#maxwell x rashad

[alj4890]

***shortcuts to my masterlists posted on @alj4890masterlist ***

Mixed Signals (Ethan Ramsey x MC) (Tobias Carrick x MC) (Bryce Lahela x MC) Open Heart AU

Can't Take My Eyes Off of You (Maxwell Beaumont x Olivia Nevrakis) TRR Crackship AU

Worth the Wait (Thomas Hunt x OC) in a what if to A Second Chance AU

Thirty Kisses in Thirty Days (various)

Choices Drabbles and Requests (various)

All Through the Night (Dark TRR AU)

While We're Young (TRR Future AU)

And Then I Met You (Thomas Hunt x OC) (TRR/RCD/PM crossover AU)

And Then I Left You (Thomas Hunt x OC) in a what if to And Then I Met You AU)

A Second Chance (Thomas Hunt x OC) (TRR/RCD/PM crossover AU)

None But You (RCD Regency Era AU)

Misfortune's Intentions (TRH AU) (Liam x OC) (Drake x Riley)

Delicate (TRR/OH crossover AU) (Olivia Nevrakis x Ethan Ramsey)

Another Night/Another Dream (TRR/PM/RCD crossover AU)

The Courtship (TRR Regency Era AU)

Winner at a Losing Game (TRR/RCD crossover AU)

A Million Dreams (TRR/The Greatest Showman AU)

Just a Glimpse (TRR AU)

The Other Friend (TRR AU)

[tessa-liam]

Life Goes On

Marabelle Series

Chapter 15 – Part 2

Choices – The Royal Romance, AU – (cross-over with Rules of Engagement)

Series Premise – An American teenager from New York City is introduced to the world of a small European country and its society of royalty, nobility, and commoners. How will her life story be transformed? Will this new adventure bring her happiness...or regret?

Marabelle Series Masterlist, My Complete Masterlist

Main Pairing – Crown Prince Liam Rys x F!OC Lady Sophia (Sophie) Taylor

Other Pairings – Maxwell Beaumont x M!OC Daniel (from NYC), Drake Walker x F!OC Melanie Smithson

Most characters belong to Choices/Pixelberry Studios

Series Rating – M*🔞Warnings: this series will have NSFW material, drinking, crude language & innuendo, gun violence

Many thanks to @selina012 for pre-reading.

Category – Alternate universe/on-going series/angst/fluff/cross-over with Choices Rules of Engagement

Chapter Summary – Liam returns home to Cordonia to find Sophie and to address his nation about the university terror attack.

Music & Title Inspiration: Life Goes On, Ed Sheeran, Luke Combs; Run To You, Lucy Thomas

A/N1: Bethany Beaumont, Maxwell’s mother, is originally from the U.S. and is Barthelemy Beaumont’s second wife. Annabelle Beaumont (deceased) is Bertrand’s mother.

A/N2: ‘Social Season’ in this AU series refers to a traditional period in the spring/summer for royalty and members of the court to take part in Balls, dinner parties and charity events.

A/N3: Heartfelt thanks to @Selina012 for joining me in writing ideas and with dialogue/content for this chapter and series.

Aboard the Royal jet, Rashad peered outside the window and took in the white sands of Cordonia's shores passing by. Suddenly his ears popped, and the pilot spoke over the intercom, announcing the estimated arrival time was in 5 minutes. He felt nervous and helpless and could not help but repeat his fears in his mind: ‘There hasn't been any good news’.

Drake watched Liam walk away from his seat, his hand curled around a glass tumbler filled with an expensive scotch. He wondered if they would hear news before they landed. Remembering his best friend's emotional spiral downward after the past assassination attempt three years ago at the palace; this had the makings of that same pattern. This time though, Drake was not going to leave Liam alone.

The dire problem of not having any clues where Sophie was at the moment was suffocating.

As they waited to land, the minutes seemed to draw out. There was not much he or any of Liam's guards could do but wait and prepare to offer the crown prince their full support.

Liam finished off his scotch, the fiery liquid barely registering, and tried to review the notes for his upcoming address to his nation in his head while stepping into his private suite onboard.

There had still been no update on his beloved Sophie's whereabouts or circumstances.

He took a deep, long breath and turned to Bastien walking next to him with unmistakable determination. "Bastien, contact the security team back home immediately. I need all the current details on the scene and an update on the rescue operations."

Bastien sprang into action, calling the security team leader and putting him on speakerphone so that Liam could hear the conversation in real time. Captain Sean Wilson answered the call.

"Captain, this is Crown Prince Liam Rys, requesting an update on the incident at the University of Cordonia." Liam's voice came through the phone speaker, clear and strong.

"Your Highness, the situation at the scene is complicated and we have deployed additional rescue teams to help facilitate the speedy rescue and recovery process.”

The captain’s voice was tired but remained professional. "We have confirmation that multiple students have been injured in the shooting. We have increased security three-fold around the campus and are working diligently to track down the suspects."

Liam's fists clenched involuntarily, but he remained stoic as he continued. "I need a complete list of all the known casualties. I want to know about each and every one."

"Your Highness, we have established a comprehensive emergency response mechanism. At present, we are compiling the information and rescue teams are working at full ability. The list of casualties is being urgently collated, and I will send it to you via encrypted channels as soon as it is completed."

Liam nodded, and though he could not be seen, there was an unmistakable insistence in his tone: "I need this completed as soon as possible. In addition, please continue to strengthen the search and rescue efforts to ensure the safety of all students. At the same time, increase the manpower to hunt down the suspects and I demand that they be brought to justice in the shortest possible time."

Shortly after hanging up, the sound of an encrypted email rang on Liam's tablet, which he quickly clicked on; and displayed a list of known casualties on the screen as asked. There were fourteen people in the column of the dead, and dozens of names in the column of the injured. Liam took a deep breath and began to go through the list of names, one by one, each name like a sharp blade, stabbing at his heart. He searched carefully, afraid to miss any possible detail. But until the end, he did not find Sophie's name.

Liam clenched his fists, his eyes shining with unshakeable determination. "Bastien, as soon as the jet lands, we will go to the scene and assess the situation personally.”

Bastien, at once responded: "Yes, Your Highness. I will ensure that everything is in place."

Liam turned his head to stare out the window at the clouds; his heart was in turmoil. Although Sophie's name did not appear on the list of casualties, his fears did not diminish. He knew that the lack of news did not mean that Sophie was necessarily safe. That she might still be struggling, or that for some reason she might not be able to communicate with the outside world. He had to ensure that Sophie was safe personally.

Thinking of this, he took out his phone and touched Sophie’s number with trembling fingers. But all he heard on the other end of the line was a cold, robotic voice: 'Sorry, the number you are trying to reach is unavailable.'

Sending a text, he carefully tapped every letter, as he expressed his worries and thoughts.

'Love, please call me as soon as you get this message. I'm worried about you.'

___

'Where are you? Are you safe? Why can't I reach you?'

___

'I'm already on my way back to Cordonia. Please wait for me. Please.'

As the minutes ticked by, the 'unread' message on the screen was an ironic and cruel reminder of the futility of all his efforts.

Frustrated, he then tried to call Sophie's aunt and then sent a text message to Maxwell. 'Max, are you okay? Where are you? Have you heard from Sophie?'

Shortly after, his phone vibrated and Liam checked the text immediately .... only to see Maxwell reply,

"Liam, me and Daniel are at the Malic Hotel now, we're all right. But Sophie got separated in the confusion!!!!😢 I have been trying to reach her without success. I'm really worried about her.'

Receiving this update, Liam, although still anxious, was also relieved that Maxwell felt safe. He immediately replied: "Max, good to hear you're okay. Please keep in touch, I'll be back as soon as I can, and we'll find Sophie together."

Liam then picked up his phone again and sent a text message to Sophie's Aunt Bethany:

'Duchess Bethany, this is Liam. How are you? Have you heard from Sophie? I am very concerned for her safety.'

A few minutes later, Bethany replied to his message: 'Your Highness, I'm fine, but Sophie hasn't been heard from since the ceremony. I am also anxiously awaiting her contact. Please try to not worry, I'm sure she will be all right'

Liam's heart sank to rock bottom as he closed his eyes, silently praying that she would be found safe and unharmed. At the same time, he also felt a deep sorrow for all the innocent victims of the attack. He understood as crown prince, he had the responsibility and obligation, along with his father, to ensure the security of the country and its people. This attack was an acute test of his leadership.

University of Cordonia, Capital

As Sophie wandered aimlessly through the maze of people, her eyes welled up. The adrenaline of an earlier escape from the auditorium faded and she felt more sadness, fear and heartache than she had ever felt before. For a moment, she could not control her emotions and tears ran down her cheeks. How she wished it all had been a bad dream, that she would wake up and find that it had all been a false alarm.

An hour later, Sophie and other surviving students and guests were evacuated in an orderly manner to a hotel outside of the campus, the Malic Hotel. The hotel was temporarily requisitioned as an emergency shelter and was surrounded by police and security personnel to ensure internal safety and order. But even so, there was an indescribable tension and unease still in the air.

Sophie had been assigned to room 302. The moment she stepped into her hotel room; Sophie could finally catch her breath. She sat wearily on the edge of the bed, looking out of the window with empty eyes, but her mood could not be calmed. She was eager to know more about what happened at the graduation, especially the mysterious men in black masks, their identity, purpose and why they were there; all of these became lingering questions in her mind.

She instinctively wanted to turn on her phone, hoping to find some clue or news report that would at least give her a sense of what had happened. But reality threw icy water at her - her phone screen was broken and riddled with cracks. She quickly pressed the power button, but the screen only flickered a few times, and then no longer responded. Sophie's eyes flashed with despair, as her contact with the outside world was completely cut off.

Thoughts came like a flood. She missed her Aunt Bethany, who supported her no matter what she was going through, who gave her endless warmth and encouragement, and who always made her feel at home in Cordonia. At the same time, she missed her horse, Marabelle. Every time she mounted Marabelle's back and galloped across the wide fields of Ramsford, all her troubles seemed to go away with the wind. Marabelle's eyes were always full of trust and loyalty, and there was a tacit understanding between them without words. How she wished now that she could feel the freedom and joy of running with Marabelle again.

But most of all, she missed Liam. In this unknown and dangerous moment, how she wished he could be with her, give her support and comfort. Liam, the man she was in love with, who gave her strength. She had never been so impatient to see him, to feel safe in his arms.

Now, however, she could only face all this alone; tears in her eyes had slipped down once again. In addition to missing Liam, Sophie's mind was filled with anxiety about the attack. She did not know how many people had been injured or even killed in the attack; whether Candy and Tom would get better, or what was going on with Maxwell and Daniel. They were her friends and family, and their safety stuck with her. She prayed silently that they would be safe.

Amidst this anxiety, there was so many questions. Who were those men in black at the graduation? Why would they target innocent students? What is the purpose behind this attack?

What puzzled her even more was the emblem of the earth and the baby. What does it mean? What has it got to do with the attack?

Her mind was full of confusion and uneasiness, questions swirled with no answers in sight, leaving her breathless. She tried to piece together every detail of the night in her mind, hoping to remember a clue or an answer. But the images were fragmented, leaving her unable to grasp and put together any useful information.

"Liam ..." Sophia muttered under her breath. She recalled what Liam had said about what he had experienced as a young prince and the memories of an assassination attempt that had fear cutting through his heart like a sharp blade.

Exhaustion came flooding in, overwhelming all her thoughts and feelings. Sophie lay in bed, breathing smoothly and deeply, and her body relaxed, as if all her worries and pain had been temporarily released at that moment. She drifted off to sleep with all her doubts, uneasiness, sadness, and longing for Liam.

The Royal Palace, Cordonia

The press was relentless. Inside the throne room, King Constantine stood stoically, as members of the press core demanded answers about the campus attack. Constantine cleared his throat and addressed the press directly and with the assurance of his years of reign and released a statement:

“At this dark hour, I stand before you with profound grief and pain in my heart. Like many of you, I am mourning the lives lost today, and we pray for the wounded to make a full recovery.

While we grieve the senseless violence that struck our country, we are also furious with the loss and sorrow brought on by those responsible for this evil act. We cannot and will not tolerate the murder and harming of innocent lives simply because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Those who commit such unspeakable acts will be held accountable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the crown.”

Stepping down from the dais, Constantine was at once escorted by his royal guard out of the throne room. He looked visibly shaken and gripped his cane, trying to stand straight and upright.

Constantine's face was pale, and his eyes were filled with deep sorrow, his elderly face looked worn. But he refused to shed tears, still maintaining his dignified manner, while in public.

Lawrence, his personal guard, moved quickly to his side, “Your Majesty, the Royal jet has just landed with your son.”

Malic Motor Hotel, temporary safe house, University of Cordonia

The second group of surviving students were transported to the Malic hotel in orderly batches by the police in the pre-dawn night. The bright lights in the lobby could not hide the tension and in these in the air. Police officers, security personnel and medical staff were busy shuttling through the hallways to ensure that every student was properly accommodated.

The noise of footsteps and a murmur of conversation broke the sounds of the night. Sophie woke up, opened her eyes slightly, and through a gap in the half-closed curtains. She saw several figures hurrying along the corridor, as if new survivors had been brought in. She got up and dressed. Soon the door was gently opened, and a figure slowly entered the room. It was a girl about Sophie's age, a little wobbly in her step, visibly shaken by the night's horror and still reeling from the shock.

"Hey, um ... excuse me. I was assigned to this room. Is it okay if I come in?" The girl's voice was small and trembling, and her eyes were slightly timid.

Sophie at once stood up and smiled back, "Hello, come on in." The girl came closer, and Sophie could see her face. She had an East Asian face, long deep brown hair, and large black eyes full of fear and confusion, as if she had just woken up from a nightmare.

The girl said softly, "thank you, my name is Hana. What happened tonight was terrible ..."

Sophie took Hana's hand and sat her down on the edge of the bed. "Hi Hana, my name is Sophie. I know we have been through the same horror. But it is all right now. We can talk together and maybe it will make you feel better." Sophie tried to sound calm and friendly, hoping to bring some comfort to the girl.

Hana gave Sophie a grateful look, and took a deep breath. She began with great determination to recount her own experience at the graduation.

"I was with friends and all of a sudden the lights went out and they were gunshots ... I tried to run away, but there were screams and chaos all around me. I really don't know how I got out. I was taken to the stadium with some people and stayed there almost overnight until we were brought here. But I never saw my friends again. I got separated from them, I do not know what became of them..." Hana wiped tears from her eyes.

Sophie listened quietly, with a surge of sympathy and understanding. She thought of her friends Candy and Tom, and her cousin Maxwell and Daniel, and a pang of worry filled her heart.

