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tasksweekly · 5 years ago

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[TASK 175: SAINT LUCIA]

In celebration of December 13th being Saint Lucian National Day, here’s a masterlist below compiled of over 210+ Saint Lucian faceclaims categorised by gender with their occupation and ethnicity denoted if there was a reliable source. If you want an extra challenge use random.org to pick a random number! Of course everything listed below are just suggestions and you can pick whichever faceclaim or whichever project you desire.

Any questions can be sent here and all tutorials have been linked below the cut for ease of access! REMEMBER to tag your resources with #TASKSWEEKLY and we will reblog them onto the main! This task can be tagged with whatever you want but if you want us to see it please be sure that our tag is the first five tags, @ mention us or send us a messaging linking us to your post!

THE TASK - scroll down for FC’s!

STEP 1: Decide on a FC you wish to create resources for! You can always do more than one but who are you starting with? There are links to masterlists you can use in order to find them and if you want help, just send us a message and we can pick one for you at random!

STEP 2: Pick what you want to create! You can obviously do more than one thing, but what do you want to start off with? Screencaps, RP icons, GIF packs, masterlists, PNG’s, fancasts, alternative FC’s - LITERALLY anything you desire!

STEP 3: Look back on tasks that we have created previously for tutorials on the thing you are creating unless you have whatever it is you are doing mastered - then of course feel free to just get on and do it. :)

STEP 4: Upload and tag with #TASKSWEEKLY! If you didn’t use your own screencaps/images make sure to credit where you got them from as we will not reblog packs which do not credit caps or original gifs from the original maker.

THINGS YOU CAN MAKE FOR THIS TASK - examples are linked!

Stumped for ideas? Maybe make a masterlist or graphic of your favourite faceclaims. A masterlist of names. Plot ideas or screencaps from a music video preformed by an artist. Masterlist of quotes and lyrics that can be used for starters, thread titles or tags. Guides on culture and customs.

Screencaps

RP icons [of all sizes]

Gif Pack [maybe gif icons if you wish]

PNG packs

Manips

Dash Icons

Character Aesthetics

PSD’s

XCF’s

Graphic Templates - can be chara header, promo, border or background PSD’s!

FC Masterlists - underused, with resources, without resources!

FC Help - could be related, family templates, alternatives.

Written Guides.

and whatever else you can think of / make!

MASTERLIST!

Helen DeMacque (1958) Afro-Saint Lucian - singer.

Jacqui Boatswain / Jacqueline Boatswain (1962) Afro-Saint Lucian - actress.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste (1967) Afro-Saint Lucian / Afro-Antiguan - actress.

Angellica Bell (1976) Afro-Saint Lucian - tv presenter and radio presenter.

Nicole Fiscella (1979) Saint Lucian [Afro-Saint Lucian, Indian, Possibly Other] - actress and model.

Karlyn Percil (1979) Afro-Saint Lucian - instagrammer (karlynpercil).

Tara Edward (1987) Afro-Saint Lucian - director, model and Miss Universe Saint Lucia 2012.

Annaliese Dayes (1986) Afro-Saint Lucian, Afro-Vincentian, Afro-Grenadian, Afro-Barbadian / Afro-Jamaican - model, DJ, tv personality, tv host, and radio host.

Joy-Ann Biscette (1986) Afro-Saint Lucian - model, Miss Saint Lucia Universe 2011, and Miss Saint Lucia World 2008.

Yasmin K. / Yasmin Knock / K-ass / Yasmin Knoch (1986) Afro-Saint Lucian / German - actress and singer.

Tara Edward (1987) Afro-Saint Lucian - model, director, and Miss Saint Lucia Universe 2012.

A.Dot / Amplify Dot / Dotty / Ashley Charles (1988) Afro-Saint Lucian - rapper, tv presenter, radio presenter, and DJ.

Nathalie Emmanuel (1989) Afro-Saint Lucian, English / Afro-Dominiquais, English - actress.

Ciarra Nevitt (1990) Afro-Saint Lucian, Afro-Jamaican, English - actress.

Roxanne Didier Nicholas (1992) Afro-Saint Lucian - model, dancer, and Miss Saint Lucia Universe 2014.

Angella Dalsou (1994) Saint Lucian - model and Miss Saint Lucia 2018.

Bebiana Mangal (1996) Afro-Saint Lucian - model and Miss Saint Lucia 2019.

Rosemary Mathurin (?) Afro-Saint Lucian / Afro-Jamaican - actress.

Gabrielle Ryan (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - actress.

Louise Victor (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - model and Miss Saint Lucia 2017.

La Toya Moffat (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - model, radio host, and Miss Saint Lucia 2016.

Francillia Austin (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - model and Miss Saint Lucia Earth 2014.

Oneka McKoy (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - model, tv host, Miss Saint Lucia World 2012, and Miss Saint Lucia Earth 2007.

Aiasha Tierra Rebecca Gustave (?) Saint Lucian - model and Miss Saint Lucia 2010.

Chrystal Rose (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - tv personality.

Annabel Rollins (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - model and Miss Plus Size Universe 2019.

Nicole David (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - singer.

Chelsea Reject (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - singer.

Marie-Claire Frederick (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - model.

Ayanna Irish (?) Saint Lucian, Montserratian, Jamaican, Barbadian, Panamanian - rapper.

Heather Noone (?) Afro-Saint Lucian / Korean - singer (instagram: swixxyheather).

Laura Beee (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - instagrammer (laurabeee_xo).

Tor (?) Afro-Saint Lucian, Laotian - instagrammer (_4en).

Nardia (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - model (instagram: iamnardia).

Valene (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - model (instagram: stluciasfinest).

Cinelli (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - instagrammer (themaneater_).

Kayla (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - instagrammer (amirahml).

Shika Chica (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - instagrammer.

F - Athletes:

Verena Felicien (1964) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Eugena Gregg (1966) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Nadine George (1968) Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Philipa Thomas (1968) Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Glenicia James (1974) Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Vernetta Lesforis (1975) Afro-Saint Lucian - sprinter.

Michelle Baptiste (1977) Saint Lucian - long jumper.

Pamela Alfred (1978) Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Perdita Felicien (1980) Afro-Saint Lucian - hurdler.

Beth Lygoe (1981) Saint Lucian - sailor.

Sherri Henry (1982) Saint Lucian - swimmer.

Erma-Gene Evans (1984) Afro-Saint Lucian - javelin thrower.

Geva Mentor (1984) Afro-Saint Lucian - netball player.

Levern Spencer (1984) Afro-Saint Lucian - high jumper.

Natasha Sara Georgeos (1987) Saint Lucian - swimmer.

Makeba Alcide (1990) Afro-Saint Lucian - hurdler.

Danielle Beaubrun (1990) Afro-Saint Lucian - swimmer.

Ellaisa Marquis (1991) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Jeanelle Scheper (1994) Afro-Saint Lucian - high jumper.

Stephanie Devaux-Lovell (1995) Saint Lucian - sailor.

Qiana Joseph (2001) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Mikaili Charlemagne (2003) Afro-Saint Lucian - swimmer.

Roselyn Emmanuel (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Rick Wayne (1938) Afro-Saint Lucian - singer, author, and bodybuilder.

Joseph Marcell (1948) Afro-Saint Lucian - actor and comedian.

Leee John (1957) Afro-Saint Lucian - actor and singer-songwriter.

Paterson Joseph (1964) Afro-Saint Lucian - actor.

Trevor Nelson (1964) Afro-Saint Lucian - radio personality and DJ.

Andrew T. Lee (1968) Saint Lucian [Chinese] - actor.

Denys Baptiste (1969) Afro-Saint Lucian - saxophonist and composer.

Merwin Mondesir (1976) Afro-Saint Lucian - actor.

Bunji Garlin (1978) Trinidadian [Afro-Saint Lucian / Venezuelan] - singer-songwriter and producer.

Jordan Kensington (1981) Afro-Saint Lucian / Cameroonian - actor, tv presenter, radio presenter, songwriter, artist, and entrepreneur.

Cesár Sampson (1983) Afro-Saint Lucian / Afro-Trinidadian - singer-songwriter, model, dancer, and producer.

Dudley O’Shaughnessy (1989) Afro-Saint Lucian, Irish / English - actor, model, and boxer.

Monét X Change / Kevin Bertin (1990) Afro-Saint Lucian - drag queen, singer, and tv personality.

Rasta Marcus Theo (1991 or 1992) Afro-Saint Lucian / Afro-Dominiquais - model, singer, and personal trainer (instagram: m___nathaniel).

Joey Bada$$ / Joey Badass / Jo-Vaughn Scott (1995) Afro-Saint Lucian / Afro-Jamaican - actor, rapper-songwriter, singer, and producer.

DJ Cameo (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - radio host and DJ.

Boo / Ronald Hinkson (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - guitarist.

Arthur Allain (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - singer.

Kayo / Kayo Guevarra (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - singer.

Cairo Nevitt (?) Afro-Saint Lucian, English - actor, speaker, and personal trainer. - Trans!

Lucian Jay (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - presenter.

Aimran Simmons (?) Saint Lucian - pianist.

M - Athletes:

Bryan Mauricette (1946) Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Earl Fraites (1953) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Sylvester Mittee (1956) Afro-Saint Lucian, British - boxer.

Cornelius Henry (1956) Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Ignatius Cadette (1957) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Stuart Charles-Fevrier (1959) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Julian Charles (1961) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Kingsley Armstrong (1962) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Terrence Caroo (1964) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Ken Charlery (1964) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Les Ferdinand (1966) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Carlos Remy (1968) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

John Eugene (1970) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Warren Hackett (1971) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Éric Fanis (1971) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Ricardo Blanchard (1971) Saint Lucian - footballer.

Earl Jean (1971) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Edwin Ferdinand (1971) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Maxwell Seales (1972) Afro-Saint Lucian - sprinter.

Francis Lastic (1972) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Ivan Jean-Marie (1972) Afro-Saint Lucian - sprinter.

David Flavius (1972) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Maxime Charlemagne (1974) Afro-Saint Lucian - sprinter.

Titus Elva (1974) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Ron Promesse (1974) Afro-Saint Lucian - sprinter.

Zepherinus Joseph (1975) Afro-Saint Lucian - middle-distance runner and long-distance runner.

Dominic Johnson (1975) Saint Lucian - pole vaulter.

Francis McDonald (1975) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Danny Mitchell (1975) Saint Lucian - footballer.

Cyrille Charles (1977) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Guy George (1977) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Rio Ferdinand (1978) Afro-Saint Lucian / Irish - footballer.

Marcus Charlemagne (1978) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Alderman Lesmond (1978) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer and footballer.

Anton Ferdinand (1978) Afro-Saint Lucian / Irish - footballer.

Alvin La Feuille (1978) Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Liam George (1979) Afro-Saint Lucian / Irish - footballer.

Alleyn Prospere (1979) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Cleaveland Simon (1980) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Darel Russell (1980) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Cornelius Butcher (1980) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Nathan Justin (1981) Saint Lucian - footballer and sprinter.

Giovanni Deterville (1981) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Jarvin Skeete (1981) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Leon Knight (1982) Afro-Saint Lucian / Afro-Jamaican - footballer.

Cletus Mathurin (1982) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Hanif Dolor (1982) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Alain Providence (1982) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Germal Valcin (1982) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Jamie Peterkin (1982) Saint Lucian - swimmer.

Enderson George (1982) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Rickson Augustin (1982) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Chabbie Charlery (1983) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Michael Husbands (1983) Saint Lucian [Afro-Saint Lucian, Unspecified White, Possibly Other] - footballer.

Shervin Charles (1983) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Darren Sammy (1983) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Cowin Mathurin (1983) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Garey Mathurin (1983) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Sergio Fedee (1983) Afro-Saint Lucian / Afro-Guyanese - cricketer.

Leon Legge (1985) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Troy Prospere (1985) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Andreas Willie (1985) Saint Lucian - footballer.

Xavier Gabriel (1985) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Hiram Hunte (1985) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Fabian Joseph (1985) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Iran Cassius (1985) Saint Lucian - footballer.

Darvin Edwards (1986) Afro-Saint Lucian - high jumper.

Shervon Jack (1986) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Cliff Valcin (1986) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Zaccheus Polius (1986) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Craig Emmanuel (1986) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Randy Poleon (1986) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Philip Ifil (1986) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Mervin Wells (1987) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Vernus Abbott (1987) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Bradford Worrell (1988) Afro-Saint Lucian - swimmer.

Keddy Lesporis (1988) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Caddius Emmanuel (1988) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Albert Reynolds (1988) Afro-Saint Lucian - javelin thrower.

Jahvid Best (1989) Afro-Saint Lucian / African-American - sprinter and footballer.

Johnson Charles (1989) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Junior Stanislas (1989) Afro-Saint Lucian / Macedonian - footballer.

Bernard Edward (1990) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Dalton Polius (1990) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Teran John (1990) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Lester Joseph (1991) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Kurt Frederick (1991) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Jamil Joseph (1991) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Audley Alexander (1991) Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Tremain Paul (1991) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Pernal Williams (1991) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Kevin Edward (1991) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Pessius Polius (1991) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Marland Yarde (1992) Afro-Saint Lucian - rugby player.

Melvin Aurélien (1992) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Christopher Gibson (1992) Saint Lucian, English / Finnish - ice hockey player.

Melanius Mullarkey (1992) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Jonel Scott (1992) Saint Lucian - basketball player.

Troy Greenidge (1992) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Dominic Poleon (1993) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Andrus Remy (1993) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Chris Boucher (1993) Afro-Saint Lucian / French - basketball player.

Janoi Donacien (1993) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

David Henry (1993) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Zaine Pierre (1993) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Jean-Luc Zephir (1993) Afro-Saint Lucian - swimmer.

Eden Charles (1993) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Myles Hippolyte (1994) Afro-Saint Lucian, Afro-Grenadian, English - footballer.

Jordan Augier (1994) Saint Lucian - swimmer.

Emmery Edward (1994) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Kieran Monlouis (1995) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Taryck Gabriel (1995) Afro-Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Malik St. Prix (1995) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Caniggia Elva (1996) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Jevick Macfarlane (1996) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Nick Joseph (1998) Saint Lucian - sprinter.

Chaim Roserie (1998) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Zacherinus Simon (1998) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Josh Solomon-Davies (1999) Afro-Saint Lucian / English - footballer.

