't have to do this, Mrs. Miller.”

“My students call me Mrs. Miller. You call me Mom. Got it?” she asked.

Bronwyn nodded tearily.

“Yes ma'am,” she replied.

“Mom.” Shantel corrected her.

“Yes, mom,” Bronwyn said.

“Good. Now you girls have dresses to get fitted for.” Shantel said as Ingrid returned.

“Now to my brides and mom, step this way and I'll get your measurements. The rest of you ladies, please feel free to browse around. My shop is open to you.” Ingrid said to everyone.

The girls spent the rest of the day browsing around the bridal shop. When they left Shanelle and Bronwyn had their custom-made wedding dresses as well as their bridesmaids' dresses ordered. Later that evening, while Shantel was at her spa appointment, the girls were lounging around the pool at the Cordonian Consulate in LA.

“I'm still trying to process this. Shanelle, your mom bought my wedding dress. Lo and I don't even have a date set.” Bronwyn said.

“Yup. She did. And think of this as one thing crossed off your list of things to do.”

“Did you know?” Bron asked.

“Nope. Otherwise, I would've warned you.” Shanelle replies.

“I love her. She didn't have to do it.”

“I've been trying to tell you for months that she loves you but you wouldn't listen.”

“I'm sorry I didn't listen. I should have.”

The girls laughed.

“Shan, I can't believe your mom knows Ingrid Kozlov. She's one of the best in the fashion business.” Aly said.

“I mean to be fair this is the same woman who used to fuss at us whenever we went through her jewelry,” Dee added.

“Well, that's only because we never put it back correctly.” Nina quipped.

The girls laughed as a staff member came out with a box in his hands.

“Pardon the interruption, Your Regency, but this was just delivered for you,” he said as he set the box down.

The girls all looked at each other before looking at the box.

“So you gonna open it, Princess?” Nina asked.

“No. I don't know what's in there!” Shanelle replies.

“Maybe it's not that bad,” Robin says.

“Okay well, then you open it.”

“It's not addressed to any of us Nelle. So open it.” Chut quipped.

Shanelle looked uneasily at the box before gingerly lifting the lid with her eyes closed.

“We're still alive right?” Shanelle asked.

“Yeah, we're still alive,” Nina replies.

“Good, that means this wasn't a bomb.”

“Yeah, yeah whatever. Now, hurry up and look inside so the rest of us can open our eyes.”

Shanelle looked inside and when she did her jaw dropped.

“OH. MY. GOD!” Shanelle exclaimed.

The girls quickly opened their eyes.

“What is it?” Rob asked.

Rather than answer Shanelle reached into the box and pulled out a surprise.

“WHAT?!” Rob and Dee said in unison.

“No way!” Bron said in shock.

“Oh my!” Aly said.

“Wow!” the cousins said together.

“It's a tiara,” Shanelle said in shock.

The girls stared at the tiara sitting on a pillow in Shanelle’s hands.

“Are those real diamonds?” Nina asked.

Shanelle numbly nodded her head yes. Robin looked in the box and pulled out a card.

“I think this is yours too, babe,” Robin said holding the card.

Shanelle gingerly set the tiara down and took the card from Robin before reading it out loud.

“This is the first of many. My Queen. I love you.”

Shanelle covered her mouth with a hand. When she looked up at her girls there were tears in her eyes.

“Marquise for the win!” Dee said.

Shanelle slowly sat down and broke down into tears.

“Awww babe! Don't cry.” Nina said as she wrapped her arms around her.

She knew the girls were there and they were super supportive but all she could hear was her heartbeat. She couldn't believe he would send her a tiara. But he did and she was just overwhelmed. She took a deep breath and dried her eyes.

“Thank you, babies. I appreciate it. I just…I just got a bit overwhelmed.” she said to her girls.

“We get it. You're getting married to a man who's about to be a King. And it's a lot. But I promise you we will send you off right and we'll always be there.” Robin said to her.

Shanelle laid her head on Robin’s shoulder. This is why she was thankful to have her girls. They have her back and she has theirs.

“She's right, you know,” Shantel said as she stepped outside. “They'll always be there for you. And so will I butterfly.”

Shanelle smiled at her mother.

“Thank you, Mommy.”

Shanelle was thankful for her tribe.

“Now I don’t know about you girls but I do believe we have a Bridal shower to get ready for.” her mother announced.

“Yay!” Shanelle cheered.

“Quiet girl! You don't get a say. This is between me and the girls.” Shantel said to her.

Shanelle pouted and Shantel rolled her eyes.

“Oh, girl bye! That face stopped working on me when you turned 7.”

Shanelle made a face as the girls cackled.

“Poor Princess. Shut down by THE Queen.” Nina teased.

Shanelle sucked her teeth.

The next day Shanelle, her girls, and her mother were celebrating her Bridal Shower. Her mother had rented out the South Coast Botanical Gardens for the occasion. Shanelle felt nothing but love from her crew and her mother. There was food, presents, and giggles. Lots of giggles. Even a few groans.

“What is this?” Shantel asked as she dangled a flogger. “And what are you supposed to do with it?”

The girls just looked at Shantel.

“…mom?” Shanelle asked.

“Yes, my dear?” Shantel replied.

“Stop dangling the flogger, please.”

Shantel smirked before swinging the flogger.

“Why? Is there a reason why I should stop swinging this?” Shantel asked.

“Because it's creating a mental scar none of us need. Least of all me.” Shanelle replies.

“But I like swinging this thing. It's a whole lot of fun!”

“MOM STOP SWINGING THE DAMN FLOGGER PLEASE! THANK YOU!” Nina said.

Shantel cackled.

“You girls are no fun.”

The girls looked squeamishly at Shantel who was still laughing.

“I want it put on the record, your mama is mean!” Robin says.

“Duly noted.”

Shantel rolled her eyes with a smirk.

“But I do hope you girls have had a great time.”

“We have!” the girls replied.

“Good. That was the plan. And Bronwyn.”

“Yes, mom?” Bron replied.

“I can't wait to hear about how beautiful you'll look in your dress.”

Bron got up and hugged Shantel.

“Thanks again, mom.”

“Always honey. You girls are family to my daughter. Which means you’re family to me too.”

“Since we're family mom…can I get some brownies?” Dee asked.

“When you come back from Ibiza,” Shantel replies.

“Thank you!” Dee squealed.

“What about us?” Chut asked.

Shantel shook her head.

“Get your orders in.”

The girls clamored at once.

“One at a time!” Shantel told the girls.

“Logan would cry if I didn't ask for your jerk chicken,” Bron said to her.

“I would love a strawberry cheesecake,” Chut said.

“Your lasagna rolls,” Aly said.

“Curry Chicken!” Robin said.

“Curry Fish with Green stew!” Nina said.

Shantel died laughing.

“Nina, you and your brother are the green stew eatingnest people I know.”

Nina shrugged.

“It's your fault that I love it so much.”

“Fair enough. Okay, girls. When you all get back from Ibiza, we'll have a big family meal before the wedding with all of your favorites.”

The girls cheered.

“Thanks, mom!” they answered.

Shantel smiled at the girls.

“My pleasure. Now let's finish up because we all have flights to catch tomorrow.”

The next week went by in a blur. Before Shanelle knew it, she and the girls were off to Ibiza for a weekend of Bachelorette debauchery. They couldn't wait to touch down in Spain that Thursday. Marquise had put them up at a high-rise condo that had a rooftop pool and bar. With a 360° view to die for. The girls were gonna live it up that weekend.

“Take it all in, ladies! Because this weekend we will conquer Ibiza!” Shanelle said as she toasted her bridal party.

“Hell yeah!” the girls replied.

“Operation: Babes, Bodies, Bachelorette Party is in full effect!” Nina announced.

“And who knows? Maybe we'll find Bron’s Spanish Prince while we're here.” Rob teased.

“Whatever! Can we drink now?” Bron asked.

Shanelle popped a cork.

“Drink up girls! We have an island to conquer!”

The girls cheered before downing their wine and going out to a local club. They spent the night dancing, laughing, club hopping, and winning three wet t-shirt contests thanks to Nina.

The next morning, Shanelle came stumbling out of her room into the common area, hungover with a giant migraine. She took a seat at the bar in the kitchen and was soon joined by her crew. Who were also hungover as hell.

“Dude! What did we do last night?” Dee asked massaging her temples.

“Ask me that question when I have the mental capacity. Because right now, I ain't got it,” Nina replies.

“Ugh!” the girls groaned collectively.

Shanelle laid her head down on the counter with a loud thud.

“The room is spinning,” she whined.

“Princess, what's in that pitcher in front of you?” Robin asked.

Shanelle looked up to see a pitcher and a note.

“Hair of the dog,” Shanelle said as she read the note.

The girls groaned again.

“Anything but THAT!” Aly whined.

Shanelle poured herself a small glass.

“You're not actually gonna drink that are you?” Chut asked Shanelle.

“It's either drink it or we look like shit for the rest of the day,” Shanelle replies.

Shanelle shook her head and squared her shoulders.

“Down the hatch as they say,” Shanelle said before she pinched her nose and downed the drink in one gulp. The girls squirmed as they watched. When Shanelle set the glass down she started to seriously question her life choices.

“Well, how bad was it?” Bron asked.

“Terrible. But it's working. My head isn't splitting like it was when I hobbled my ass outta my room.” Shanelle replied.

The girls looked at the pitcher suspiciously.

“Maybe it won't be so bad?” Robin asked.

“Speak for yourself!” Nina replies.

“Maybe Rob has a point? I mean what else do we have to lose?” Dee asked.

“Our dignity maybe?” Nina replies.

“I thought we did that last night?” Shanelle asked.

The girls laughed.

“Okay fine. But I’m not trying it first!” Nina replies.

“I'll try it,” Bron said.

“My baby for the win!” Shanelle cheered.

“Don’t cheer for me! Because if this shit tears up my stomach I'm fucking you up! Princess or not.” Bron replies.

“Duly noted.”

Bron chugged her glass back and made a face when she was done.

“Who the hell thought this was a good idea?” Bron asked.

“Not I, said the spider to the fly,” Shanelle replies.

“Nope. I'm not drinking it!” Nina protested.

“Shut up and chug Keane!” Shanelle said to Nina.

Nina rolled her eyes as she poured herself a glass. The rest of the girls followed suit.

“Bottoms up,” Shanelle told the girls.

She watched as they drank and looked disgusted afterward.

“Instant regret!” Nina said.

“Never. Again.” Robin said as she put her glass down.

“That shit is nasty!” Chut quipped.

“It tasted like death warmed over!” Aly said.

“That should be illegal!” Dee added.

“Should be but ain't. How y'all feeling?” Shanelle asked.

“Starting to feel better for the most part,” Nina replies.

The girls nodded their heads yes.

“Good. Now I can ask the question, Nina, what happened to the guy you brought back with you?” Shanelle asked.

Before Nina could answer, each of the girl's bedroom doors opened, and out walked SEVERAL half-naked men. The girl's jaws dropped.

“I'm gonna ask again, what the hell did we do last night?” Dee asked.

The girls burst out laughing. They spent the rest of that Friday hanging around the rooftop pool. The next day was a big day. It was Shanelle’s Bachelorette Party. The girls got dressed and went out to an amazing restaurant to celebrate Shanelle’s final days as a free unmarried woman.