"Hana, I've had my own friends injured and go missing too. Candy's arm was hit by shrapnel, Tom was shot in the shoulder, and they are both in the hospital; and Maxwell and Daniel got separated from me when they escaped. I am really worried about them. But I'm sure they will be all right. Your friends must have gotten out safely, too. You must believe that."

Hana's eyes flashed with emotion and trust as she listened to Sophie's words. "Sophie, you are such a strong person. If only I could be as brave as you."

Sophie patted Hana's arm gently and smiled wryly.

"Hana, it's normal to be afraid in this situation. In fact, I am also afraid, and all the people who have been through this attack."

Then Sophie's tone became a little heavier, and she decided to tell Hana what she had seen. With that, Sophie picked up the paper and pen on the table in the room and drew the sign from memory. Hana's face turned pale when she saw Sophie's drawing; her eyes widened, and she repeated in disbelief, "you saw this sign?"

Sophie nodded, her words unmistakable, "Yes, I'm sure. It was a very strange sign. I saw it clearly. They acted quickly and in an orderly manner. They were not ordinary thugs."

Hana held Sophie's hand tightly, her voice shaking slightly. "This sign, I have seen on the news, but with what specific event, I can't remember. However, it is definitely unusual and must be the hallmark of an organisation or group."

Sophie's eyes sharpened, and she frowned in thought. "This is no coincidence. The men in black were clearly prepared, and their attack may well have been targeted. We must tell the police about this as soon as possible.”

Hana shuddered, her voice filled with fear and worry. "But... will that put us in danger? If they are really that powerful, will they retaliate?"

Sophie's heartrate quickened. Of course she was afraid. The scene of Candy and Tom being shot and wounded replayed again before her eyes. The blood staining their shirts, the pain and helplessness weaving in their desperate eyes. These were images that she could never forget.

Then, in her mind, the panic of people running away, their faces showing fear and helplessness. Screams, cries, and pleas for help made up the most tragic symphony of the night. Fires were burning, the smoke was billowing, and the whole evening was enveloped in despair and confusion.

But thinking of the students who had been victimized, of Maxwell and Daniel who were still missing, and of Candy and Tom who were still in the hospital ... Sophie took a deep breath and quieted her heart. She could not let her fear consume her. She knew that her friends needed her. ... 'If you do not step up, Sophie, this kind of tragedy will happen again.'

Sophie stiffened her resolve, her voice was soft, yet powerful: "No, Hana, we cannot stay quiet. Candy, Tom, and your friends are just some of the many people who were hurt tonight. If we stay silent because we are afraid, more people will be hurt in the future. We can't let this continue to happen."

Hana's fear was replaced by a kind of courage as she listened to Sophie's words. "You're right, Sophie. I won't back down," She nodded firmly.

"Sophie, I'm so happy to meet you." Hana looked sheepishly at Sophie, blushing.

"If it wasn't for you, I don't know what I would have done."

She touched Hana's arm and smiled, "I know you have determination, too, Hana." Sophie was genuinely happy ... happy to be friends with Hana.

Sophie hesitated for a moment, then whispered to Hana, "Hana,can you show me the news? My phone broke during the attack." She pulled out her cracked cell phone.

Hana nodded, and picked up her phone from the nightstand to open the news app. Together, they stared at the small screen, searching for news related to last night's university shooting.

On the screen, several shocking reports soon came into view. The mass shooting at the University of Cordonia had attracted widespread attention from the national and international community. The report detailed the chaos and bloodshed of the night, but also said that the police were fully investigating the incident and promised to bring the perpetrators to justice as soon as possible. As she read, she felt mixed feelings.

Sophie continued browsing. Suddenly, a marked headline hit her eyes and made her heart beat faster. --

"Crown Prince Liam Rys urgently ends his visit to Italy and returns home to respond to the shooting incident at Cordonia University."

She tapped eagerly; the live broadcast of the news began automatically.

On the screen, Liam stood in the doorway of the familiar white, shadowy auditorium, behind which the smoke had not fully cleared and live images of ambulances and police cars could be seen. Liam's figure stood unwavering behind press microphones.. He wore a black suit, his eyes were slightly solemn, but his face was more resolute and decided, that could not be ignored.

Sophie stared intently at the screen, every subtle expression of Liam tugging at her heartstrings. His voice came clearly over the phone, calm and strong.

Sophie's eyes were red and brimmed with tears. Her heart was racing, as she felt Liam's deep emotion coming through the screen. And then Liam's words turned to unquestioning determination:

Sophie stared at the screen, her tears spilling onto her cheeks. The moment she heard him say the words, 'Our Cordonian family', her heart swelling with indescribable excitement and pride; she wanted to run to his side and face all of this with him. However, this emotion was quickly overcome by reason, knowing that she could not expose her relationship with Liam, especially when there were other people around watching. She gently turned down the volume on the phone for fear that Hana would notice her emotional reactions. She clutched the phone tightly, as if she could feel Liam's presence and power in her hand.

"Sophie, what's wrong?"

Hana's voice sounded softly, interrupting her thoughts. Sophie suddenly came back to herself with a disguised smile, trying to sound natural. "Oh, nothing, I just didn't expect Prince Liam to be back so soon, it's only been a few hours since the shooting."

There was a subtle tremor in Sophie's words, afraid that her mind would be read by Hana and cause unnecessary trouble for Liam. She knew that at this particular moment she had to be careful not to reveal her relationship with Liam.

"Hana, could I possibly use your phone again? I want to send a text to my family and tell them about my situation."

Hana heard her words, a flicker of concern in her eyes. She seemed aware of Sophie's inner struggle and longing, but out of respect and trust, she did not ask any more questions, just smiled and nodded, "Of course, Sophie." You can use it whenever you need."

Sophie gave Hana a grateful look, and a warm wave came through her heart. She quickly opened the text messages on the phone, her fingers jumping over the keyboard, as she sent two messages. The first one to Aunt Bethany and the second one to Maxwell. In the text messages, Sophie told them that she was doing well and that they should not worry. She expressed concern for Maxwell and Daniel and hoped they were safe.

After sending the two texts, Sophie took a deep breath and began her text to Liam. She edited the text carefully ...

"Hi, Li, this is Sophie.

I'm all right. I am in Room 302 at the Malic Hotel at the university.

There was a shooting at the graduation, and I was lucky to escape. My phone is broken, and now I'm texting you on my roommate, Hana's phone.

I know you must be terribly busy and worried at the moment, but please believe me, I am fine and safe.

Don't worry about me. Just focus on what's needed right in front of you. I love you and look forward to seeing you soon."

The message didn't mention Liam's real name, and Sophie was confident that he would get her message. After pressing the send button, the words "Delivered" appeared on the screen. Suppressing her feelings, she quickly removed the text message, making sure it left no trace.

It didn’t take long for Sophie to hear back from Maxwell and Aunt Bethany.

Maxwell:

“Sophie, it’s so good to hear from you! Daniel and I are at the Malic Hotel too, and we are doing fine. We were looking for you, too. Just relieved to hear you are okay. We’ll talk more when we meet up.”

Aunt Bethany:

“Dear Sophie, I’m so happy to hear from you! Thank God you are okay. We are all so worried about you, but now we can relax. Be safe and we will see each other soon.”

After receiving notifications of incoming messages, the corners of her mouth cannot help but raise in a happy smile, a big stone in her heart finally fell to the ground. Sophie held the phone and re-read their loving words, feeling the warmth and support from her family.

A ray of sunlight penetrated a gap in the curtain and gently spilled into the hotel room, shining on Sophie's face. She gently closed her eyes, quietly feeling the warmth of the sun, the soft light made her very at ease, like a pair of warm hands, smoothing her fear and anxiety away. She was relieved that Maxwell and Daniel had escaped safely and that she could tell Aunt Bethany about herself.

And Liam will know that she's safe. Sophie found a trace of comfort and strength in reaching out to him.

"Thank you, Hana." Sophie smiled and handed the phone back to her new friend.

Hana took the phone and put it away, quietly watching it all, with a warm glow in her eyes. She may not know the story between Sophie and Liam, but she could sense that there was a deep emotion and connection with him in Sophie's heart. In this time of uncertainty, they were supporting each other and facing life's challenges together.

Cordonia International Airport

The Royal motorcade was situated on the tarmac in wait to take Liam and his men to the university.

Liam strode quickly and confidently to his SUV after his security detail had provided Liam with a report of all the victims and fatalities. Sophie's name was not listed, and Liam's heart remained uncertain, until he saw her with his own eyes.

His duty of keeping alert and informed for his country allowed Liam to control his fears of the possibility of seeing his beloved injured or worse. He fought against every fiber of his being to not burst through the chaos, with full disregard, to search for Sophie among the evacuated students. Liam, surrounded by his royal guard, Drake and Rashad, he walked onto the university grounds.

Drake, on the other hand, was not worried about propriety and cared for none of it. He rushed in and did not pay attention to anything but finding Sophie and Maxwell. He broke past some of the law enforcement and was met by a swarm of flashing cameras and press microphones.

"Back away!" He snapped, having to put his forearm up, and not relent. The flashing bulbs, whirring of camera lenses and questions being thrown at him was enough to drive any sane person mad.

"Don't you have decency? What type of scoundrels and fiends are you?"

An officer who recognized Drake, yelled, "settle down, everyone, he's an American friend of the prince's, stand down and don't crowd him."

On the campus of the University of Cordonia, even after several hours had passed, the chaos in the auditorium had not abated by a minute. Several police cars and ambulances, flashing their warning lights, stood by the side of the road at the ready. Police officers and ambulance workers were busy moving around the scene, serious and focused, although physically and mentally exhausted, but still stuck to their posts, to deal with the incident.

A police cordon has been placed around the scene to seal off the auditorium from the outside world. Liam saw the chaos and destruction ... and the despair of his people.

Liam took a deep breath, adjusted his emotions, and walked resolutely into the crowd and up onto the raised dais. The crowd grew quiet, and all eyes turned to the crown prince.

" Last night, our university campus has experienced an unprecedented trauma. On behalf of the royal family of Cordonia, I extend my sincere comfort and deepest condolences to all those who have been hurt and who have been affected by this tragedy. Your pain is the pain of all Cordonia. We will do everything possible to provide the necessary support and needed assistance to make sure everyone gets through this."

At this point, Liam's eyes flashed a subtle tenderness, that is his endless miss and love for Sophie.

But Liam took a deep breath and condensed his emotions and anger into a powerful determination.

"We will not sit idly by and let go of any of these terrorists. I promise that the Crown will use all resources in its power to track down the attackers and punish those responsible for this tragedy. We will bring justice to the victims, and to our people, to our Cordonian family."

***

The sky in the east gradually lightened as the night slowly faded; like the tide falling, as if in response to his words. A ray of dawn pierced the darkness, and the sun rose at last. The golden light slowly and gently spread over the campus, silently dispelling the darkness and cold; to bring a touch of warmth to the morning. There was renewed trust and hope in the eyes of the crowd. At this moment, they are silently praying, their hearts are full of deep hope: may such a tragedy never be repeated, so that the dead can rest in peace, and so that the living can find the strength to move forward; In the hope that the murderer will be punished, and there will be no hiding places of any crimes and evils.

As the Royal guard escorted Liam from the stage, Bastien approached with Liam’s mobile phone in hand.

“Sir, Lady Sophia has left you a message.”

Thanks for reading ❣️

@choicesficwriterscreations

@selina012

📌tags in the comments, please let me know if you want to be added or removed.

[bebepac]

Traditions

This is a special holiday edition of School Dayz. To catch up on the series in general please click School Dayz

I am participating in @choicesdecember2023 for Christmas

I am also participating in @choicesprompts holiday rewrite challenge in which I used the candy cane gram scene from Mean Girls.

I am also participating in @choicesflashfics christmas prompt # 59: "Ice-skating? Do you seriously trust me with knives on my feet?" will appear in bold. I also used a previous prompt as well Are you seeing this too or am I having a stroke?

Series: School Dayz

The Book: TRR (no royals)

The Pairings: Liam x Riley

Word Count: 1464

Warnings and Ratings: None. This is for anyone who has eyes. A total fluff piece.

Original post: 12/31/23 at 7:15PM EST.

Science class was different for me now that I no longer sat next to Liam, and shared a table with my sister, since Mrs. Barbour decided to make the class sit in alphabetical order, which I think the only reason for the change was to make taking roll easier. I glanced across the room to Liam whose partner was now Rashad.

My adorkable boyfriend who caught me watching him, smiled and held up his hot cocoa cup to toast me from across the room. Liam was the sweetest boyfriend and stopped by the local coffee shop Brew Bros and always got hot chocolate every morning the way that I liked it.

So I smiled while holding up my cup.

“Oh my God, can you two be any more nerdy?” Taylor asked.

“He’s nice, and you reap the benefits of it too. My boyfriend brings us both hot chocolate, or in your case a coffee drink you like every day without us asking.”

Taylor cocked her head to the side and air toasted Liam, taking a sip from her drink when the door opened.

“Ho , Ho, Ho!!!!! Candy Cane Grams, sponsored by the National Honor Society.”

“Make it quick, Santa.” There was a hint of sarcasm in Mrs. Barbour’s voice as she went to sit at her desk for a moment.

“And his lovely assistant Max Noel!”

“Wait… a sec… Are you seeing this too or am I having a stroke?”

Taylor doubled over in laughter “It is!!!! It’s Drake Walker-Claus.”

Taylor’s laugh seemed to antagonize Drake for a second, but good thing he had his assistant Maxwell. His brooding mood was offset by Max Noel making the class laugh with his dance versions of Christmas music as he followed around the room behind him.

“Hana Lee one for you.”

“Chris Powell four for you, you go Chris Powell!”

“Do we have a Riley Brooks here?”

“That’s her Max Noel. She’s Riley Brooks and looks nothing like the girl sitting next to her. Those two can’t possibly be related.”

“Riley Brooks here you go, one for you.”

“Thank you Santa.”

“Um….”

“And nothing at all for Taylor Brooks, not even coal or black licorice, bye.”

Drake and Max ran out of the room.

Taylor looked at me with curious eyes at the candy cane gram in my hand.

“Who’s that from?”

It wasn’t any of her business. I opened the envelope and read silently to myself.

Liam’s sweet words made me smile, and I didn’t have to answer her, and I looked at him from across the room.

“Oh my god. You guys are too much.”

Taylor looked upset, even though she shrugged it off. Later I found out why at her locker.

“I told you to get me a candy cane gram Nico!!!!”