Jayhan Odlum-Smith (2002) Afro-Saint Lucian - swimmer.

Patrick Wilson (?) Saint Lucian - boxer.

Sherwin Emmanuel (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Carson Millar (?) Saint Lucian - footballer.

Vic Charles (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - karateka.

Hollis Bristol (?) Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Cassim Louis (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

Winston Mauricette (?) Saint Lucian - cricketer.

Decoursey Simon (?) Afro-Saint Lucian - footballer.

#saint lucian fc #st lucian fc #poc fc #fc list #rph #task: 175 #task: saint lucia

11 notes · View notes

alj4890 · 2 years ago

Note

Oh geez @hopelessromantic1352 . My draft folder has 74 drafts in it 🤣 and only four are pictures I was saving for possible fics. I'll just do a few at the beginning of my folder, LOL!

Everything's Sweeter with Three (TRR request by @thesvnsins for Riley's triplet pregnancy.

"I can't believe I finally get girls!"

The Escape Part 1 (Thomas Hunt x OC)

"Why don't you choose one and direct it yourself?" Thomas bit out.

One Way or Another (Maxwell Beaumont x OC)

"Sherry," Rashad dropped his head back, "I'm not going to help you chase down another man simply because I've played this role in the past and it always makes it awkward for me when I run into them after you've gotten tired of them."

Mixed Signals: An Open Heart Miniseries (MC x Ethan Ramsey) (MC x Bryce Lahela) (MC x Tobias Carrick)

Tobias sat down on the edge of his desk, his smirk slowly disappearing, "You okay, Chris?"

It's WIP Wednesday, but let's do something different... and slightly silly with it! You in?

Pick a WIP.

Open that baby up.

Scroll to the 16th sentence (it does not matter how short or long it is!)

Now copy it and reply to this Ask, sharing your sentence (you do NOT have to share anything else from your WIP, like title, book, pairing)

Did you do it? Awesome! So, what's so special about this sentence?

It describes your current love life! 😅

Try this with multiple WIPs, and share as many as you want!

Which one is your favorite?

Tag others to play along!

Hii Nonny 😍

Seriously I love this - not gonna lie this is my favorite ask so far 😍

Okay I have a couple of wip‘s (what else is new 😅 I have thousands of things I write and then I have another idea for a fic and then go and write that 😆 Aries in all her glory 😅)

Thank you so much @txemrn @cariantha & @trappedinfanfiction for the tag 💖

I close my eyes and feel around in my pocket and grasp the small little green velvet box.

“I said call not appear out of thin air like like…Gandalf,“ I say.

This was so much fun. Thanks nonny for brightening up my day with your ask 💓

I’ll be tagging:

@aallotarenunelma @inlocusmads

@planet-alicorn @harleybeaumont

@mydemonsdrivealimo

@mysticalgalaxysstuff

@dr-colossal-pita @ladylamrian

@openheartforeverinmyheart

@the-pale-goddess @lizzybeth1986

@starrystarrytrouble

#I'll get done one day #choices fanfics asks

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alj4890 · 11 months ago

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Would it be a deal breaker for your pairings if one part suggested or talked about the idea of open up their relationship? (Either 3some or poly). Like, of course they wouldn't do anything if their partner doesn't agree. But would the suggestion damaged the trust their partner has in them, or make them uneasy enough to become an issue? Or would they be able to hear them out, say no and move on?

Oof. Hitting with the hard questions here, LOL! I'll try to answer this the best I can with some of my pairings. I also got this question from @choicesasknonnie

Personally, I'm monogamous. I have no experience in poly or threesomes. I was never the type to even date multiple men at the same time. I found a lot of relationships to be exhausting with men I dated before my husband and couldn't fathom trying to have one with someone else at the same time 😂 Having said that though, I think my pairings would have different responses.

So for Thomas Hunt and my OC, this would permanently damage them. I base this particular OC on myself. Not only does Amanda have my first name, she has all the insecurities and such I've suffered with in my life. If Thomas were to even hint he would be interested in bringing someone else into their relationship, even for a one night stand type thing, Amanda would believe he doesn't really desire her anymore. Her doubt would take over and cause her to end things, no matter how much Thomas reassures her that he loves her and wants to be with her.

I honestly would react like this if my husband were to suggest this. Here again though, it is because I have only experienced monogamy and it is the type of relationship I've wanted. I have a few family members who have made poly relationships and such work and others who haven't. I just never wanted it.

With Tobias and Chris, I think they'd be okay if one suggested they give this a shot. I wrote them though as seeing each other as the only one they want, but I don't think their trust or relationship itself would suffer any damage. I can see them earnestly discussing this and making sure the other is okay while they reach a decision if it is right for them.

With Liam and Riley, I don't know. I always played the MC as sticking to one LI instead of romancing others at the same time with each replay. I know Liam would be fine since the whole "Cordonian Arrangement" suggestion if you say no to his marriage proposal in canon. With Riley, I think she would be fine if she was the one to suggest it. I don't think she would if Liam did so.

Ethan x OC would be a no. Sophie and Ethan's work schedules make it hard enough for them to find enough time for the other. The last thing they need is someone else to demand attention 😂 I think it might cause an argument if one were to suggest it

Maxwell x his different LI I've written for him 🤣 Here again, if he's with my OC, Amanda it's a big fat no and will permanently damage their relationship. If he's with my OC, Sherry, I think they're too content with the other to feel the need to add anyone to the mix. If one were to suggest it, I think they'd be able to move on and be fine. With Olivia, I don't know. With both having been raised in an environment where taking a lover is quite normal, they might be fine. Threesomes, I guess it depends on the person they decide to possibly add to the mix. I can't see Olivia allowing just anyone 😂

I know I've written for a lot more pairings, but I stuck to the ones I've written the most for 😉 Thanks for the ask ♥️

#choices asks #thomas hunt x oc #tobias x chris #ethan ramsey x oc #maxwell x oc #maxwell x olivia #liam x mc

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alj4890 · 2 years ago

Text

Love Drabble

(Maxwell Beaumont x OC*Sherry Alcantar) in a Choices The Royal Heir Drabble

A/N In my Dark TRR AU, All Through the Night, I created Sherry to be Maxwell's love interest. She chased after him, determined to make him love her like she did him in that mystical AU and I loved her for it. I've been wanting to see what she could do in a normal world without magic and monsters. So, in this drabble, she is still a cousin to Rashad, and has decided to chase down Cordonia's celebrated author when he travels to Hollywood to discuss The Royal Romance's sequel.

I've lost my tag lists 🤦🏻‍♀️ So I have no clue who might want a Maxwell Beaumont drabble 😂 So whoever sees this and likes it. It's for you.

Masterlist

One Way or Another

Cordonia...

"Sherry," Rashad ran his hands down his face, "I'm not going to do that."

"Please!" Sherry pleaded. "You actually know him! All we have to do is fly to California-"

"No." He interrupted.

"And find out where he's staying. Then--"

"No." Rashad said a bit more emphatically.

"We'll then just casually bump into him and you can introduce me," She smiled a tad deviously, "your beloved cousin, and then I'll take it from there."

"Sherry." Rashad dropped his head back. "I'm not going to help you chase down another man. I've played this role in the past, and it always makes it awkward for me when I run into them after you've gotten tired of them."

He waved around the luxurious main drawing room of his duchy.

"I actually live near him and see him regularly at court functions! I'm on the council with him!"

"And Lady Hana." Sherry reminded him

"And Lady Han--," he abruptly cut off what he was about to say.

"Ugh." Sherry flopped back on his couch. "Why don't you just tell her you like her already?"

Rashad leveled a glare upon his cousin. He adored Sherry, but she was entirely too pushy and too sure when it came to matters of the heart. She didn't understand that normal people needed to move at their own pace.

"Fine. Don't end your, how many years is it now? Three?" She asked.

Rashad barely nodded.

"Don't end your three year longing from afar for Hana." She pushed herself off the couch. "I'm not waiting on Maxwell Beaumont to notice me."

"Why him?" Rashad perched his hip on the arm of a chair. "What made you finally notice him?"

Sherry shrugged. "While stuck on a photoshoot in Bora Bora, I read the first Royal Romance and I knew he was the one for me." She winked at him. "That's why I rushed home."

"Uh huh." Rashad studied her a few silent seconds. "If I do this-"

"I knew you wouldn't let me down!" Sherry bounded over to hug him.

"Once I introduce you to him, I'm done. No more helping you chase him until he dates you." Rashad gripped her upper arms. "Agreed?"

"Agreed." She clasped her hands together. "I'll go finish packing. Our flight leaves in three hours."

"Our flight leaves in..." Rashad couldn't believe her nerve in assuming he'd just give in to her demands.

He watched her skip out of the room as if this was something normal.

Shaking his head in exasperation, he wondered how Maxwell would react to being in a relationship with her.

He knew it was inevitable. No one stood a chance against his cousin. He only wished he could warn the poor guy.

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

"Which one?" Sherry held up two dresses.

Rashad sighed as he set a contract he was studying aside.

"I like the black one." He responded.

She dropped the red one and dashed to her room to change.

"You sure he'll be at the premiere?" She yelled out.

"Yes." Rashad got to his feet to pour a needed glass of bourbon. "Liam told me that they'd all been invited to Ryan Summers 's latest film." He took a long sip. "Ever since he played Maxwell in the first film, they've become good friends."

Sherry stepped back out and did a slow twirl. "Well?"

"You look nice." He straightened his tie. "Let's get this over with."

"Cheer up." She walked over to help him when he made it even more lopsided. "Hana will be there." Her lips turned up in a teasing smile. "Maybe you'll be able to get ten words out this time instead of the usual five."

"I can talk to her." He grumbled.

"I know you can." Sherry grasped his arms and shook him. "Remember that you're a catch too. She'd be lucky to have a man like you love her."

His frown turned into a shy smile. "You really think so?"

"I know so." She stepped behind him to push him towards the door. "Now let's go get our love stories started.

***********

Afterparty...

"Great movie." Maxwell responded. "I give it five stars."

"Thank you." Ryan replied, including the rest of the Cordonians he'd come to know in his gratitude. "It means a lot to me that you all came for this event."

"Are you kidding?" Riley teased. "We couldn't disappoint Maxwell 2.0 by missing this."

"Maxwell 2.0?" Ryan repeated with a laugh.

"That's what he calls you." Drake rolled his eyes. "What is it he says about Summers?"

"Ryan is an excellent imitation but he'll never be the OG." Hana promptly quoted.

The group chuckled while Maxwell sputtered to assure Ryan that he really did do an excellent job as The Royal Romance version of Maxwell Beaumont.

"Thanks." Ryan didn't bother to smother his laughter. "I have some more guests to greet." He waved as he walked away. "But come find me later to talk about the next book."

"Now what do we do?" Drake asked.

"Enjoy the party, of course." Riley told him.

She linked her arm with Liam's, smiling when he asked her to dance.

"I'm going to the bar." Drake snagged a few hors d'oeuvres along his way.

Maxwell breathed out a long breath.

"Are you all right?" Hana gently placed her hand on his arm.

"It's hard keeping up the Maxwell Media Mogul persona." He looked about at all the famous, important faces. "I feel out of place half the time."

"Well, we think you are doing great." Hana told him.

"Really?"

She nodded with an encouraging smile.

"Thanks Hana." He slung his arm around her shoulders, squeezing her close. "You're the best."

She hugged him back. "I think I'm going to see what desserts they have, would you like me to bring you back a plate of something?"

"Yes, please." He begged. "I think this is a night to both stress eat and stress dance."

She giggled while promising to bring him back enough treats to relax.

He watched her leave and felt his nervousness return.

"Maxwell?"

He turned around with a ready smile, only to stare in surprise at the sight of Rashad with a stunning date on his arm.

He'd always thought the man was in love with Hana.

My powers of love detection must be way off, he thought to himself.

"Hey." Maxwell greeted warmly. "I didn't know you were coming to this."

"Neither did I." Rashad let out an oomph when Sherry elbowed him. "Have you, uh, met my cousin, Lady Sherveen Alcantar?"

Maxwell studied the gorgeous face for a few seconds.

"I don't think I have." He held his hand out.

She took it, smiling up at him. "I've been hoping for a chance to meet you."

"You have?"

She nodded, stepping closer. "I'm a huge fan of your books."

"You...you are?" Maxwell colored some under those mesmerizing gray eyes of hers. "Thank you."

Rashad rolled his eyes as he stepped away. "Excuse me a moment, I see someone I need to say hello to."

"Say hi to Hana for me." Sherry told him, keeping Maxwell dead in her sights.

Maxwell swore he heard Rashad curse as he walked away.

"So, uh, Lady Sherveen--"

"Call me Sherry." She insisted.

"Sherry." He smiled once more at her. "What's been your favorite part from my books?"

She bit down on her bottom lip while gazing up at him through her long lashes.

"I loved every part you were in."

The tips of Maxwell's ears turned red over that complement.

"Ah. Um." He took a step back when she moved even closer. "I, I was around for a lot of the uh drama and romance."

"I know." Sherry cornered him back against a wall. "You became a man I have been very anxious to meet."

He swallowed nervously, eyes darting around for one of his friends to help him. He didn't know why he felt the need for backup, but something about this woman made him anxious.

"In fact, you're the reason I am ready to come back to Cordonia."

He stilled, brow furrowed in confusion. "Me?"

"Yes." She grinned up at him. "I thought the court would be filled with proper, dull people obsessed with etiquette and waltzing. If I'd known someone fun like you was there, I'd have quit my job and come straight back home for good."

"You would?" He began to relax in finding a kindred spirit. "I'd um, I'd have liked that." His dimples deepened with his grin. "I mean if you'd have been there."

Her eyes cut to the crowd at the party once more as she felt the beginning of a plan form. "You want to get out of here?"

"And do what?"

"Have a night on the town of course!" She grasped his hand giving it a playful tug. "We're in the City of Angels! The club scene alone here kicks this party's butt much less all the cool places one can get into trouble."

"Trouble?" He felt his desire to escape with her fight his brother's dogmatic teachings that he couldn't embarrass his family and friends. "Maybe we should stay here."

Sherry pouted playfully. "You're really going to let me go off alone to have a good time?"

His eyes widened again. He didn't know this woman. He knew she was Rashad's cousin, but other than that he had no clue who she really was. And yet, hadn't he not known who Riley was when he first invited her to Cordonia?

