#her romance will probably be my playthrough after this one and i'm really looking forward to it

[dragonologist-phd]

what is your fave bg3 wlw dynamic so far. Speaking as someone planning to do a romance run for every character (starting with Wyll).

ah ok so please keep in mind that i haven't even finished act 1 yet, and i'm trying to avoid spoilers for companion arcs and such, so this is all purely based off my impressions so far and the little snips i've seen of other romances!

that being said, i do think Karlach is going to end up being my favorite! She's already a staple of my party, and everything about her is just so delightful. Her VA does an amazing job- she's got so much personality and energy, and all of the romance scenes i've seen so far are really heartwarming (pun intended). i'm also a sucker for the trope of 'I really want to touch you but can't because my physical touch is literally dangerous'. On top of all that...she's so strong <3 i think i'm gonna bring in my halfling from my irl dnd game to romance her, and once they get the touch thing figured out Karlach is going to constantly be picking her up for sweeping romantic kisses

i'm also really enjoying the Shadowheart romance, which so far has been a nicely balanced slow burn. her date scene especially is really cute, and i'm appreciating the gradual buildup of trust being shown

i haven't seen as much for Lae'zel or Minthara's romances, so i can't say much on them. What i can say is that i'm obsessed with whatever Shadowheart and Lae'zel have going on, and i think when i get around to the Lae'zel romance i'm going to do it playing as Shadowheart's origin. i mean, look at them

their dynamic is already so good! it's the disdain for each other slowly turning to mutual respect all under layers of sexual tension...they intrigue me so deeply, that playthrough is going to be a rollercoaster when i finally get to it

[alitgblog]

volume vii thoughts

as per usual I have complaints about the missed opportunities of casa

first things first, the casa boys' sprites looked bad to me when I saw that post fusebox made but after playing for like a minute, I was like nah actually they're quite fine. However, prettiest sprites they're competing with are Jin, Claudia, Oakley, Tyler, and Bea so the competition is rough. Also idk something is throwing me off with Shawn and especially Kyle's face shapes.

I think last post I made I said Hari at least got more of a chance than Tyler, but scratch that actually, it feels like they got the same chance because suddenly we're in casa and hardly any mention of him, even though he and my MC have kissed a few times already and she hasn't really rejected him fully over Jin yet? Don't know if anyone's in the boat of going all in with Hari but I'm curious what the gameplay is like for them.

So Emel has randomly decided to be annoyed at Oakley again (I'll replay for you next time Oakley 🥺) and it's clearly because the routes are merged now, which is such a shame because I do think Emel and Oakley could've worked it out and become a fun couple to watch on the real show (probably a boring one though that the audience would dump until after the show ended that their real personalities come out on social media and the public like them individually or at least understand why they were together so long). And I know it's not the most in character thing but I so appreciate it not being a complete 180 for the sake of plot because I'm trying to imagine this with all the couples given what I know about them from my playthrough and Emel/Oakley always have problems because she's uptight and wants more dramatics in their romance and he's chill so any little thing he ends up doing sets her off, sure, I can buy that Emel is a little delusional. Then Luna/Jin would have problems because Luna is less extroverted than Jin, serious, and irritable (which honestly, relatable) and so Jin does things for a laugh and she doesn't get it. So maybe he didn't wink at Bea or did it as a joke because he's being cheeky and she takes it as flirting and starts an argument. And from my playthrough, Sophie and Jack always feel like they're looking for an argument so that checks out too. It's not perfect, but I can feasibly see how one could justify this plot point.

absolutely living for flirting with Claudia in casa

pet peeve subjective raunchy races is back 😠 at least a couple of them are better, like they did have oldest boy in there at least. everything else though, I don't care that much to listen to them argue about who's the most well traveled or stylish.

I love Bea's personality, she's so fun. And tbh, I'm kind of liking her and Liam together. He's forward and she's into it, and it seems like he can keep up with her for now so I'm happy with that couple and I hope it doesn't turn to shit (it probably will).

also pay to win when losers are gonna throw a part anyway ok sure 🙄 I think I've mentioned this before but like personally I think if they're gonna do gem scenes, there has to be a logical ways out of it rather than just MC being like "nah I don't feel like it" and then they lose?? at least for other gem scenes it's like "tell Sophie off 10 gems" or "stay silent" like sure that's fine I guess.

anyway the chats with the boys were actually all pretty fun and short. I, as per usual, have immediately gravitated towards the foodie/chef character but I'll admit I see what y'all are saying about Kyle. Tbh even Max isn't too bad but I'm cautious bc I'm getting Eddie vibes (it's the blond and the gossip lol). And I like Liam, he's like a less cartoonishly silly Hamish (so he reminds me of Felix).