“Here's to my beautiful, smart, amazing, incredible, bestest best friend ever. You, me, and Chut have been together since kindergarten. Then we met Dee in the 6th grade. And Aly in 8th. And of course the last two of our crew. But you and I have had each other’s backs for years. And we always will. You have fought for me. You have fought over me. You have protected me. You have defended me. And I am so happy for you. I am happy that you found your literal Prince. You found your happily ever after. I can't wait to see you in your wedding gown. I can't wait to celebrate your marriage. I can't wait to celebrate you becoming a Queen. Here's to you bestie.” Nina said in her toast to Shanelle.

Nina was right. Nina and Shanelle have been through it all together and have remained at each other's side.

“I love you, baby. So goddamn much. I would not be where I am in life without you by my side. Without all of you really. I rely on all of you so much. You are my rocks. My loves. My best friends. My sisters. My everything. I could never do what I do without any of you. I love you girls so much. Each of you deserves true love and unbridled happiness. That is my hope, my wish, and my prayer for each of you.” Shanellw said with tears in her eyes.

“We love you!” the girls said to her.

Shanelle dried her eyes as their food was delivered to the table. They had a full spread delivered to them.

“Now THIS is how you spend your last days! Damn good alcohol! Damn, good friends! And damn good food!”

The girls dug into their food and alcohol. As they ate, a small gift box was delivered to Shanelle with a note attached.

“What's in the box?” Dee asked.

Shanelle shrugged.

“Open it.” Aly piped up.

Shanelle unwrapped the box and looked inside before dying of laughter.

“What? What's so funny?” Rob asked.

Shanelle reached in and pulled out a box of condoms and a note. The girls died laughing.

“What the hell? Who would send you a box of condoms?” Robin asked while laughing.

Shanelle just shook her head.

“What's the note say?” Bron asked.

“There's a surprise waiting for you at the penthouse.” Shanelle read out loud.

“Ooh!” the girls said in unison.

Shanelle rolled her eyes.

“So what are you gonna do, Princess? Are you going to see what this surprise is or are you going clubbing with us?” Nina asked.

Shanelle sat and thought for a few, looking between the box of condoms and her friends then made her decision.

“Y’all go ahead and go party. I'm gonna take these and see what this so-called surprise is,” she said to her crew.

“Okay,” Nina replied.

“And no more than two random guys per person. I won't be able to explain any number higher than that to people.” Shanelle said to the girls.

The girls laughed before finishing their food and going their separate ways. When Shanelle got back to the condo it was quiet. And after looking around and not seeing anything she headed up to the rooftop pool.

That's when she saw the last person she'd ever expect to see sitting at the bar. Her ex.

“What in the hell are you doing here Cass?” she asked.

“Enjoying a drink and the view. How did you score a place like this anyway?” he replies.

Shanelle sat at the bar next to him.

“How did you get in here?” she asked.

Cassian reached into his pocket and pulled out a keycard that was identical to hers.

“This and directions to this place were mailed to me last week. Then I got assigned to a prisoner transport team here,” he replied before pouring himself another drink.

“A prisoner transport? The Marshals don't do prisoner transports.”

“I know. But apparently, I came highly recommended so here I am.” he said as he finished his drink, “damn this bourbon is good. What's the name of this brand?”

“La Couronne Du Roi,” Shanelle replies.

“What does that mean?” he asked.

“It's French. It means The King’s Crown,” she replies.

“How do you know?” he asked.

“Because I've had it before,” she replied.

Cass rolled his eyes.

“Of course, the Princess has had this before. The Princess has had everything before.”

“Shut up before I take that bottle and crack it over your head.” she sneered.

“Threatening a Federal Agent is against the inst law Princess.”

“It would be if we were back in America. But we're not. You are however a Federal Agent in a foreign country where you have no jurisdiction, jackass.”

“I have never been able to figure out how you do that.”

“Do what?” she asks.

“Always get away with it,” he replies.

“I've always been the smart one between the two of us.”

Cass rolled his eyes.

“Whatever,” he said before pouring another drink.

“Poor Golden Boy. You never did like hearing the truth.”

“What makes you think you’re smarter than me?” he asks.

“Well for starters, I've never been arrested for breaking into our principal’s home. Nor have I ever failed World Studies 3 years in a row,” she replied.

“First of all, I got arrested because of you! It was your idea!”

“It was a suggestion you idiot! But you and your hero complex took it too far. You’re lucky she never pressed charges.”

“And secondly, it's not my fault that Mr. Griswald’s voice puts people to sleep!”

“Funny how you were the only student that went to sleep in his class. The rest of us seemed just fine.”

Cass let out a frustrated sigh.

“Why are you so infuriating?” he asked.

“Is it the fact that I’m infuriating or is it the fact that I’m the only person in the world that has ever held you accountable for your own actions because everyone else lets you slide because of those green eyes?” she replied.

Cass went quiet as Shanelle propped her chin on her left hand with a smugly satisfying smirk.

“Well, Hotshot. You gonna answer the question or not?” she asked.

Cass mean mugged her.

“I don't like you.” he sneered.

She leaned in closer.

“You're right. You don't like me, you love me,” she said as she snatched the bottle of bourbon away from him.

“Hey! I wasn't finished with that!”

“Yes, you are. You’re not about to drink up all my alcohol boy.”

“Give it back!”

“No.”

“Shanelle, do not make me chase you over a bottle.”

“You couldn't catch me even if you wanted to.”

“Is that a challenge Princess?” he asked.

A slow smirk bloomed across her face.

“I don’t know Hotshot, you tell me,” she replied.

Cass shook his head.

“Stubborn brat.”

Shanelle scoffed.

“Pot. Kettle.”

And with that, the chase was on.

The two ran around the poolside area, with her evading him at every chance she got. It was just like old times when they were kids. He’d run after her on the blacktop until they were both out of breath and laughing. Like now.

“You give up yet?” she asked him.

“Never,” he replied, trying to catch his breath.

“You alright over there? You look a little outta breath kiddo.”

“I'm fine! Or at least I will be once I catch you.”

Off they went again. Running around the pool area again. They missed this. They missed the friendship between them. They ran around until they no longer could.

“Now do you give up?” she asked.

“You know what? Fine! Keep your stupid bottle.” he replied completely out of breath.

“Poor Golden Boy. He can catch America’s most dangerous but can't catch little ole me.”

Cass glared at her.

“How are you not out of breath?” he asked.

“Well, for one thing, I ran track for 10 years. Secondly, because I ran track I know how to breathe while I run. And third, you can't run correctly because of your chicken legs.” she replied.

Cass groaned.

“You just had to get that dig in.”

Shanelle shrugged innocently.

“You know me.”

“All too damn well.”

She shook her head before tossing him the bottle.

“Took you long enough,” he said to her.

“Had to make you work for it.”

Cass took the top off the bottle and knocked it back.

“Tell your boyfriend to send me a bottle of this.”

“Get a pair of balls and ask him yourself.”

“I have balls!”

“And yet his are bigger than yours.”

“Careful Princess. I do have a pair of cuffs on me,” he warned her.

“Look at you trying to be kinky. And failing miserably.”

“I know you're into all that weird shit.”

Shanelle rolled her eyes.

“If you’re scared, Golden Boy just say so.”

“I'm not scared. I'm Casssian Keane. I can do anything.”

“Except keep up with me.”

“I can keep with you.”

“You always were a terrible liar,” she said before turning to head back inside. He chased after her.

“Where you going Princess?” he asked.

She tossed him the box of condoms.

“Had to grab those,” she replied.

0 notes

khoicesbyk · 2 years ago

Text

The Royal Romance.

Love Everlasting.

A/N: I had a different name and plot for this fic over a year ago. But after being in the RP community for more than a year, I've decided to write the current Royal Life of my favorite OTP.

Current Word Count: 50K words. (may be slightly more or may be slightly less. Look, I stop counting after editing and re-editing and driving myself insane. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or dm me and I will gladly add you! 😁😘

This series is rated Mature and/or Explicit. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

Missing a chapter or want to read a chapter again? I got you covered! Click ——> Here!

Tag List: @choicesficwriterscreations

TW: Mentions of Cancer. Reader Discretion is STRONGLY ADVISED!

Matrimony. Part 3.

The next day came bright and early and before Shanelle knew it she was at her duchy, with Marquise, her parents, and especially her girls. She and the girls were all congregated on her bed.

“Girl!!! How many rooms do you have in this place?” Bron asked.

“36 bedrooms with 56 bathrooms in total in the main estate. Plus 14 guest cottages and 10 servants' quarters.” Shanelle replied.

“And it's all yours?” Dee asked.

“All. Mine!” Shanelle replied.

“Since it's all yours, can we go back to the wine cellar?” Nina asked.

“Which one? I got like 12 of them here.” Shanelle replied.

“Well shit! In that case, let's go through all of them!” Nina said.

“Drunk. Ass.” Rob said to her.

“H! A! P! P! I! L! Y!” Nina sang.

The girls laughed.

“Seriously. Thank y'all so much for coming to Cordonia.” Shanelle said to her girls.

“Chile! Thank your boyfriend. He flew us out on private jets.” Rob replied.

“You mean he spoiled you?” Shanelle asked.

“Yeah pretty much. I don't wanna fly any other way.” Rob replied.

The girls laughed.

“It's so good to have a friendly face around here.”

“What do you mean Shan?” Aly asked.

Shanelle sighed.

“A lot of the nobles here are still loyal to Marquise’s father and my uncle. So they're being petty and intentionally distant. Oh and then there's the floozie. She's been floating around lately.”

“Why?” Chutney asked.

“Because she's still trying to win my man back. Oh and she tried me yesterday,” Shanelle replied.

The girls all looked at her.

“Don't look at me like that. Y'all heard me loud and clear.”

“What happened?” Nina asked.

Shanelle told the girls everything that happened the day before.

“Excuse me?” Bron asked.

Nina looked around.

“I'm sorry. I must've heard you incorrectly.” Nina said.

“Lemme get this straight: this bitch talked shit about your family and she's still breathing?!” Robin asked.

Shanelle just looked at Robin.

“Oh hell no!” Dee piped up.

“No, she fucking didn't!” Aly hissed.

“This bitch!” Chut seethed.

“Yup. If Marquise hadn't jumped in between us. She'd be dead by now.”

“Why is he defending her?” Nina asked.

“He's not. As much as I don't like the bitch, she's a big fish here. She can put a bug in people’s ears and turn the court against me.” Shanelle replied.

Nina nodded slowly.

“So we are gonna set a trap for the bitch.” Shanelle announced.

“How?!” the girls asked.

“At the tea next weekend we're going to get her to show her ass right before we beat her ass,” Shanelle replied.

The girls cheered.

“In the meantime, get your best Southern Belle ready, ladies. We are going to the Derby tomorrow.”

The next day dawned bright and early. And after a good breakfast with the ones she loved the most, Shanelle was ready to seize the day. She made sure to coordinate her outfit with the outfits of her girls. She was determined to make sure she and her girls stood out.