Look how great that turned out, he thought to himself. I ended up with a new best friend and helped Liam find the love of his life.

Maybe Sherry is destined to become a new friend. A really, really hot friend.

"Let's do it!"

Sherry's effervescent smile caused his heart to feel like it was doing somersaults.

Her eyes darted around the room until she found the closest exit. She leaned in even closer to Maxwell, allowing him not only a generous view of her cleavage but also the enticing scent of orange blossoms to tease his senses.

"When I give you the signal, go out that door." She whispered.

"What's the signal?"

Sherry flopped her long back hair over her shoulder, winked at him, then took off running.

Maxwell let out a startled whoop and ran after her.

This, he thought with a grin, was going to be one crazy night.

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

Outside, Maxwell whistled in appreciation when the valet drove up in a red Aston Martin DBS.

"This yours?" He asked.

Sherry slid into the driver's side and winked at him. "Maybe."

His eyes widened. "Whose is it?"

"I'll tell you later." She shifted into first gear, revving the engine. "You coming or what?"

Swallowing with a quick glance around for cop cars, he hopped over the passenger door. He landed perfectly in the seat, snapping his seatbelt in place.

With a delighted laugh, Sherry hit the gas and sped off into the night.

"So...where to?" Maxwell asked.

"Shouldn't I be asking you that?"

He gulped. He didn't know why he was filled with the need to impress this serendipitous woman, but he was.

"Let's do something unexpected!" He exclaimed.

"Unexpected..." Sherry pulled out her phone and made a quick call. "Hey! I'm calling in that favor you owe me."

Maxwell watched her charm her way into getting what she wanted.

"There we go." She tossed her phone into the cupholder and shifted into a higher gear. "Something unexpected coming up!"

***********

A little while later...

"Where are we?" Maxwell whispered as they walked up to the back of a large building.

"You'll see." Sherry took his hand, guiding him towards a plain looking door.

She carefully knocked in a tempo that he swore was Queen's We Will Rock You song.

The door cracked open, giving a bare sliver of light.

"You got mud on your face." A voice whispered.

"You big disgrace." Sherry whispered in response. "Kicking your can all over the place."

The door opened all the way much to Maxwell's shock.

"After you." Sherry gently pushed him through the pitch black doorway.

He reached back and gripped her hand. He had the most uneasy feeling that he'd just entered the beginning of his downfall.

And for some strange reason, he believed the woman who had brought him here would save him.

As they followed a shadowed figure up six flights dimly lit stairs, he began to imagine all the nefarious activities that awaited him when they reached their destination.

They'll cut me open and harvest my organs leaving me in a tub of ice. Or, they'll kill me. Maybe hold me for ransom. Bertrand will never pay what they ask for. Sherry could sell me as a sex slave.

That last thought had him thinking about Sherry possibly wanting him for her own slave.

They'll want to steal my ideas for my next book. Get all the dirt on Liam and Riley. Nothing they can do will make me reveal anything! They'll--

"Here we are." Sherry turned around towards Maxwell with a black cloth in her hands.

Oh my god, she's going to kill me!

"Close your eyes and lean down."

He blinked and slowly did as she asked.

Her smile was so excited.

Are all murderesses this happy with their intended victims?

She tied the black scarf around his eyes.

"Can you see anything?" She asked.

"No." His voice cracked.

I hope I don't see the weapon she chooses.

She took his hand again, lacing her fingers with his.

He was tugged forward. He thought he heard some clicks and then a door shut off in the distance.

"Keep your eyes closed." Sherry ordered.

"Okay." He mumbled, bending down once more so she could untie the scarf.

Sherry felt her heart melt over his face being so close to her own. His eyes were shut tight like a little boy's would be waiting on a present. She thought he was so adorable that she couldn't resist trying one more thing with him before he opened his eyes.

She tenderly cupped his face between her hands and pressed her lips to his.

Maxwell jumped in reaction, yet kept his eyes shut.

So it is a sex slave thing.

His arms wound around her waist the moment she moved closer to his body.

This definitely isn't the worst way she could kill me.

Sherry broke away, breathing hard from the passion in his response. She looked up at him in awe that she'd finally experienced the perfect kiss.

She'd certainly kissed enough men in the past to know when it was the one she'd been dreaming of.

"Can I open my eyes now?" Maxwell asked.

"What?" She ran her fingers through her hair then straightened her black dress. "Let me um, let me get you into position."

She moved him a little to the left then turned him around. "Now."

He opened his eyes then blinked until the room came into focus. His lips parted on a gasp as he looked around.

"What is this place?"

"I brought you to MoDS." She grinned up at him. "The Museum of Dream Space."

"Wow!" He stepped forward into a room of colored lights that made it look like something from another world. "This is incredible!"

Sherry beamed as he exclaimed over how cool this museum was.

"What made you think to bring me here?" He asked, darting into another room designed to give a new light experience.

She lowered her eyes. He could tell in the softer lights of this room that a blush was forming.

"I don't know." She clasped her hands behind her back. "I guess I thought from the way you write, that you would appreciate something like this."

"You thought right!" He twirled about in the next room they came to, trying to take it all in.

He noticed her mysterious, onset bashfulness and reached behind her for her hand.

"Dance with me." He yanked her into his arms.

"Dance?" She laughed, returning to her former confident self. "Here?"

"We have different colored sparkling globes all around us." He explained. "This room is crying out for a dance."

"Then we need music." She told him.

"Already taken care of." He held his phone up with a grin.

"A slow song?" She slipped her arms around his neck. "I pictured you picking something more up tempo."

"Maybe I wanted an excuse to hold you close." He grinned, leaning down to kiss her.

"Maybe you don't need an excuse." She rose up on her tiptoes to meet his lips with her own.

Sherry felt her heart nearly beat out of her chest with how much this second kiss was more perfect than the first.

"Wow." Maxwell mumbled against her lips. "We really should do that more often."

All she could do was nod in absolute agreement.

"You want to see the other rooms?"

He shrugged. "I don't think they'll be near as perfect as this one."

Sherry giggled, pressing another quick kiss to his lips. "We won't know how perfect they are until we get in there."

"So an experiment, hmm?" He winked at her, taking her hand once more in his. "I'm down for that."

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

A few hours later, the two were sitting near a brightly lit fountain, eating fast food, and talking about everything that came to mind.

"Okay, I gotta know." Maxwell waved toward where they'd left the car. "Whose is that?"

"Part of me wants to mess with you some more and either leave it a mystery or say I stole it." Sherry grinned at him. "But since you are so cute, I'll tell you the truth."

"I knew my adorableness would open doors for me one day." He mumbled around a huge bite of his burger.

She giggled, stealing some of his fries. "It's mine. Or at least, exactly like mine. I rented this one here."

"Nice. Is yours back in Cordonia?"

"Uh huh." She finished off her burger and searched for a napkin. "Domvalier."

Maxwell reached over with his napkin to wipe some mustard off her chin.

Their eyes met. Grins formed the longer they looked at one another.

"So? Since you clearly have the best taste in cars," Maxwell got to his feet, snagging her hand along the way, "Wanna take me out another night on the town once we're back home?"

With a smooth move, he had her back in his arms, forehead touching hers.

"Ummm," she replied with a laugh, "no."

Maxwell jerked back in surprise. He'd been so certain she liked him as much as he liked her.

She grasped his tie, pulling him down into a long, deep kiss.

Her silvery gray eyes held his ocean blue as she whispered.

"I'm going to need a lot of nights on the town with you."

#choices trr #the royal romance #choices the royal heir #trr maxwell #maxwell x oc #maxwell x sherry #maxwell beaumont #choices #trr hana lee #trr rashad #choices the stories you play #choices the royal romance

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alj4890 · 2 years ago

Text

All Through the Night

A Choices The Royal Romance Dark AU

A/N Sorry! I know this took forever to come about. With new family emergencies, helping my aunt move to another state, and even more unexpected road trips, I have gotten so behind on posts. Everytime I think I can get back to normal, something happens, LOL. SO, we will just go with Picking up directly with the events of our last chapter. And yes, there is another character death in this chapter. *WARNING* VIOLENT DEATH.*

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

Masterlist

Chapter 12

Ramsford...

Maxwell stumbled through the darkening woods. Blood dripped from his hands. His shirt and pants were ripped in places. His breath was ragged as he rushed towards the unknown.

He only knew he had to save the person who had screamed.

I'm coming, his mind cried out. Hold on just a little longer.

He broke through the brush. His eyes scanned the opening. A denial ripped through his parted lips.

The body on the ground was one he recognized.

At least, he recognized what was left.

"Drake?" He whispered. "Drake? No."

He withdrew a dagger Olivia had given him earlier as he stepped closer to the still form.

Swallowing nervously, he scanned the shadowed areas for any sign of glowing eyes or movement of any kind.

Once he was close enough, he dropped down to one knee. His lips parted. His eyes briefly closed over what had been done to The Dark Prince's best friend.

It was too much.

Stepping back, he took deep breaths to calm down. He had seen these before, but to actually know the person...

Know you had to be the one to give the news to those you cared about...

He didn't believe he had it in him.

Sherry.

Savannah.

Even Liam.

He forced himself to study the crime scene. He couldn't stop the winces over the blood and brain matter scattered about. Drake's crushed face. The missing eyeball. The nearly decapitated head.

Maxwell easily found the weapon. The crude club held bits of Drake's skin, hair, and blood.

Something about this was wrong. The trolls weren't ones to leave a club behind. They were also known to drag their kills home as a trophy of sorts. And the footprints.

They are human size. Nearly as big as my own.

The killer wore boots. Trolls never wore manmade shoes. They preferred to use leather slippers, sewn by members of their tribes.

Maxwell nearly jumped out of his skin when his phone vibrated in his pocket.

"Sherry?" His voice cracked.

"Max." She sobbed his name. "It's Liam. He said...it can't be true! Drake can't be dead!"

Maxwell's head dropped forward. He couldn't find the words to tell her.

"Honey, I need you to stay inside Ramsford. Make certain you keep everyone inside."

"No." She began to cry harder. "Where are you? Are you in danger?"

"I don't think I am." He swallowed. "Could you, could you give the phone to Olivia?"

"Max." Sherry pleaded. "Please come home. I need you."

"I'll be there soon." He promised. "How's Savannah? She hasn't felt anything has she?"

"No." Sherry sniffed. "Liam felt it all." Another sob broke through. "Do you think it's true?"

Maxwell turned to look at Drake once more.

"It's true, Sherry." He said softly.

Her breath hitched.

"Sherry? Honey, are you there--"

"I'm coming." She ended the call.

Maxwell cursed. He knew there was no stopping her. He searched through his contacts.

"We're on our way." Olivia answered in lieu of greeting. "Stay there."

"No!" Maxwell replied bitterly. "It happened in an area that I can't easily protect you and Sherry."

"Then it's a good thing that Rashad is coming too." Olivia snapped then ended the call.

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

Sherry turned away from the sight. She wished she hadn't seen what had been done to one of her dearest friends. It was horrible. No one should have to die in such a horrific manner, much less someone she loved.

Rashad gently pulled her into his arms. His eyes were filled with unshed tears as he watched Olivia and Maxwell examine the body with the use of flashlights.

"I don't know how we will tell Liam." Olivia grimaced.

"You don't have to."

The four whipped around.

Liam, incredibly pale, stepped into the clearing.

"You shouldn't have come!" Olivia got to her feet, doing her best to block the image of Drake's body.

Liam gently pushed her to the side so he could take a look at what had been done to his best friend.

The others remained quiet, anxiously watching him. They didn't know how to comfort him. They didn't have the words to--

A roar burst from Liam at the sight. In the blink of an eye, he had an eighty-five foot Ramsford oak tree ripped from the ground and thrown deep into the forest. Three more followed before he registered the hand gripping his arm.

Olivia carefully shook him.

He met her concerned gaze, his rage quickly turning once more to sorrow.

"We'll find whoever did this." She vowed. "We will have our revenge."

Liam nodded, gripping her hand in his.

He prayed that he would be the one to find and destroy the person responsible.

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

Bertrand looked up when he heard Maxwell return with the others. Hushed voices and sniffs echoed along the marble tiled hallway. He glanced down at his wife, fitfully asleep on the sofa, then eased out of the duchy's informal den.

Once the door was shut, Bertrand turned to face the group. He fell to his knees when he saw the Dark Prince.

Curses escaped Maxwell's lips as he dashed over to his brother's side.

"I'm...fine!" Bertrand managed to say.

He slowly got to his feet, apologizing to everyone.

He then forced himself to look at the one whom he once believed was his greatest enemy.

Liam stared back. His head tilted somewhat as if in curious confusion.

Maxwell looked back and forth between the two, his worry notching higher and higher.

"Bertrand?" Maxwell began hesitantly, "this is, um, a relative of Sherry's."

"He knows who I am." Liam said after probing Bertrand's thoughts again.

The Dark Prince had been prepared to leave the moment the duke saw him, but then he heard his thoughts pleading with him to give him a moment to deal with the recognition. Sensing no ill will from the former monster hunter, Liam did as he wished.

Maxwell paled. He couldn't deal with his brother suffering again, not on top of everything else going on.

Bertrand's breathing became easier. He finally met his brother's fearful gaze. "I remember everything."

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

A few hours later the group was still trying to piece together the recent murders and if they connected at all.

"We have no common enemies!" Olivia snapped for the fourth time. "The only one who was tied to us both was Regina."

Liam ran his hands through his hair as he listened to arguments both for and against the murders being aimed at them.

"These are murders of people who hold both power and affection in your lives." Bertrand argued. "Regina and Lucretia were family for you. And Drake..."

Liam dropped his head in his hands. He still couldn't believe this was happening. How could he have found joy in discovering his mate to only end up planning a funeral for his best friend?

"Why would a monster attack, let alone kill, the Dark Prince's right hand?" Maxwell paced about the room.

"Have you angered someone in your kingdom?" Olivia asked. "Slighted one of the tribes of trolls?"

Liam shook his head. "No. And neither did Father." He looked up. "Our kingdom has been peaceful for years."

Silence fell once more as everyone tried to see who or what could be doing these heinous killings.

Then Savannah's cries reached them.

Bertrand rushed out of the room to comfort her. They could hear his soft words of love and sorrow followed by a door clicking shut.