“Well you telling me to do it, takes the surprise out of it. Me not doing it, guess what you were surprised weren’t you?”

My sister who was always loud looked at him and said nothing.

Before I knew it the words flew out of my mouth.

“Wow, you’re a really bad boyfriend Nico, my sister deserves better than you.”

I slammed my locker walking away from the two of them. I found out later that day, my sister broke up with him, in front of everyone in true dramatic Taylor fashion. I was proud of her.

Christmas Eve

Everyone had come over and was enjoying mom’s Christmas cookies and snacks. My dad brought in a big box sitting it down on the floor.

“I want to thank everyone for coming over tonight to spend time with our family. Our children picked people they care about to spend this time together with you. Ren and I are happy to have you in our home. We both grew up in the foster care system, and learned early in life, sometimes the people that care about you most, are not your blood relatives. So we try to celebrate that.”

“And when we had the opportunity to open our home up to two adorable identical twin girls, we couldn’t say no.” My mother chimed in.

“It’s the best decision they ever made. I went to sleep one night wishing I had a little sister. The next morning I woke up with two.” Jaiden spoke up.

“And we know what it’s like to be alone on Christmas, or missing someone special on Christmas that you were once close to. So we wanted to do something special. Liam would you mind sharing the Christmas Eve tradition you had that you told me about?”

“Christmas was my Mom’s favorite holiday. Every Christmas Eve that I can remember she’d dress us up in these ugly Christmas sweaters

and we would go ice skating on Lake Pine. She loved to ice skate. Then she’d make us take these dorky pictures in our Christmas sweaters that matched. I miss her a lot.”

“I miss her too. I’m not adopted, but Liam’s Mom always made me feel like I was her son too. So I really get what you’re saying about family not always being blood related. She was my mom too.”

Liam hugged his brother.

My dad opened the box.

“With a little help from Riley I found some what I would think are hideously awesome ugly Christmas sweaters, and am secretly happy for your love of Star Trek too. I’m sorry Liam, you can’t be the Captain, this is mine. But this one is yours.”

“Well if I can’t be Captain, being the science officer is the next best and most logical choice.” Liam took his blue sweater graciously.

“That’s what I said! Dad please say you got me a blue sweater too.”

“I did.”

After all the sweaters were handed out, there was still one left in the box.

“Guess you guys bought this before I broke up with Nico. No big deal.”

Once everyone was dressed, they headed out to the vehicles, and Liam stuffed the extra shirt into Leo’s trunk.

“I really don’t know how this is going to go Liam.”

“What do you mean?”

“Ice skating? Do you seriously trust me with knives on my feet?”

“Well good thing you’re not just Riley Brooks today, you’re the science officer for the USS Enterprise. Live long and prosper.”

Liam expected Riley to be as horrible on ice skates as she had been on roller skates, but Riley amazingly was incredibly balanced.

“Have you ice skated before?”

“No! I don’t know how I'm good at this! I usually have no natural balance.”

“You’re a natural at skating…”

“Ice skating. Let's clarify that.”

Taylor was still sitting on the bench watching the couples skate by. “She still hasn’t gotten out on the ice yet. I think she’s feeling lonely and the extra shirt probably made her think of Nico.”

Liam’s phone beeped. “Why don’t you go sit with her for a little bit, and I’ll be back in a few with some hot cocoas for us all.”

“Is cocoa your favorite drink?”

“Yes, and my mom used to always say your heart won’t feel cold if you always have a nice warm cup of cocoa. It always makes me feel better.”

I went to sit with Taylor and Liam continued walking toward the concessions stand.

“You okay?” I asked Taylor.

“I just don’t feel like skating, and look over there.”

Nico was there, with another girl on his arm.

“To be honest I never liked him Taylor. He called you T, like you were a drink or a shirt or something. He wasn’t even really that nice. Good riddance, I say.”

“I never thanked you for standing up for me that day Riley. It really meant a lot.”

“You’re my sister Taylor. I will always have your back, even when you pull me into a tornado.”

“Not on purpose!” She laughed.

“Oh it never is.” I remarked pulling Taylor closer to me in a hug. After a few seconds she pulled away from me.

“What are you doing here?”

“Helping Liam deliver hot cocoa. This one is yours.

I don’t like all the extra stuff in mine.”

Drake handed Taylor her cocoa, as he sat down next to her.

“Just hot and cocoa pretty much then right?”

“Exactly. I’m not that difficult to understand.”

“Do you like to ice skate, Drake?”

“Like it? It’s okay, but I can. Would you like to skate Taylor?”

Drake took off his coat wearing the remaining ugly sweater.

“Okay.” Taylor said in a nonchalant voice.

Taylor’s mood picked up immediately as she skated around with Drake on the ice. She never once glanced in Nico’s direction.

“That was really nice of you to do Liam.”

“He really does like her, you know. Maybe now she can finally see him with Nico out the way.”

“You’re so adorkably sweet Liam.”

“I know Riley, I know.”

[angelasscribbles]

Single Again

Series: None, this is a one-shot and you can find those here.

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Riley x Liam (end game)

Rating: G

Warnings for this chapter: Lots of divorces.

Word Count: 2,171

A/N: Had a song rewrite idea and decided to whip it up even though the event is officially over. @choicesprompts

My other stuff: Master List.

The loud clack-clack of a pair of nine hundred dollar Louis Vuitton red bottom heels echoed through The Crown Room, the formal dining area of the Ocean Side Polo Club.

Heads swung up to watch the sensuous sway of the woman’s hips as she followed the maître d’. Head up, chin out, Riley ignored the men’s salacious looks and the women’s glances and whispers.

Kiara leaned across the table to hiss at her luncheon companions, “What is she doing here? I thought the Beaumonts declined the invitation to watch this year’s charity match.”

“They did!” Penelope replied. “Bertrand is out of the country on business and Max said he had a personal matter to attend to.”

“So what?” Olivia chimed in. “A woman can’t attend an event without her husband?”

“She can,” Kiara shook her head, “But she rarely does.”

“Because they know they have to guard her!” Penelope let an uncharacteristic amount of venom lace her words. “She seduces men everywhere she goes!”

Oliva laughed as she pushed the rice pilaf around her plate. “You’re just mad she snatched Max right out from under you.”

Penelope stiffened, and then an insincere smile crossed her face. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. Zeke and I are very happy together.”

“Sure… now.” Olivia rolled her eyes.

“She certainly doesn’t understand boundaries,” Kiara interjected. “Drake and I had two perfectly good dates. I was expecting a call to schedule the third and the next thing I knew, he was eloping with that Jezebel to Bora Bora!”

Oliva smirked. “Well, Drake has been back on the market for a while, and from the looks of it, Maxwell is about to be as well.”  

“What?” Penelope jerked her head back around to see what was going on.

Riley had just been joined by Rashad Faheem.

“So?” Penelope wasn’t following. “He’s her first ex-husband, right?”

“Yes,” Olivia affirmed. “And also, her lawyer.”

Penelope’s eyes widened. “She could just be catching up with an ex.”

“Non!” Kiara bounced in her seat excitedly. “He handled her divorce from Drake.”

“Oh! Penelope’s hands flew up to cover her mouth. Not that she cared if Max was single. “How many husbands has she divorced now? Four? Five?”

Kiara lowered her voice conspiratorially. “I heard she was secretly married to the king’s older brother!”

Olivia’s eyes cut sharply to Kiara. “If she was, it was an ill-advised mistake that was quickly corrected!”

“Oh!” Kiara grinned at the redhead. “You know something. Spill!”

“Like I would tell you if I did.” Olivia glanced back across the room to see Riley flipping through a sheaf of papers. Rashad leaned in close to her as he pointed out things on the pages. He leaned even closer and whispered something into her ear.

Riley touched his arm as her laugh rang out across the room.

“Oh yeah.” Olivia shook her head, “She’s about to be single again. Better hold onto to Zeke.”

“What?” Penelope’s eyes went wide with panic.

Kiara patted her arm. “Olivia is just teasing you. Zeke loves you.”

“Sure he does,” Olivia said dismissively as she rose. She could care less who Riley set her sights on next. She was secure in her relationship. “Let me impart a little wisdom to you harpies. If another woman can take your man from you, he was never yours.”

Olivia walked away before either of the other women could respond. She gave a polite nod to Riley as she passed her table.

Riley nodded back with a genuine smile. She liked Olivia. Mostly she liked that Olivia never seemed to judge her like the rest of the women at court.

It wasn’t her fault that she’d had more than her fair share of men. Very few people at court knew the truth about any of her marriages or bothered to give her a benefit of a doubt. No, it was much easier to villainize and look down on her.

The maître d’ approached the table and handed her a folded note. She read it quickly and then tucked it into her bag with a smile.

She reached across the table and took Rashad’s hand with a little squeeze. “Thank you for always being there for me.”

“Of course, Ya Amara.”

She blushed slightly at the old term of endearment.

He helped her to her feet and brushed his lips lightly across her cheek when it was time for them to part. Riley would always have a special place in his heart, but he had a date to get to.

Riley was greeted by a guard at the door to the restaurant. “Right this way, Your Grace.”

“Thank you, Marco.” She took his arm and let him lead her out to the polo fields. “How have you been?”

“Can’t complain.” He grinned at her. “I’ve missed seeing your face around the palace.”

“You might be seeing me a little bit more now.”

“I hope so.” He stopped outside the king’s private box. “You’re good for him, you know. He’s happier when you’re around.”

“I’m happier when I’m around him.” She giggled before waving goodbye to the guard and ducking into the box.

The king of Cordonia was on his feet immediately. “Riley, you came!”

“Of course, I came, my king!”

They embraced but separated quickly. Experience had taught them that a camera could be anywhere.

Liam gestured toward a chair as he told her, “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you, too.”

“You met with Rashad?”

“I did.” Her divorce from Max was finalized.

His eyes traced her face. “I’ll always be indebted to him for bringing you into my life, you know.”

Riley threw her head back and laughed. It was a velvety, rich sound and it came from deep down inside. When she was done, she tilted her head back down and shook it side to side. “Even though when I met you, I was married to him?”

“Even so.” Liam nodded happily. “It was an arranged marriage. You weren’t in love with him.”

“No. Nor him, I.” What they had formed was a deep affection for each other and a friendship. So, when she had fallen in love with another, he had graciously let her go.

With a hefty settlement.

That was when the rumors of her gold-digging started. She had tried to decline taking anything since she was the one asking to break their marriage contract, but Rashad had insisted that she should be compensated for putting up with his late hours, and his inability to fully commit to the marriage or her.

But the council had refused to green-light a royal marriage to a divorcée.

Liam leaned close to her with a wicked grin. “If your marriage to my brother didn’t dissuade me in my pursuit of you, nothing will my lady.”

Riley laughed again with another shake of her head. “Oh, no, that…that was….”

She had found Leo drunk in a Cordonian nightclub days after being thrown over by some woman on a cruise ship. His drunken heartbreak had matched her own that night.

One thing had led to another with Leo, and they had woken up in Monaco the next day, married.

They had realized it was a horrible mistake the moment they were both sober. Liam had made the matter disappear.

“That marriage barely counted,” she reminded him, “You had it annulled within hours.”

“Of course I did.” He would move heaven and earth for her. His face fell serious as the mention of her day-long marriage to Leo reminded them both of her marriage to Drake. She had only been in that bar that night because she’d had her own sorrows to drown, her divorce from Drake having been finalized earlier that day.

That one had hurt.

The only husband she had actually loved. But they both knew why that marriage had failed.

Liam reached discreetly for her hand. “Riley, I’m sorry.”

“Stop. It wasn’t your fault. I’ve told you a million times.”

Liam had married Madeleine and not wanting to be someone’s mistress, Riley had forced herself to move on, but her feelings for Drake had never been fake or secondary to her feelings for Liam. She had counted herself lucky to have found love again. But Drake’s insecurities and jealousy eventually soured the relationship.

“I feel like I didn’t hide my feelings for you well enough.”

“It shouldn’t have mattered. I was never anything but faithful to him. He should have trusted me.”

Her marriage to Drake should have quashed the rumors that she was a gold digger, but everyone had assumed she was using him to stay close to Liam.

Unfortunately, Drake himself had chosen to believe that. And though she hadn’t cared about money, he had constantly compared himself to both Rashad and Liam and found himself lacking.

It hadn’t helped that Liam had made her a duchess and given her Valtoria right after the divorce from Drake. He had done it to give her a place of her own to go to. She hadn’t wanted to run back to the palace and give any weight to the rumors that she and the king were still romantically entwined.

Giving her a duchy, however, had ramped the rumors up to a fever pitch and convinced Drake that he had been right all along.

“How is Max doing?” Liam asked, mostly to change the subject.

The mention of her best friend put the smile back on her face. “Oh, he’s great! He’s on a ski weekend in Aspen with Carson.”

Riley’s marriage to Max had been undertaken to satisfy some weird codicil in his father’s will that he be married to inherit.

Last month, his father’s estate had finally been settled. Max had taken possession of the money left to him along with a lavish townhouse in Dunwich.

The day after the estate had been finalized, they had initiated divorce proceedings.

“I’m glad Max is happy. Can I ask a favor of you, Riley?”

“What is it?”

“Stop getting married to other people.”

A surprised laugh burbled out of her. “What?”

“You heard me. Give a guy a chance.”

“Liam! You’re married! You know how I feel about—"

“Yes, I do. I have something for you. Stay right here!” Liam looked like a kid on Christmas morning as he stepped to the door of the box and murmured something to his head of security. The guard handed him a large manilla envelope and Liam quickly returned to his seat and with the closest thing to a gloat Riley had ever seen on his face, thrust it into her hands.

“What’s this?” She looked curiously from him to the envelope.

“Open it!” He encouraged.

“Okay…” she laughed as she flipped the top open and then pulled the document out. Her eyes widened with a gasp when she realized what she was holding in her hands. “Liam! Is this real?”

“Yes, my love, it’s real. You’re the first person, outside the lawyers, of course, to know about the dissolution of the marriage of the king and queen.”

She glanced back and forth from him to the divorce decree in her hands, unsure what it meant for them. “How is this possible? The council—”

“The council answers to me. Not the other way around.” Liam’s jaw clenched. He had been young and uncrowned when he and Riley had first met. Still under his father’s thumb and more easily influenced by the rules, protocols, and traditions. He had grown over the years into a true king. He had learned how to rule, and his father was now nothing more than a memory. He would no longer be bound by arbitrary and pointless regulations. He could rule Cordonia and still be happy.

His expression softened as his eyes roamed her face. He angled his body toward her, completely oblivious to whatever was going on out on the polo field. Taking her hands in his, he asked, “You know what this means, right?”