I really like the free party wear dress and this is the second volume in a row MC has accidentally matched with a boy not her partner lol

Bea first mentioning she was bi but not flirting, I just thought maybe they were setting her up to partner with Claudia/Theo depending on who you couple up with/if you're on one of their routes. But then oh the tension at the party when she's staring at MC saying she wants to turn heads and Claudia getting nervous??? loving that.

I don't know what it's like for the other boys but it seems like Shawn and Kyle are drama averse, which I think could be an interesting plot point for later coming back from casa of course, but I also don't know if I believe in fusebox's ability to incorporate that in the story. (once again, the day I write a fic and learn to code its all over for you fusebox)

I didn't pay for the Bea talking about Jin scene but I saw yall talk about Sienna and like I doubt it's going anywhere if it's behind a paywall? it's like the Brad and Christy stuff tbh like unless a bunch of dumped islanders are coming back at the end, I'm ignoring it.

anyway it truly is missing Jin hours again 😔

[crows-of-buckets]

Dav spoilers below the cut!! (Up to just before leaving for the anderfels)

Okay I've gotten off for today so I wanna ramble a little bit about my playthrough so far!!

I am geniuenly adoring it so far! Alot of the problems I have with inquisition are non-existent, the combat is fun, the characters are likeable. Sadly the purple rook options aren't as much of an asshole as I would like (purple Hawke you will be missed) but they are nice! The writing so far has been solid imo.

I really like that the cameo characters aren't taking up too much space. While I do get excited to see them, I don't want them overshadowing the new characters, like they kinda did in previous games. The cameos are also way sooner than I was expecting!!

So far I've only had one instance of "that is NOT what I meant to say" with the dialogue wheel which I count as a win (when I recruited lucanis I said 'ill keep an eye on you' thinking it was out of concern 😭 that may have just been a skill issue on my end tho. I reloaded that save so fast). I also really like the romance dialogue options so far. They aren't so overwhelming cringe that it makes me wanna curl up and die inside (I am staring directly at you Hawke who SAYS THAT to a man who's BOYFRIEND JUST DIED). They all feel very nice and flirty in a way that isn't in your face. I am also really REALLY liking the companion writing so far. All of the characters are charming and I'm already more invested in them than I was in the inquisiton cast sorry 😭

While Rook does talk a lot on their own, so far it all feels very in line with what Revari would say. While I do miss being able to control everything the PC says, ik logically we'll never get a dragon age game like that again so it's not something I was expecting. Very happy nothing feels glaringly "they would not fucking say that"

I I thought the lack of worldstate choice was going to be more glareingly obvious but tbh i kinda forget about it for most the playthrough. It still sucks that there isn't more worldstate options, but yk I can't change that

Lucanis is already really growing on me!!! He's just a silly little guy and I am a SUCKER for them. Born to be a chef forced to be an assassin frfr...

Neve gallus obviously has my whole heart if you didn't know. The longer she's on screen the more I love her. She hasn't left my party since Bellaras recruitment quest.

Very interested in Bellara. For a hot second I thought her brother was going to be Felassan so I was mildly disappointed that it wasn't 😭 although ultimately making it a new character is a better narrative choice.

I LOVE that you can encourage Lace's abilities!!! I have a feeling that how you tell her to channel her abilities (whether through joy or through fear) is going to affect the outcome of her story... Also love that if you show optimism about her abilities she also shows excitement about them

Varric and Rooks relationship is so sweet to me!!! I mean he calls them kid you guys should know I was gonna be a sucker for it. While I know that's probably annoying for older Rooks, it works for Revari. I'm also very glad he has a distinct different relationship with Rook than he did with Hawke and The Inquisitor. He's clearly very fond of them and it makes me happy idk. Also the sheer fucking difference between the way he acts towards the Inquisitor (even one he's friendly with!!) and rook is so funny. Inky really is just his ex boss huh 😭

I've only talked to Solas twice so far but I'm already more invested in his and Rooks dynamic than I was with him in the Inquisitor sorry 😭 I didn't romance him so he didn't really do it for me in Inquistion, but I'm low-key looking forward to seeing him again. His little jabs in the second talk after you "exchange verbal spars" is so fun, and I think it really hammers in the "Solas reflects back the people he interacted with". He did it with the Inquisitor, and is doing it again with Rook, but it's SO much more interesting to me in this game so far idk. Maybe it's because he's responding to specific comments? Idk Revari is a bit of a shithead so. I don't think Revari hates Solas, but they are a bit wary of him.