The others slumped down in their chairs, unable to think of how to move forward from this.

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

A few weeks later...

Madeleine didn't want to think it. She shouldn't think it possible, yet the signs were becoming more and more apparent. She should have seen it all before, but love blinded her to so many of his faults.

How had she missed this?

She continued her study of the Lost Book of Aurelia. Though she had hoped it would give her something to find Regina's killer, it instead gave her more insight to the side effects contained in the potion she'd given Leo.

She'd finally noticed a change in her Prince Charming.

His smile, once so warm, held a sinister edge. He found humor and great delight in the thought of someone or something suffering. He also began to go into great detail all that he would do to those who would stand in his way of reclaiming his rightful place upon the throne.

It frightened her. She was grateful that Regina made certain to teach her the ways of keeping anyone from reading her thoughts. The mental shield she had firmly in place kept Leo from ever knowing the shock and revulsion she was beginning to feel around him.

It also kept him from knowing the questions she had on his times away from her. The hours and days he was gone gave her opportunities to sit and study not only the book but also to ponder what he was doing.

When news reached her of the Dark Prince's friend's death, she wondered. Leo spoke so highly of the inhabitants of the Dark Kingdom. Were they truly so unhappy with their monarch that they were now attacking members of the Dark Inner Court?

Perhaps. Then again...she had seen Leo burning clothes one night.

Were those blood stains? Or was it merely shadows upon the light blue material?

She didn't know. All she knew was that her gut was urging her on to finding a way to fix this.

Though, she wasn't exactly sure what to fix nor how to do it.

The next to the last chapter of the Book of Aurelia made her pause. It had a complicated potion recipe followed by instructions on how to undo the very spell that had given Leo his powers. Madeleine, refusing to think of if she would have to do this, rushed to her storeroom to search for each ingredient.

She then removed an ancient dagger from a nearby display case. She could remember Regina explaining the significance of one their ancestors weilding such a weapon while using magic.

Can I do this to the man I love?

She didn't know. Maybe she wouldn't have to. Hopefully once he regained his lost throne, he would be the man she'd fallen in love with. He would prove her prediction right that their destinies were entwined and that Leo was going to do great things.

Madeleine had never been wrong before in her premonitions. Surely she would begin to see the good he would do.

But great doesn't necessarily mean good.

It could mean the amount or intensity of some action or attribute being above the norm.

"He could do great harm." She whispered to her empty chamber.

No, her heart screamed. That couldn't be it! I would never lose my heart to a monster!

She angrily wiped at the tears that came to her eyes, swiped up the book she was so certain was meant to help, and began the potion.

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

Time seemed to creep by for everyone. A sense of peace seemed to have come over both kingdoms, though those who had been the most affected by the events doubted it. Their nerves were notched high in anticipation of what would happen next.

They all believed that the horrors were not really over. Who or whatever was out there had to be lying in wait to strike again. The peace was almost worse than tripping over a body of someone they knew.

Maxwell refused to let Bertrand come with him at night to monitor the borders. Savannah was not doing well with Drake's death. She'd fallen into a deep depression, knowing her actions had led to her losing her brother forever. Bertrand already had his hands full with taking care of her.

Knowing that a dragon and a Nevarkis would be with him, helped Bertrand step back from his need to guard his younger brother.

Maxwell, though, was doing his best to get rid of having Sherry with him each evening and to keep Olivia from coming out every free chance she had.

Rashad and Liam attempted to help but were plagued with Hana and Riley refusing to be left behind.

Maxwell knew that having this many people grouped together would keep any danger from occurring. As comforting as that thought was, he also knew one other thing.

"We'll never figure out who or what is responsible." He told Olivia one night. "Not with all of us together."

The queen's eyes narrowed somewhat on those she had come to care for walking along the forest that hid the twisted paths up to the Blackspire Mountains.

Her eyes lifted to try to see Sherry in dragon form flying amongst the moonless night. The only thing visible were her silver eyes gleaming as she scanned the area. Her wings didn't make a sound as she glided near the tree tops.

"I need to do this alone." He argued once more.

Olivia had lost count over how many times they had this same discussion. She refused to be a passive queen. Sherry refused to leave her mate to possibly die. Rashad refused to leave his cousin to fight some unknown creature. Hana refused to let him face this without her. Liam refused because he wanted justice for them all and to protect those he loved. Naturally, Riley was just as determined as the rest to solve this mystery and not lose the man she'd fallen in love with.

Maxwell was left scowling over no one doing as he thought best.

"Where are you going?" Olivia asked when he turned and began walking away from the area they were currently monitoring.

"I'll be back." He grumbled, waving his hand in farewell.

Olivia felt a burst of wind nearly knock her down. She couldn't help but chuckle when she heard Maxwell's curse. Sherry had overheard him and rushed to where he had disappeared to. No doubt the dragon was back in human form and telling him off for leaving everyone else behind.

"I see we lost our air support." Liam teased as he joined her.

"So we did." Olivia muttered, checking the time.

"You need to go home." Liam told her. "I know you have duties to see to in the morning."

She snorted. Her morning as a queen of a non-mystical realm was to start in less than four hours.

"I'll be fine." She knew it would be a very long day. "This is more important than listening to pompous nobles complaining about everything they were given at birth."

Liam reached out and squeezed her hand. "The people of Cordonia have no idea what they have in you as a ruler."

She knew she must be more tired than she originally thought the moment tears formed in hearing that.

Patting her shoulder, he left her to rejoin Riley.

Taking a shuddering breath, Olivia turned to walk the familar path she'd guarded for years.

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

Fydelia, a few days later...

"Your grace!" Madeleine dipped into an automatic curtsey. "This is a surprise."

"Forgive me for coming unannounced." Bertrand began. "I'm at such a loss of what to do."

Madeleine asked him to sit.

"First off, I should inform you that I have all my memories back."

Her eyes widened. "What? How?"

He went through a brief explanation before rising and pacing the length of her drawing room.

"Do you need me to make you something to help deal with the horrors that still plague you?" She asked.

"No. I need your help with my wife."

Madeleine's brow smoothed with understanding. "Her grief must be severe."

"More than any I've ever seen." Bertrand explained. "She and Drake were finally able to have a relationship. Be around one another without hurting." He pinched the bridge of his nose as he thought of Savannah's sobbing for her brother every night. "Now she's left with nothing but heartache."

"Hmm." Madeleine's brow furrowed once more. "Forgive me if this sounds harsh, but she shouldn't have felt his death this deeply. The potion Regina and I concocted to break the blood magic should have for lack of a better term, dampened, any sense of love between them."

"I thought the same." Bertrand continued to pace. "But if anything, she feels even more for her brother than before."

Madeleine motioned for him to follow her into her chambers. She picked up the book that she'd studied along with Regina to find a way to help break the blood magic.

She scanned the carefully hand written lines of her ancestors.

Bertrand attempted to read over her shoulder but could make little sense of what was written.

"Oh." Madeleine sat down upon a stool. "I see."

"What?"

"We only broke the blood magic between Savannah and Drake." She explained.

"I know." He once again read where her finger had stopped. "And what does that have to do with her depression?"

"There was a new link to the blood magic formed when Savannah became pregnant." Madeleine continued.

Bertrand's eyes widened. "But she had none left to pass on."

"The spell only worked for her." Madeleine continued. "Any child born with a drop of Walker blood, it appears, will be tied to each other and to the Dark Prince and his family."

She gave him a moment to absorb this.

"So," he swallowed, "Savannah is feeling our unborn child's pain over Drake's death?"

"Yes." She reached out and placed her hand over his. "And, though I'm not certain, the child will need to be around the Dark Prince once he or she is born."

Bertrand sat down beside her. He shook his head as if in disbelief.

"What am I to do?" He whispered mostly to himself.

"Wait and see." She explained. "Your child might be able to live away from the Dark Kingdom. We won't know until they enter into the world."

He nodded, not truly wanting to accept this. "Is there anything you can give to help Savannah deal with this sadness?"

"Of course." She got up, relieved to be given a task she could readily succeed at. "It will take just an hour to prepare."

"Thank you." He murmured as she bustled about gathering ingredients.

"It is no trouble at all, your grace." She sent a smile over her shoulder toward him.

"Not just for this." He explained. "But for everything you and The Guardian did for me and my family."

Madeleine stilled. "Thank you, Lord Bertrand."

He chuckled. "As much as we have been through and as a creator of my temporary mind, don't you think we are past using honorifics?"

With a startled laugh, she nodded. "Of course."

"I've been lax in my duties to check on you since Regina left us." He added once a comfortable silence fell between them. "I must apologize for that."

"I understand." She mumbled, grounding petals of lavender in a small bowl.

"You are too kind." His lips turned up into a soft smile. "You remind me of her."

Madeleine looked up. "Regina?"

He nodded. "In many ways."

She blinked back tears. "I wish..." She shook her head and went back to the potion's ingredients. "I wish I was like her."

"You are." He waved around the room. "Look at all you have studied to try to help us."

Madeleine's hands trembeled. "Bertrand, may I...may I share something with you?"

"Of course you may."

Madeleine swallowed nervously. "Well, I have been helping--"

She jumped when the wood door to her storeroom bounced against the stone wall.

Leo had arrived.

His lips that she had once loved to kiss were twisted in an almost animalistic snarl. His bright blue eyes cut to her and then Bertrand.

The Duke got to his feet, moving his way over to protect the young witch.

"What is the meaning of this?" Leo snapped.

"I'm helping his grace." Madeleine quickly explained. "His wife--"

Leo moved within the blink of an eye. His fingers wrapped around Bertrand's neck then he lifted him off the floor.

"LEO!" Madeleine shouted. "No! Please, put--"

"You dare to come here and beg for her magic to help you!" Leo hissed, eyeing the desperate nobleman. "After years of hunting beings full of the substance."

"Leo, let him go!" Madeleine pleaded. "I owe the Beaumont's for --"

"You owe them nothing!" Leo flung Bertrand away.

Madeleine let out a cry when his body crashed through a glass cabinet. She moved to check to see if he was still alive, only to find herself pinned to a wall.

Leo's fingers curved around her delicate wrists, lifting them over her head.

"Now, my love," he leaned closer toward her, "just what did you think you were doing?"

Madeleine's heartbeat accelerated.

His sneer turned to an amused smirk.

"There is nothing to be scared of."

She swallowed. "I'm...I'm not scared."

"Lying, are we?" He taunted. "Cute, but unnecessary."

"Leo, please, let me check on Lord Beaumont."

"He lives." Leo bit out. "For the moment."

His fingers tightened around her wrists.

Madeleine strained against him as the pain brought tears go her eyes.

"You," he leaned down close so he could stare directly into her eyes, his tone dark and serious. "Will never tell me what to do again. Is that understood?"

Madeleine cried out when he squeezed to the point of almost breaking her bones.

"Yes!" She sobbed.

He let her go with a chuckle. "Good."

Straightening his sleeves, he turned toward where Bertrand lay.

"Now to clean this up."

"What are you going to do?" She asked.

"Kill him and get rid of his body." Leo explained.

"No!" Madeleine followed on his heels, reaching out to grasp his arm. "He isn't our enemy, he--"

Leo backhanded her, striking her face. Madeleine's head snapped back as she went flying across the room. Her body collided against the stone wall.

Leo paused as he realized what he had just done. He rushed over to see how badly hurt she was. Blood covered the wall where her head struck. Some dribbled from her lips. Her nose was broken completely smashed within her face. Her eyes were already showing signs of bruising.

Her breath though was what surprised him. It rattled in her chest. He knew she'd suffered some cracked ribs. He also suspected that one lung was punctured.

"Well, this didn't go as I had planned." He muttered to her unconscious form. "You weren't supposed to die. You were to be queen."

Leo got to his feet, dusting off his pants.

"But, I see there is little to be done for you." He smirked at what was about to happen. "Don't worry, little witch. I really didn't have much use for you anymore. I'll make certain though to kill Liam and Father in your honor."

He glanced back at the sight of Bertrand's unmoving body. Sensing little chance for the duke to recover from his injuries; he shrugged, stepped over Madeleine, and began whistling a jaunty tune as he left her home.

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

A few minutes later...

Bertrand groaned as he blinked. His head pounded. Glass shards covered his arms, hands, legs, and most of his back. His insides felt like they were on fire.

He tried to focus on a panicked sound coming from the other side of the room.

Somehow, he got to his knees and began to painstakingly crawl toward the shadowed form on the floor.

"Mad-" He coughed up blood. "Madeleine?"

Her bruised and blood shot eyes locked on him. Raising a trembling hand, she tried to speak.

Blood bubbles appeared on her lips.

Unable to get the words out, she touched her bloody lips then began to run her index finger on the wall.

Bertrand tried to clear his blurred vision as she fought to write out her words.

"Forgive me." He sank down beside her. "I can't..." He passed out from his concussion.

Madeleine struggled more and more to draw air into her body as she left a message for Maxwell.

Her body's trembles grew in strength. She could feel the heavy weight of eternal darkness begin to smother her as she tried to leave a way to help for those left behind.

Tears trickled down her cheeks when her hand dropped down upon the cold stone floor.

She wasn't ready to die. She didn't want her life to end with nothing to show for it. She didn't have the life she'd been dreaming of since first meeting Leo. Though he always spoke of them ruling both kingdoms of Cordonia, all she focused on was becoming his wife and mother to their children.

She wouldn't have that now. She wouldn't ever dream those precious dreams ever again.

She could feel her heart beat begin to slow. Each agonizing breath into her battered beyond repair body made the darkness seem almost appealing.

Madeleine closed her eyes and thought of the one person who truly loved her.

Her final thought as her heart beat for the last time was how happy she'd been in this room with Regina.

#choices trr #trr dark au #trr vampire au #the royal romance #vampire liam #trr maxwell #trr olivia #liam x riley #leo x madeleine #maxwell x sherry #hana x rashad #choices stories you play #play choices fanfic

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alj4890 · 3 years ago

Text

All Through the Night

A Choices: The Royal Romance Dark AU

@gkittylove99 @krsnlove @kingliam2019 @texaskitten30 @yourmajesty09 @mom2000aggie @ofpixelsandscribbles @twinkleallnight @lodberg @twinkleallnight @amandablink @neotericthemis @mm2305 @sfb123 @iufilms @tessa-liam @busywoman

Masterlist

Catch up here with Prologue and Part 1

Part 2

Fydelia...