“What?” She held her breath. Afraid to hope for what she was hoping for.

“It means we’re finally single at the same time. And this time, I will not be swayed from your side. Not ever again. Come here.” He stood and helped her out of her seat, pulling her across the room to a corner not visible from the outside. “I wanted to do this somewhere romantic. Somewhere meaningful, but I can’t wait.”

“What are you doing, Liam?”

“What I should have done four years ago.” He dropped down to one knee and held a ring up to her. “Lady Riley Brooks, queen of my heart, I have yearned to say these four words for a very, very long time……..will you marry me?”

“Yes!” She didn’t even have to pause to think about it. “Yes! A million times yes!”

He slid the ring on her finger and then jumped to his feet. “Finally!” He cried as he swept her into his arms and spun her around.

She was single again. But not for long.

[choicesficwriterscreations]

TRR FotW - Mar 26 - Apr 1, 2023

18+ = Adult/Mature Content 🔥 = Explicit Material/NSFW

Birthday Spaking | Maxwell Beaumont x MC - @angelasscribbles 🔥

Falling for You | Liam Rys x MC, MC x ? - @queenrileyrose 18+

The Invitation (Series) | Liam Rys x F!OC - @ausiegurl1234 The Bomb Drop 18+

L-O-V-E Part 2 | Liam Rys x MC - @alj4890

Mardi Gras Mayhem | TRR Boys Weekend - Collaborative Project Chapter 1: Intro - @choicesprompts Bertrand - @karahalloway 18+ Drake - @aussiegurl1234 Neville - @harleybeaumont 18+ Max - @harleybeaumont 18+ Rashad - @angelasscribbles 18+ Leo - @angelasscribbles 🔥 Liam - @angelasscribbles 18+ Bastien - @karahalloway 18+ Tariq - @harleybeaumont 18+ The Golden Lantern - Collaboration 18+ Bonus Chapter: Leo's Phone - @angelasscribbles 18+ Epilogue - Collaboration 18+

Never Have I Ever (Series) | Bertrand Beaumont x MC - @harleybeaumont Chapter 2: Let's Get Started 18+ Chapter 3: Second Base 18+ Chapter 4: Extra Credit Part 1 18+

The Pact (Series) | Liam Rys x F!OC - @ao719 Part 11 18+

CFWC Main FotW ListOpen Heart FotW List

[angelasscribbles]

#polyamory!! #riley x liam x drake at least #and if we're being real:#hana x riley x liam x drake x maxwell#

I mostly write Liam x Riley x Drake.

I have also written Drake x Riley x Liam x Hana.

And I've done Maxwell x Riley x Liam x Hana.

Then there was Bad Romance which was Liam x Maxwell x Riley x Drake x Rashad....with a side helping of past Riley x Hana. (also a heaping side helping of past Riley x Leo).

But have I ever done Hana x Riley x Liam x Drake x Maxwell? No? Well....okay....

Challenge accepted!!

Just for Fun

Tagging under the cut

@karahalloway, @harleybeaumont @alj4890 @aussiegurl1234 @nestledonthaveone

@walkerdrakewalker @kingliam2019 @bascmve01 @twinkleallnight

@lovingchoices14  @tinkie1973

@secretaryunpaid  @irishgrl2022

@kristinamae093 @tessa-liam @gabesmommie1130 @queenmiarys

@differenttyphoonwerewolf  @jared2612  @belencha77

@dcbbw  @amandablink @indiacater 

@bebepac @twinkle-320 @mattiematt1234

@queen-arabella-of-cordonia

@emersyn-in-cordonia @lunaseasblog  

@hollygirl1269 @mainstreetreader

@ladyangel70 @ohmyeightpastlives  @gardeningourmet

@sillydg @phoenixrising0308

@3pawandme @21-wishes @73geenalove @jennieausten

@princessleac1 @kachrisberry @tornbetween2loves

@fangirling12566  @pinklipsandmasonjars @savannahdix

[axwalker]

The Proposal -- Wacky Drabble #100!!

Pairing: Maxwell x Rashad. 

Book: The Royal Romance

This is my first time writing another pairing that Drake and Lexie. Given that my whole taglist is for Drake x Mc and I hate bother anyone with unwanted tags, I’m not tagging anyone for this. 

A/N: I’ve always loved the idea of Rashad and Max together so I pair them in most of my fics. This is how I see their proposal. 

I’m participating in this week’s @wackydrabbles​

This week they’re celebrating their 1OOth week. CONGRATULATIONS!! 

The prompt is: “This is huge -- we need to celebrate!” 

In honor of Week 1, this drabble is exactly 500 words. 

Alexis

"I’m proposing."

Maxwell grinned at me and took another spoon of the ice cream we were sharing as if he hadn’t announced the biggest news of his life. 

“ When? How?” I screamed on the bed not caring about pausing the movie we were watching. I knew Noah and Allie’s story by heart. We had watched The notebook together 5 times in the four years we had been friends. “This is huge - we need to celebrate! What are you planning?”  

“Glad you asked.” He gave me his best Cheshire smile and rubbed his hands. 

Rashad.

I’m exhausted. I’ve been dealing with angry investors all day long. All I want is a hot bath, a glass of Chardonnay, and a calm night with Max. 

Unfortunately, my boyfriend has other plans. He tells me over the phone that Lexie and Drake had a huge fight, so we need to cheer her up. That's weird. Drake and Lexie tease each other all the time, but they never really fight. Drake would kill himself before hurting her. I’m sure Max and Lexie are being over-dramatic, but she’s always been there for us, so I’ll go for moral support. Besides, she chose my favorite restaurant. 

I step into the restaurant when I feel Max’s arms around me. “Hey, handsome.” I turned at my boyfriend’s voice, a smile already on my face. 

“Hey.” He slipped a hand around my waist and placed a light kiss on my lips. 

“I missed you today.” 

“I missed you too.” 

“Come on, guys,” Alexis says grinning. 

She takes us to one of the private rooms. The door opens and I frown as I see all of our friends. Liam sipping champagne with Chloé, Hanna laughing with Olivia, and Drake holding Lena in his arms. 

Alexis stops when I enter the room, and I notice everyone is looking at me. I loosen my tie and gulp as my gaze focuses on the wall in front of me. 

My mouth falls open. A banner on the wall reads Rash, will you marry me? in bright red letters. 

“Max—” I start to speak but stop short. He is in front of me, his face as earnest as I have ever seen it. Taking my hand, he smiles at me, and my heart nearly explodes. 

“Rash, you’re my best friend and the love of my life. You’re it for me. I want to spend the rest of our lives making you happy. Will you marry me?” 

Maxwell has given me the happiest moments of my life. There’s only one possible answer, “Yes, fuck Max, yes I will!” 

The people that matter the most to us cheers and applauds. It takes me a second to realize Max is holding a box. Then slipping an elegant golden band on my finger. Everything is a blur of tears and hugs and I love yous. 

“I love you, Max. Fuck, we’re getting married.” He kisses me again, making me the happiest man in the world. 

[queenmiarys]

BOOK: TRH

Summary:Maxwell spends quality time with his boys and friends.

Warning : None 

Rated: Teen

The best Ramsford has to offer.

One shot

It had only been a day since Juliana had left her husband with their two children under 3

Julian was getting used to sleeping on his own,so his parents thought Maxwell turned over feeling something wet. "What the." Stopping himself from saying the rest when he saw Julian.

Maxwell woke his son and he immediately started crying. "It's okay buddy daddy got you, come on, he ran his bath water and picked out a new set of pajamas he, once he was done his son had no problem with falling asleep, he placed him in his bed then went down to the Landry room.

Juliana had taught him how to do laundry and some simple homework, besides it was after 1am and everyone was sleeping, he started a load of laundry and watched a movie. He was not sleepy at all, he heard the baby monitor come to life it was near 3 am at this time

"Hey little guy, are you looking for this?" Yes you are." He said as he waved the bottle in front of his son. He sat in the rocker feeding Cam and thanking God for his family.

After his feeding, he changed his diaper and  burped him before placing him back in his crib.

Cam was a quiet baby. He only cried when hungry or he needed to be changed,  completely opposite of his brother Julian, who wanted to be held a lot and cried just because.

Maxwell made it back to his room and went to the hall closet and replaced the Mattress pad and the sheets and duvet cover. He fell asleep as soon as he hit the pillow.

___________

"Maxwell get up it's after 7, this  little guy is hungry and Julian is up also;  Bartie at a sleepover. So I'm afraid you're on your own with the boys today." Bertrand said 

" It's okay, I can handle them. " Did Juliana ask you to help me?"

"Maxwell we are family,  it's been plenty of times that you and Juliana has helped with Bartie."

"Thank you brother, go enjoy your day."

__________

"So little ones, what are we to do today? 

He took the boys to kitchen placing both in their high chair. Both boys laughed as he danced around the kitchen while cooking Julian scrambled eggs, you could definitely tell that his son got his eating habits from his mother, Max, couldn't stand eggs not eating them.

After they all ate he let Julian play with his cars , he heard a vehicle pulling up. Max wanted to surprise his son so he didn't tell him that Drake was coming.

Julian got up and ran over and peeped out the window  "Uncle Drake Yay Uncle Drake! Max watched his son jump up and down in total excitement.

He opened the door. "Drake my friend you do love me."  he said as a joķe.

"Pipe down Beaumont,  I'm here to see my Godson and see his cute brother too, besides Hana went on the trip too."

Patience, his  1 year old, was hiding behind his leg, Julian went around Drake leg "Pactance he giggled. " I got you," do you want to play with me?" She shook her head "yes,daddy can we play?"

They all went towards the playroom.

" Man I can't believe you have two children, me and Hana can't wait to meet our son soon."

A few hours had passed when Liam and his four year old twin boys Wyatt and Leo

Rashad with his two year old son pulled in around the same time

"Hope you don’t mind, Liam said."

"Not at all buddy, I consider all of us as brothers,  that includes you Rashad."

"Daddy, I think Cam needs changing." They all laughed

After changing him, they went to fix  the children's launch. Everyone was surprised at the meal Maxwell made for children.

After the kids ate, they all took a nap,  except Zane, who no doubt was a lot like his mother Olivia.

After the kids woke up, Liam scheduled for a nearby  Theme park to be closed down for them.

The kids loved Fun World Theme park,  they rode several kiddie rides, visited the haunted house, they were now playing in the bouncy house, when all the kids started saying they were hungry,  even little Patience. 

Maxwell took everyone to Dilights in downtown Ramsford,  it was one of Juliana's favorite restaurants, they ordered spaghetti and meatballs for the kids. Maxwell asked for 4 extra plats. For Patience and Julian, Zane, he put a spoonful of spaghetti, a small piece of garlic bread and a small amount of salad,

They all were amazed that all the smaller children ate all their food, especially Drake because Patience was very picky and oftentimes didn't eat.

Zane and Julian had very similar eating patterns. Maxwell phone rings 

"Hello beautiful,  I hope your trip is going well, oh glad to hear it, the guys and I took the kids out; can't wait until you get home love you."

Cameron started to cry, Maxwell went to the bathroom to check Cam's dipper and ask one of the staff members  if they could  his bottle.

"Thank you so much for this fun day with the kids, you have changed a lot since you meeting Juliana and had children." Liam said.

"Thank you buddy,   Jewel changed my whole life when she blessed me with Julian,  then Cameron I knew I had to change my ways to be a better man."

"Beaumont don't make me regret this, but you are a wonderful father and I'm learning a lot from you." Maxwell rushed over to Drake, thawing his arm around his shoulder. 

"I love you guys; best friends in the world, we should get them home, they're all worn out.

"Hey if you all want you all can stay over, it's after nearly 9, I'm sure the kids are pretty tired "

Once they got back to Max house, all the kids were sleeping, they put them to bed, then the guys met in the media room, they had a few drinks, watched a movie and talked.

________________

The next morning,  it was time to go to the airport to meet their wives, he was grateful for the friends he had but even more for his beautiful queen and his boys, he was pretty sure the guys felt the same.

He watched as Olivia came into sight first picking up Zane and hugging him, then she remembered her husband and pulled him in for a hug Rashad smiled because he knew how tough she acted, but she was so gentle with their son.

As soon as Hana emerged Drake wrapped his arm around her, and Patience hugged her leg until she picked her up .

Mia was attacked as soon as Liam and her boys saw her, they gave her a group hug.

Finally my beautiful wife stepped out, of course Julian was the first to hug her and then she grabbed Cam, and hugged me,right now everything feels right again.

_____________

@honey358luv @angelasscribbles @maxwell-beaumont-appreciation @choicesficwriterscreations @harleybeaumont @dcbbw @bebepac @bertrandbeaumontfan @tessa-liam @kingliam2019 @mom2000aggie @yolandawalker @yaniradolton @queenjilian @queenrileyrose @queenmiaandkingliam @ao719 @alj4890 @luvquit @twinkleallnight @

[alj4890]

All Through the Night

A Choices The Royal Romance Dark AU

A/N Well, here we are. The planned ending I wrote from the moment I was given this request. It hurts. So. Much. But I thought this was how it would have gone down given our cast of characters. Thanks for going down this dark AU with me. ***WARNING: MULTIPLE CHARACTER DEATHS.***VIOLENT DEATHS***

@iaminlovewithtrr @gkittylove99 @krsnlove @kingliam2019 @texaskitten30 @yourmajesty09 @mom2000aggie @ofpixelsandscribbles @twinkleallnight @lodberg @amandablink @neotericthemis @mm2305 @sfb123 @tessa-liam @busywoman @nestledonthaveone @angelasscribbles @thesvnsins

Masterlist

Part 13 (second half)

The Royal Palace, Cordonia...

Olivia's brow furrowed as her call continued to go unanswered.

It was strange to say the least that Madeleine was not at Applewood blessing the trees with the spells that Regina performed each year.

Olivia set her phone down upon her desk. Her fingers tapped impatiently against the rich cherry wood as she gazed out her window. She was unable to focus on the beauty of the capital draped in early morning light. Normally she felt a sense of pride but right now she couldn't shake the feeling that something was desperately wrong.

Perhaps it is my imagination, she thought. After all that has happened and the nights spent with nothing to point to the murderer...

Unable to remain patient, she quickly pulled up Maxwell's number.

After four rings, his sleepy voice answered.

"Lo?" He mumbled.

"Good. You're awake." She greeted. "Have you talked to Madeleine recently?"

She could hear Maxwell shifting in his bed. "No."

She frowned some more.

"Bertrand went to see her yesterday." He yawned. "I fell asleep before he came home."

Olivia's eyebrow quirked. "Go wake him."