They arrived after Marquise and stole the show. Many were clamoring for a chance with the kingdom’s new Queen Regent. No one had ever seen a Queen dress the way she did. Many were intrigued, some were appalled, and others applauded her boldness to break the mold and standard of what a Queen should be. But all eyes were on her and her girls. Cameras flashed as they walked the red carpet.

Marquise watched proudly as Shanelle and the girls owned the cameras, the carpet, and the paparazzi. When they got to the private box, there was champagne waiting and the girls were over the moon.

“Oh. My. God! That was amazing!” Bron squealed.

“So much fun!” Nina and Chut agreed.

“Those cameras loved us!” Rob quipped.

“That was so exciting.” Dee added.

“I will never get tired of that,” Aly said proudly.

Marquise chuckled at the girls’ excitement.

“I am very glad to hear you girls had fun walking the red carpet. This event is a big deal.”

“I don't see my parents,” Shanelle said.

“They have their own private box next to this one. See?”

Marquise showed Shanelle and the girls where her parents were sitting.

“Awwww!” the girls said in unison.

“The box to the right of theirs is where King Edward and Queen Genevieve are sitting. And the box to the left of this one is where Regina and my father are sitting. As I said, The Derby is a big deal. A lot of money is raised and won. And since this is our first event as the new Regents, all eyes are on the two of us.”

“I like the sound of that.”

“Good. Now get comfortable ladies. The first set of races is about to begin.”

“Question! Do we get to bet on the races?” Rob asked.

Marquise snapped his fingers and a primly dressed man appeared.

“Place your bets with Gustav. And here's hoping one if not all of you win a little money.”

Shanelle watched as the girls scrambled to Gustav and placed bets on the race.

“How many bets have you placed?” Shanelle asked Marquise.

“A couple. The main race is the one to watch, bet on, and win.” Marquise replied.

“Have fun y'all?” Shanelle asked her crew.

The girls all answered at once.

“I'll take that as a yes,” Shanelle said with a laugh.

Just then the first race was announced and began shortly after that. The race ended with Nina winning a little money.

“Congratulations Nina. A $500.00 bet in the Cordonian Dollar converts to a $1,000.00 win in the American dollar.” Marquise said to her.

“I just won $1,000.00 on one horse?!” Nina asked him.

“Place your bets, ladies. The next race will start soon,” Marquise replied.

Marquise watched the girls place a frenzy of bets.

“Satisfying isn't it?” he asked Shanelle.

“Yes, it is. Also, I didn't know the Cordonian Dollar was ½ that of the American dollar,” she replied.

“It used to be ¾ of the American dollar but it's depreciated over the years. Thanks to those who shall not be named.”

Shanelle nodded before looking over his shoulder at her parents.

“Is it okay if I go check on them?” Shanelle asked.

“Be my guest,” Marquiss replied.

Marquise motioned to the guard standing by the door that connected the suites. Shanelle quietly slipped into her parents' suite.

“Well don't you two lovebirds look cozy?” she said to her parents as she sat down next to them.

“It has been a long time since your father took me to a horse race,” Shantel replied.

“I thought you two used to go to the races all the time.”

“We did until you showed up.” her father piped up.

“Not my fault you two decided to be a couple of horny rabbits.”

Damien rolled his eyes with a smile.

“How are you enjoying yourself at the race my darling?” he asked Shanelle.

“Me and the girls are having a blast. Nina even won a little money in the last race,” she replied.

“She did? That's wonderful. Now if only your mother would quit being so stubborn.”

Shantel scoffed.

“Oh no, you don't Damien! You are not about to gamble away my retirement money!”

Damien grumbled under his breath.

“It's okay, Daddy. I'll put a bet in for you.”

“Thank you, my darling.”

Just then Queen Genevieve walked in.

“Well isn't this just adorable? The two parasites I mean parents of the woman who will doom us all look mighty comfortable.” she sneered.

Shanelle set her jaw and Shantel rolled her eyes.

“Hello, sister-in-law. Do you need something? Does Edward?” Damien asked.

“No no. I just wanted to see how much damage and destruction Her Regency has done to the kingdom.” Genevieve replied.

“Anything I do for and to Cordonia can't be any worse than the havoc you and your husband have wreaked over the years.” Shanelle snapped at her.

Genevieve scoffed.

“You'll fail soon enough child. You don't belong here.” Genevieve sneered before walking back into her suite.

“Don't you dare let what that snake said get to you Shanelle,” Shantel said to her.

“I'm not worried about her momma. I can handle her. I'm worried about you and Daddy. I don't want her or Edward coming after you two.”

Damien waved her away.

“You don't have to worry about us. Your mother and I can take care of ourselves.”

“Your dad’s right. We will be just fine.”

“Okay. How was your visit to your duchy Daddy?” Shanelle asked her father.

“It was great. Your mother and I had an amazing time in Granier.” Damien replied.

“We really did. We visited a new vineyard there. It was named after your grandmother.”

Shanelle cleared her throat.

“Speaking of…Marquise and I went to see them. Well, we went to see where they are buried.”

Damien nodded.

“Good. I have been meaning to take you and your mother to where they were laid to rest for years.”

“I know. It was good to see them. I even saw the inscription of their nicknames. I know that you had something to do with that.”

“Of course I did. Edward Dominic Miller may be the oldest child and the one who became King but he has never been the only child. Our father's final wishes made sure that I had as much input on his and our mother’s burial as he did.”

“It made me smile to see it.”

Damien smiled at her.

“Good. The last thing your grandfather said to me was to make sure you got everything you deserved to have.”

Shanelle smiled softly at Damien.

“I wish I could've gotten to know them.”

Damien nodded slowly.

“As do I, my darling.”

The race began and ended winning Shanelle money.

“I knew Starfall Lane would win!”

“Congratulations my darling. The owners of that horse are also the owners of the odds-on favorite to win the main race, Marabelle’s Dream. They're old friends of mine. They'll be happy to know you went with their horses.”

“I should go. I'll check on you two later.”

“Alright, baby. Have fun.”

Shanelle took one last look at her parents before heading back to her own suite. When she got back she was greeted by a very drunk Bronwyn.

“Princessssssssssss!” she said as she ran up and attached herself to Shanelle.

“Oh, Good Lord,” Shanelle said as she peeled Bron off of her, “Bron! Baby, how much alcohol have you had?”

Bron hiccuped.

“Including this glass? Maybeeeeee a bottle and a half?” she replied while swaying and near losing her balance. “Whoooooaaaaaaaaa! Good save Princess!”

Shanelle looked at the girls.

“Why y'all let this child drink so much? You know this girl’s a lightweight!” Shanelle asked as she guided Bron back to her seat.

“They kept serving. We kept drinking.” Nina replied.

“That's it! No more alcohol for y'all!” Shanelle says.

The girls booed.

“Don't boo me! Y'all are drunk. Off your asses mind you. I don't need y'all wobbling all over the place.”

“Whatever! Where'd you run off to anyway?” Robin asked.

“Went to check on my parents. And while I was there my dad’s monster-in-law showed up.” Shanelle replied.

“His monster-in-law?” Dee asked.

“His brother's wife,” Shanelle replied.

The girls groaned.

“What did she want?” Nina asked.

“Nothing other than to give me my daily reminder that I’m going to destroy Cordonia,” Shanelle replied.

The girls groaned.

“Exactly,” Shanelle said as she swiped a glass of champagne.

“She won't be at this tea thing next week will she?” Aly asked.

“Unfortunately. She and Queen Regina are required to attend. But that doesn't mean we can't have a little fun at their expense.” Shanelle replies.

“So does that mean we have Carte Blanche to act a fool?” Chut asked.

“As long as you're subtle about it. We want those who don't like me to jump first.” Shanelle replies.

“Say no more.” the girls say to Shanelle.

“That's why y'all are my squad,” Shanelle said before taking a sip of her champagne, “this is good. No wonder little miss lightweight is drunk.”

Bronwyn rolled her eyes.

“Ya, mama!”

“I dare you to walk yo drunk ass over to her suite and say it to her face!” Shanelle dared her.

“Umm, I’m brave, not stupid.”

The girls dissolved into cackles.

“Now can I have another glass please?” Bron asked.

“Just one!” Shanelle replied.

Bron waved one of the staff members over and plucked a champagne flute off their tray.

“Thank you, Johann!” Bron said to the server.

“Ooh! Look at you being all prim and proper!” Shanelle teased.

“Marquise taught us how to flag down the staff. They're really nice. They call us each Lady.” Bron said before taking a swig of her champagne.

“Speaking of which, where'd he run off to?” Shanelle asked.

“He was summoned by his dad,” Dee replied.

Shanelle groaned.

“That is not going to end well,” Shanelle muttered.

“What do you mean by that Shan?” Aly asked.

“To put it mildly, those two hate each other,” Shanelle replied.

“WHAT?!” the girls exclaimed.

“Yeah. They have no relationship. Marquise literally wants nothing to do with Constantine. But he has to deal with him until we're married.” Shanelle replied.

“How bad is it between them?” Robin asked.

“When I came here with him a few months ago, we were in the throne room when Connie threatened to have him hung. So if that isn't a prime example of how bad it is between them then I don’t know what is or will be.” Shanelle replies.

“Yooooooo! Are you serious?” Robin asked.

“Yeah. That was the same day I had met Edward.” Shanelle replies.

“Geez! I can't imagine what that's like.” Bron said.

“Same.” Nina agreed.

That's when raised voices were heard coming from Constantine’s box.

“That's not good. They must be arguing about something major.”

Just then Marquise walked into the suite. Annoyance and agitation clearly written on his face. With a deep breath and a frustrated hand running down his face, the look on his face changed.

“Everything okay?” Shanelle asked him.

“Nope. Not even close. But there's nothing I can do about it.” Marquise replies.

“Do you want us to jump him?” Robin asked.

Marquise snorted.

“While I appreciate your offer, you'd never get past his guards. And I would never forgive myself if they hurt any of you.” Marquise replied.

“That's why we'll get our chance next week.” Shanelle quipped.

“Indeed. Now have any of you made your final bets?” Marquise asked.

“Yep!” the girls replied.

“Good. Because you are in for a surprise.” Marquise said to Shanelle.

“What surprise?” Shanelle asked.

“The winning horse of the main race will be gifted to Her Regency.” He replied.

“I get the winning horse?” Shanelle asked.

“That's what I said,” he replied.

The girls looked at each other.

“Umm, Your Majesty!” Bron said.

“Your Regency actually.” Marquise corrected her.

“Yeah, that too. Umm, is your Spanish Prince friend still available?” Bron asked him.

The girls cackled.

“Bronwyn Davis you just got engaged!” Shanelle said to her.

“I know but still! If that offer of a 90-day marriage still stands, I'm taking it!” Bron said.

“Logan would be so mad at you!” Nina said to Bron.

“Yeah well, when he sees the million-dollar alimony checks start to roll in he'll get over it real quick.”

Shanelle shook her head with a smirk. Just as the main race was announced.

“Let's take our seats and watch who wins,” Marquise said to Shanelle.

They watched as the horses lined up and soon were off. The winner Marabelle’s Dream won the entire box a lot of money.

“Congratulations ladies! Enjoy your winnings.” Marquise said to the girls as they cheered.

Shanelle watched her girls collect their winnings before turning her attention to her fiance.