"Madeleine dear, have you seen the lost book of Aurelia?" Regina called out when she noticed the countess passing by. "There were some notes in there that I think can be useful for Maxwell."

"No mam." Madeleine stepped into their library.

The walls were covered with a variety of the history of the five kingdoms and the mysterious sixth. Madeleine had spent years studying every single myth in the hopes of finding hints of cures and such for the ailments of her people. Her usually sharp gaze softened at the faded leather spines. They had been her source of comfort long before Regina arrived.

When her parents were alive they rarely spared their daughter a single glance. As long as she was quiet, well behaved, and properly attired; they expected little else from her. She had been their disappointment. Her father had hoped for a son while her mother hoped to never have a child.

She did not feel grief when they died. In fact, she had rarely felt any emotion until Regina took over her care. Through her cousin's encouragement and treating her with kindness, Madeleine began to understand happiness and contentment.

She also began to long for love.

The stories she read about the great love Queen Kenna shared with Dominic had made her begin to daydream about her finding someone of her own. She rather liked the idea that the creatures of the Dark Kingdom fell in love instantly. It certainly took all the guess work out of he loves me, he loves me not.

Though Regina was a kind and nurturing soul, Madeleine wanted something more.

And she had found it one afternoon with the banished prince of the Dark Kingdom.

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

A year ago, the capital of Cordonia...

Madeleine ran down the sidewalk as a torrential downpour began. Being lost in thought, she had wandered away from the market place without paying attention. Townhomes with small parks and cottages with flower gardens dotted the quiet neighborhood.

"Oh!" Madeleine slid down, landing not only upon her left ankle, but also in a puddle.

She closed her eyes at the painful throbbing. Tears began to intermingled with the rain falling upon her face. She tried to standup but ended right back in the puddle.

For the life of her, she couldn't think of a single spell that she could use to help herself. It was part curse and actually a blessing to others that a witch could rarely use magic to improve their own circumstances. Other than being able to take potions to improve their physical health, most spells could only be used for someone else.

If she had asked Regina to come with her for a visit to the capital, then she could have healed Madeleine easily. She probably knew a spell offhand to immediately dry her clothes. But then again, Regina was the most powerful out of their coven.

She attempted to stand once more, only for a cry of frustration mixed with agony to slip out.

She could hear footsteps rushing towards her from behind.

She turned her head and saw a man. Her lips parted at how handsome he was. His drenched clothing revealed what was a definite muscular body. His blonde hair had darkened from the rain. But his eyes...they were the most intense blue she had ever seen.

"Are you badly hurt?" He asked.

She nodded. "It's my ankle. Either a bolt of lightening struck when I fell or I definitely heard a definite pop."

Without another word, he scooped her up in his arms as if she weighed no more than a feather.

He kicked open the wrought iron gate and ran with her into his townhome.

"There's a light switch behind you." He waited for her to find it then continued on into his living room. "Here." He set her down on the couch. I'll try to find you something dry to put on and then we'll have a look at that ankle."

Her lips parted then closed as he dashed upstairs. She took advantage of her solitude to study what was clearly the home of a bachelor. Her eyes touched on the masculine décor of oversized leather furniture and no pictures on the walls. There no trinkets of any sort nor any type of color to add to the brandy colored leather and beige walls.

She turned her attention back to her ankle and winced when she tried to rotate her foot.

"That will teach you not to do that again."

Madeleine jumped at the sound of his voice tinged with amusement.

He handed her a towel then knelt beside her. Using another towel, he dried her foot and leg after removing her shoe.

"Thank you, um..." She bit down on her bottom lip when his fingers gently pressed around the swollen area.

"Leo." He looked up at her. "And who might you be?"

"Madeleine." She sucked in a painful gasp when he lifted her foot.

"Madeleine," he shook his head, "I believe it is just a bad sprain."

She slumped back in relief at that news. "I think so too."

He took off his shirt off and pulled a dry one on.

Her parted lips at the sight brought a grin to his face.

"If we're going to get you an x-ray just to make sure nothing is broken, then you'll have to stay in your dress." His eyes roamed over her petite figure. "I don't have anything that will work for you out in public."

"Yes, of course." She lowered her eyes. "Thank you for your assistance. I'm certain I would still be sitting in the puddle if you hadn't come by."

"I saw you slip down from my bedroom window." He scooped her up once more and carried her out to his garage. "Don't worry Lady Madeleine, we'll have you fixed up in no time."

Her head jerked up. "How do you know I'm a noble?"

He paused then shrugged. "With your beauty and the way you speak, it seemed likely that you were one." He set her in the passenger seat of his car. "Then again," he winked at her, "perhaps I was hoping to be your knight in shining armor."

Her pale skin flared with color from his flirting.

Leo chuckled at the sight then patted her hand.

After taking her to a nearby emergency care clinic, he then drove her back to her hotel.

He carried her and her crutches to her room despite her arguments that she could manage now that she had something to lean on.

"You shouldn't trouble yourself, Mr.--"

"Leo." He insisted. "And it is no trouble at all, I assure you." He set her down on a chair. "So, what brings you to the capital?"

"Nothing in particular." She lowered her eyes. "I had a few council meetings to attend and then I decided to stay over for a few days."

Leo nodded. "Wanted to get away?"

"Yes." Madeleine twisted the hem of her skirt. "I shouldn't feel this way. My life is filled with responsibilities that I actually enjoy handling." She lowered her eyes. "But sometimes..."

"It isn't enough." He smiled at her. "I've been there."

"You have?"

"Of course." He stretched his legs out and took a deep breath. "Though, I think the worst thing that can happen to someone is to have those very responsibilities that they thrive on taken away."

He bent down when he saw her struggle to prop her foot up on a small table. Before she could utter the words that he needn't feel like he had to keep helping her, he had slid it over closer.

"Thank you." She smiled shyly at him. "If you don't mind my prying, what responsibilities do you have?"

His easy smile dimmed. "Ah, none."

Her eyes widened. "But you seem to understand --"

"Like I said," he got up and went to stand at her window. "Nothing is worse than being denied what you are made for."

"What were you made for?" She prodded.

He glanced at her from over his shoulder with a smirk. "Me? To be king."

Her eyes widened with realization. The infamous handsome looks. The chivalry. The recognition of her nobility.

"You're the Dark King's son." She whispered in disbelief.

He turned to fully face her. "And you're The Guardian's ward, the very one she gave up being queen for."

Madeleine swallowed nervously. "I--I'm sorry you lost your kingdom." She gripped her hands together in her lap. "I heard about your father naming Liam as heir."

A brief flash of anger appeared in his blue eyes. "Yes, it seems that my embarrassment of not being a vampire extends to all areas of Cordonia."

"No!" She lifted her hand toward him as if to try and comfort him. "It isn't anything you could control." Her brow furrowed. "I'm certain you would have been an excellent king."

He returned to his chair. "Do you?"

She nodded. "I've always had a gift of, well...of sensing a person's true nature."

"Sounds impressive." Leo reached for her hand. "And what do you sense with me?"

Madeleine bit down on her bottom lip. "I can't quite find the words, but I sense great things in your future." A blush formed on her cheeks as she locked eyes with him. "And that I am somehow tied to your destiny."

He lifted her hand to his lips. "I think you're right."

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

It had to have been fate for their paths to cross. The young man had been wandering Europe in search for a place he could belong.

"Once I saw you," Leo told her late one night, "I knew I had finally found the right place."

She had lost her heart to him. His stories of not being loved by his father matched her own, especially in being considered a great disappointment. She had not been born a boy and he had not been born a vampire.

There was little either could do about it.

Leo admitted that he had gone in search of a vampire in Sweden to try and turn him. Something though went wrong when he was given the Vampire's kiss. He did not change. He had remained in his mortal form even after completing the procedure by drinking from the Chalice.

There was no increase of strength. There was no vulnerability to the sun. There was nothing new or different about him.

Only further frustration and heartache.

Madeleine kept their encounters to herself. It wasn't that she didn't trust Regina. She simply didn't trust what she might say to Constantine.

The King continued to invite Regina to visit. He understood her reasons for refusing his marriage proposal but he refused to never see her again. Since she was in love with him too, she went each time he called for her.

Madeleine didn't approve of their relationship, yet she also kept this thought to herself. She had seen as a child the effect speaking one's mind had on others and she never wanted anyone to know her plans or opinions.

But then she began to sneak away to see Leo.

He had been the first person she had actually opened up to. His charm and confidence seemed to spill over and infect her with an openness she never knew she possessed.

Leo was interested in everything about her, especially her knowledge of spells and potions. For nearly a year, he marveled at her intelligence and encouraged her to dig further to find ways to push magic to its very limit.

Then one night, he shared a dream he had recently had.

"You and I were the King and Queen of the Dark Kingdom." His blue eyes flashed with emotion as he gazed off into the distance. "The people were overjoyed to have the true heir back within the fold."

"We were married?" She asked.

"We were." He squeezed her tight, drawing a startled gasp from her lips. "Everything was how it was meant to be for me. I had claimed the black crown for my own."

"What about your father and Liam?"

He turned toward her. Images from his dream of their ashes floating about his feet brought a slight smile to his lips.

"They weren't there."

"Did you feel in the dream that they approved?"

"Of course." He replied. "I have no doubt they finally saw my true strength."

"You would be an excellent ruler, my love." She pressed a kiss to his cheek. "No one has as big a heart like you."

With her head pressed to his chest, he softly agreed. "Yes, I believe I would be just the ruler this country needs."

As the months passed, he fed her little by little tidbits of stories he claimed he had heard. The creatures of the Dark Kingdom were miserable. They were being ill treated by their once beloved monarch.

"I can't stand the thought of any of them suffering." He paced back and forth before her.

"Of course you can't." She replied. "I wish there was something we could do."

His steps faltered. Turning toward her, his sharp eyes filled with tears.

"Do you truly wish you could help them, Maddie?"

"I do." She reached for his hands. "It seems so wrong to be given these magical powers and not use them in some way to help your people."

He smiled warmly at her. She had stopped referring to the people of the Dark Kingdom as monsters. It had taken a long time to get her to do so, but he knew it would all be well worth it in the end.

Leo sat down before her. "If anyone can find a way for us to take our rightful place, it is you," he pressed a kiss to her hands, "my love."

Madeleine blushed at his faith in her. She loved that he saw her as no one else did. How could she not spend every single spare moment she had in pursuit of a way for him?

"I'll try, darling." She vowed. "I'll do everything within my power to return what is rightfully yours."

He captured her lips in a ravenous kiss.

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

Now...

"I received your message." Leo climbed the trellis to Madeleine's balcony. "Did you find something?"

"I think I have." She showed him the lost book of Aurelia. "It is taking me a while to decipher, but I believe that what you need will be in here."

He stared at the book that might possibly hold his future.

"For instance," she opened it to the third chapter, "a witch held a vampire hostage to discover where their super strength and mind powers originate from."

His eyes narrowed on the crude symbols meant to be letters of the ancient Aurelian language.

"And you believe you will find a way to destroy Father's powers?" He asked.

"No." She gently placed her arm around his waist. "I believe I will find a way to give you those same powers without the vampiric nature."

His eyes widened. "Are you serious?"

"I am." She smiled up at him. "What will your first act as king be?"

He returned her smile. "After naming you queen, it will be to heal our fractured kingdom once and for all."

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

That same evening, near a bustling market place in the capital...

"Lady Hana?"

Hana spun around and smiled. "Lord Beaumont?"

"Maxwell, please." He grinned at her. "It's nice to meet you."

She shook his hand then gestured to the lady beside her. "This my best friend and business partner, Riley Brooks."

"Hi." Riley shook his hand. "Hana said that you would be our tour guide."

"Well," he slipped his hands in his pockets while summoning his charming façade, "I don't like to brag but I do know all the best places to see in Cordonia."

"Great!" Hana relaxed some. "We have quite the list prepared of what we want to see most."

"Oh?" His eyes widened when she handed him a notebook. "Wow. You, uh, you weren't kidding."

"We're vloggers." Riley explained. "Our subscribers depend on us to be thorough with the places we travel to."

"Then you've got the right kind of tour guide." He hesitated when he came to Riley's section. "Interested in the supernatural?"

"Yep." Riley laughed. "You wouldn't think it of us," she nudged a giggle out of Hana, "but we have a lot of fun exploring the creepy."

"Not that we have ever come across a ghost or creature of the night." Hana added. "But we refuse to give up."

"I see." Maxwell mumbled. He looked up at them with a grin. "I'm a fraidy cat myself."

"That's okay." Riley shrugged. "It won't be the first time Hana and I have to venture into the unknown alone."

"She means supposed haunted houses and woods." Hana added with a chuckle.

"But that's not all I want to see." Riley pointed at another section of her list. "Night clubs and historical spots are another part I want to spend time on."

Maxwell shut the binder. "How about for your first venture into Cordonia's nightlife we go dancing?" He flashed another dimpled grin. "No need to spook you on the first night here."

"Sounds good to me." Riley replied when Hana tilted her head in agreement. "Lead the way."

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

"Why did we come here of all places?" Drake grumbled.

"I sent Leo a message to meet us here for a drink." Liam sat down at one of the bar's balcony chairs. "He hasn't replied but I am still hopeful he will show up."

He had always enjoyed this particular bar simply for its view. The bustling marketplace of Cordonia's capital was the perfect place to people watch.

It was one of his favorite past times and he usually came by himself. Tonight though, he had dragged Drake and Sherry along while forcing Rashad to promise to meet up with them once he concluded a business dinner.

"Here we go." Sherry set some glasses down. "One whiskey for Mr. Grumpypants."

"Hey!"

"Sorry, I meant Sir Grumpypants." She teased. "One scotch for Liam." She sat down between them, "...and one--" her eyes began to glow as she zeroed in on an all too familiar figure down in the crowd.

"Sherry?" Drake poked her when she stilled.

"What is it?" Liam became alarmed by her fury forming.

Her eyes narrowed to mere slits. "He wouldn't dare!"

Sparks shot off from her hands as she shoved her chair back.

"Sherry!" Liam grasped her arm to try to calm her down before her emotions gave away what she was. He believed though that he should be able to alter the few patron’s memory here yet he hoped it wouldn't come to that."

"Who are you--" Drake's jaw spasmed as he tried to remain under control. He finally saw what she had seen. "It's that damn Beaumont!"