The voice acting has been very solid so far as well!! Nothing that's glarely bad to me at least. I also really like some of the facial animations; while some of them can feel a bit flat in general conversation, some of them are REALLY good. There was a bit where Dorian started snarking and he curled his lip. And another where Rook opened their mouth like they were going to talk but didn't. Idk the facial animations are REALLY standing out to me. This is so much better than the previous games I am not even over exaggerating. Dragon age "Every character wears an ugly sneer all the time" Inquisiton you will not be missed... Obviously it's because the technology is better but it is really really obvious how much attention went into the faces I am here for it

The combat is so fucking fun. Ik it won't be everyones cup of tea but I am having a BLAST. It didn't take me very long to get the hang of and it's very satisfying to play with.

I am also fucking LOVING how relevant your backstory is!!! Like yes!!! I am a shadow dragon!!!! There's so many additional dialogue about it even just in casual conversations! I never felt like the game forgot about it. Rooks connection to their faction is great and I love the fact that they know people and people know them. Shadow dragon rook ily 🫶

I really like how much it feels like this game remembers what you've done. From Lucanis remembering your preferred drinks (Revari likes their coffee STRONG) to Varric feeling like he let you down after you encouraged him, so far it really feels like what I'm doing is sticking and that makes me SO fucking happy.

Final thing!!! This game looks absolutely fucking gorgeous I keep getting blown away by the views. I do wish I could zoom my camera out a bit more just to take everything in bc it's SO big I love it!!! So far it is geniuenly meeting my expectations and I am SO FUCKING RELIEVED. I have been so worried it was gonna be dogshit for WEEKS

[somevirtualnolife]

Was musing about this on my twitter, but I was thinking about what tragic romantic tropes I love the most. I of course, love a fluffy happily-ever-after romance (maybe I'll do a separate post for that), but I think my tragedy can probably be boiled down into three types.

To kill or be killed by your loved one. (A.K.A Betrayal).

My Girlfriend has become a God/Metaphor.

All that love and what did it get me?

This isn't like, an in-depth character analysis or anything. This is more of an "Oh this hit me in the feels so hard and I keep coming back to them for some reason" sort of thing. Also there are many spoilers in this.

To kill/be killed by your loved one

This started with me seeing the classic Kaworu episode. The idea of falling in love with your enemy, knowing that he must kill you. And then there is the other end with Anthy, killing the person you love.

Betrayal can be such a beautiful thing to explore in fiction. I feel often it can make you hate a character, but with Kaworu and Anthy I feel that it made me love them more. It made their relationships with Shinji and Utena so raw and intimate.

My first Dragon Age 2 playthrough actually had a bit of this as well. Because I didn't pick up Fenris' loyalty gift, my Hawke and him had to fight to the death and it was probably one of the most jarring but memorable experiences I had in gaming.

My Girlfriend has become a God/Metaphor

I feel this is a bit different than the "Dead Wife" trope. Dead Wife doesn't necessarily have any substance to them nor do you need to fully understand the depth of the relationship. With "My Girlfriend Became a God/Metaphor", I think you can feel why the characters spiralled the way they did and are trying to bring them back.

Simon and Betty, as well as Pearl and Rose make me ugly cry to be honest. Like I can understand why they kind of end up being the worst versions of themselves for awhile. I might too in all honesty.

I wasn't a big fan of Rebellion, but I do think that Homura's desire to basically watch Madoka die over and over again rather than not have her in her life at all is a sort of toxic love that is so fascinating. I am really looking forward to the next movie when it does come out and hopefully continue to expand on it.

All that love and what did it get me?

I love a woman/girl scorned. A lady who loved the wrong person and was made worse because of it. A weirdly stark reminder that love doesn't heal everything. I don't enjoy all jealously stories, but some of these are just... yes. YES.