“So are you gonna tell me what you and your father were arguing about?” she asked him.

“Trivial bullshit,” Marquise replies.

“Marquise…”

Marquise shook his head.

“He's pissed that the Derby is going to be given to you and not Regina or Genevieve like it would normally be.”

“He's pissed about a horse?” she asked.

“Yup. Under normal circumstances, the Derby winner is gifted to the Queen. But the owners of this Derby winner have decided to give the horse to you. As a sign of good faith.” he replies.

“You mean as a sign of good faith for the new Monarchy?” she asks.

“Precisely. Now, are you ready to meet your new horse?” he replied.

“Let's go.”

Marquise led the girls from the suite down to the track, where Shanelle was presented with a dozen red roses and her new horse.

“First you get me a Corgi and now you get me a horse. Not bad, Your Regency.” Shanelle whispered to him.

“I'm just getting started,” he whispered back.

The couple snapped a few pictures together before she called her friends over and got a few pictures in with them. When they returned to Shanelle’s duchy everyone was buzzing. Later that night while everyone was off in their rooms, Shanelle was standing on her balcony with Marquise with a glass of wine in her hand.

“Today went well, don't you think?” she asked him.

“I think so. A lot of money was won and raised today.” he replied.

“How much of the money raised will go to charity and how much of it will go to the nobility?” she asked.

“Ideally, none of it would go to the nobility but since it does for now, half and half,” he replied before taking a sip of his drink.

“Just imagine this time next year, all of the money raised will go to charity,” Shanelle said to him.

“What a glorious future that will be. Did you have fun today?” he asked.

“Yes. I've never been to a Derby before. This was an amazing experience for me. And to be able to share it with you, my parents, and especially the girls, I couldn't ask for anything more.” she replied.

“You can always ask for more. I will always give you more, my love.”

The two smiled at each other as they clinked their glasses together. They spent that Sunday with her friends and her parents touring the new vineyard at her father's duchy. The next week Shanelle and the girls spent the week in Paris strategizing over the Queen’s tea, sightseeing, and even doing a little retail therapy, while Marquise was in Cordonia starting the process of forming the new Monarchy. Her friends were there, he didn’t want her to stress.

That Saturday was the Queen’s tea. And Shanelle was nervous and excited at the same time. But she was thankful for her girls being there and having her back. As they each got ready, the girls went over the plan to Naya to show her ass.

“Okay so let's go over this one more time, nobody makes a move until she does.” Shanelle said to the girls.

“Yeah yeah, whatever! Just let me know when we get to beat her ass.” Nina replied.

Shanelle snickered.

“Chile! You gonna give me a bad name,” Shanelle said to Nina.

“As you always say bestie, if you stay ready and y’aint gotta get ready.” Nina said with a shrug.

Shanelle nodded.

“Amen! Well, ladies, I’m ready. Let's go turn this shit out.” Shanelle announced.

With one final look in the mirror, the girls were out the boutique door and headed to the main dining room where the tea is being held. After looking around and appraising the theme and decor, Shanelle was impressed.

“Alright, y'all. This is it. You ready?” she asked her girls.

“Hell yeah!” they replied.

Shanelle nodded before turning to Gladys.

“Open the doors, Gladys.”

Gladys nodded before opening the doors. Soon the dining room was filled with many of the ladies of the court. Including Naya, Queen Genevieve, and Queen Regina. Once everyone was seated Shanelle stood up to give her welcome remarks.

“Good afternoon one and all! I am truly honored and humbled that many of you have joined me here at my duchy for this tea. This is the first of many events that I will be hosting. I know that many of you don't know me and I don't know you, but after today I hope to change that. That way we can begin to form a strong and thriving Cordonia. So please do enjoy yourselves this afternoon.” Shanelle said to the ladies in the room.

As the crowd began to mill about, Shanelle returned to her friends.

“Well, that was nerve-wracking but I did it!”

“You did great! I heard so many people compliment your outfit.” Robin told her.

“Thank you, babe. Now the game really begins.”

Shanelle looked across the room at the many different ladies.

“So now comes the fun. So ladies, how about a game of divide and conquer?” Shanelle asked the girls. “And no throwing drinks on people. Yet.”

The girls laughed before dispersing into the crowd. Shanelle was reminded of what Marquise had told her, that this tea was also a great networking opportunity for her. She spent most of the time at the tea making the rounds. Meeting and greeting as many of the ladies as possible.

As Shanelle was in the garden speaking to a Duchess of a lesser-known noble house, Naya struck.

“Hello, Duchess Mildred! It's been too long.” Naya said to the Duchess.

“Hello, Princess Naya. Indeed it has been. May I help you?” the Duchess asked.

“Yes actually. Do you mind if I steal Her Regency for a moment?” Naya asked the Duchess. Shanelle silently prayed the Duchess would say no, but unfortunately, she obliged Naya.

“Sure. I'm sure Her Regency and I will get the chance to speak again.” the Duchess said as she left. Leaving Shanelle with Naya and her cronies.

“Well, this event isn't as much of a disaster as I thought it would be. Although you still don't belong here or with him.” Naya sneered.

“And yet here I am. And I’m still engaged to His Regency.” Shanelle shot back.

Naya scoffed.

“Not for long.” Naya spat at Shanelle.

“You rejected my invitation weeks ago. So what are you doing here Naya?” Shanelle asked.

“Oh, I was always going to turn you down. I wouldn't be caught dead attending any event that you’re hosting. But I was invited to a tea by the actual Queens of Cordonia and I would never disrespect them by saying no.” Naya replied.

Shanelle looked through the doors to see the Queens who were whispering to each other at a table and rolled her eyes.

“Are you here to antagonize me or does this conversation have a point?” Shanelle asked.

“Although I should just sit back, relax, and watch you inevitably crash and burn like the failure that you are, I’m actually here to help you out,” Naya replied.

“How generous of you Princess,” Shanelle said as she rolled her eyes.

“Yes, quite. Not that you deserve my help, allow me to introduce you to a few of the ladies of the court. Meet Duchess Kayla Nottingham of House Vescovi, Duchess Kaitlyn Winslow of House Fierro, Lady Jacqueline Yearling of House Weathermane, Lady Patricia Cullen of House Aster, Baroness Diana Ericson of House DiVello, Baroness Bianca Varness of Comery Isle, and lastly, Countess Madeleine Amaranth of House Amaranth.” Naya said as she introduced each of the ladies.

Shanelle smiled politely.

“It's nice to meet each of you, ladies.”

Naya scoffed.

“My dears, meet the woman who will plunge us all into debt, death, and despair,” Naya said to the ladies as she introduced Shanelle.

“It must really bother you that Marquise is my soon-to-be husband.” Shanelle quipped.

Naya waved her off.

“Oh please. You two won't make it to a year.”

Shanelle shook her head.

“It must really bother you that he chose someone who isn't a drunk just like her mother.”

“Excuse me?!” Naya’s voice raised.

“Yes, I know all about her and how she died. I even know about the ladies you brought with you. I also know you thought bringing them with you would intimidate me but it doesn't. Take Countess Madeleine for example. I know she was engaged to Marquise’s older brother Leo. But thanks to their dad it was a disaster and inevitably it fell apart. Shortly thereafter, Leo abdicated. I also know that Lady Jacqueline’s older brother was convicted in Italy of a double murder. I also know that both Baronesses are half-sisters because their father couldn't keep it in his pants or to Baroness Diana’s mother. Lady Patricia’s father and uncle are under investigation by Interpol, for their business dealings with the Saudi government. Duchess Kayla has all but squandered her family’s fortune on get-rich-quick schemes, and Duchess Kaitlyn has been accused of being a spy for the kingdom of Gemmora. But I bet you didn't think I would know any of that, did you, Princess?” Shanelle asked.

Naya was stuck.

“That's what I thought.”

“Why you insolent little mutt!” Naya sneered as she stepped to Shanelle.

“Who you calling a mutt?” Nina asked as she and the girls walked up.

“This is a private conversation that doesn’t involve you!” Naya snapped at Nina.

“Actually it does. Princess Naya meet Nina Keane.” Shanelle said.

“Why the hell would I want to meet her?” Naya asked.

“Because I thought it was pertinent that Nina meet the woman who set her brother up.” Shanelle replies.

“I don’t even know her brother!”

“You know how you called my ex and lied to him? That very same ex is her twin brother.” Shanelle said.

Naya cleared her throat.

“Not that I owe either one of you an explanation, but I've already apologized to Marquise for my indiscretion.”

“You mean you stood in his bedroom doorway and tried to play the victim?” Shanelle asked.

Shanelle's crew cackled, and she knew Naya was close to snapping; she just needed to push her a little more over the edge.

“You know it's sad that you, a woman who's supposed to be of such high regard and social status, would degrade and humiliate herself for a man who has repeatedly told her that he doesn't want her. As a matter of fact, I wonder what your husband would think if he found out you were actively continuing to throw yourself at Marquise.”

Shanelle could see Naya was about to break.

“It must really truly bother you that at the end of this tea, I'll be the one in his bed. I'll be the one he wakes up to tomorrow morning. It must infuriate you that I'm the one he loves. And it must break your heart that I'm the one he'll be marrying. Not you. You made your decision, Naya. And Marquise made his. His decision is me and me alone. Not. You.”

Naya seethed before she shoulder-checked Shanelle as she stomped back inside the estate with her friends behind her.

“Now can we beat her ass?” Nina asked impatiently.

“Patience my young grasshopper. Besides, it's time for my closing remarks. We are gonna end this thing with a bang. So get ready.” Shanelle replies as she leads the girls back inside.

As they made their way back inside, whispered words could be heard. Most of them are positive and in Shanelle’s favor. One positive word, in particular, came from Olivia Nevrakis, the Duchess of Lythikos. Marquise told her Olivia is extremely hard to impress but it seems that she's achieved the seemingly impossible.

As the girls made their way back to their seats, Nina took the opportunity to have a little fun. She walked past Queen Genevieve and hip-checked her, causing her to spill her drink all over the table.

“Why you clumsy little!” Queen Genevieve seethed. “Look at what you've done!”

“Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry! It was an accident!” Nina apologized.

“I should have you arrested for this!” Genevieve sneered.

“Come now, Genevieve. It was an accident. It's not like she meant to do it on purpose.” Shanelle said to Queen Genevieve.

Shanelle walked away with Nina while hiding stifling her laugh

“Have fun babe?” Shanelle asked her best friend.

“I sure did,” Nina replied proudly.

“Good. Now let's head back to our seats.”

She and Nina walked to their table where Nina took her seat, and Shanelle remained standing to give her ending remarks.

“Once again, I would like to thank all of you for joining me here today. I know that many of you had a preconceived notion about me and I accept that. I'm a newcomer here. Many of you have been here for decades. But it is my sincere hope that I was able to change your minds, at least some of your minds, about me. So again, thank you so much for spending your afternoon with me here at my duchy.”

That's when Naya stood up and walked over to Shanelle.

“If I may, I'd like to propose a toast to Her Regency. If she doesn't mind?”

Shanelle internally rolled her eyes.

“Go right ahead, Princess.”

Naya smiled venomously at Shanelle. Luckily, her girls were ready to jump.