Liam turned to scan the crowd. He noticed the hunter walking with a lady on each arm. His brow furrowed at the strange sight. He knew Sherry had secured for the most part a future with him, and yet he was out with two--

Liam sucked in a strangled breath. The lady on his left had lifted her face to look at the upper level bars and restaurants. Her deep brown eyes met his and she smiled before continuing on her study of her surroundings.

Sherry jerked her arm out of his grasp. "I'm going to burn off some pieces of his body for this!"

Drake didn't bother to help stop her, hoping she would indeed hurt the man.

Liam shook himself out of the haze seeing the strange woman had caused. "Wait!" He took off after his relative. "Sherry!"

Drake heaved a groan, downed his drink, and begrudgingly followed in their wake.

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

"...and if you are looking for the latest fashions, Hana, this store has a direct from Paris line--"

Maxwell took a step back when Sherry appeared before them.

Hana and Riley looked first at the furious woman then at his shocked face in curiosity.

"What do you think you're doing?" Sherry hissed.

Maxwell swallowed uneasily. "Will, uh, will you ladies excuse me a moment?"

"Sure." Riley replied as he grasped the mystery woman's hand.

He released it with a yelp as if touching her had hurt.

"Is something wrong?" Hana asked.

Maxwell shook his scalded hand. "No."

"That's what you deserve." Sherry muttered for his ears only. "How could you--

"Ladies, allow me to introduce Lady Sherry Alcantar." Maxwell bit out. His blue eyes seemed to spark with a fire of his own as he gazed upon the woman. "My love, this is Lady Hana Lee and Ms. Riley Brooks of New York. Lady Hana's mother is an old friend of my family who asked me to show them around."

Sherry's eyes narrowed somewhat. She was slightly mollified in hearing him call her his love, but that still gave him no right to escort two disgustingly beautiful women around Cordonia at night.

"It's nice to meet you." Riley held her hand out. "Maxwell told us all about you on the way here. I'm so glad we have a face to put to the name he says in every other sentence."

Sherry took a deep breath to cool her fiery temper. She shook her hand with a sincere smile. "It's nice to meet you both."

Hana smiled warmly at her while describing their work. "Lady Sherry, perhaps we could question you about some of the places we hope to capture on film.

The two friends shared a significant glance when Maxwell and Sherry merely stared at one another.

"If you don't mind, I would love to go in there and look around." Hana gestured toward the shop. "I can already see some dresses that I think would be perfect for our videos."

"We'll be back in a few." Riley added, winking at Sherry on her way inside. “I’m sure Maxwell would prefer staying out here with you than be stuck shopping with us.”

Sherry took a deep breath once they were gone. "Why are you really out with them?"

"I received a call the other night from Hana's mother." He explained. "She heard about Liam's search for a bride."

"Her mother knows about the Dark Kingdom?" Sherry couldn't hide her surprise. It was rare to find anyone today who actually believed that the stories were true.

"Yes, she is from one of Cordonia's minor houses." Maxwell sighed. "She doesn't want her daughter to be the next Dark Queen."

Sherry tried to control her temper. Nothing sparked it like someone denying the sweetest, most gentle man she knew a chance at happiness. She clinched her fists when she felt the heat move over her body.

"Sherry?" Maxwell took a cautious step forward. "You're overheating." He tried to take her in his arms, wincing at how hot she felt.

Her eyes flashed as she glared at him. "I know."

He let her go. "I'm sorry, honey."

The unexpected apology and endearment was what instantly cooled her. "You're what?"

"I know how important Liam is to you." He added, running his hands down his face. "But, I doubt this will be then only lady I'm tasked with protecting from him."

"Liam deserves a chance at finding his mate as much as anyone else. Maybe even more so." Sherry argued. She raised her eyes to his. "If you would spend time with him, then you would see what kind of man he is." She looked back into the shop at the two new ladies. "Maybe then you wouldn't take on jobs like this."

Maxwell hated seeing her so down and knowing he was partly responsible. He reached out and took her in his arms, cuddling her close. He dropped a kiss on top of her head.

“I know you want me to meet him. I’ll try to do so one day.” He tried to fight how wrong that felt saying aloud. “But for the moment, I can’t take a chance on Liam meeting Hana.”

“Why did you accept this?” She asked. “You've never taken on bodyguard duty before.”

"Hana's family offered incentives that I needed to help with Bertrand's healing." He rested his cheek against her head when he felt her arms wrap around him. "I didn't think about how it would affect Liam or you. I just knew I couldn't pass up this opportunity for my brother.”

Sherry lifted her head and gently kissed him. "I understand." A rueful smile formed on her lips. "And I apologize for blowing up at you earlier. When I saw you with two highly attractive women and clearly having the time of your life, something in me just snapped."

"You know, you ruined me for anyone else." His dimpled grin appeared. "I could be out with a dozen so called gorgeous women and all I would notice is that they aren't you."

She beamed at him. "Really?"

"Really."

When silence fell between them again, Maxwell exaggerated clearing his throat. He cocked an eyebrow when Sherry looked up at him.

"You ruined me too." She admitted.

"I better have." He grinned once more when he heard her laugh. "Just so there is no misunderstanding, I have to spend the next few weeks with Hana and Riley." He nudged Sherry's chin up. "I want you to come with us as much as you would like."

"You do?"

He nodded.

"I suppose I could find the time." She teased. With a sigh she looked up at the bar. "I should probably head back up there."

"Where?"

"I was up there having a drink with Liam and Drake." She pointed toward the empty balcony. "I wonder where they went."

"Liam's here?!" Maxwell let her go and rushed over to the shop window. He breathed a touch easier when he saw Hana critically studying a dress Riley had tried on.

He then scanned the crowd. His hand immediately went to his side, causing him to curse aloud when he remembered he had not brought his sword. He had left it behind to keep the illusion of a fun, party lord intact.

He really needed to start carrying a hidden dagger like Olivia kept insisting.

Sherry folded her arms while watching him revert into hunter mode. "Max? You know Liam would never harm them."

He narrowed his eyes as he searched for the Dark Prince and his right hand man.

He glanced at the lady beside him when he heard her deep sigh.

"Let me see where he disappeared to and I'll try and get him out of here."

"What was he doing down here anyway?" He asked.

"Oh." Sherry bit down on her bottom lip. "He recently found out that Leo is back in Cordonia and invited him to meet us for a drink."

"Leo's here too?!" Maxwell briefly closed his eyes. "I've got both of Constantine's sons converging on the very spot where I bring the woman I'm supposed to protect from that family."

Sherry rolled her eyes. "Stop panicking. I don't think Leo will show."

Maxwell noticed the bitterness in her tone. "He’s still not speaking to any of you?"

"Nope." Sherry wrapped her arms around his waist when he placed his arm back around her shoulders to try and comfort her. "No one in our kingdom has heard a word from him since Liam was named heir."

Maxwell pressed a kiss to the side of her head. "I'm sorry--"

She jumped when her phone vibrated.

"What's wrong?" Maxwell asked when her brow furrowed.

"Liam has gone to the palace. He said he needs to talk to Olivia." She sighed. "I guess Leo really is going to ignore us." She looked up at Maxwell. "You can rest easy in your job this evening, Lord Beaumont."

He hugged her close against his side. "You want to come with us? Riley wants to check out the nightlife here and I offered to take them to one of the clubs."

"A night club, huh?" She laughed. "It might actually seem like a date if I did come along."

Her heart melted at how bashful he suddenly seemed over the reminder that they had yet to have an actual date.

"I guess I have dropped the ball on that."

"It's hard to find the time when you're guarding the border nearly every night." She reminded him.

"We'll have our date one day." He promised.

"I'm fine with our nights at the border."

"You deserve better." Maxwell kissed her once more. "I'll make it up to you."

Sherry's lips parted to reassure him, only to pause when Riley and Hana came out of the store.

"Ready?" He asked them, summoning his fun loving persona once more.

"Please get us out of here." Riley pleaded playfully. "I think I actually heard my bank account cry after buying these." She held up the garment bags.

Hana laughed while keeping her own purchases off the ground. "Perhaps we should call it a night since we ended up buying so much. Is there any chance you can show us more tomorrow?"

Sherry could feel the tension in his body ease completely at the notion of putting these two safely away from the night.

"Sure." He looked down at the lady in his arms. "Sherry and I were just deciding on the places to show you these next few weeks."

"That's wonderful!" Hana beamed at the new lady. "We are grateful for all the help we can get."

While Riley and Hana began to eagerly question Sherry on her favorite restaurants and things to do, Maxwell guided them out of the market place, all while keeping a lookout for any sign of Liam.

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

"Why are we going to see her again?" Drake grumbled. "Isn't it bad enough we had to see a Beaumont tonight? Now you want to add a Nevarkis to the evening's entertainment."

Liam ignored him as his jumbled thoughts focused in on one fact: he had actually seen the woman he knew to be his mate.

When he chased after Sherry, he had decided to hang back in the shadows. Knowing that the hunter his relative had lost her heart to would not be comfortable with his presence, he decided to remain far enough that he could intercede if Sherry's temper caused any problems.

Plus he hoped to hear more about the woman Maxwell was escorting.

Ms. Riley Brooks of New York.

He not only had overheard her name but also where she was from. He was able to see her more clearly in the lights from the nearby shops. Her beauty and the sound of her voice stirred something he had never felt when looking upon any other person.

She had to be the one. There was no other explanation to his reaction to just the sight of her.

Then he heard the reason Maxwell was with them.

The Dark Prince could not have cared less about the lady named Hana. But his job to protect her was going to make Liam's courtship of Riley difficult. He knew he would need some help if he was to get her away from her friend and Maxwell.

He couldn't ask Sherry to manipulate Maxwell into time alone with Riley. It didn't seem right to use the love between them in such a manner.

While frustration grew, he overheard the fact that Hana's mother was a Cordonian noble.

And he finally knew who could help him.

"Wait here." Liam ordered when they reached the palace gates. "I want Olivia in a good mood when I ask for her help. Seeing you, sadly, will not accomplish that."

"You're asking for her help?” Drake asked. “In what?"

"I'll tell you everything once the plan is in motion." He promised.

"But--" Drake rolled his eyes when Liam vanished. Within a second, he saw him climbing into the queen's window of her study.

"Good luck." He mumbled as he settled in for a long wait.

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

"Hold on." Olivia raised her hands. "You want me to invite you and these Americans to my masquerade ball?" Her eyes widened. "Are you insane?!" She got up from her desk and began to pace. "Liam, my guards are trained to find and destroy any vampire who dares to enter the palace during such events!"

"I won't touch a single drop of blood that night and my manners will fit right in with the rest of the nobility." He explained. "Plus with wearing a mask, no one will recognize me."

"Why here?" Olivia asked. "Can't you do whatever you vampires do when you find your mate without involving me or my home?"

Liam leaned against the edge of her desk. "Because of Maxwell and Sherry."

"Maxwell and Sherry? What does my most trusted monster hunter and one of your dragons have to do with this?"

Liam's brow furrowed. "Hasn't he told you that he is Sherry's recognized mate?"

"Maxwell is a dragon's mate? Maxwell Beaumont?!" Oliva sat down in a chair completely stunned by this news.

"I can't believe he didn't tell you." Liam hoped he hadn't ruined anything by revealing this.

"Maxwell owes me nothing, especially when it concerns his private life." Olivia quickly explained. "If anything, it is me and Cordonia that owe him for all his years of service." A wiry smile flirted about her lips at the irony of it all. "A renowned monster hunter and a monster in love and destined for one another. Poor Maxwell. That had to be a shock."

"You know, you really are a nice person." Liam grinned and sat across from her. "That's why I knew as a little boy that we were destined to be friends."

Olivia rolled her eyes. "Back to your request. Why will my ball not only help you but also keep Sherry and Maxwell out of it?"

"Because Maxwell will be forced to come along once you invite Lady Hana and Riley. And if I'm here--"

"Yes, but my head of security knows your name and what you are." Olivia stressed again. "I can't have him see your name on the guest list and--"

"But I will simply be company with the Duke of Domvallier." Liam explained. "Rashad's duchy is technically Cordonian, as you well know. Since only a rare handful know that Rashad and Sherry are dragons, I assumed your head of security would think it was a myth too."

Olivia nodded. "That's true. Bastien believes that the only creatures of the Dark Kingdom are vampires."

Liam's smile grew. "I can be a business associate of Rashad's. While Maxwell is keeping an eye on Hana and distracted with Sherry, I can then meet Riley under easier circumstances."

Seeing his excitement, she knew she couldn't refuse him.

"You're the only one who can do this for me." Liam added. "Plus, you're one of the few I can trust with this."

"Geez. Why not whip out those mind powers of yours while you're at it?" She grumbled.

Shaking her head over how easily she was ready to help him, she couldn't help but return his smile. "Fine. I'll send invitations to Rashad for the three of you and for Lady Hana and company."

Liam scooped her up out of her chair before she could blink and hugged her tight.

"Thank you!" He bowed and kissed her hand. "I knew I could count on you."

"Uh huh." She waved towards her window. "Now get out of here before I change my mind."

He winked at her and did as she said. "I'll see you at the Masquerade Ball, your majesty."

She walked over to the window and watched him disappear through the gate. Her smile dimmed as she thought of the report she had been reviewing when he appeared in her private study.

Olivia wondered if she should have told Liam about his brother's secret meetings with the Countess of Fydelia. There could only be one reason he had recently become so close to the witch. Leo must be searching for a way to gain the power he had been denied since birth.

Deciding to keep a close eye on the banished prince, she planned on telling Liam once she had more information. He was so happy with finding his mate that she couldn't stand the thought of taking that away from him with this news.

"Damn it." Olivia muttered. "Liam really is my best friend."

Somehow a Nevarkis had developed a love for a Rhys.

*Character moodboard for Madeleine and Leo*

#all through the night #choices the royal romance #trr vampire au #trr dark au #liam x riley #maxwell x oc #maxwell x sherry #drake walker #olivia nevarkis #hana lee #vampire liam #leo x madeleine

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alj4890 · 3 years ago

Text

All Through the Night

A Choices: The Royal Romance Dark AU

A/N Picking up right where we left off in the prologue and delving deep into the Beaumont's part of this storyline. We will also begin to see what some of our other TRR characters are and how they affect this divided kingdom of Cordonia. This is a VERY long chapter since I went into both Beaumont's histories, but I couldn’t find a good place to end their beginning to this storyline, LOL. Hope it doesn’t ruin this for anyone.