Ritsuko Akagi and her mother are two of my favourite characters in Evangelion, largely because they loved a trash man (who does suffer from Dead Wife) who ultimately gave them nothing even though they gave him everything. And what do they do? Try to murder the embodiment of their lover's dead wife, even though she is also suffering immensely by that same man. It's very *Chefs kiss*

Sayaka's unrequited love is another one that gets me (and also makes her my favourite character). Sayaka and Homura are similar in many ways that I'm sure people have already looked into. I think what always made me feel for Sayaka is that at the very least, Madoka loved Homura back, Kyosuke did not.

I was debating putting Simon and Grace up in the first section, but ultimately felt it was better down here because again, these are not loves you're rooting for and the person is worse because of it. I still cannot believe how dark Infinity Train got and how far they went with Simon's character. Simon and Grace broke my heart into a million pieces and I am glad they did.

I think the most realistic depiction of just 'loving the wrong person' that is also not due to jealousy is Princess Carolyn and Bojack. A great depiction of power dynamics in a way that hit home (not in my own relationships, but in a few people around me). They were so painful and so good. You can love someone a lot, but that won't necessarily fix them.

I am sure there are many other characters and pairings that I can think of that fall under these tragic romances, but these have taken up a lot of my head space. If you think there is a tragic romance that I haven't watched/read that you think I would like based on this list, lmk!

[kittykatinabag]

More update on my bg3 second-ish run:

Done with Act 2 and yeah Moonrise after the Shadowfell is still a slog. Actually everything Shar's Gauntlet is a slog. Not getting rolled as much (and actually keeping Jaheira alive this time by insisting she come with us instead of charging to her death), but yeah still not my favorite part.

Also annoyed that I accidentally ran into Raphael the one time I didn't have Astarion in my party so missed out on that cut scene and then the fucking devil didn't even show up at camp after I killed his charge. At the very least I'm pretty sure the romance scene is almost virtually the same as the one that got triggered at Moonrise after the conversation with the Drow so I don't think I'm missing out on anything beyond a couple voice lines. Plus even though my first run through I wasn't romancing Astarion, I did do the whole scar conversation with Raphael so eh whatever.

Although once again I refused to meet Isobel before the Shadowfell because I don't want the tiefling NPCs to die like they did on one of my total party wipes in my first playthrough. This probably makes a few things a bit out-of-order and I think technically causes me to miss one quest (that doesn't even get resolved until Act 3) but it doesn't actually affect the story as far as I know. But whatever she has her big beautiful girlfriend back so I don't think she's too fussed about it lmao

Also Halsin's quest didn't bug out this time! Now I can have my fill of bara representation and get flustered by his voice lines too (that slight raspy tone kills me every time).

I stopped right before going into Wyrms Crossing because it was like 1am, but I'm also not really looking forward to officially meeting our gaslight gatekeep girlboss of a companion's true form. Because my god they pissed me off in my first playthrough by suddenly turning from low key sus to high key manipulative that I'm only using illithid powers on my Tav and Astarion (because it just seems in character for both of us and despite being much more morally grey and "the ends justify the means" than my first Tav, my current Tav doesn't want to persuade the other party members who are hesitant to use them) instead of everyone. Also the fight that's waiting for me absolutely rolled me last time and while I think we'll do better this time, I'm still not looking forward to it.

Hopefully in Act 3 I won't utterly mess up some of the quests like I did my first time around. I actually managed to complete a few key quests in act 1 and 2 this time that will change a few things so I'm looking forward to that. I also have a better understanding of the time-sensitive quests this time.

[itlivesproject]

Hi! I only recently downloaded ILW and love it so far. I have a bunch of questions, and hopefully I'm not spamming you guys too much.

First, massive props for making Joss so likeable that I'm actually romancing her in several playthroughs (not all because Amalia is too amazing, and I'm a sucker for a good BFFs to Lovers story. And yes, I'm creating several playthroughs with multiple setups; my main one is the one based on what actually happened when I played ILITW and ILB. Then there's the 'ideal' playthrough where Parker stayed, and neither MC was romancing anyone (I originally romanced Ava) so I can guilt-free set up a romance between ILITW MC and Noah, now another one where it's ILITW MC and Dan, some where MC sacrificed herself, one where Noah actually killed her, some where both the gangs except MCs survived or where everyone other than MC died, and the absolute worst possible setup where everyone who can die, or in Parker's case leave, died. Most are barely started, but you've got me seriously invested in the story, ILW is that good), and making me genuinely enjoy Connor as a character when he bored me in ILITW. Amazing work right there.