“Your Regency I'd like to toast to you. May you not be the common American mutt you've always been. Although I don't have any high hopes for you as Queen, here's to praying that you don't doom us all to hell. Because let's all be honest, you don't belong here or with His Regency. But here you proudly stand with your god-awful-looking goons at your side. Ready to ruin the only kingdom many of us call home. Cheers.”

Naya ended her toast by throwing her drink at Shanelle. That's when her girls stood up ready to throw hands.

“OH HELL NO!” Rob shouted.

“Oops! It seems I've accidentally spilled my drink. Do forgive me for being so clumsy, Your Regency.” Naya said mockingly.

“NOW CAN WE BEAT HER ASS?!” Nina asked.

“You know what?” Shanelle replied.

That was all it took for Shanelle to swing on Naya. Naya stumbled back then looked at Shanelle in shock.

“Something you need to know about this American mutt and her goons: Bitch…we fight.” Shanelle said before she tackled Naya to the ground.

And the fight was on.

When Naya’s friends tried to intervene, Shanelle’s crew was right there to back her up. Many of the guests had to get out of dodge as shoes, glasses, and other objects were thrown as well as fists. You would've thought that it was an episode of Bad Girls Club. It took over three dozen guards to separate the two groups of women. And when the dust settled, Shanelle and her crew stood tall.

“Gladys!” Shanelle shouted.

“Yes, Your Regency?” Gladys asked.

“Get this bitch and her scallywags the fuck out of my estate!” Shanelle replies.

Gladys nodded resolutely.

“And oh! One more thing, Gladys. You see those two old crones cowering in the corner over there?” Shanelle asked, pointing to Regina and Genevieve.”You can throw their no good asses out too!” Shanelle growled.

“At once Your Regency!”

“Are you insane, child?” Queen Genevieve asked.

“This is outrageous!” Queen Regina shouted.

That's when Shanelle put her foot down.

“Shut up! Both of you! I have had all I am going to take out of the two of you! Whether you two or anyone else likes it or not: I am the next Queen! And I will not be disrespected! Not by you two, not by Naya, not by her scallywag friends or anyone else for that fucking matter! And since you two invited the bitch, you can leave with her.”

Shanelle looked at Naya.

“And you! If you ever step to me and mine again…” Shanelle sneered.

“Bitch it's on sight!” Nina said.

“All fucking day!” Robin added.

“Y’all fucked around and found out!” Bron quipped

“GET THEM OUT OF HERE NOW!” Shanelle shouted.

Everyone left in attendance watched as Regina, Genevieve, Naya, and her friends all screamed and shouted in protest as they were dragged out of Shanelle’s estate. Once they were gone Shanelle turned to her friends behind her.

“Y’all good?” she asked.

“Yeah. We good.” Rob answered.

Shanelle turned to Nina with a smirk.

“You feel better?” Shanelle said to her.

“Yeah. It felt really good to beat her ass.” Nina replied.

The two smiled at each other. That's when Olivia spoke up.

“Well, it's about damn time someone put that spoiled brat and those two bats in their places. You did well, Your Regency.”

Shanelle nodded.

“Thank you, Duchess Olivia. I appreciate your kind words.”

“Please. Call me Olivia. And you're welcome. Now I don’t know about the others that are still here but, if you need it, you have a friend in Lythikos.”

“Duchess Olivia is right.” Duchess Mildred spoke up, “we stand with you, Your Regency. You have comported yourself admirably. I honestly don’t know that I would have had the grace to put up with the Princess and her incessant pestering.”

Shanelle nodded.

“Thank you, everyone. And Olivia, I'm sorry about your dress.”

Olivia waved her off.

“It's a dress. I'll be fine. Now I think you have a mess to clean up but I also think you sent one hell of a message.”

Shanelle chuckled softly.

“And what message is that?” she asked Olivia.

“Don't fuck with me,” Olivia replied with a wink before leaving.

Shanelle watched as the rest of the guests filed out. When everyone was gone, Shanelle let out a breath she didn't know she was holding before turning to her friends.

“I don’t know what I would've done if you girls weren't here. I appreciate y'all more than you know.” Shanelle said as her voice hitched.

“There was no way we would let you do this by yourself, babe. Especially me. It's been us against the world for years. And that's the way it's gonna stay.” Nina said to her.

“Hell yeah!” the girls say in agreement.

Shanelle shook her head with a smile.

“FabBabes for life!” Shanelle said to her girls.

“All day bitches!” the girls say back.

The girls laughed together.

“Now there's glass and shit everywhere and we're all barefoot. So be careful where you step.” Shanelle said as she and the girls began to make their way out of the dining room.

After a trip to the infirmary, a good long hot soaking bath, a good meal, and a change of clothes, Shanelle and the girls were sitting on her bed enjoying some wine. They may have been battered and bruised but the girls were victorious.

“Whew! What a goddamn day. Amirite?” Shanelle asked her crew.

“Chile! We proved why we're the baddest today.” Bron replied.

“Come on somebody!” Rob agreed.

“So just so we're clear. She's been calling you an American mutt this whole time?” Aly asked.

“Yup. The entire time that I've been here I've been an American mutt.” Shanelle replied.

“Mmmhmm. She needed her ass beat.” Dee quipped.

“Agreed.” Chutney agreed.

Shanelle snickered.

“Y’all are the greatest support system a girl could ever ask for.”

“I just have one question. What do you think your fiance will do when he finds out?” Rob asks.

“He already knows,” Marquise replied as he walked into the room.

The girls all look at him as he walks into the room.

“How do you know what happened?” Nina asked.

“A.) it's my job to know. B.) I had hidden cameras installed on the off chance Naya would show her ass. And apparently, I was right.” Marquise replies.

The girls looked at each other.

“I'm gonna say this now, you sir, are weird as hell,” Bron said to him.

Marquise shrugged.

“Maybe. Or maybe it's the fact that I know how Naya operates. She is the type that will instigate a fight or argument and then play the victim. And I knew she wouldn't pass up an opportunity to try and humiliate Shanelle in public.”

“Your ex has issues.” Rob pipes up.

“Ones that I'm so happy to unsubscribed from,” he said as he poured himself a glass of wine.

“So what happens now?” Dee asked.

Marquise reached into his pocket and pulled out a small flash drive.

“Simple. I make a phone call and the camera footage on this flash drive exposes Naya and stops whatever attempt she’ll try to make, to make Shanelle look bad.” Marquise replied.

Marquise smirked before pulling out his phone and dialing a number.

“Who are you calling?” Shanelle asked.

“Donnie! Listen I’m sorry to call you so late but you know that one favor you owe me? Yeah, that one…” he said as he walked away.

“Who's Donnie?” Chut asked.

“Donnie is the Editor-in-Chief for the CBC,” Shanelle replies.

“What's that?” Dee asked.

“Think CNN but strictly Cordonian. According to Marquise, Donnie has covered the Royal Families for years.”

“You mean he's talking to the press?” Nina asked.

“Talked to and convinced him to run a counter-story to the press release that Naya is having drafted that says she and her entourage were unfairly attacked by Shanelle and her friends.” Marquise replied.

The girls all started talking at once.

“Whoa! Whoa! Calm down ladies! By this time tomorrow, Donnie will have the footage and the story ready to publish on Monday. So you all have nothing to worry about.”

“Except for finishing this bottle of wine,” Nina said as she poured herself a glass.

“You are gonna drink me out of house and home!” Shanelle said to her.

“And your point?” Nina asked before downing her drink.

Everyone in the room broke out into laughter. The girls spent the rest of the night gossiping and giggling. The next day it was time to say goodbye. And the girls weren't ready to say goodbye.

“I don't wanna goooooo!” Bron whined.

“We knowwwwww!” Rob, Dee, and Chut agreed.

“Hmmmm…maybe I can convince Thom to film a movie here.” Aly quipped.

Shanelle shook her head with a smile.

“Awww! C’mere girls!” Shanelle said to her friends.

They all came together for one big group hug.

“You girls don't have to leave.”

“Really?” Nina asked.

“Yes really. Y'all don't have to leave. But y'all getting the fuck up outta here! Bye! Get out!” Shanelle replied.

The girls booed as Shanelle cackled.

“Look I’m trying to fuck my fiance at all hours of the night and I’m not trying to have an audience.”

The girls each made a face.

“But in all seriousness, thank you all so much. I had the greatest time. And we got to whoop that trick.”

“Ayyy!” the girls replied.

Shanelle laughed as the private cars came around.

“Y’all be sure to text me when each of you lands.”

The girls saluted before getting into their respective cars and pulling off. Shanelle watched until the cars were out of view before she walked back to the entrance where Marquise was waiting with open arms.

“I hope you had fun this weekend my love.”

She felt him wrap his arms around her.

“I did. Having them here meant the world to me. Fighting and all.”

He kissed her forehead.

“Stop that,” she said to him.

“Why?” he asked.

“Because I’m beginning to love it,” she whispered.

He smirked before kissing her forehead softly again.

“That's the point, my love. I want you to love it.”

She slid her arms around his neck.

“Why are we still outside? The faster we get inside, the faster I get to rip this suit off of you,” she said to him.

He shook his head before leading her inside the estate. Once inside he picked her up and carried her back to her bedroom. Once inside her bedroom, she wasted no time pulling him into a deep kiss. As he walked her backward to the bed their legs got tangled and they tumbled onto the mattress causing the two to break out into laughter.

“Have I told you I love you?” he asked her.

“Lately?” she replied

He rolled his eyes with a smirk.

“Yes, Tyrese. Lately.”

“No. But you can always tell me now.”

“Why tell you when I can show you?” he asked.

“Show me how?” she asked.

“Like this…” he trailed off.

He crashed his lips into hers. She felt his passion, his hunger, and especially his lust for her at that moment. He went from kissing her lips, to kissing down her jaw and neck. Only stopping to nibble on her earlobe. He trailed soft slow kisses down her neck until he was sucking and gently scraping on her pulse line with his teeth. She moaned softly. He stopped long enough to look into her eyes.

"God I love making you do that."

He kissed her again before pulling her down towards the giant mattress under the stars.

"I am yours, Your Regency."

"Damn right you're mine. Now, let's get you out of this outfit."

His mouth found hers as they quickly undressed each other. He kissed his way from her lips, down her neck, and across her collarbone. He placed hungry and heated kisses all down and across her breasts. He listened to her chest rise and fall with each breath that she took.

"God I need you," she whispered.

"As you wish, my Queen."

He went back to kissing down her lower body. He rolled over onto his back with her sitting on his face.

"Marquise!" she moaned softly.

"Try not to scream so loud we wouldn't want to scare the staff. Ohhh and you might want to hang on."

When he descended onto her clit she nearly jumped out of her skin. All she could feel was his mouth.

"Fuck yes! Feels so good!" She screamed as she leaned back on her knees as she rode his tongue.

Her body was on fire. His mouth felt like heaven. Every time he made a sound it would send shockwaves shooting through her. Her clit throbbed harder and harder every time she felt his tongue slide over it.

"Mmmmmmm..." he hummed as he feasted on her.

"Shit! Marquise! Don't stop! Don't stop! God! Don't! Stop!” She shouted.