"What's wrong?" Maxwell's sleepy tone disappeared in an instant when he heard the nervous edge to her command.

"Madeleine hasn't come for the yearly blessing. The farmers are already anxious as it is now that Regina's dead. They believe the apple crop will fail this year."

"Madeleine knows how important that is." He added.

She could hear Maxwell scramble out of bed and his door clicking open.

"Hold on." He said once he hurried down the hallway to Bertrand and Savannah's bedroom.

Olivia could hear a knock followed by a muffled conversation between Maxwell and Savannah. Then she heard his thudding footsteps as he called out for a servant. More muffled talking followed.

"Maxwell?" Olivia called out when silence fell.

"Bertrand never came home last night." Maxwell told her. "I'm going to Fydelia."

"Not without me." She told him.

"Olivia, if another attack has happened, I can't have you--"

"And I can't have you either." She snapped. "Do not leave or I will have you thrown into a dungeon for disobeying your queen!" She swiped up her daggers while stalking out of her study. "Understand?"

Maxwell sighed.

"Yes, your majesty."

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

Fydelia...

Their knocks went unanswered.

Sharing a glance, they both pulled their weapons out before entering into the manor that Madeleine called home.

An eerie stillness lay within the rooms that once hummed with a cheerful activity. When Regina was alive, it was as if her magic combined with Madeleine's growing power spilled out of their workroom and into the rest of mansion.

Olivia could feel her hair rising on the back of her neck as she took point. Maxwell had his sword ready to attack anyone who came up behind them.

They slowly crept down a dark hallway, allowing their eyes to adjust with each step. Their ears strained to hear even the slightest sound as they moved silently in unison.

Pausing outside a rough wooden door, the pair nodded to one another then kicked it open.

It bounced against the wall, revealing a scene worse than what they expected.

Maxwell's sword slipped out of his numb fingers when he saw his brother, battered and bloody upon the floor. He rushed over, forgetting all his hunter caution, dropping to his knees.

"Bertrand?" His voice cracked.

It rose in volume the third time he spoke his brother's name.

A shallow breath before eyes opened for a moment.

"He's alive!" Maxwell shouted towards Olivia.

After doing a quick search through the storeroom and laboratory, Olivia dropped down beside Madeleine's still form.

Her brow creased as she gazed upon a nearly unrecognizable face.

Madeleine's once undeniable beauty was nowhere to be seen. The smashed nose in the center of a bruised and bloody face caused her to inwardly wince. The pool of blood under her once golden head of hair alarmed the queen as she searched in vain for a pulse.

Maxwell watched from where he knelt. His blue eyes met Olivia's green in silent question.

She shook her head with a curse.

"Dammit!" She got to her feet to pace. "Who is doing this?! Why would they attack Madeleine? She doesn't have anything to do with the Dark Kingdom!"

"We better call Penelope and Kiara." Maxwell told her. "They're all we have for witches now."

"A fat lot of good that does Cordonia!" Olivia spat. "They're weak. No one had power like Regina. Madeleine wasn't as strong as her but she was getting there."

Maxwell called the two witches, asking them to hurry over.

"Do you think they'll be able to treat Bertrand?"

Olivia grimaced as she paced. "Possibly. I never called on them because they were still learning from Regina. I have no idea if Madeleine continued with their studies."

Maxwell blew out a breath as he gazed about the room.

"We need more light in here." He got to his feet to open up the curtains near where the bodies lay.

Olivia was on the opposite side of the room, studying a glass case that had been shattered.

As sunlight filtered in, Maxwell noticed something odd near where Madeleine lay.

He crouched down near her head realizing that words were written upon the wall.

It was difficult to make out the brown streaks on the rough stone wall. He squinted in concentration when he realized it was a message to him.

"Olivia!" He shouted, waving her over. "Look!"

She sprinted over, daggers ready to attack.

Her eyes widened before she began to decipher the message Madeleine had painstakingly tried to leave them before she died.

"Leo." Maxwell shook his head. "He did this? How? He never had any power."

"He must have found a way to gain some abilities." Olivia waved around the room. "Look what he did."

The two studied the destruction quietly.

"Then he must be the one behind the attacks." Maxwell shook his head, still unable to fathom how Leo became so powerful. "The tracks near Drake's body never made sense to me since they were human size."

Olivia nodded as she reread Madeleine's message. Getting to her feet, she walked over to a storage bin.

"But why kill Regina and Lucretia?" Maxwell continued to think out loud. "I mean, I get why he might want to kill Drake."

Olivia looked up. "You do? I don't." She lifted an ancient dagger out. "I only understand him killing my aunt."

Maxwell's brow furrowed. "Why only her?"

"The whole Rhys verses Nevrakis feud." She continued to search to make certain this was the only dagger in the room.

It had to be the weapon Madeleine claimed could take down Leo.

"Right." Maxwell mumbled.

Olivia returned by his side to do a cursory check of Bertrand's injuries.

"Why were you not surprised over Leo killing Drake?"

Maxwell shrugged. "I guess because he is so important to Liam. Seems like something someone would do who's jealous."

Olivia blinked. "I didn't think of that."

Maxwell snorted. "Yeah, well you don't have a sibling."

Olivia remained silent as she thought about what he said.

Leo was killing those in both power and position. If it had been just to win his way back into Constantine's good graces, then he would have killed Lucretia and herself.

What was the point of killing Drake? Was it like Maxwell thought and simply a murder over jealousy. Had Leo left the Dark Kingdom because Constantine forced him to or had he left because he couldn't stand the thought of Liam being king?

She didn't know. She only knew that she had to stop him from hurting someone else. She wasn't ready to say goodbye to anyone she'd grown close to during these months of turmoil.

And Madeleine had given her the very weapon to stop him.

"What kind of powers do you think Leo has?" Maxwell asked while watching his brother's chest rise and fall in short bursts.

"He clearly has super strength."

He nodded. "I wonder how he was able to take down both Regina and Madeleine so easily."

"He might have some type of increased speed."

"Like what Liam has?"

Olivia fought back a shudder. "Most likely."

Maxwell softly cursed.

The pair jumped when his cell phone rang.

"Sherry?" He answered. "I know--Olivia and--I know I promised not to go anywhere without telling--"

Olivia was impressed with how loud Sherry was yelling at him.

"Sherry!" He roared back. "Madeleine and Bertrand were attacked! Madeleine's dead and my brother..." He swallowed while lowering his voice. "He's in bad shape."

Maxwell sighed as he slipped his phone back in his pocket.

"She's on her way." He grumbled.

"You should have called her." Olivia chided. "You know how much she worries about you."

"Yeah, I know." He blew out a frustrated breath. "It's difficult to have someone concerned about me again. Bertrand was in a way. But Sherry..."

"You're her world." Olivia snorted softly. "I don't envy monsters or mates with that kind of love."

Maxwell quirked an eyebrow in question.

"I think my parents might have had something similar since they wouldn't hunt without the other." She explained. "Lucretia though, made certain I understood just how that can make one reckless."

"True. Sherry drops everything if she thinks I'm in danger then comes flying in," his dimples deepened at the thought, "literally in most cases to try and protect me from the unknown."

Olivia eyed him. "You love it."

Maxwell chuckled. "Yeah, I kinda do." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I never thought I would find someone to love me like that and then to realize I feel the same way about her." He shook his head. "I always thought I'd be alone and die while hunting monsters."

Olivia nodded. "I suppose I've been thinking the same for myself." Her nose wrinkled at the thought. "Lucretia was hounding me those last few weeks before she was killed to find someone to marry and continue the Nevrakis line of rulers and protectors of Cordonia."

Maxwell saw her countenance change from annoyance to sadness.

"I know she didn't want me to fall in love, and I certainly haven't been actively looking for such, but I think deep down, I was holding out for some stronger emotion than simple duty to cause me to choose a husband." She snorted again. "Perhaps I'm more like my parents than I thought."

The two stirred when they heard a commotion coming down the hallway.

Sherry, along with Rashad and Hana, stopped in the doorway.

"Oh no." Hana said softly as she rushed over. She gently touched Bertrand's hand while looking at how badly hurt he was.

Rashad and Sherry both winced as they sniffed the air.

"Leo's been here." Rashad's tone was one of disbelief.

"He's been here often." Sherry's nose wrinkled as she sniffed once more. "His smell is too strong to have been by for a moment."

"Madeleine left a message confirming it was Leo who did this and how he has powers now." Olivia explained.

Maxwell gestured to the wall they were leaning against.

"Is that...written in blood?" Sherry shivered in revulsion.

Rashad crouched down to read all that Madeleine managed to leave for then. The broken sentences and shaky letters upon the rough stone made it nearly impossible to decipher her parting thoughts towards the end.

"She gave him powers." Rashad looked up at those around him. "I didn't know the witches could do that."

"Neither did I." Olivia glanced down at the dagger in her hand. "But at least Madeleine left us a way to stop him."

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

Once Penelope and Kiara came to take over preparing Madeleine's body and having healed Bertrand as much as their limited power allowed, Maxwell called an ambulance to take his brother to a hospital.

Bertrand was awake at last and managed to repeat the lie that he'd been in a motorcycle accident when the first responders appeared. Rashad was able in his dragon form to crush a motorcycle that Maxwell had borrowed from a nearby farm.

As he was being lifted into the ambulance, he called out to Olivia.

Bowing and stepping back, the EMT's gave them a moment of privacy.

"Leo," he breathed, "I think I remember him saying something about Liam." His eyes began to droop closed. "Danger."

Olivia gently patted his hand. "Rest. We'll take care of everything."

Her frown firmed as the ambulance departed.

Her gut had been telling her for a while now that Liam was in danger. That they were all in danger. And as a warrior queen, she couldn't let Leo harm her people.

She couldn't lose her best friend.

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

"I'm coming with you." Maxwell stood firm, arms crossed as he glared down at Olivia. "You of all people can't go into the Dark Kingdom alone."

"You can't either." Sherry corrected. "You're just as hated in the Dark Kingdom as Olivia is."

"Liam's our family." Rashad pointed out. "It is our duty as dragon kin to protect him."

Hana listened quietly to the arguments fly about as to it being too dangerous for each one to go without the other.

She glanced down at the text message she'd received in the middle of the night from Riley.

Liam turned me last night. Can you believe that me, the girl who actively searched for truth about monsters is actually one now 🤣 Always remind me that so I never forget how special this kingdom truly is. I'm so glad you're with me on this unexpected journey.

"You have to go tell Savannah what happened to Bertrand!" Olivia pointed at Maxwell. "And you," she pointed at Sherry, "will be needed to comfort both."

She eyed Rashad next. "And you need to--"

Hana cleared her throat. "I will go and be with Savannah."

Everyone turned toward her in surprise.

Hana lifted her chin as she made the plans. "I'll stay with her at the hospital and then at Ramsford until you return. But, you all must go warn Liam and Riley about Leo. Because right now, they are celebrating Riley becoming a vampire."

Rashad and Sherry shared a worried glance.

"The castle will have been open to the entire kingdom." Sherry told the group.

"Everyone will come to meet the heir's chosen mate." Rashad rubbed his hands over his face.

"Leo could slip in easily." Olivia gripped the ancient dagger. "He could be waiting to strike."

"We have to go." Sherry held her hand out. "Since you can't enter into the palace, give me the dagger."

Olivia narrowed her eyes. "No."

Sherry's glowed while steam wafted from her body. "A Nevrakis is to be killed the moment they step foot over the boundary between our kingdoms"

"I refuse to remain behind when Liam is in danger!" Olivia snapped.

Sherry huffed. "Max, you must stay--"

"Where you go, I go." He laced his fingers with hers, ignoring how hot her skin was. "No arguments."

"But--"

"Enough!" Olivia snapped. "Let's go."

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

Sunset, the Dark Kingdom...

"Do you think they liked me?" Riley whispered as the last of the elves filed out of the castle.

"They adored you." Liam slipped his arm around her waist. "Which, as one who easily succumbed to your charm, it's not difficult to adore you."

She pressed a kiss to his cheek, smiling when he hugged her close.

Her entire first day as a vampire had been spent indoors in celebration with the other monsters of the kingdom. Many were as she always suspected. They suffered many of the fears and worries she herself had. They also wished for a life that most humans wanted for their families.

A safe place for their kids to grow up without fear of who and what they were.

Her heart softened as the children ran up to hug their future queen.

She couldn't wait to begin her own family with Liam.

Constantine walked over, a huge smile upon his face.

"That went exceedingly well." He told them. "I'm very proud of both of you. Our people did nothing but sing your praises."

"I was worried they wouldn't like me since I wasn't born a monster." Riley confessed as they adjourned to a formal den to sit.

"There are many here who were born human. There is no prejudice to those who become monsters later in life." Constantine explained. "All that matters is that we accept and protect each other."

As the three continued to discuss the conversations they'd taken part of, a long shadow fell across them.

Constantine struggled to his feet.

"Leo!" His joy over seeing his prodigal son could not be hidden.

The Great Disappointment chuckled. "Good evening, Father. Liam." His head tilted upon the unknown lady. "Who is this?"

"This my mate, Riley." Liam replied, delighted to have his brother here on such an important day. "She recently took the vampire's kiss."

Leo continued to eye the young woman.

His lips twisted into a smile. "Has she now?" He gave a partial bow. "Welcome to the family."

"It's great to finally meet you." Riley got to her feet to shake his hand. "I've heard so much..."

Her eyes widened when he grasped her hand. Once she was close enough, her vampire senses recognized the immense power emanating from him.

It seemed to increase the longer he gripped her hand.

The former crown prince's demeanor that had appeared so friendly beforehand hardened before their eyes.

Riley managed to wrench her hand from his. She glanced back to see both Liam and Constantine become more alarmed with each passing second.

Liam reached out to pull Riley away. Once she was safely behind him, he studied his brother.

"Leo?" Constantine coughed some. "What have you done?"

"Done?" Leo replied. "I've done the very thing I set out to do when I left."

His smile turned into an evil lear as he neared them.

"I've done the impossible. The Great Disappointment has gained the power necessary to be the true King of the Dark Kingdom. Hell, I've gained the power to also take Queen Olivia's throne from her once and for all." His heartless gaze settled upon Liam. "And more than enough to eliminate every single obstacle in my path to the crown."

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

Olivia raced through the village with Rashad and Sherry. Maxwell protected their backs as they rushed to save Liam from a certain death.

I can't lose him. Not my only true friend. Not now. Not ever.

"Can't you transform into a dragon?" She panted.

"Not until we're closer." Sherry explained. "People from Corodnia could see if we did so here."

"Plus we would damage our people's buildings." Rashad added. "We can't risk transforming here."