Speaking of Joss, I (and I know others in the fandom do so as well) have been wondering, is she on the autism spectrum? That line about her taking some things too literally or something a few chapters ago, I don't remember the exact wording, but it struck me.

So ILB MC vanished, huh. I was hoping we might interact more with that side of the anthology soon, since ILITW has been dominating the story with only one throw-away mention of Tom until then in my main playthrough. Might be Andy romancers had more, but it was Ava for me so idk. I'm definitely excited for whatever you have in store for us in that regard. Does it have anything to do with Annie's sudden reappearance in ILW MC's life 👀?

How many chapters are projected for ILW, by the way? We're at number 9 now, so around halfway, less or more than that?

Also, I keep hearing something about a hiatus, and when exactly does it start, next week? (That would be just my timing, lol. I finally download ILW, and it goes on break immediately after.) Do you have any idea how long it might last, if I may ask?

Basically ILW has really captivated me, you guys are doing amazing, I'm looking forward to all the coming plot twists and branches (which I'm exploring with my different playthroughs as much as I can) and can't wait for whenever the next chapter drops. I probably forgot a bunch of questions I was going to ask, but this ask is already a mile long so I hope I didn't bother all of you too much. Thanks for this project, it really captures the spirit of the IL series in a way I didn't think was possible to replicate. I can tell it was made by real fans, and that's awesome, and for answering these rambling questions!

I love all the different setups you have! 😍😍

So we haven’t explicitly stated if she is on the spectrum but it is an absolutely valid interpretation that I support!

ILW is slated to be a whopping 23 chapters. You can find our progress tracker in our pinned post!

The hiatus will be after chapter 11 airs on July 2, so you have two more chapters before the break 🥲 the length will be a few months at the least but there is no finalized time frame. Basically we just need to finish writing/editing/programming the rest of the chapters so however long that takes 🤷‍♀️

Thanks for sending this in and for all your kind words and support! We value it so so much 🥰 can’t wait to share more of the game with you!

[lizzybeth1986]

Part 2 - His Flame

Introduction

Part 1

Part 3

Disclaimer: This post is the second in a trio of essays on the events of the Finale of The Royal Romance, in which I place Prince Liam's final decision to marry Countess Madeleine in the context of his role as king, the current state of his country Cordonia and how he will move forward from the events of his Coronation. The first essay looks at Cordonia is a nation and how Liam's role is defined by the events that have taken place there over the past few decades. Part 2 will explore the Liam x MC relationship and look at how Liam's interactions with the MC change his beliefs over time.

Disclaimer 2: For the purposes of this essay, I have included only the Liam-centric diamond options and romance-point-responses as part of the plot.

Do read Part 1 before you proceed to this point.

--

MC: Our relationship is so strange. It's not like he [Liam] can sweep me off my feet and carry me out of here...

Maxwell: When you're royalty, the rules are different.

- TRR Chapter 8, "A Waltz to Remember".

Liam comes to New York with one fervent wish: to see the Statue of Liberty - the ultimate symbol of freedom - right before he goes back to Cordonia to fulfill his duties and choose a bride. He refrains from asking his friends to include it in their schedule for fear of sounding ungrateful. So when an adventurous, fiesty young waitress jumps on the chance to make his dream come true, he is more than intrigued. Almost instantly, he confesses his deepest desires to her as he would an old friend.

For most of their boat trip to Liberty, Liam seems to admire the MC for being precisely what he can't be: gutsy, adventurous, the kind of person who constantly follows her heart. He recognizes in her the freedom he lacks.

For both Liam and the MC, this romantic interlude seems special because they don't expect to see each other again.

The MC, at the beginning of the game, is given three options that reveal to Liam what her ultimate dream is: to see the world, to fall in love or to live every moment to the fullest. Each of these goals, in some way, propel her to take that giant leap to Cordonia once Maxwell makes her the offer.

The Liam she finally meets at the Masquerade Ball is in many ways different from the tourist she had met in New York. In Cordonia, he is the Crown Prince, constantly aware of who he is and what his duties are, and the consequences of his actions. When the MC asks him what he thinks of the social season, he says, "I know it's silly...but it is tradition. I know how important it is to Cordonia to find the right queen." (TRR Chapter 4). He tells her that his feelings do not exactly count in the face of Cordonia's stability, citing the example of his brother Leo's mother. The MC will have to build her reputation in court and gain public approval if she is to be considered a fit candidate for his hand.