Shanelle was about to break and he knew it. With his arms tightened around her thighs he went for it. He drove his tongue inside her hot core and didn't stop until he heard her scream. Her thighs twitched and her body shuddered as her orgasm shredded everything in its path. When he let her go he could still taste her on his lips.

"So fucking good!" He said as he licked his fingers and winked at her.

"God, you don't play fair!" She said while trying to catch her breath.

"You forget Kings don't play fair."

She rolled her eyes at him.

He slowly dragged his tongue up her body. Stopping only to play with her breasts. At this point, he wanted and needed to be inside her in the worst way possible.

"Fuck! Come here." He said to her.

He needed to feel her. He wanted to feel her vaginal muscles clench and release. When he brought her to her feet he plunged his tongue into her mouth. With his lips still on hers he positioned himself between her legs.

With a condom on, he inhaled sharply as he circled her entrance.

"You ready?" He asked.

When she nodded her head, he thrust his hips forward plunging himself inside her. As he threw her legs over his shoulders, she grabbed the rug underneath her.

"Oh My God! Oh My God! Oh My God! Yes! Yes! Yes!" She shouted.

"That's it, love! Tell me what you want! Tell me how good it feels! Tell me how you like it! I want to hear you, baby!"

He was doing it to her. Just like she always knew him to do. He was using his words to ignite her fire and desire.

"Marquise! Give it to me! Fuck me! I need you! I need this!" She shouted.

"Yeah! That's it, baby! Take it! Take this dick!"

When she looked into his eyes he had this raw carnality in them. Every thrust was more powerful than the last. The grip he had on her thighs tightened. She begged him to give it to her and he was more than happy to oblige. She was getting dangerously close to her climax and he wasn't too far off from his own.

"I-I'm about to cum! I—!" She struggled to say.

"That's it cum on this dick! Let it out! Let it all out! Cum for me!"

He was barely hanging on himself. One final thrust of his hips was all it took to throw her over her edge. Her eyes rolled back and her body shuddered as her orgasm ran through her.

"Yes! Cum on this dick! Cum for me!" He encouraged her. One last roll of his hips was all it took; to take him out.

"Shit!" He hissed as he lost himself with her.

When it was all said and done; they were both breathless, tired, and satisfied.

"Well, that was fun!" He piped up.

Shanelle just shook her head and chuckled.

"You have no idea what you mean to me, do you?" He asked.

"After what just happened I have a pretty good idea. Although it never hurts to compare notes." She replied.

They snuggled together under the covers.

“This is all I want. You. In my arms. Every night.”

“Is this before or after you blow my back out?” she asked.

He just snickered.

“Both,” he replied.

“Of course. I want it to be this way every night as well.”

“Good. Now I have to get some sleep. I have to be back at the palace tomorrow.”

“Why can't you stay?” she asked.

“Well, interviews for commission and council heads start tomorrow,” he replied.

Shanelle nodded.

“Now you don't have to come back right away if you don't want to, my love.”

“So I can stay here for a few days?” she asked.

“Mmhmm. You'll have to be back by Thursday. Because come Saturday I have a title to retain.” he replied.

“What title is that?” she asked.

“I have been Master Of The Hunt for 4 years running. If and when I win Saturday I will not only have won 5 years straight but I will become Grand Master Of The Hunt.” he replied.

“Exciting.”

“Indeed, and once I win I will get to celebrate with the most beautiful woman in the world on my arm.”

Shanelle blushed.

“I like seeing this side of you.”

“What side?” he asked.

“This highly confident, strong, takes no prisoners' side. Very sexy,” she replied.

“Thank you, my love. You have to remember that I was groomed for this. Readied and prepared on the off chance that I would be called upon to lead and now? That time has come.”

Shanelle softly kissed his shoulder as she snuggled against him.

“Don't do that.”

“Why not?” she asked.

“Because I need to get some sleep. Not go rounds, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8,” he replied.

Shanelle giggled.

“Fine. I'll play with you later.”

“Thank you.”

She drifted off to sleep listening to the beat of his heart. When she woke up the next morning, he was already gone. But he left her a cute note and a vase filled with beautiful red roses on her nightstand.

These roses are red. And violets are blue. Never forget my love, my heart belongs to you. XOXO

She shook her head with a smile.

Meanwhile, Marquise was in his office at the palace interviewing candidates for several different council positions. While he had a moment to himself he pulled out his phone to text Shanelle to check-in. Just as he got ready to text her, there was a loud banging on his office door. He smiled to himself because he knew who it was.

“Just open the door Naya,” he called out.

Naya stormed in. Her face contorted with rage.

“What the entire hell is this?!” she asked.

“Whatever do you mean Naya?” he replied.

She slammed a newspaper down on his desk.

“Princess Naya Laurent-Sauvageon of House Sauvageon attacks Her Regency in a fit of jealous rage!” Naya read the headline to him.

Marquise looks at her totally unfazed.

“Maybe next time you'll learn to pick on someone your own size,” he said with a smirk.

That's when it clicked for her.

“You! You did this! You’re the one having the press run this smear campaign, aren't you?” Naya asked.

Marquise shrugged.

“It's not a smear campaign if it's true,” he replies.

“This will ruin my reputation, Marquise!”

“Funny. You weren't thinking about your reputation when you attacked Shanelle for no reason other than you wanted to.”

“You reckless bastard! How could you be so damn cruel?!” Naya asked.

“Because you decided to be stupid enough to test my patience. I told you to stay away from her but you won't and don't listen. So now it's time for you to learn the hard way.” he replied.

“I can't believe you would do this to me. I thought you loved me!”

“I did. I loved you dearly. But now I don’t care. And that's your fault.” Marquise said nonchalantly.

Naya was flabbergasted. She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

“What happened to you? This isn't who you are Marquise. You would never be this cruel to me. What the hell did that mutt do to you?” Naya asked.

Marquise slammed his fist down on his desk, causing Naya to jump slightly.

“Don't you ever call her that again!” he growled at her.

“I will call her whatever the hell I want. And there's nothing you can do about it!” Naya sneered.

Marquise cocked his head to the side as he leaned back in his chair.

“Are you threatening me?” he asked.

Naya crossed her arms and glared at him.

“Not only am I threatening you, Your Regency. But I am here to tell you that I will use all of my influence on the court to make sure that this frivolous engagement of yours is seen as a farce and that your mutt is humiliated!” Naya replied.

“Be careful what you say to me Naya,” he warned her.

“Or what?” Naya asked.

Marquise smirked.

“I heard your husband is returning from his Humanitarian fellowship to Ethiopia today. It's been a long time since he and I have spoken.”

Naya gave him a death glare

“Perhaps we'll have a chance to speak on Saturday. After all, you and him will be hosting the Grand Hunt this weekend.”

Marquise watched the fire drain out of Naya.

“Now that we have that settled, I have other matters to attend to. You can see yourself out.”

“This is not over you son of a bitch!” Naya hissed.

That's when Marquise cleared his throat, stood up, and walked over to the door to close and lock it before turning back to face her.

“You never learn do you?” he asked her.

Naya glared at him without saying a thing.

“I have tried to give you grace but you continue to try me. You continue to defy me. And now I've had enough.” he sneered.

“I'm not afraid of you!”

Marquise shrugged.

“Maybe not but you do hold a mountain of debt that is still owed. And if you continue on like this, even with Tariq’s money in your corner I promise to make that debt impossible to pay back.”

“You wouldn't dare!”

“I wouldn't dare what?” he asked.

“You wouldn't dare intentionally bankrupt me just to protect some commoner!” she replied.

He grabbed her chin roughly and brought her face close to him.

“I will not be defied, Naya. Not even by you. So as long as you do as I say, you have nothing to worry about. But if you intend to defy me, you and your father will get a summons of repayment with an amount that neither of you can pay.”

Seeing the tears of fear shining in her eyes was all the answer he needed.

“You will not defy me, will you Princess?” he asked.

“No, Your Regency. I won't defy you,” she whispered.

He let go of her chin and moved her hair behind her ear.

“Good girl. Now go home. You and your husband have guests to prepare for.”

Naya took a step back from him before he opened the door for her and she left his office without any further incident. Later that night, Marquise was just about to leave his office when he got a knock at the door. It was Constantine.

“I hope I'm not interrupting His Regency.”

“What do you want?” Marquise asked him.

Connie took a seat across from Marquise.

“I had an interesting conversation with Princess Naya. You’re blackmailing her?!” Constantine asked.

“And here comes the moral police,” Marquise replied.

“As if that article wasn't bad enough, you threaten blackmail?!”

Marquise downed the drink he had in his hand before glaring at Constantine.

“Oh fuck off! Blackmail has always been your bread and butter. So don't you dare sit here and chastise me! She and her father wouldn't even have the debt if it wasn't for you!” Marquise spat at Connie.

“For someone who hates me so much, you act just like me, my son.”

Marquise chuckled dryly.

“So I've made our people suffer under high taxes, shuttered our borders, destroyed our kingdom’s economy, all while drinking myself into cirrhosis, and sleeping with any hole that had a pair of legs attached to it like you?” Marquise asked.

“What I do in my life is my business!” Constantine replied.

“And yet you flaunt it for the world to see. Making it everyone’s business.”

Connie looked disgusted at Marquise.

“I bet you enjoy this. You finally get the power you have always whined about having. You finally have the throne you always dreamed of. To think everything I worked for, everything I strived for as King will now go to you.”

“Is there a point to this?” Marquise asked.

“Yes. Pretty soon you'll find out that you can't have it all. You will have to make decisions that you won't like. Ones that will haunt you. And you'll have no one to blame but yourself and that girl you're so in love with.” Connie answered.

“You think I'll rule the same way you do, is that what you're saying?” Marquise asked.

“Ruling is hereditary, my son. You will pledge your life to serve the people just like I did. And whether you like it or not, I will always be your father.” Connie replied.

Marquise nodded.

“You're right it is. And thankfully for me I have my mother to thank for how I will rule. Not you.”

Constantine stared venomously at his son.

“You're lucky I have no power now. Otherwise, you'd be in chains!” Connie hissed.

“Ahhh yes. Where would I be without Constantine Rys and his now truly idle threats?” Marquise asked mockingly.

“You have always been an ungrateful brat!” Connie replies.

“And you've always been a piss poor excuse of a father. Never any good to either one of your sons.”

“I have always been good to you and Leo!”

Marquise poured himself another drink.

“Then tell me again how and why Leo and Maddie’s engagement fell apart.”

Connie went quiet.

“Oh, I’m sorry. Did I hit a nerve?” Marquise asked.

“You keep your mouth shut boy!” Connie hissed.

“Why of course, Your Majesty. We wouldn't want the world to find out the actual reason Leo abdicated is because you slept with his fiancee and got her pregnant. It's a good thing that Regina convinced her to terminate the pregnancy and how fortuitous for you that you got her and Leo to each sign an NDA. Just to protect your image.”

Constantine’s nostrils flared.

“Now get out!” Marquise sneered.

Connie got up to walk away and as he did he said this.

“Try as you might, my son. You will never be ANYTHING like Eleanor. But you will always be a part of me and I of you. We are much more alike than you think.”

Marquise watched Connie walk out the door. He took a few minutes to compose himself before he went to bed. The next morning he was just waking up the next morning when he noticed steam coming from under the bathroom door. When he looked up, Shanelle was coming out of the bathroom in her robe with her hair wet.