Olivia grunted in understanding while she pushed her screaming muscles to move faster.

One thought revolved around her mind: if Leo killed Liam, she would make sure she destroyed him before he ever had a chance to take the Dark Crown.

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

"Leo? How did you manage" Constantine weakly sat down while waving a hand towards him, "this?"

"I wish I could take credit for my genes finally catching up to their rightful state." Leo explained. "But all credit goes to the late Lady Madeleine of Fydelia."

"Late?" Constantine sucked in a painful gasp. "Regina's last relative is--"

"Dead?" Leo smirked. "Yes. I had planned on making her my queen, but well..." He chuckled. "Sometimes our plans don't go as we hope."

"It was you, wasn't it?" Liam asked.

Leo merely shrugged.

"You killed Lucretia." Liam began, edging closer to his brother.

"Isn't that what we were taught from the cradle?" Leo quipped. "Destroy every Nevrakis we come into contact with."

"And Regina?" Liam prodded.

"Sadly, it was necessary for me to obtain my power."

Constantine clutched at his chest. His mind couldn't wrap around the notion that his own son had viciously murdered his beloved.

He couldn't even think of a word to say.

"And Drake?" Liam's eyes narrowed. "You killed him too, didn't you?"

"It was my gift to you, brother." Leo hissed. "In repaying the favor of you stealing my rightful place!"

Within the blink of an eye, Leo dashed to the other side of the room, lifted an ancient chair, and smashed it against the floor. He lifted up a broken piece of wood, casually tossing it between his hands.

"Now then." Leo smiled once more. "I believe we have talked long enough." He hefted the crude stake in his right hand. "It is time, I took my kingdom back."

Liam barely had a chance to not only knock Riley out of the way but also to dodge Leo's attack.

Leo clucked his tongue in mock disapproval. "This is very unsporting of you, Liam." He crouched to launch another attack. "Be a good boy and face your short future."

Liam's attention darted briefly to Riley quietly scanning the room for something to attack Leo with. He couldn't tell her to stop because he knew his brother would not hesitate to kill her.

Leo leaped into the air, stake held high above him to plunge into Liam's heart. In trying to figure out how to end this fight, a red blur jumped in front of Liam.

Sherry's and Riley's screams rent the air along with Maxwell and Rashad's denials.

Leo stared wide eyed at Liam. A blood bubble burst from his lips as he looked down to see an ancient dagger embedded deep in his stomach.

His strength, the mass amount of power, his speed all dissolved in a bright purple flash.

Olivia gasped as she jerked the blade up, causing his intestines to pour out to the floor.

Leo's hand let go of the wooden stake as he followed his insides, dead before his head struck the Persian rug.

Liam's relief that no one else was hurt turned quickly to desperation the moment Olivia fell back into his arms.

The crude stake had pierced through her chest. Blood was staining the crisp white blouse she had donned earlier that day. Her breaths were coming out in brief, painful gasps.

"No!" Liam cried out, lifting her in his arms. "No, no, no..."

He gently placed her on a nearby couch then yelled out for someone to bring him the chalice.

"Get me something to help stop the bleeding!" He demanded while pulling the stake out. "I'll need it until she changes over into a vampire."

He ignored her trying to argue, tilted her chin up and bit down into her neck.

He then took the offered chalice from Riley and raised it to Olivia's lips.

He stared in surprise the moment she knocked it out of his hand.

"No, Liam." She gasped. "I'm a Nevrakis. I can't become a vampire."

He demanded it be refilled again.

"I'm not losing another person I love!" He shouted when she made the same argument again.

Olivia's tears fell as she looked at him.

"I love you so much, Liam." She gripped his hand. "I was so frightened that I would lose your friendship every time I told you my plans for revenge." She coughed up some blood. "I guess that's why I never followed through with them."

Constantine stumbled over to kneel beside them.

"Your majesty," he rasped. "Thank you for saving my son."

She nodded, struggling with every movement.

"Your sacrifice will be rewarded." He lifted the bloody stake and set it within her weak grasp. "I hope my death will end this feud our families have been locked in for centuries."

Olivia barely shook her head. "I. Can't. Hurt. Liam."

Constantine smiled softly. "He knows I'm ready to leave this world. I will be gone shortly as it is." He wrapped his hand around hers that held the stake. "You deserve the right to avenge your parents."

Olivia searched Liam's face for what she should do.

With tears falling down his cheeks, he gave her a brief nod.

"Wait." Olivia pleaded as Constantine raised their hands up to plunge the stake into his heart. "Before you die, I want you to know that I named Liam as my heir."

"A Rhys upon Cordonia's throne?" Constantine placed a kiss upon her knuckles. "Thank you, your majesty."

With their combined strength, Constantine turned to ash.

Olivia let out a sob as she reached for Liam's hand.

He gripped it, softly shushing her pleas for him to forgive her.

"There's nothing to forgive." Liam raised his other hand to her cheek. "You gave him peace in the end."

Blackness began to edge her vision.

"Liam!" She gasped. "Thank you for being my friend." Her eyes began to close. "I was never lonely...because...of...you..."

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

Epilogue...

What happened to everyone left behind?

Liam and Riley married and ruled over both kingdoms. In the end, the creatures of the Dark Kingdom voted against revealing the truth of what they were to the people of Cordonia. All that the humans were told was that their King and Queen both suffered from a serious skin condition which kept them from being out in sunlight. And it seems that their allergy was passed on to their children. Their little princess and prince had something else their father had. Bertrand and Savannah's son had the Walker's blood oath flowing through his veins. Their friendship and ever growing bond brought a smile to Liam's face each time he saw them playing together with their dragon kin. It was as if his painful memories of having lost that with Drake's death and Savannah's breaking of the blood oath lessen to only remember the good times they once had.

Maxwell and Sherry married, settling down along the border of the two kingdoms. Given that the former monster hunter had rushed in to save their King, he was allowed to visit the Dark Kingdom from time to time with his wife and children whenever they decided to turn into dragons and fly about the misty Blackspire Mountains. He was found often perched on the edge of a cliff, watching his dragons with a big smile upon his face.

Rashad and Hana also married and had little dragons of their own. Hana's mother refused to acknowledge her daughter or her grandchildren. She considered them all abominations and told her daughter never to contact her again. It took years for Hana's sadness over this loss to ease and simply focus on the happy life Rashad had given her. Though her mother never entered her life again, Hana blossomed with her dragon by her side.

Bertrand suffered with his injuries and had a long battle to just be able to walk again. His monster hunting days were long behind him and to be honest, now that there was peace in the land, he was glad to never have to pick up his crossbow again. He instead focused on raising and loving his son. Savannah never got over Drake's death. Unable to look upon her son, who had inherited his late uncle's eyes, she divorced Bertrand shortly after the baby was born and left Cordonia and her child for good. She knew she couldn't stay and end up hurting them like her mother had. No one knows where she is or even if she is still alive. Her heartache was too great to ever be what her family needed.

Olivia's grave and monument spoke of her unending bravery and loyalty to all she held dear. Liam's visible grief over losing her helped Cordonia's people to accept him as their King. It also helped ease the hard feelings many of the creatures of the Dark Kingdom had toward the entire Nevrakis legacy.

She'd done her family name proud in the end by ending the feud once and for all.

[trrvisuals]

My Characters

Riley is always my MC, but I have given her different last names and different middle names in different stories. All of my character's personalities vary from story to story. And Riley is perhaps the most variable of them all.

All of the Riley Campbell Chronicles: Riley Beth Campbell (after her mother Elizabeth)

Savage Love: Riley Amalas Brooks (after her aunt, the queen of Monterisso)

Star Crossed: Riley Renee Brooks (after her grandmother)

Face Claim: Barbara Palvin

Liam is almost always an LI for my Riley, if he's not with Riley, I pair him with Maxwell. In most (but not all) poly fics, she is married to Liam. Occasionally he's in a throuple with either her and Max or her and Drake.

I've written Liam as understanding of her torn feelings about him and Drake and as more jealous of it. I've written him as sweet and innocent and I've written him as possessive and controlling.

In the tradition of most royal houses, I have given him (as well as Leo and any of his children) multiple middle names.

Liam Nicolai Ulysses Augustus Rys

Face Claim: Daniel Henney

Drake is almost always a LI for Riley as well, either as a rival for her affections or in a poly situation with Liam. Her relationship with him is often (but not always) a secret even when all involved are in a CNM situation, due to concerns about scandal.

I've written Drake everywhere from completely no jealousy in him to murderous jealousy over her and everything in between. Depends on the tone of the story I'm going for.

I've given him the middle name of Nolan, after one of the greatest pitchers of all time, Texas Ranger Nolan Ryan. His son is almost always named Jackson or Jaxon after his father.

Drake Nolan Walker.

Face claim: Daniel Di Tommaso

I created more boards for him during Drake Walker Appreciation Week. Here they are:

Max is a wild card. I've written him as her best friend and I've written him as her lover. There are a few one-shots where she and Max end up exclusive but I really love him with her and Liam as a throuple.

When not with Riley, I've paired him with Liam and once with Savanah. I also have two boards for him because I created a new one for Maxwell Appreciation Week.

Maxwell Percival Beaumont.

Face claim: Xavier Serrano

Rashad is not a LI in canon, but I went ahead and made him one in Bad Romance and was surprised at how many people enjoyed his character and his relationship with Riley.

Canon didn't give him a last name, so I did.

Lord (and eventually Duke) Rashad Faheem

Face claim: Manish Dayal

Leo really became a more filled-out character for me when I wrote him in Bad Romance Disney Adventure. I have only paired him with Riley once so far and it was in the past tense. I have almost always put him with Olivia until it occurred to me to put him with Drake and I'm shocked at how much I love that pairing.

Leonardo Tiberius Constantine Fabian Rys

Face claim: Trevor Donovan

Hudson Rys, Leo's eldest child, who is forever salty that his father's life choices robbed him of being king.

Face claim: Jesse McCartney

Olivia, aka Liv or Livvie to her close friends and family. I have paired her with Leo multiple times and once with Hana so far.

Olivia Vanderwall Nevrakis

Face claim: Karen Gillian

Kiara Theron. Sometimes romantic rival for Drake's affections. Twice I have married her to Gordon Price, the prime minister of Terrana. I have yet to write how that comes about, but one of these days maybe lol.

Face Claim: Aja Naomi King

Hana Lee. I have paired her most often with Riley. I have put her with Lena a few times. I have made her aromantic. I have given her a fling with Penelope. In my Drake x Leo universe, I paired her with Olivia. I have never paired her with a man other than Liam. I have made her queen twice. In Dark Elf she is escorted to social events by Rashad, but she hates it and only does it to appease her parents so they leave her alone and she can focus on her true objectives.

Face Claim: Angela Yeung Wing (stage name Angelababy)

[tessa-liam]

Marabelle - 14 -

Lovers in a Dangerous Time - 14 -

Choices – The Royal Romance, AU – (cross-over with Rules of Engagement)

Series Premise – An American teenager from New York City is introduced to the world of a small European country and its society of royalty, nobility, and commoners. How will her life story be transformed? Will this new adventure bring her happiness...or regret?

Marabelle Series Masterlist, My Complete Masterlist

Main Pairing – Crown Prince Liam Rys x F!OC Lady Sophia (Sophie) Taylor

Other Pairings – Maxwell Beaumont x M!OC Daniel (from NYC), Drake Walker x F!OC Melanie Smithson

Most characters belong to Pixelberry Studios

Series Rating – M*🔞Warnings: this series will have NSFW material, drinking, crude language & innuendo.

Not Beta’d - Please excuse all errors.

Category – Alternate universe/on-going series/angst/fluff/cross-over with Choices Rules of Engagement

Words: 3434

Chapter Summary – It’s graduation night for Maxwell and along with Sophie and Daniel, they attend the festivities with family and friends at the University of Cordonia in the capital. Tasked with a diplomatic opportunity, Liam flies to Rome for a summit with Francesco and officials of the Italian parliament.

Music & Title Inspiration: Lovers in a Dangerous Time, Bare Naked Ladies, Ben Grosse

A/N1: Bethany Beaumont, Maxwell’s mother, is originally from the U.S. and is Barthelemy Beaumont’s second wife. Annabelle Beaumont (deceased) is Bertrand’s mother.

A/N2: ‘Social Season’ in this AU series refers to a traditional period in the spring/summer for royalty and members of the court to take part in Balls, dinner parties and charity events.

A/N3: Heartfelt thanks to @Selina012 for joining me in writing ideas and with dialogue for this chapter.

en route to Rome, Italy

Seated behind his computer screen, Liam scrolled through the files his advisors had given him earlier in the day. It was late into the evening and the plane was quiet. Drake was asleep in his chair, snoring softly, and Bastien was seated nearby, his eyes trained on his book. Rashad, standing for the crown’s legal counsel, was reviewing the proposals that would be discussed and implemented if agreed upon.

The only sound came from the occasional beep of the computer's keyboard as Liam entered the codes that would allow him to access the secure files. Sitting back, he began to read through and analyze the information. After an hour or so had passed by, Liam stopped to acknowledge the flight attendant who set down a late snack and two fingers of scotch.

After taking a sip, he turned to his head guard.

"I hope I'm not interrupting," Liam said quietly as he closed the laptop and set it aside.

"Of course not, sir," Bastien said. "What's on your mind?"

"I just had an interesting chat with a source. There have been rumors circulating in Cordonia that the 'Sons of the Earth' are organizing. The Sons have been out of power since the last time they rose up to oppose the monarchy over a decade ago.”

"They were never a real threat," Bastien stated, his tone confident.

"My source tells me that a new leader has risen within their ranks, someone who is very charismatic, and able to sway the others with his message. I am concerned, Bastien. The Sons were always an extreme faction, and they could prove dangerous if allowed to regain power."

"You want me to find out more about them?"

"Yes," Liam nodded. "And be discreet. If it turns out that this new leader has no real power, we can put this behind us. But if there's any threat or danger, we need to be ahead of it."

"Of course, sir. I will situate agents immediately."

"Thank you, Bastien." Liam's expression grew pensive as he turned back to open the computer. "There is something else."

"Sir?"

"This source tells me that the Sons' leader has taken a particular interest in a member of the nobility. It is believed that the noblewoman is being used to gain support among the other houses.”

"Which noblewoman?"

"Duchess Adelaide Amaranth," Liam answered, his gaze hardening. "According to the information I have, factions have been allowed to situate in Krona."

"You want me to investigate her involvement, as well."

"I'd like you to bring her in and question her, yes. And I want a full investigation into her financial records. See if you can uncover any ties between her and the Sons."