It's easy to forget sometimes what a personal leap it is for the MC (especially if Liam is her LI in the playthrough) to settle into courtly life. She has to use her limited funds to impress the royal family, the press and the public, quickly learn the new things that all the other suitors seem to know already and say all the right things to the right people, all while being able to snatch only a few minutes with Liam here and there.

Liam seems aware of how difficult her transition is, and strives to make it easier on her from behind the scenes. He persuades Drake to keep an eye on her to see if she is lost (something that actually does occur at the Derby), ensures that Drake gets the room next to hers at Applewood Manor, arranges for American barbecue to be given at the beach party so she will get a taste of home. He is aware that among all the ladies vying for his hand, the MC is at a disadvantage because everything about this experience is new to her.

The MC, on the other hand, attempts to give him opportunities to let loose, relive his childhood and forget for a while that he has the responsibility of an entire nation on his shoulders. At the Masque, she convinces him to play maze-tag with her after the ball, confiding in him later that "you laughed more in this maze than you did all night at that Masquerade". The hedge maze, from there on, becomes symbolic of their relationship - a reminder of Liam's mother, and his past, and a promise that he can relive happier memories with a woman who is willing to see him as merely human.

Another example of the MC encouraging Liam to take risks and try out new experiences is the "cronut run" (although, to be fair, the cronut run is really for ALL her Cordonian friends). It is here that Liam reveals to her exactly how sheltered his life is: "It's strange. I'm the potential leader of my country, and there's still so much of it I haven't experienced". He realises this needs to change, but isn't sure how to go about it yet.

Their relationship in Cordonia begins on slightly shaky footing, both aware that Liam is expected to make time for all the ladies participating in the social season, and that they cannot give in to their need for each other no matter how tempting the prospect is. While the MC is willing to go further in her relationship with him, Liam reluctantly exercises control over his desire for her, for different reasons over the course of the social season.

From the Masquerade to the hot tub scene at the Nevrakis Chateau, Liam is aware that anything can happen over the next few months and isn't willing to take chances with her. At this point the MC has only begun to prove herself to the King, Queen and the Press, and her reputation as an American vying for the Prince's hand makes her an unconventional choice. By the time they slip into the hot tub at Lythikos, Liam is already starting to feel the strain of repressing his feelings for the MC in favor of being fair to everyone. It's probably at this point that he starts to question exactly how useful the social season is, given that during the Coronation he doesn't hesitate to call it a "damned process".

The Royal Regatta, which follows this sequence, is a turning point that raises questions both for Liam's future and his relationship with the MC. King Constantine's announcement about retiring and handing over the throne to Liam complicates things even further. Had Constantine's rule continued, and the MC succeeded in winning Liam's hand, she would have had plenty of time to fit into her role, so that by the time she was Queen she could prove she could handle the pressure. With this announcement, however, there are chances that whoever Liam will marry will be pushed headlong into the role of Queen.

By this time Liam is already sure he wants to marry the MC (he takes her to Forgotten Falls - a favourite childhood spot - and almost confesses his love to her there), but has no idea how she will fare as Queen. It is a question he asks her often over the next few days, warning her of the expectations she will be asked to fulfill, trying each time to gauge whether this is something she will be okay with.

It is during the Apple Blossom festival that the MC truly gets her moment to shine. Here (if the player clicks the correct options) she not only shows a keen enthusiasm for Cordonian traditions, and manages to charm both the Queen and the Press (again), but has also formed alliances with the suitors who were out of the running already. Where earlier the Queen's questions tested her opinions on governing the nation, here their discussion centres around delegation and the need for allies. Her answers prove to the public that she is serious about becoming Liam's Queen.

This also explains Liam's own change of behaviour. In Applewood, the MC notices that he is happier and more carefree, and definitely more ready to talk about the future. We are never explicitly shown why, but over the course of the book we discover that the MC's reputation has grown in Applewood, making the Prince's decision to select her easier on him. At the ruins close to the village where they rode horses, Liam asks her what kind of king he will make. Her encouragement makes it clear to him that he is not alone.

In the same diamond sequence, Maxwell tells the MC that he saw "something in [MC] that Cordonia needed: hope". It is at this moment we can pinpoint when exactly Liam started becoming confident in his choice of queen. By the time Liam sneaks her into Applewood hedge maze for private time, he has begun talking about spending an eternity with her, asked her what kind of legacy she will want to leave behind and what causes she will champion. At this point he has stopped considering anyone else for his hand in marriage.