Masterlist

Part 1

Outside the Cordonian Palace...

"Home?" Drake asked as he fell into step beside Liam.

"So soon?" The prince smiled at him. "The night is still young. We could check out a club or two."

"Uh huh." Drake shook his head. "Nice try, but I know you, Liam. Where are we really headed?"

Liam's smile dimmed. "I thought about checking on Leo."

"Leo? Why?"

"I'm worried about him. That last argument he had with Father...he hasn't been in contact at all with anyone at home." Liam softly sighed. "He hasn't answered any of my calls or messages."

"Then why visit?" Drake's tone was filled with bitterness. "Some siblings leave without a second glance and don't care how much it hurts you in the process."

Liam winced at the reminder he had caused his closest friend. "Forgive me. I didn't mean to bring up memories of Sav--"

"She's dead now." Drake bit out.

Liam closed his mouth. He knew that wasn't true, but it was the only way Drake could deal with what Savannah had done. Ever since the Beaumont’s appeared that fateful night, the Walker's had been permanently damaged.

He didn't know if there was even a chance for a reconciliation between the two.

Clearing his throat, Liam returned to the subject of Leo. "I can't come down here without checking on him."

"Is he even here anymore?" Drake asked. "I thought he had left Cordonia all together after your father refused his latest petition."

"He did. But through new sources, I have discovered that he not only returned, but has been back for quite some time."

They walked on in silence until they stopped in front of a small townhome.

They stared at the façade where not a single light was on.

Liam checked the time. "Perhaps it is too late to call upon him now that he is part of the human world."

"We can always come back after sunset." Drake offered.

"You don't have to accompany me." Liam placed a comforting hand upon his shoulder. "I think I can manage to get around down here on my own."

"And leave you alone with not only a Nevarkis but also a Beaumont protecting the streets from your kind." Drake's eyes narrowed. "Fat chance."

Liam shook his head. "Olivia is not going to harm me. And--"

"You can't trust her. I know you think you're little bond you made with her as a kid will keep you safe, but she'll end up just like her family and betray you the first moment she can."

"She's one of my closest friends." Liam argued. "She would never--"

"And as for Beaumont, do you honestly believe he will not seek revenge for what happened to his brother?" Drake snapped. "I'm surprised he has waited this long to make a move."

Liam knew there was little use arguing when Drake fell into this state of mind. With a sigh, he turned away from his brother's current dwelling and began to make the long trek back to the Blackspire Mountains.

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

Earlier that night, Ramsford...

So many memories...

Maxwell stood in front of the wall of weapons his ancestors had collected over the years.

His hand raised, trailing over the gold kraken near the hilt of his namesake's sword, the very one that felt like an extension of his own arm.

"Here you are." Bertrand grumbled. "We need to discuss the next Beaumont Bash."

The young lord had to summon all his strength to fall into the act that was necessary.

"You came to the right man." He spun around, his movements as smooth as silk. "What would you like me to do?"

"I'm leaving music selection in your hands. Savannah," Bertrand smiled softly, "will be handling the decorations. I will of course be choosing the menu." He held up his many lists of chores. "I want my wife's first ball to be praised by all who attend."

"This will be the Beaumont Bash to beat all the previous ones." Maxwell promised.

"I knew I could count on you." Bertrand hesitated. "Perhaps, is there a young lady you would like to invite?"

Maxwell fought to keep his carefree act in place.

"You know me." He shrugged with a dimpled grin. "It's difficult to find...someone right."

Bertrand patted his shoulder. "You'll find the right person."

Once he disappeared down the stairs, Maxwell allowed his smile to disappear.

The past year and a half had been difficult. Becoming this version of a party loving noble grated on his nerves. He wished that they could go back to what they once were...monster hunters.

The Beaumont Brothers had once struck fear in the Dark Kingdom. The very notion that they had been tasked to bring a creature to justice sent many of them scurrying into the far reaches of the realm. Yet, none could escape them for long.

At least...that was how it once was.

That one fateful encounter with the King of the Dark Kingdom made their entire world turn upside down.

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

2 years ago...

"Wait." Bertrand placed his hand on Maxwell's shoulder.

He did a few hand signals.

Maxwell nodded and slipped his sword out of its sheath. He briefly closed his eyes, using his other senses to zoom in on where the danger was. The woods along the outskirts of the Dark Kingdom could be treacherous during the daylight. At night, it was nothing but a death trap to the random lost hiker.

Sensing a presence a little to his right, Maxwell took a few silent steps forward.

Bertrand followed, guarding his back with a crossbow.

"Stop!" A female's voice cried out. "Please, my lords. Help me!"

The brothers froze at the sobs that followed that plea.

"She sounds human." Bertrand whispered. "Could she be lost?"

"This far up the mountain?" Maxwell countered. "Not likely. It's probably another vile fiend hoping to trap her next meal."

"Please." The voice was faint, sounding almost defeated. "Please help me escape."

Escape. That one word meant she was an innocent human, one that would most likely perish from the monsters that resided nearby.

Bertrand stopped Maxwell and stepped in front of him.

Parting the branches of a bush, they saw a woman sitting on the ground. Her knees were pulled up to her chest and her face was buried in her arms. Her body shook with muffled cries.

"Will no one help me?" She repeated over and over.

Bertrand lowered his weapon then knelt before her.

Maxwell remained tense, ready to lop off her head if she even made the slightest movement to harm his brother.

"We can help you." Bertrand reached out and laid a gentle hand on her arm. "Who--"

The brothers jumped back when she lifted her face.

She was a Walker and not just any Walker: Savannah Walker, only sister to the crown prince's right hand, Sir Drake Walker.

The two were the only descendants left of a human family that once centuries ago had made a blood oath to the Rhys. Each generation served as a protector and companion of sorts to the reigning family.

Savannah wiped at her tears. She cautiously rose, then held her hands out to them. "Please. I know who you are and I mean you no harm."

Bertrand had yet to raise his crossbow. His jaw was slack as he gazed upon her.

Maxwell pointed his sword at her. "We received a message asking us to search for a missing human." His eyes narrowed. "Did you send that message?"

She nodded. "Forgive me for lying, but I knew you wouldn't come if you knew it was from me."

Maxwell cursed, his nerves notched to an eleven as his eyes scanned the forest for a possible ambush.

"Why do you need to escape?" Bertrand asked.

"Aren't you the prince's right hand girl?" Maxwell taunted. "No longer enjoying being a vampire's plaything?"

Savannah winced at his insults.

"That's enough." Bertrand snapped. "She needs our help."

Maxwell's jaw dropped. "Surely you don't believe her?"

"I do." Bertrand moved closer to her. "Tell me what is going on."

Maxwell looked up to make certain the sky wasn't falling. Had his overly cautious brother, the very one that made him train hours upon hours each and every day, just defend an enemy of Cordonia?

"Prince Liam demands nothing from me, other than the occasional donation of blood." She sniffed. "He is very kind, but I don't want to remain here." Her warm brown eyes held Bertrand's. "I want to live a normal life, have a family...one that isn't bound to live here."

Bertrand rubbed a hand down his face. She looked so desperate, so in need of reassurance that she could have that dream.

"You're bound by a blood oath." Maxwell reminded her with a shrug. "There's nothing we can do to help you."

"Please!" She jerked her hands back when his sword swatted them. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to--"

"Maxwell Percival Beaumont!" Bertrand moved in front of Savannah. "Lower that weapon this instant!"

"Have you lost your mind?" Maxwell motioned toward the one that dragged them out of their beds. "Has she cast some spell over you? She's a member of the inner Dark Court. She probably has some signal that will have Constantine and his spawn out here to end us."

"I don't." She cried. "I could never do that."

Bertrand wrapped an arm around her. "We can't help you escape tonight. The blood oath will kill you if you break it without magic." He gently squeezed her close. "We'll find out what must be done and then rescue you."

"We'll do what now?" Maxwell jerked his brother away from her. "We are not prepared to face off against both Constantine and Liam."

"We'll find a way around them." Bertrand hissed. "Regina will know what to do."

"You're involving the witches now?" Maxwell's eyes grew incredulous. "You know they don't take sides."

Bertrand glanced back at Savannah. "I know. But we must try."

He returned to her and softly whispered the plan.

Maxwell watched as her eyes filled with tears again. She nodded, whispered a way to contact her and then impulsively kissed his brother’s cheek.

"Thank you." She squeezed his hand. "I must return before someone notices I'm absent."

She took off, stumbling through the brush, and disappeared from sight.

"We're really doing this?" Maxwell muttered.

"We are." Bertrand vowed. "She doesn't deserve to be imprisoned here for what her ancestors did."

"Everyone is in some type of prison thanks to our ancestors." Maxwell told him as he started back down the mountain. "Some of us just endure our life sentence better than others."

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

A few weeks went by after encountering Ms. Walker. Bertrand summoned Regina and her coven to discuss how best to help Savannah.

The Guardian, as she was referred to by the younger witches, pondered this problem. Reassuring him that she would find a way, she rose to retire to a guest room.

"Just a minute, please." Maxwell held up a hand to stop her. "Your admirer must never know of this. He'll kill her as well as us if he thinks we plan on disrupting his castle."

Regina stiffened at the word, admirer.

It was no secret that Constantine had fallen in love with her. Years ago, the vampire had made her an offer of marriage. She had been tempted to accept, given that she had lost her heart to him as well. Then tragedy struck and her cousin and her husband perished in a plane crash, leaving their young daughter Madeleine, an orphan.

Regina had noticed that the little girl had inherited magical skills that could be molded into a powerful witch. Knowing that their talent would not be welcomed in the Dark Kingdom, she refused Constantine's proposal and remained in Cordonia. She had raised the young countess to be a witch that would do whatever she could to protect the innocent and needy.

Madeleine had formed friendships with two other noble ladies, completing the coven that would replace Regina on her death. Ladies Kiara and Penelope studied hard, yet were never quite as powerful as Madeleine.

And now the Beaumont’s were asking a favor.

Regina knew she owed them one. Hundreds of years earlier Percival Beaumont had saved the life of her ancestor, Kayden Vescovi. Without him, Regina and Madeleine would not be here today nor imbued with magic.

Madeleine slipped inside.

"Do you really think we can break a blood oath?" She sat down beside her relative. "Blood magic is tricky enough as it is. I can only imagine how much it will take from us to break."

Regina gently patted her hand. "We will do all we can to find a way. Our debt to the Beaumont’s must be repaid."

Madeleine nodded in agreement. "I brought some books along. I'll see if they have anything that can help us."

Regina watched her pixie like cousin slip out the door with a fond smile. It slowly firmed into a frown as she thought of what she had discovered before journeying to Ramsford.

Leo Rhys, former prince of the Dark Kingdom had begun visiting Madeleine in secret.

She knew she would have to address that once she discovered the type of relationship Madeleine had with the young man. Now though, she was needed to solve this problem for Bertrand.

It took weeks of research, then having to wait upon a waning gibbus moon before a potion could be prepared. Once Regina had placed the bottle sealed with a waxed cork in Bertrand's hand, she had explained what must be done.

"Savannah must drink this and declare herself free from the Rhys' family." She explained. "Then she must force herself to turn her back on them and walk away. It will be painful for her, but she will survive."

"Thank you." Bertrand bowed. "I knew if anyone could help us, it would be you."

She gently squeezed his hand. "If you need me, do not hesitate to call. I will be here as fast as I can."

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

That night, the brothers slipped quietly through a gate into the Dark Kingdom. Savannah had told Bertrand that it was their best place to go undetected, given that the guard typically dozed off around the midnight hour.

"How often have you two talked?" Maxwell whispered.

"Everyday." Bertrand replied.

"Everyday?!"

"Keep your voice down." Bertrand ordered.

"She called to pester you everyday over this blood oath potion?"

"Not exactly." Bertrand slinked further into the shadows when they noticed a few people lingering around a town center.

"Then what have you been talking about?" Maxwell prodded.

He wasn't prepared to hear the answer.

"Marriage." Bertrand reluctantly replied

"Marriage? To whom?" His eyes widened. "You're going to marry a Walker?!"

"Yes." Bertrand narrowed his eyes. "She is kind and--"

"She's a Walker. A. Walker." Maxwell stressed. "Enemy to any and all monster hunters."

"She's not our enemy." Bertrand snapped. "For that matter, she says that Liam isn't either. He wants peace between our kingdoms."

"Oh well, that's a relief." Maxwell mocked, wiping his brow. "The word of a vampire is the one thing you can always count on."

Bertrand grit his teeth together to keep from saying something he might regret. He needed his younger brother's support and approval with this decision. He had never had a moment in his life since Maxwell's birth where he didn't have that. He would need it even more so in taking Savannah for his bride. He also hoped that Maxwell would become a brother to her since she was about to lose the only family she had ever known.

Regina had told him to stress to Savannah that breaking this blood oath could also destroy the bond she had with her brother, Drake.

He had done so over the phone, then wished he could be there to hold her as her heart broke over this hefty price.

With a shaky voice, she had remained determined to leave and marry him.

Creeping onward towards the castle, the brothers remained each lost in thought of what the future would bring.

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

Castle Rhys, that fateful night....

"Welcome home, my dear Sherry. And Rashad, how was your trip? Successful as usual, I believe." Constantine greeted the cousins warmly.

The two bowed and curtsied before relaxing again.

"It was very successful, your majesty." Rashad sat down in a chair catty cornered to the king's. "In fact, I was able to...."

While the pair talked, Sherry hurried over to hug Liam.

"Sherry!" He swung her into a tight hug. "I didn't think you were returning to us so soon."

"I missed home." She stepped back and grinned at Drake. "How have you been, Sir Drake?"

"Stop that sir mess and come here." He couldn't maintain his frown for long around her after pulling her into a tight hug. "The Blackspire Mountains haven't been the same without you flying about."

Sherry, formally Lady Sherveen Alcantar cousin to the Duke of Domvallier, Lord Rashad Kovak, was a fire-user. She and Rashad were direct descendants of King Dominic and his secret marriage to Sei Rhuka after the death of Queen Kenna. The fire users had decided to marry to protect the true heir to the kingdom and give him a family that would always be ready to fight by his side.