"Consider it done, sir."

Liam loved the power and responsibility of his role as the crown prince. He thrived on the challenges and opportunities it provided, and was excited for the day he would take the throne as king.

With his advisor's files securely tucked away, Liam leaned back in his chair, a slight smile on his lips. He was confident in his ability to lead Cordonia into a brighter future, and he knew that with his team of advisors, he would be successful.

He had never felt so ready for the challenges ahead, and he couldn't wait to take his place as Cordonia's leader. He glanced at his ring, the royal seal engraved on it and smiled.

Liam knew he was doing the right thing. He was prepared and would not let his country down. He would protect it, care for it, and ensure that it remained prosperous and safe for generations to come.

He thought back to his father, and the legacy he would leave behind. Liam knew that his father had been a good king, and he hoped to emulate him as much as possible. He hoped that he would live up to the standard his father had set.

But more than anything, he was looking forward to starting a life with Sophie. Their relationship was a secret for now to many, but he knew that their time would come. He had been thinking about their future together a lot lately, and he had an idea of what he wanted to do.

University of Cordonia, student dorms, Candace’s suite

Sophie stood in front of the mirror, helping Candy fix the accessories in her hair. "Candy, you look amazing, and you will definitely be the center of attention at the party tonight."

Candy, who was wearing a long purple dress, smiled and turned to take a satisfied look at her makeup. "Thanks Sophie! I picked this dress out especially for the grad, and Tom will be there, too. It's the first time we've ever been to a formal event like this together."

Sophie smiled with a hint of envy. "It's nice, you two look so good together. Speaking of which, Tom is your third boyfriend at Uni, right? You are always so popular with the guys."

Candy winked mischievously and patted Sophie on the shoulder. "Oh, Soph, don't say that. I'm just looking for the one who really belongs to me."

"Maybe, Candy," Sophie said, shaking her head. "I guess I just haven't met anyone yet. I am just fussy and hard to please," she grinned.

"...and you're almost a graduate. Why don't you even try to get a boyfriend? Maybe you're expecting too much of your future boyfriend, too."

Sophie laughed and waved her hand in front of her. Her relationship with Liam was still ‘under wraps’ with only family and Daniel knowing the truth. "No, it's not that. I have had some bad luck with dating in the past. And besides, I have other priorities."

Candy raised her eyebrows. "Other priorities?"

"Like finishing my education and starting my career." Sophie shrugged.

"Sophie, you know that's not enough to keep a man happy," Candy teased.

Candy's cell phone rang. She picked it up and saw that it was Tom. Candy suddenly smiled with joy, picked up the phone in front of Sophia and began to talk to Tom endlessly.

Sophie's sighed and went out on the balcony alone. The sky was now dark, and the stars dotted the night sky. The cool evening breeze touched her face and soothed her heart. As she looked around, the campus was enveloped in a colorful glow. The trees and buildings were decorated with all kinds of colorful lights and decorations. The celebration of the end of the school year filled every corner.

She picked up her phone and sent Liam a quick text and snapshot of the view from the balcony, her fingers jumping across the screen, and finally pressed send. But as the minutes ticked by Liam's response was slower to arrive than usual.

Sophie's eyes flashed a hint of loss, and she put the phone down slowly. She took a few deep breaths and recalled that Liam had said the previous night that he was going on a four-day business trip to Italy with his advisors. Perhaps he is now busy meeting with the Italian politicians. In a few days they'd see each other again, she put her phone into her clutch and smiled.

Just then the balcony door was pushed open. Candy, with a glow of happiness on her face walked quickly out onto the balcony and said excitedly, "Tom is waiting downstairs, we must go. Are you ready?" Sophie nodded and smiled at Candy, happy for her. "I'm ready, let's go."

Outside the building, a young man with a bouquet of flowers stood by the roadside waiting. Upon seeing Candy, he spread his arms in joy and the two embraced followed by a passionate kiss. Sophie looked at their sweet exchange, with both blessing and faint envy in her heart. But she quickly recovered her mood and followed them on to their way to the auditorium.

U. of C. Auditorium

As they stepped inside, the grandeur of the space overwhelmed Sophie. The walls were lined with intricately carved stonework and the ceilings were adorned with ornate frescoes depicting the history of Cordonia.

The stage was set at the far end of the hall, with a large, curved platform flanked by rows of velvet chairs.

The room was filled with the sounds of conversation and laughter, as hundreds of students and their families gathered for the event.

"There you are!" Maxwell exclaimed, as Sophie approached the group. "We were starting to wonder if you were going to miss the ceremony."

Sophie grinned. "No way. I wouldn't miss this for anything."

She reached out to give Maxwell a hug and was surprised to find that he was wearing a tuxedo. "I see you decided to dress up for the occasion," she said, amused.

"Yeah, mom insisted!"

Maxwell gestured to Daniel, who was dressed similarly in a tailored suit, his hair combed neatly. "Squirrel!" Daniel shouted as Bertrand and her uncle Barthelemy looked on in dismay.

***

As the graduation ceremony ended, the excitement in the auditorium grew as the lights dimmed, signaling the start of the post formal festivities.

The sound of the band started, and everyone's eyes were drawn to the stage behind the dance floor.

Above the dance floor the ceiling was covered with gold tassels and twinkling crystal lights which complemented the colorful balloons and streamers surrounding the parquet floor.

A spotlight illuminated the space where a young man stood in a white tuxedo, a microphone in his hand.

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice ringing out through the hall. "I am your host for this evening, and it is my great pleasure to welcome you all here to celebrate the graduating class of 2024."

There was a smattering of applause from the crowd. The host grinned. "It's time for the graduates to strut their stuff on the dance floor. Will all the students please take their places for the first dance."

Sophie laughed as she watched Maxwell and Daniel sashay arm in arm to the center.

Aunt Bethany gently tapped her shoulder. “Dear, your uncle, Bertrand, Sav and I are heading home. Have fun tonight.” Kissing her aunt’s cheek, Sophie turned her attention back to the dance.

“You guys can go dance then and I'll walk around.” Sophia smiled as she told Candy and Tom motioning towards the dance floor. Despite feeling a little lonely inside she wanted to give them some space to be alone.

“Okay, see you later Soph!” Candy and Tom smiled at each other and walked arm and arm into the dancing crowd. Looking at their backs Sophie took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Memories of her first dance with Liam flooded her thoughts, seeming to have just happened yesterday. What would happen if you were by your side tonight, Liam? Maybe he would gently take her hand and ask her to dance with him or maybe they would sneak out of the room and find a quiet corner to enjoy some alone time and sweet solitude. Sophie moved through the crowd alone, occasionally greeting acquaintances, but more often she just quietly observed everything and everyone around her.

That is when the mood at the party suddenly turned eerie. The lights began to flicker and then the whole venue was plunged into darkness. The sounds of people began to cry out as they looked for their companions. What is the matter - is there a power outage? Sophie mumbled to herself as she was about to take out her phone for light. But that was forgotten as she heard gunfire in the distance, which instantly destroyed all the peace and beauty of the evening.

“It's a shooting!” A frightened voice broke through the darkness as people started running and screaming wildly. Sophie's heart raced as she pressed against a wall trying to find a safe refuge as the emergency lights clicked on. Out of nowhere, Sophie felt a stinging pain on her cheek and forehead. She touched it with her hand and blood smeared on her fingertips having been cut in the face by shards of flying glass. Being surrounded by a chaotic crowd and the sounds of more gunfire, Sophie never felt more terrified and helpless than ever before.

Sophie looked through the flickering lights and saw strange figures flash through the window. Each of them was dressed in black and wore a black mask showing only their cold eyes. What was even more bizarre was the emblem on their chests. Each had been embroidered with a strange pattern. A picture of the earth with a baby was intertwined. It was unclear and strange who or what this referenced. Sophie took out her phone to film them but then another shot rang out close by which made her jump. In a panic the crowd rushed in her direction and in chaos her phone was flipped out of her hands by a fleeing person which flew several meters slamming into to the ground.

Regardless of the panic she felt at the moment, Sophie quickly took advantage of a few people moving out of her way to run and pick up her phone and placed it into her pocket, the screen smashed. The sound of her name being called brought Sophie's mind back to reality. She turned her head and saw that Tom had been shot in the shoulder in the confusion and his blood was red on the floor and down the front of his suit jacket. Candy was also cut in the arm by flying shrapnel and in pain, huddled on the ground beside Tom.

Sophie, ignoring the pain on her face, struggled to rush to them and used her whole-body strength to help the two people up amid all the chaos and despair. She found a glimmer of strength in the fear she felt for her friend and the thought of Liam. Grabbing a table napkin, recalling the first aid she had learned during her Girl Scouts years, she made emergency bandages for both of them. as she bandaged, she looked around from time to time looking for possible escape routes, but the smoke and the fire blurred her vision, and every step was full of unknown and danger.

Candy knelt down beside Tom and held him tight ignoring the pain on her arm. Her voice crying was pain and heartache Tom's face was pale as paper, but his eyes still flashed with the will to live. “Candy, sweetie ...” Tom struggled to lift his wounded hand and gently wiped the tears from Candy’s face and forced a smile, although his own gunshot wound to the shoulder had nearly knocked him unconscious.

“We have to get out of here, quick.” Sophie had just finished patching up Tom's shoulder and stood up. “Let's go that way ... there seems to be an exit.” She said pointing to a looming door not far away. Candy dried her tears, and she nodded. Together they supported Tom, struggling through confusion and fear, Sophie leads them through the sea of fire and debris.

Rome, Italy

A sleek, black limousine drove through the city, navigating the busy streets until it arrived at a five-star hotel located in the historical centre.

Liam sat inside the spacious interior, his gaze fixed out the window as the scenery rushed past them. His mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Sophie, her face, her smile. The memory of the softness of her skin, the gentle curves of her body beneath his touch. He was anxiously waiting for her response to his text.

He was going through the days events of the first day of his official business meetings he had today. It was a very productive and busy day of meetings with the prime minister of Italy, the minister for economy, the mayor of Rome and others to discuss international issues, economic growth and cultural exchanges between Cordonia and Italy.

But there was a part of him that wasn't fully focused on the job at hand. His initial plan for this Italian trip was to formally propose, to show his family and country that their future Queen was the most important person in his life.

He remembered seeing the display of jewelry at the Cartier store, he had a ring, a symbol of their commitment picked out for her. Now, inside his suit jacket, that diamond ring was nestled safely next to his heart.

Liam started to become tense and anxious that he didn't hear anything from Sophie.

Rashad watched from the other side of the vehicle with concern. He cleared his throat and broke the silence. "You alright, my boy?" He asked softly.

Liam shook his head and forced a half-hearted laugh. "Sorry...I've got a lot of things on my mind right now."

"Yes," Rashad replied. "A lot of big decisions on the horizon. So how'd today go, if I may ask? I wasn't there at the meeting of the prime minister. How was it?"

Liam straightened his posture and raised his chin.

"I think it went very well. I gave a very encouraging speech and I was able to make him agree with our position about our partnership between the two nations. That should help open more trade deals and increase exports to other countries, maybe even beyond the EU, like China or the UAE."

Rashad nodded proudly. "Excellent."

The two men continued their discussion as the limo wound its way through the city towards the luxury hotel. After a short drive, the vehicle drew up to the entrance.

Drake smiled at the luxury accommodation and turned to Liam. "And the hotel you're staying in is The Ritz, right?"

Liam raised an eyebrow in amusement.

"This is where I'm staying for the duration of the trip, but I did the preliminary negotiating with them before we left so my entourage could get the penthouse floor. But first, my friend," Liam chided playfully, "I have to make a statement for diplomacy purposes."

Liam emerged from the limo as the reporters and press begin flashing their cameras as paparazzi called out for his attention.

'Ecco qui, Nostrand alternative!'

["Over here, Your Highness!" ]

"Your Highness, do you have any comments for the press?"

"Can you tell us what the plans are for the Cordonian delegation while in the city?"

Liam looked at the cameras and responded.

'Il mio governo attende con ansia i nostri dibattiti su come promuovere la crescita economica e le opportunita per i nostri Paesi, affinche tutti i nostri cittadini possano.'

["My government looks forward to our discussions about promoting economic growth and opportunities for our countries, so that everyone in our citizens can prosper and enjoy the benefits of progress." ]

The gathered journalists cheered, and a member of the concierge team opened the door and led Liam, Rashad, Drake and Bastien into the opulent interior of the building.

Before entering the elevator, Liam paused and turned to Bastien. "i need you to locate Lady Sophia. I have been unable to contact her since leaving Cordonia."

"Right away, sir."

Thanks for reading; please let me know if you would like to be added or removed from this series.