“Well, good morning handsome,” she said with a smile.

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

“I missed you,” she replied.

“What time did you get in?” he asked.

“I got to the palace late last night and when I got here you were already asleep. I didn't want to disturb you so I crawled into bed with you. I woke up about an hour ago and decided to get in the shower.” she replied.

Marquise shook his head with a smile.

“Come here,” he said to her.

She crawled into bed with him. When she felt his arms around her she shivered.

“Well, you smell good.”

“Thank you. So how was your day yesterday?” she asked.

“It was fine until Naya and my father each paid me a visit,” he replied.

Shanelle winced.

“Yikes on yikes on yikes.”

“Imagine how I felt. Thankfully, she's gone home because her husband came back from Ethiopia yesterday. And the former King is in Fydelia with Regina so I shouldn't have to deal with either of them until the Grand Hunt Saturday.”

“You mean we shouldn't. I want to sit in on the interviews if that's okay.”

“Of course my love. I would love to have your input on the selections.”

“I want to know who it is we're working with when it comes to the kingdom and the new Monarchy. I need to know that we can trust them to put the people’s needs first.”

That put a smile on Marquise’s face.

“Well let's get dressed, my Queen. We have a busy day ahead of us.”

Marquise hopped in the shower, the two got dressed and then had breakfast before they tackled the selection interviews. The interview process went smoothly. Some of the leaders Shanelle liked and others she could do without. And one interview shocked her. It was the first time she met Marquise’s cousin, Giancarlo Rys.

“Carlo! It's good to see you, cousin!” Marquise said as he greeted his cousin.

“It's good to see you too, cousin. Thank you for the opportunity to interview. Although I’m not sure what position it is you want me to fill.” Giancarlo said to him.

“I'll be happy to tell you. But first, allow me to introduce you to my fiancee,” Marquise said before turning to Shanelle, “my love I know this is a shock but I want you to meet my cousin, Giancarlo Rys.”

Giancarlo bowed.

“It is an honor to meet you, Your Regency.”

“The pleasure’s all mine. I had no idea he had a cousin.”

“Yes. My father Sebastian was Connie's younger brother. He tragically passed away when Marquise was barely 2 months old.”

“Oh goodness. Please sit down.” Shanelle says to Giancarlo.

Giancarlo smiled.

“Thank you, Your Regency,” he said as he took his seat.

“How is Nadia doing?” Marquise asked Carlo.

“My mother is doing well. When I told her you reached out she was so excited. She wanted to come but she's still recovering from her hip surgery.” Carlo replied.

“I understand. Please give her my love.”

“I will do that.”

Giancarlo looked at Marquise with an eyebrow raised.

“Alright cousin. You have me here. What do you have up your sleeve?” Giancarlo asked Marquise.

Marquise snickers.

“You know me well. I'll get straight to the point. I want you to join the new Monarchy that Shanelle and I are forming. More specifically I want you to have your father’s old post as Keeper Of The Royal Archives.

Giancarlo blinked at him.

“You want me?! Marquise, I'm a history professor! Not a noble.”

“I know. But you have been a historian your whole life. You are perfect for this role. And I’m sure Sebastian would be proud to have you follow in his footsteps.”

“Does it really mean that much to you?” Carlo asked him.

“Of course. Again you are perfect for this role. Besides, Errol has got to go. He's a relic at this point.” Marquise replies.

Carlo shook his head with a chuckle.

“And what does my dear uncle say about it?” Carlo asked.

“He's got his own problems to deal with,” Marquise replied.

“Speaking of which,” Giancarlo began to say before looking toward Shanelle, “before I go any further does she know?”

Marquise shook his head no.

“Know what?” Shanelle asked.

“My father has cancer,” Marquise answered.

Shanelle was stunned.

“What?! Cancer?” Shanelle asked.

“Yes. He has a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer.” Marquise replied.

“Oh my God. I had no idea.”

“Not many people know about it.”

“Mariana told me that the surgery was unsuccessful.”

Marquise nodded before looking to Shanelle.

“Giancarlo’s wife Mariana is the Surgical Oncologist who performed his surgery. Unfortunately, the surgery wasn't successful and it metastasized to his liver.”

“Meaning what?” Shanelle asked.

“He's dying. He has maybe 6-8 months left to live according to him.” Marquise replied.

Shanelle was stunned.

“I'm sorry to surprise you, my love. I wasn't trying to hide this from you. I just wanted to find the right moment to tell you.”

Shanelle nodded slowly.

“No, I get it. It's just…a lot. And I now have so many questions but they can wait for later.”

Marquise squeezed her hand gratefully.

“I appreciate that. And I promise to answer all the questions you have. Now back to the matter at hand.”

Marquise looked at Giancarlo.

“What do you say, Carlo? Are you in?” Marquise asked.

“I don’t know, cousin. It is an amazing opportunity. But I don’t know if I can give up my job as a professor.” Giancarlo replied.

“I understand that. And I would never ask you to give up your teaching job. But I need you, Carlo. I will even give you a light schedule so you don't have to give up your students at the university.” Marquise said to him.

Giancarlo laughed.

“You drive a hard bargain cousin.”

Marquise rolled his eyes with a smirk.

“Quit being an old man and say yes.”

Giancarlo shook his head and then turned to Shanelle.

“If you'll have me Your Regency, I will happily accept the position.”

“Since it means that much to His Regency, I would love to have you.”

Giancarlo nodded.

“Alright cousin. I'm in. And besides, it's like you said, Errol is an old relic. I'm sure he still uses filing cabinets and floppy disks to keep official records.”

Marquise extended his hand and shook Giancarlo’s hand.

“It'll be good to have you here, cousin,” Marquise said to his cousin.

“Indeed it will. Now if you and Her Regency will excuse me, I have some good news to deliver.”

“It was good to meet you, Giancarlo.” Shanelle said to him.

“Likewise. And since we're practically family, please call me Carlo.” Giancarlo replies.

“Will do.”

Giancarlo smiled at Shanelle.

“I'll see you soon…Your Majesty.” Giancarlo said to Marquise before taking his leave.

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khoicesbyk · 4 years ago

Text

Beloved.

A/N: I'm officially obsessed with Wolf Bride and what does one do when she's obsessed with a certain book? She writes an AU about it! 😁 So, Talley Ho! *in my Sherlock Holmes voice*

Rated: Mature. | Contains sexual content and strong language. (You know? The usual from me. 😁) | Bolded and/or italicized words are conversations and thoughts of the characters. | Main Characters: Roman (LI) and Naia Evans (MC) | All Characters and names: (except MC and certain original characters, created by me) are property of Pixelberry.

Current Word Count: 3,040 words. (more or less. I stop counting after editing and re-editing. 🤷🏾‍♀️)

Song And Story Inspiration: On My Mind/Burn/Love Me Like You Do-Ellie Goulding | | | | | |

Tag List: @choiceslady @shewillreadyou @bebepac @queenjilian @txemrn @pixie88 @lucy-268 @hopefulmoonobject @choicesficwriterscreations

This series is rated Mature. It is NOT reading material that is safe for those under 18. Reader discretion is STRONGLY advised!

This series may contain spoilers. If you wish not to see spoilers, please do not read any further.

(Also this series is a slight deviation of the original story. In the original story, the werewolf hunter is a woman. But in this series the hunter is a man.)

If you’d like to be added to my tag list. Just reblog or dm me and I will gladly add you! 😁😘

Missing a chapter or want to read a chapter again? I got you covered! Click ——> Here

Chapter 8.) Love Me Like You Do.

You're the light, you're the night. You're the color of my blood. You're the cure, you're the pain. You're the only thing I wanna touch. Never knew that it could mean so much, so much.

You're the fear, I don't care. 'Cause I've never been so high. Follow me through the dark. Let me take you past our satellites. You can see the world you brought to life, to life.

It had been a week since her first dream about Trent.

And Naia was sleeping in Roman’s arms, dreaming about Trent again. They were running through the woods together with reckless abandon. They were wolves. Bounding through the woods on all fours. And when Naia reached the edge of the woods she looked back to see if he was still behind her, but she saw nothing but darkness. She didn’t know where he was. She frantically looked around for him but he was gone. When she called out to him he never responded.

That’s when she woke up gasping for air and in a cold sweat. Something that hadn’t happened since coming to Hunt’s Peak. She had just sat up and was getting her head out of the fog it was in, when she felt Roman’s hand on her shoulder.

“Are you alright Beloved?” He asks.

“Huh? Yeah. I-I’m okay.” She replied trying to downplay how and what she was feeling.

“Your heart is racing. Are you sure that you’re okay?” He asked.

“Yes. It was just a nightmare. I promise I’ll be fine.” She replies.

Roman knew something was wrong but he decided not to press the issue.

“You should rest Beloved.”

“I will. No need to worry.”

She grabbed Gino from off the floor and snuggled him close as Roman’s arms wrapped around her.

“Not so tight!”

Roman raised his head.

“You’ll squish Gino.”

He groaned.

“I do not understand why you are so attached to that thing.”

“Well if you didn’t want me to have him…you shouldn’t have given him to me.”

She snickered as he rolled his eyes. She settled in his arms and was soon fast asleep.

So love me like you do, lo-lo-love me like you do.

Love me like you do, lo-lo-love me like you do.

Touch me like you do, to-to-touch me like you do.

What are you waiting for?

The next morning Naia was with Layla helping her with laundry for the Pack.

“Thank you so much for the help. It would’ve taken me hours to get all this done.” Layla told her.

“No problem. I’m surprised that the Pack believes in washing machines.”

“You do NOT want to know how hard it was or how long it took me to convince them.”

The two shared a laugh as they folded blankets. When Naia reached for one another blanket, Layla cautioned her.

“You might want to be careful with that one.”

“Why?” Naia asks.

“Because that one is Roman’s.” Layla replies.

“Ohhhhhh.”

“Yeah. He rarely lets me wash it.”

“Why? It’s just a blanket.”

“It was his mother’s. It never leaves the den unless he allows it.”

“He told me about her. Sounds like he really loved her.”

“Yeah he did and still does. Roman is the quintessential mama’s boy.”

Naia laughed.

“Just don’t tell him I said that.”

“Don’t worry. My lips are sealed.”

“Good. Because he’d be pretty pissed at me if he knew I said that about him.”

“Even if it’s true?” Naia asked.

“Especially because it’s true!” Layla replies.

The two shared another laugh.

“Tell me about his mother. All I know is that her name is Delia.”

Layla went quiet as she considered how to answer.

“Ms. Delia was a joy to be around. She was fair and stern and always loving. Even after she married and mated with Roman’s father, she continued on to be a school teacher. She cared for the Pack. Maybe even more than Xander ever did. She was as protective as she was funny. She’s one of the reasons why I’m loyal to them as well.”

“Did she welcome you?” Naia asks.

“Oh yeah. She welcomed anyone to the Pack. Even though some Pack members thought it was a mistake.” Layla replies.

“Why would they think that welcoming others is a mistake?” She asks.

“Because the Pack is an old guard. And many believe in its old and kinda outdated ways. Many of the werewolves, especially some of the elders only look at humans like us as a means to an end. But to some like Callum and Roman, humans are and always will be welcomed and loved. Just like Ms. Delia taught them.” Layla replies.