It is during their stay is Applewood that their kisses become more frenzied and desperate, and where their need for each other is starting to reach its peak - by the Beaumont chapters Liam is literally biting her neck.

The Beaumont chapters mark an important transition in the way their relationship functions: so far, the MC has been the one who, in Liam's words, has been "jet-setting around Cordonia, attending grand formal events...", and Liam already feels the need to give more to the relationship than he has so far, by having his first ever date with her.

Midway through the date, he tells her that he has never dated before, answers awkward, silly first-date questions, and confesses to her his dream of having a family. This experience is the closest Liam has ever gotten, in his adult life, to being normal around someone.

His efforts to meet the MC halfway don't just stop there. He takes the risk of wearing a suit to match the MC's gown, aware that the symmetry between the couple will cause a stir. He offers her a massage at the Beaumont spa, hoping to help her relax a bit before the craziness of the Coronation ball begins. Having hosted a wildly successful party for the first time, her chances with Liam are now higher.

But because this is a relationship with strange beginnings, Liam and the MC are able to move forward quite quickly in some aspects of their relationship, while tiptoeing around others. For instance, they tend to be open to each other about happier times, but do not always share troubling information with each other, such as the truth behind Constantine's retirement (though Liam does tell her that she would have been the first to hear it if he ever was ready to talk), the Tariq fiasco and the damaged lock on her door at Applewood. Part of this, of course, was because the MC convinced herself that there was nothing to worry about.

Liam and the MC finally confess their love to each other at the hedge maze in the Coronation ball - the first place Liam had ever taken her to in Cordonia. By bringing her here to confess his love, Liam comes full circle. This was the place where he pulled away for the first time, afraid to go further. This is the one place he treasured for the memories it held. In this moment he is confident now that she will become his queen, and nothing - or no one - can stop him from choosing her. In this place, he now wants to make new memories, with her.

Over the course of their relationship, the MC has never failed to turn everything Liam knew to be true, on its head. The social season was about getting him a bride and a fitting queen for Cordonia, but the MC managed to get him to think beyond it. This is never more evident than in these lines:

When Liam eventually makes love to the MC, he doesn't just ask her consent for the sex. He also asks her how she wants it. Both options yield different scenarios, with Liam moulding himself to fit into the MC's needs for that night. This may seem like a small thing, but the fact that he wants her to enjoy sex the way she wants it, not the way he assumes it should be, shows us that as soon as he is done with this social-season-facade, he plans to place her needs first.

There is an element of tragedy to this love scene, given that it happens just minutes before they are denied a chance to ever be a couple in public. We know what took Liam this long, what it took for him to rein himself in everytime things threatened to go a little too far. We know that he was waiting for approval from all sides, hoping against hope that he would be able to both fulfill his duty to his country and be with the woman he loves. He was confident enough in the fact that they'd be together that he stopped waiting and gave in to what they'd both wanted all along. And right after this he finds the same woman being openly humiliated in court, thrown out without being given a chance to clear her name.

When the scandal finally breaks out in court, Liam's first reaction is to ask for her, and then yell out to her so she can hear him. When he doesn't get a response (because her screams are too far away to hear) he turns to Regina, angrily insisting on talking to the MC before she pulls him aside and whispers instructions in his ear. By the time he announces Madeleine's name, he is furious. He is actively resisting in the only way he knows how.

Liam, stickler for rules, demanded an audience with the suitor he loved just as the night was drawing to a close, just minutes after being crowned. He insisted on it. He called out her name in public. Not in anger, not in suspicion, but in shock. All this in front of his family, in front of the court and other suitors and the press. At that point it almost didn't matter that his mask of self-composure was slipping in front of a crowd. He didn't stop insisting and trying to buy time until his parents forced him to follow the Coronation rule. That might not seem like such a risk, but with the background he comes from, it is.

We must realise that his love for the MC develops over time, and so do the changes that love has brought in him. From being resigned to choosing someone he could just hope to be fond of and slightly compatible with, his experience with the MC proves to him that any bond lesser than love will be detrimental to his marriage and detrimental to Cordonia.

At the end, Liam finds himself living out the words he said, mere months ago, while visiting Lady Liberty.