📌perma tags: @bascmve01 @busywoman @kristinamae093 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @kingliam2019 @ao719 @alj4890 @emkay512 @karahalloway @twinkleallnight @malblk21 @tinkie1973 @queenmiarys @emersyn-in-cordonia @dutifullynuttywitch @charlotteg234 @lovingchoices14 @kyra75 @imjusthereforliam

📌 @selina012 @ @choicesficwriterscreations @irisk12 @walkerdrakewalker @delmissesryanandcassi @mom2000aggie @queen-arabella-of-cordonia @cadybear420 @thosehallowedhalls @moravel @prettyboisteveharrington @imashybish @jared2612

[alj4890masterlist]

1st set of Choices drabbles and request

2nd set of Choices drabbles and requests

Everything's Sweeter with Three (Liam x Riley)

One Night (Thomas Hunt x OC)*NSFW*

Premiere Date (Thomas Hunt x OC)

The Getaway (Ryan Summers x Holly Chang)

Trapped in Awe (Thomas Hunt x OC)

Baking Woes (Matt Rodriguez x Addison Sinclaire)

Hollywood Magic (Seth Levine x MC*Jessica Clarke)

An Ugly Time of Year (Victoria Fontaine x Jessica Clarke x Chadley Fortnum) *platonically*

Change of Plans (Thomas Hunt x OC) *NSFW*

It's Unavoidable (Thomas Hunt x OC)

Tis the Season (Thomas Hunt x OC)

The Christmas Card (Liam x Madeleine) (Liam x Riley)

Another Chance (Thomas Hunt x OC)

Christmas Journal (Liam x Riley)

The Christmas Card (prologue to L-O-V-E) (Liam x Riley)

L-O-V-E (Liam x Riley) part 1

L-O-V-E (Liam x Riley) Part 2

L-O-V-E (Liam x Riley) Part 3

Time Together (Thomas Hunt x OC)

Right by Your Side (Maxwell Beaumont x MC)

Something Sweet (Jax Matsuo x MC)/On a Rainy Afternoon (Thomas Hunt x OC)/Addiction (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Don't Let the Light Go Out (Tobias Carrick x F!MC

Interrupted Plans (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

A Couple of Drinks (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

The Date (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

The Reason (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Mine (Tobias Carrick x F!MC) *NSFW*

The Offer (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

The Wake (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

On the Run (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

A Glimpse (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Meeting the Family (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Tobias x Chris artwork (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Holding On (Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

Tea Time (Naveen Banerji, Ethan x F!MC)

Something Sweet (Ethan Ramsey x OC)

Something Sweet Part 2 (Ethan Ramsey x OC)

The Morning After (Thomas Hunt x OC) *NSFW*

A New Kind of Intimacy (Trystan Thorne x F!MC

The Babysitter (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

No Time Like the Present (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

What Might Have Been (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Nope (Trystan Thorne x F!MC)

Whose Is It? (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Processing and Developing (Tobias Carrick x F!MC) (Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

Processing and Developing Interrupted (Tobias Carrick x F!MC) (Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

The Getaway (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Asked and Received (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Always Winning (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

TBI (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Can't Help It (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Anticipation (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

You Know, What! (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Game On (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

The Dinner Party (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Oops (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Heart's Choice Part 1 (Ethan Ramsey x F!MC) (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Heart's Choice Part 2 (Ethan Ramsey x F!MC) (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Heart's Choice Part 3 (Ethan Ramsey x F!MC) (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

First Night Out (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Comfort (Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

Perceive (Thomas Hunt x OC)

Repeat Performance (Thomas Hunt x OC

Rough Start (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Tobias Carrick x F!MC artbyainna

Admittance (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Say It (Ethan Ramsey x F!MC)

Searching (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Complicated (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Treat for Two (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

Something New (Maxwell Beaumont x MC)

History Repeats Itself (Tobias Carrick x F!MC)

[angelasscribbles]

Size Doesn't Matter: A Bad Romance Drabble

Series: Bad Romance Continues

Original Series: Bad Romance

Fandom: The Royal Romance/The Royal Heir

Pairings for series: Riley x Liam x Max, Riley x Drake, Riley x Rashad

Rating: NSFWish

Word Count: 414

A/N: Good gravy, it's been so long since I've written anything for Bad Romance!! I've missed them so much!! Here's a random thing that popped into my head!

My other stuff: Master List.

Story is under the cut.....

Maxwell Beaumont lay face down in the middle of the bed, completely naked, ass up in the air. “Wait!”

Drake huffed in frustration. “Wait? You begged me to do this—”

“I know! I know! Just…. give me a minute, okay? I’m afraid it’s going to hurt!”

“I already promised to be gentle!”

“I know, it’s just…so big…”

“Don’t be a baby.”

“But—”

“Size really doesn’t matter that much—”

“Size does matter, Drake! It does!”

An irritated sigh escaped him. “We don’t have to do this, you know!”

“No, I want to!” Max insisted as he squeezed his eyes tightly shut. “Go ahead, I’m ready.”

Drake crawled onto the bed and positioned himself so he could get the angel correct. He wanted to get it right on the first try. “Just relax. Breath in, breath out, it’ll be over before you know it.”

Max buried his face in a pillow as he lifted his ass higher to give Drake the best access possible. He had begged him to do it, but that didn’t erase the fact that he was worried about the sheer size of the thing. It was definitely going to hurt.

“There. Done!” Drake said triumphantly as he hopped off the bed.

“That was it?” Max squeaked in surprise.

“Yeah. See? It wasn’t that big!” Drake held the tweezers out so Max could see the splinter he’d just pulled out of his left butt cheek.

Max’s face broke out in a grin as he sprung off the bed and tried to hug his savior. “Thank you!”

Drake slapped him away. “Get off me! You’re still naked!”

“It didn’t even hurt!” Max gloated. “You do know how to be gentle!”

“Yeah, well, don’t go around saying that,” Drake grumbled. “How the hell did you get a splinter in your ass, anyway?”

“Well, Riley—”

“Nope!” Drake’s hands flew up to cover his ears. “Don’t want to hear about it!”

“But then Liam—”

“I said no, Beaumont! No means no!”

“Fine,” Max grinned. “I’ll drop it… since you literally saved my ass.”

Drake groaned at the bad pun, but a grin slipped out of him despite himself. He shook his head. “I have to get back to work now. Try to keep your clothes on around wooden surfaces, alright?”

Max’s smile broadened. “I’ll try, but Liam—”

“Goodbye, Max!” Drake darted out the door and hurried down the hallway, shaking his head and muttering, “The things I do for these people.”

[choicesficwriterscreations]

TRR FotW - March 5 -11, 2023

18+ = Adult/Mature Content 🔥 = Explicit Material/NSFW

Drake Walker

A Fervid Fixation (Series) | Drake Walker x MC - @angelasscribbles Chapter 5: Flashpoint / Chapter 6: Conflagration 18+ / Chapter 7: Smolder 18+

In Your Room (Series) | Drake Walker x Leo Rys - @angelasscribbles Chapter 2: Competition 🔥

Kiara Theron

Home Is Where My Family Is | Kiara Theron x Rashad - @twinkleallnight 18+

Wordlessly | Kiara Theron - @lizzybeth1986

Liam Rys

Best Kept Secrets (Series) | Liam Rys x F!OC - @ao719 Chapter 11: Ashes on the Ground 18+

The Invitation (Series) | Liam Rys x F!OC - @aussiegurl1234 The Almost Kiss / The Bridesmaids / The Monster

Maxwell Beaumont

Note Book | Maxwell Beaumont x MC - @aesthetic-aag

The Shower Slip-Up (Series) | Maxwell Beaumont x MC, Bertrand x Savannah - @harleybeaumont Part 1 18+ Part 2 🔥

Multiple Pairings

False Truth | Multiple Pairings - @twinkleallnight 18+

Ours | Multiple Pairings - @mand-delemonde

Open Heart FotW List Main CFWC FotW List

[zaffrenotes]

Liam and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Players: Liam x Anya, Cordonians Undercover Gang

Rating: G

A/N: Expanding on a post from Cordonians Undercover – a collaborative AU with @the-soot-sprite​ of our favorite Cordonians told via IG posts * Characters belong to Pixelberry, I’m just borrowing them * Written from Liam’s point of view in a “mental diary of my day” style, very similar to the style of the children’s book title we based this post on *

Words: +/- 1600

Perma/TRR/TRH Taglist: @annekebbphotography​ @ao719​ @blackcatkita​ @brightpinkpeppercorn​ @desiree---1986​ @gibbles82​ @innerpostmentality​ @janezillow​ @lolablackwrites​ @smalltalk88​ @thecordoniandiaries​ @alj4890​ @aworldoffandoms​ @burnsoslow​ @client-327​ @custaroonie​ @darley1101​ @dcbbw​ @hopefulmoonobject​ @iplaydrake​ @kacie-0156​ @loveellamae​ @kingliam2019​ @lovemychoices​ @missevabean​ @rainbowsinthestorm​ @superharrietsuper​

Cordonians Undercover Taglist: @akrenich​ @badchoicesposts​ @bbrandy2002​ @bertrandbeaumontfan​ @blades-of-light-and-shadow​ @cocomaxley​ @cordonianroyalty​ @drakeandcamilleofvaltoria @drakesensworld​ @enmchoices​ @everythingchoices​ @gnatbrain​ @jessiembruno​ @jlpplays1​ @k-nazario​ @ladyangel70​ @lilyofchoices​ @maxattack-powell​ @mfackenthal​ @moonlightgem7​ @msjr0119​ @queenjilian​

6:52 AM

I fell asleep in the rocking chair holding Pippa and woke up to a diaper explosion all over the pair of us. After a bath for us both, I began to get ready for the day, but I dozed off while brushing my teeth and got toothpaste foam on my suit jacket. I had a feeling it was just the beginning of what was going to be a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

At breakfast, I found out that Leo drank the last of the coffee from the kitchen, and they were still waiting on a supply order. I ended up having to drink a strong cup of Irish Breakfast tea instead and I wondered what it would be like if I moved to Ireland.

8:27 AM

Rashad and Bertrand arrived at the palace to accompany me to an investor’s meeting, but a number of the vehicles were being serviced, so Bastien drove us in one of the older, smaller sedans. A Mercedes is hardly something to complain about, but I like the leg room of the SUVs. I set my annoyance aside, even when I had to sit in the middle, because for some odd reason Rashad squeezed into the back seat instead of sitting in front, and Bertrand was pretending to ignore him. He's a strange one sometimes, that Bertrand.

En route to the destination, I began to feel nauseated, and wanted to pull over to switch seats with Rashad or Bertrand to sit by the window. I couldn’t tell if I’d actually said it out loud or imagined it in my head because I was still feeling tired, but Bastien continued to drive. The morning was not off to a good start and I could tell that it wasn’t going to get any better.

9:43 AM

At the investor’s meeting, the original plan I’d drafted was outvoted. The changes I suggested to adjust my plan were also turned down, so I was silent for the remainder of the meeting. The only coffee available during that meeting? Decaf. Seriously, how much worse could this morning get?

During the mid-morning break, Rashad confessed that he voted for the other plan being submitted, before prattling on about renovations to his estate. I don’t know what came over me, but I told him that I hoped he stepped on a nail when he got home and he should look for alternative transportation once the meeting adjourned.

1:18 PM

Anya lost track of time looking after Pippa; poor thing seems to be going through growing pains. They are the sweetness of all my days, and the short chat made me feel better, even if Pippa was wailing like a banshee the whole time. I didn’t think the day would get much worse, but the dentist found a cavity during a scheduled cleaning. I suppose I’ve been indulging in more sweets as of late, but who can blame me for an extra helping of dessert when I’m trying to run a country while being the best husband, father, and friend? I had to schedule another appointment in a few days to get the cavity filled.

Following the dentist appointment, I bumped into Maxwell while I was downtown and with a free hour before my next meeting, he suggested shoe shopping to improve my day. On the way to the store I managed to stub my toe on the pavement and stepped in a puddle. I should’ve cancelled the rest of my terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, but soldiered on.

At the shoe store, there was a pair of loafers that caught my eye; supple leather, detailing was rather unique without being ostentatious, but when I asked for them in my size, the owner said they’d run out of stock just an hour ago. They offered to rush order a pair for me, but it could still take three weeks. I wanted to wear the shoes during the trip to Australia, which is in two weeks. I settled for a similar, but plainer pair as a show of support to the local designer, but I was less than enthused to wear them.

3:52 PM

Back in my office, I was reviewing legislation and responding to messages when I got an alert on my phone that the dog account on Instagram had a new post. I swiped at the screen in happy anticipation of seeing Tadashi, Mango, and/or Roscoe, but my blood pressure shot up when I saw the dogs in a version of the Dolly Parton meme, and sweet little Mango was posing for a mug shot!

I knew right away it was Maxwell’s doing; he was the one that initiated the meme game the other day. After a phone call to Anya to vent my frustration, we decided to change the password and told everyone who had access – sans Maxwell – how to log in again.

I got hungry and went in search of an afternoon snack. I heard the dentist’s voice in my head as I wandered down to the kitchens – warning me to take it easy on sweets and desserts until he could fix the cavity, and grumbled to myself. There was little else I wanted other than a slice of cake, or cookies from Hana’s Chinese New Year feast. The feast! With renewed determination, I strode to the kitchens in search of the noodles and eggrolls I’d requested to be hidden behind the kombucha…because Drake hates kombucha. And Drake had refilled his plate four times during the celebration meal with our friends.

Drake is my best friend and my brother, and I love him, but sometimes I like it when he goes off to his family cabin.

Imagine my surprise when I found Drake sitting at a counter consuming the very thing I’d gone in search for! He looked so pleased with himself for ransacking the walk-in fridge, offering a half-eaten eggroll when I stormed over to the large metal door to search in vain for something else to snack on. I told him it wouldn’t kill him to get his own damn food once in a while, and he scoffed that the kitchenette in his quarters was never stocked as well as the royal kitchen, but I was welcome to take what I wanted from what he had. I spat back that there was nothing but whiskey and junk food in his room, and I wasn’t in the mood for either of those things, muttering that it was high time he found a job on his own as I returned to my office. A charcuterie plate would have to do until supper.

4:50 PM

I shouldn’t have made such a large snack, because I felt sleepy during my meeting with some of the duchy lords and ladies. I don’t know why it was so difficult to acquire at least one tiny bag of coffee beans while groceries for the kitchen were being replenished…would I have to travel to Columbia to pick and roast the beans myself? I thought I was just resting my eyes when it was Neville’s turn to update the group, but I must have nodded off, because I found Neville looking at me like an angry weasel. After the meeting, Madeleine scolded me for my “abhorrent display of disinterest in Cormery Isle’s state of affairs” but all I could focus on was the headache forming at the base of my skull, and her whiny voice wasn’t helping. I think I said that out loud, because she stopped in her tracks and stormed off to her office for the rest of the afternoon.

When I returned to my office, there was a fluffy blanket on my desk, along with a pink bakers box and a large box from Amazon. Maxwell texted me with a Dolly meme of just me and Roscoe as an apology, and it made me smile. It was enough to give him the new password to the dog account; I just hope he’s more careful in the future. I smiled again when I opened the note accompanying the boxes on my desk – an assortment of gourmet treats from one of my favorite bakeries within the city, and a case of apple juice boxes – all courtesy of Maxwell Beaumont. I’m not sure what the apple juice was for, but sometimes it’s better not to question Maxwell; he’s also an odd but loveable duck.

10:27 PM

Anya drew me a bath after putting Pippa to bed, but the water was too hot and I got soap in my eye when we started making out. We had to take a raincheck on the rest of the evening when Pippa woke up, and Anya stole my Cordonia University shirt even though her robe was right next to it! I had to finish my bath and get dressed in only sweatpants. Sometimes I hate only wearing sweatpants to bed.

When I walked into the bedroom, Roscoe had moved from his dog bed on the floor and took up most of my side of the bed. After Anya returned to the bedroom, we shuffled the dogs around the bed so we mostly fit, but they all wanted to snuggle up with her. Traitors. I told her about the rest of my terrible, no good, very bad day and how I wanted to escape to Ireland. She said some days are like that…even in Ireland.

[choicesseptemberchallenge20]

day eighteen: leaf

[September Prompt List]  || [September Daily Masterlists]

⟢Red Carpet Diaries:⟢

Bogart Diaries #12: Unbeleafable [Hunt x MC] by @theartoflovingthomashunt​

⟢The Royal Romance:⟢

Leave It To Me [Maxwell x OC ; Hana x Rashad] by @alj4890​