“How was she with Roman?” Naia asks.

“She loved Roman and his siblings. But, many whispered that she always favored him because he’s the oldest and her firstborn. She always knew how to tame her son. And when she died, it nearly killed him. He was closed off for a while. And as of late, he’s just been so absorbed in his role as Alpha.” Layla replied.

“I wish I had the chance to meet her.”

“She would’ve loved you.”

“You think so?” Naia asks.

“Yup. She was always a sweet woman. Even though she lived amongst the Pack.” Layla replies.

“What was his father like?” She asked.

“When you think of Xander, think of an older, stuffier and scarier version of Roman.” Layla replies.

“Yikes! Yikes! And triple yikes!”

“Yeah…compared to his father and especially how he ran the Pack, Roman is an angel.”

“Sheesh! I’m kinda sorry I asked. “

Once they were finished with the laundry, they stopped by the furniture store to pick up a few things for the den. Then went to the local boutique for themselves.

“I love this boutique so much. I just wish I could fit in the clothes.” Layla said in a wistful tone.

“I’m sure they’ve got something in here for you.”

“You see this?” Layla asks, pointing to her very pregnant belly. “Ain’t nothing in here fitting all of this.”

Naia rolled her eyes and chuckled.

“Buuuuuuut that doesn’t mean that we can’t find something for you.”

“You just want to live vicariously through me, don’t you?” Naia asked.

“Maaaaaaaybe.” Layla replied innocently.

“Uh huh…”

After picking out a few outfits that she really liked, Naia turned her attention to the lingerie in the boutique. Using Layla’s critical eye, she narrowed her choices down to two colors red and purple.

“Well you can’t go wrong with red. It’s a classic color for a reason. But then again I really like the purple one.”

Naia tried on both and showed Layla.

“Well damn Miss America! Who knew you could twirl like that?” She teased.

Naia rolled her eyes good naturedly.

“So…which one should I get?” Naia asked her.

“Split the difference and get both. Especially if you want to make Roman drool.” Layla replied.

“Oh no honey! Never buy lingerie for a man. Always do it for yourself. But you are right I think I’m gonna get both.”

“Of course I’m right! Now go pay for them so we can go get some food. We’re starving!”

After paying for her new clothes and getting food, Naia and Layla were back at the den rearranging and organizing the kitchen. With the Pack out on a hunt, Naia took the initiative to freshen the room she was given. She figured she’d deal with Roman and his opinion later. She had just finished redecorating the bedroom when he walked in.

“What did you do?” He asks.

“Made this more of a bedroom and less of a cold, sterile cave with a bed in it.” She replies.

He gives her a lopsided look.

“What? Gino likes it.”

“Gino can’t speak.”

“He still likes it.”

“Gino is a toy.”

“Well I say he likes it!” She huffed.

He shakes his head and smirks at her. She could feel his victory through their bond.

“How was the hunt?” She asked after clearing her throat.

“It was highly successful. How was your day in town?” He asks.

“Good. We got the laundry done and did a little shopping. Well I shopped, Layla watched.” She replies.

“What did you buy?” He asks.

“A little gift for myself.” She replies.

He raises an expectant eyebrow.

“If you must know, I bought lingerie.”

“Hmmmm I see.”

She watched Roman as he took a look at what she had done around the room. When his eyes fell on his mother’s blanket laying on the bed, his gaze softened. He sat down and held the blanket in his hands. She sat down next to him.

“Layla told me that it was your mother’s.��

“It was. She made it herself.”

“She was a quilter?” She asks.

“Yes. She was also a school teacher.” He replies.

“Layla told me that.”

“What else did Layla tell you?” He asks.

“That you really loved her and that you miss her.” She replies.

“She’s right. Mother was an angel. There isn’t a day where I don’t miss her.”

“I’m sure she’s proud of you Roman. Wherever she is.”

He smiled softly at her.

“Gino was right. What you’ve done is…nice.”

She chuckled softly before laying her head on his shoulder.

“If you don’t like it, I can always change it.”

“No. I want this to be as much of a home for you as possible. And if changing things around and adding things does that for you, I won’t protest.”

Fading in, fading out. On the edge of paradise. Every inch of your skin is a holy grail I've got to find. Only you can set my heart on fire, on fire. Yeah, I'll let you set the pace. 'Cause I'm not thinking straight. My head's spinning around I can't see clear no more. What are you waiting for?

Love me like you do, lo-lo-love me like you do (like you do) Love me like you do, lo-lo-love me like you do Touch me like you do, to-to-touch me like you do What are you waiting for?

She felt their bond swell as they sat together. She secretly loved seeing him be vulnerable with her. After a few moments, he put the blanket down.

“Will you come with me?” He asks her. “There’s something I want to show you.”

“Sure. Where are we going?” She replies.

“You’ll see.”

He led her along the north side of the woods towards a field.

“I don’t see anything.”

“Just watch Beloved.”

Beside her Roman had transformed into his wolf form. After hearing him let out a commanding and slightly startling howl, she watched as a pack of actual wolves came through the tall grass. She counted at least 7 adult wolves as Roman changed back into his human form.

As they approached she hid behind Roman.

“Yipe!”

“They won’t harm you Beloved.”

“If it’s all the same to you, I’d rather not take the chance of finding out.”

She watched him as he knelt down to greet the Alpha of the pack. The wolves greeted him like they were greeting an old friend. Roman nodded to the alpha to meet Naia.

“I promise you, you’re safe Beloved. Come meet Kuvo.”

Naia knelt beside him and held out her palm for Kuvo to sniff. After sniffing her palm, Kuvo walked around sniffing the rest of her before headbutting her shoulder affectionately.

“Hi Kuvo.” She said as he nuzzled her. Kuvo looked to his pack then the adults took off. Leaving the pups behind.

“Where are they going?” She asks.

“To hunt.” He replies.

“So we’re babysitting?”

“Yes. I thought you’d like to see what Gino would look like if he was real.”

“Look at you. Jealous of a toy.”

He rolled his eyes as they walked to where the pups were playing. As they got closer the pups ran to Roman, nearly tackling him when he sat down.

“You’re covered in pups. You know that right?” She said as she snickered. She sat down close to him and one of the smaller pups ran up to her.

“Hi there little one! You are absolutely adorable.” She said as she nuzzled the pup in her arms. She rubbed behind the pup’s ears as she watched the other pups climb all over Roman.

“You look natural Beloved.”

She blushed.

“Thank you.”

He nodded to the pups and they went from climbing all over him to swarming Naia.

He watched as she giggled and pups yipped.

“Oh my God! I should’ve been born an octopus because I clearly don’t have enough arms!” She said as she giggled and tried to pet and pick up as many pups as she could. When she finally got up and tried to walk away, the pups followed behind her.

“I feel like a mother!” She giggled.

“You look like one.”

Just then an adult wolf came out of the field. The pups ran straight to the wolf and led the wolf to them.

“Who’s that?” She asks.

“That’s their mother, Oma.” He replied.

He knelt in front of her then allowed her to nuzzle and lick him. When Oma turned to Naia, she was holding one of the pups. Oma cautiously walked towards Naia, who had her hand stretched out to her. Oma sniffed her hand then licked her palm. While the pup ran off to play with its siblings, Oma laid down next to Naia with her head in her lap.

“Hello Oma. Your pups are the cutest little things.” She said to Oma as they watched the pups play. She rubbed behind Oma’s ears Roman sat down on the other side of Oma.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Why did you bring me here?” She asks.

“Because I wanted you to see why I protect these lands. These wolves are some of the most endangered in the country. And not just from SEP but poachers as well. It is my duty to protect them. And it’s getting increasingly difficult to do so.” He replies.

“Why is that?” She asks.

“Because if SEP gets their hands on this land, they’ll tear it all down to build mines. Which will drive Kuvo and his pack further away from here and right into the hands of poachers.” He replies. His tone hid a calm fury.

“They’d turn all of this into mines? What kind of mines?” She asks.

“Coal.” He replies.

Naia shuddered at his words.

“I hope you see why I must fight against these evils. I am Alpha. It is my job to protect and defend.”

“I do understand why you fight so hard.”

“I hope you will be at my side as I fight for this land.”

“As your mate you mean.”

Roman smirked.

“Yes. I would love for you to be my mate. But only if you want to be.”

Naia snuggled Oma as she considered his words. In the distance a howl was heard and returned by Oma and the pups.

“What’s going on?” She asks.

“It’s Kuvo. The hunt is over and was a success.” He replies as he looks out to the distance. Oma rises and goes with the pups to meet Kuvo and the other wolves. They watched as the wolves shared the kill.

“That’s a huge deer!” She exclaimed.

“Indeed. This is what it means to be an alpha. Kuvo excels at his duty as alpha.”

“So do you. Don’t ever forget that.”

Roman smiled softly at her. He noticed that she was shivering.

“Are you cold?” He asks.

“Just a little bit.” She whispered.

She felt his arms wrap around her. He was trying to use his body heat to keep her warm.

“Thank you Roman. I feel better.”

“Good. Now come. It’s getting late and you should rest.”

“But I’m not—“ she said before letting out a giant yawn.

“You were saying?” He teased.

She huffed then smirked.

“I do miss Gino. He’s probably lonely without me.”

“Yes…I’m sure that a toy is very lonely.”

She snickered as they began to walk back to the den. As she crawled into bed, she saw Roman getting ready to leave.

“You’re leaving?” She asked.

“Yes. Do not worry I will be back.” He told her.

She felt her heart start to ache. She didn’t want to be away from him.

“Don’t go.”

“I must Beloved.”

“Stay with me.”

He sat across from her as she clung to Gino.

“Beloved…”

“Roman please…”

He could feel her yearning for him. To soothe her ache, he kissed her. She needed him. She was desperate for him. Her body wanted him. As the kiss deepened, she pulled him on top of her. Their limbs tangled with each other as the kiss intensified.

Love me like you do, lo-lo-love me like you do (like you do) Love me like you do, lo-lo-love me like you do (yeah) Touch me like you do, to-to-touch me like you do What are you waiting for?

I'll let you set the pace. 'Cause I'm not thinking straight. My head's spinning around I can't see clear no more. What are you waiting for?

Love me like you do, lo-lo-love me like you do (like you do). Love me like you do, lo-lo-love me like you do (yeah). Touch me like you do, to-to-touch me like you do. What are you waiting for? Love me like you do, lo-lo-love me like you do (like you do). Love me like you do, lo-lo-love me like you do (oh). Touch me like you do, to-to-touch me like you do What are you waiting for?

Roman had to force himself to stop kissing her.

“As much as I hate to stop, I must.”

“Okay…” she pouted.

“Get some rest Beloved. I will see you when you wake up.”

With a kiss to her forehead, Roman left and Naia was soon fast asleep.

She was soon dreaming again. She was dreaming about Trent again. She was dreaming about being in his arms. And being with him. She felt her heart tell her that Trent is her mate, the same way Roman is her mate. And when she woke up, she needed to know why. So she made it her mission to figure out what was going on with her heart.

#choices #pixelberry #choices stories you play #khoicesbyk #choices fanfiction #fanfic #wolf bride #alpha wolf

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