Like their ancestors the two cousins could transform into dragons and were known to fly above the clouds, away from curious humans.

Given their direct descent and blood relationship to each member of the Rhys family, their closeness had been encouraged with each and every generation. Sei had been the one to decree that every dragon born was to devote their lives to keeping their vampire relatives safe.

"Where's Savannah?" Sherry asked. "It seems like forever since I last saw her."

"Sav's been down lately." Drake explained. "Maybe she has been missing you and Rashad." He began to walk away, "I'll go fetch her."

Liam motioned for Sherry to sit with him.

As she lowered herself down, her gray eyes turned silver. A delectable smell seemed to waft from nearby. It fluttered her senses.

"Excuse me a moment, Liam," she pushed her jet black hair back and searched for the source.

It wasn't food she smelled, but rather someone. Possibly the one if she was to go by how her ancestors described finding the perfect mate. Her heartbeat accelerated as the smell became stronger with each step she took.

Then she noticed the guards' bodies lining the second floor hallway.

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

Savannah said the words necessary after drinking the potion. Her insides became engulfed with flames, scalding her blood of any magic.

"AHH-" she clamped her hands over her mouth to muffle the agonizing scream while boiling tears slipped down her cheeks. A white hot mist began to float up from her skin.

"Savannah!" Bertrand tried to take her in his arms, but was burned upon touching a bare piece of her skin.

"Let's go." She managed to say through painful gasps. "We must hurry. It's almost--"

Her bedroom door flew open. A stunned Drake followed by Sherry walked into the room.

"Sav? What did you do?" Drake gripped his head. "Why don't I feel--"

Sherry stared wide eyed at Maxwell. She could feel the heat move over her body and pooling within her palms. One little flick of a finger would have fire burning within her grasp.

The one I'm meant for is a hunter?

But how could this be? They couldn't--impossible--how would they ever--

"I'm leaving, Drake." Savannah sobbed. "I can't take it anymore."

"What are you talking about?" He staggered against a wall and slowly slid down. "Why do I feel like you have died? That you've been taken from me?"

"I'm sorry." She knelt beside him. "So incredibly sorry."

He passed out from the pain pulsating in his veins.

"No!" Savannah tried to wake him up. "Drake please--"

"We have to go." Maxwell eyed the silver irises holding his own gaze. "Don't make any sudden moves."

Sherry merely nodded.

The three edged around her to the door.

"Who are you?" Sherry asked.

"No concern of yours." He bit out.

"But..."

She had to chase after him.

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

It had happened in the blink of an eye. One minute, they saw the exit and felt elation at having succeeded. Then a sinister creature flew over their heads. It landed in front of them then threw its cloak back.

Constantine had found them.

"What did you do Savannah?" He snarled. "Why is your brother unconscious? Whatever you did also hurt Liam."

"Sir, I am so sorry. But I can't--"

"You haven't begun to feel sorrow." Constantine held her gaze, then reached out to torment her mind until she was beyond help.

Bertrand knew what was happening and jumped in front of Savannah, taking the hit of Constantine's frightening power.

He fell to the floor with a scream. Curling into a ball, he cried out for his dead mother and then for Maxwell.

Constantine slumped against a wall too, his powers surprisingly weak.

"Bertrand!" Savannah gently touched him and tried to snap him out of whatever nightmare Constantine had thrust him in.

It was no use. Whatever the vampire king had done, there was no clear way to help Bertrand.

"What did you do to him?" Maxwell demanded. "Tell me now before I kill you!"

"Do?" Constantine's voice had grown weak. "I got my revenge."

"No please!" Savannah pleaded. "There's bound to be a way we can end this amicably."

Bertrand’s screams turned to whimpers.

Fighting his own panic, Maxwell picked up his brother and began to back out of the room.

"Wait!" Sherry stepped forward. "I must--"

Liam appeared, causing the hairs on Maxwell's neck to rise.

"Savannah?" He stumbled forward, catching himself against a side table. "What is going on?"

"I'm so sorry Liam." Savannah whispered. "Please tell Drake I love him, but I have to live my own life. Tell him," she glanced back at the man sobbing in Maxwell's arms, "tell him I'm to marry Bertrand Beaumont."

"No!" Sherry shook her head.

It couldn't be. She had lost her heart, her very choice to choose another mate, to Maxwell Beaumont.

"Savannah," Constantine hissed. "If you ever return to the Dark Kingdom, I will kill you for this treason."

Tears continued to slip down her cheeks, her blood had cooled, giving her a new dose of strength to turn her back upon her king and leave all she'd ever known forever.

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

Maxwell had struggled to get his brother down the mountain. Once back within Cordonia's borders, he had called Regina. No human doctor could help Bertrand. He hoped that a witch could reverse the effects of Constantine's vicious attack.

Regina worked tirelessly along with Madeleine to find a way to cure the young duke. The potions and spells they tried did little to bring him out of his fear.

Savannah never left Bertrand's side. She took care of him, fed him, tried to soothe him when he cried out. She did everything Regina suggested in between their treatments. Maxwell begrudgingly began to soften toward her when he saw that she truly loved his brother.

After a month of this, Regina finally sat Maxwell and Savannah down to offer them one final solution.

"I cannot bring him back." Her eyes were filled with sorrow. "Constantine's power is too strong. The damage is too extensive."

Savannah bit back a sob. "It's all my fault."

Maxwell silently agreed. If she had only accepted her lot in life like everyone else did.

"Bertrand made his choice." He mumbled, knowing he would want him to try and comfort her. "You were his choice."

She blinked back tears. "I won't give up on him."

Maxwell wondered. Hadn't she given up on Liam and Drake? And whoever that girl was with the silver eyes? Why would she remain with a mentally damaged man she had only seen once before and had a few conversations with?

Only monsters fell in love that quickly.

Was she--

"What I can do is give Bertrand a new mind." Regina leaned forward. "It will take years to make it permanent. You will have to slip him potions until the new memories settle."

Savannah and Maxwell sat up.

"New mind? So you can give him what he was before the attack?" Maxwell asked.

"I could, but I won't." Regina explained. "I'm afraid the knowledge of the Dark Kingdom would cause the new mind to never fully develop. His fears are forever tied to Constantine now. What he's seeing in his mind are you both, your parents, and even himself being tortured by the king and other monstrous creatures. It is a never ending slide show of agony."

Maxwell swallowed as stray tears began to fall down his cheeks. No wonder Bertrand screamed his name and their mom's. He thought he couldn't save them.

"Bertrand will never again be a hunter and he must never know that you are still one, Maxwell." She reached out and took his hand. "From the moment I begin the incantation, you all will need to live as a normal human."

"Whatever he needs, I'll do." He promised.

Savannah added her own fervent vow that she would give Bertrand that life.

Regina nodded. "Come. Madeleine and I will walk you through the potions you'll need to secretly give him. Tomorrow, we will begin the process."

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

Within a month, Bertrand was back on his feet. He was pleased that he would be marrying his fiancée soon. He was content with the sparkling wine his duchy was famous for. He even took great delight in being a part of Queen Olivia's council.

And he believed his younger brother needed something to occupy him.

Maxwell managed to pull off his late nights out as partying instead of monitoring the boundaries between the two kingdoms. Olivia would join him as much as she could to help, but he preferred being alone.

He needed to prefer being alone.

And then, after a few months of proactive policing, he saw the silver eyed girl.

She was returning from an evening out with human friends.

He stepped out of the shadows, blocking her path.

His eyes darted over her, trying to discern what she exactly was. He could usually pick a vampire out of a crowd easily. Witches were not known to live in the Dark Kingdom. She could possibly be a human that Constantine and Liam preferred to feed from. But that didn't seem likely.

Those humans never left the Dark Kingdom.

He knew there were other creatures rumored to live up there. Werewolves could be occasionally heard at night. There were the elves who kept the kingdom wealthy. An occasional troll would slip out to attack a human. A few families of vampires from other nations had moved a long time ago to the only kingdom where they didn't have to live in fear.

And then there were the mythical dragons.

Maxwell had never seen one, save from renderings of King Dominic and his fellow fire user Sei.

The girl stopped, keeping about six feet between them. "Good evening, Lord Maxwell."

He blinked at the friendliness he could hear. "Good evening, umm..."

"Sherveen Alcantar, or Sherry.” She blushed over her stuttering. “ I prefer Sherry."

"Sherry." He repeated. "What are you doing down here?"

"I was meeting with some friends of mine." She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "My cousin is business partners with William Sloane, do you know him?"

Maxwell gave a noncommittal shrug.

"Oh. Well, he was hosting a dinner on his yacht and I, um, went." She lowered her eyes.

"And what exactly was on the menu?" Maxwell asked.

Her eyes flashed at that condescending tone of his. "The usual a multimillionaire would have. Appetizers of caviar and shrimp. A roasted beet and pear salad. Lobster. Roasted parsnips and potatoes. Complete with a dessert of chocolate soufflé sprinkled with powdered sugar and gold flakes."

Maxwell merely quirked an eyebrow.

She huffed in irritation. "Anyway, there is something I think we should discuss."

"Savannah is not coming back. She's married to my brother." He informed her.

"No, that's not what we need to talk about." Taking a deep breath, she let the words finally be said. "You are meant for me."

"I'm what?" His eyes narrowed. "Are you a vampire."

"No." She shifted, raising one of her legs to take a shoe off. "But we are meant to be together." Her silver eyes began to glow brighter. "And I believe you know it."

"I--" was that why he there wasn't a day that passed where he didn't think about her?

She removed her other shoe, sighing at the relief she felt. "I'm a fire-user."

He snorted with surprised laughter. "Right. And I'm really a--"

His eyes widened when she produced a flame in her palm. Winking at him, she produced two more and began to juggle the fireballs.

"That doesn't mean--"

He fell backwards when she turned into a black dragon with silver tipped wings. Smoke curled out of her nostrils as she leveled a humor filled eye upon him.

He stared at the creature he believed was made up.

With a puff of smoke, she transformed back into a human.

A naked human.

"Don't stare." She ordered, pulling out a spare dress that she always kept close at hand from her purse.

He couldn't help it. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

Once she was properly covered, she sat down beside him.

"What do we do about our destiny?" She asked.

He didn't know. His world it seemed had truly fallen apart.

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

He tried to fight it. Maxwell didn't like the fact that he was intended for someone else without any say whatsoever. It seemed that a human couldn't fight the magic or whatever it was when a monster recognized you as their mate.

Sherry began to show up wherever he was whenever he left home. She'd spend a few minutes talking to him, then leave before he could deny they were meant to be.

It drove him crazy. There were times he wanted to accept it. Then there were times he wanted her to never return. Either way he couldn't stop thinking about her. He no longer saw any other woman as being attractive.

One day, he was walking through a park to try and clear his head. It hurt to no longer be able to discuss things like this with Bertrand. He needed his guidance in this. Of course given how he had fallen for Savannah, he probably would have encouraged Maxwell to be with a dragon.

Sherry appeared before him.

He bumped into her. His arms reached out and wrapped around her to keep her from falling down.

She took advantage of his momentum and kissed him.

He had frozen with the feel of her warm lips touching his. Against everything he had was and believed about the creatures that lived in the kingdom high in the mountains, he held her closer and took over the kiss.

Her soft hum of desire drifted up to his ears. Her fingers slipped into his hair. Their warmth was nearly burning. He jerked back at that reminder that she wasn't human.

Sherry's eyes were glowing again as she took deep breaths to calm down.

"Max, I--"

"I have to go." He sprinted away from her.

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

Months continued with seeing her like this. He actually found himself longing for her the moment they parted. He still fought against his growing attraction, but would succumb at weak moments to either holding her or kissing her.

Then he began to actually listen and talk to her.

After a year, he finally accepted that they were meant for one another. Once he did, they began to talk of a possible future together.

"Where could we live?" He asked. "I can't live in the Dark Kingdom. After my years of hunting, I'll be killed as soon as I step into the town square."

"I can live down here." Sherry rested her head against his chest.

"Can you?" He nudged her chin up to look into her eyes. "What about your duties to Liam? What about Rashad? Your bond, is it like Savannah's? I can't ask you to do what she did. She suffers daily with missing Drake."

"Mine isn't a blood oath, more of a way of life." She explained. "Liam and I are family." She gently caressed his cheek. "And he is so happy that I've found you "

"He knows?"

"Of course." Sherry laughed. "Liam, Rashad, and I have no secrets."

"And they're fine with you being with a man who hunts his kind?" Maxwell asked.

"We know you don't do it without provocation." She explained. "If you were a sadistic killer going after the innocent, then we wouldn't allow you to live."

"What about Constantine?" His eyes narrowed in concern. "Something tells me he wouldn't be so understanding."

"You're right." She lowered her eyes. "That's why I haven't told him."

"Sherry." Maxwell pulled her closer to him. "Would he hurt you if he found out? Like what he tried to do with Savannah?"

"I'm... I don't think so." She rolled away from him to look up at the night sky. "My discovering that you're my mate wasn't a choice like what Savannah did. And being with you won't hurt Liam."

"Are you certain?" He propped himself up on his elbow.

She sighed. "About us, yes. About the king, no." She finally shared what was worrying her. "Ever since the attack, King Constantine has been acting strange."

"How so?"

"He doesn't spend as much time with our people as he used to. He rarely leaves his chambers. He has begun pressuring Liam to either find a mate or arrange a marriage." Her brow furrowed. "He seems almost obsessed on making certain all possible enemies are destroyed."

"Enemies like me?” He asked. “Olivia?"

"Yes." She wrapped her arms around him. "He has plans for Olivia. He fears she will extract revenge on him by killing Liam."

"I see." Maxwell rubbed his brow, trying to see a way out of this.

He didn't know if he could protect everyone.

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

Now...

Maxwell searched his pockets for his cell. He didn't recognize the number but knew that whoever had this number was in need of his hunting services.

"Hello."

"Lord Beaumont?" A cultured voice asked.

"Yes." He hurried into his room when he heard Bertrand and Savannah talking a little ways down the hall. "Who is this?"

"Lorelei Lee." She replied.

"Lady Lorelei." He remembered her from his mother's stories. "How can I help you?"

"My daughter and her friend have got it in their heads to come visit Cordonia." She began. "I'm not certain how long they intend to stay, but I was hoping that I could retain your services."

"For what exactly?" Maxwell asked.

"Protection." She replied. "I have heard through certain channels that the dark prince is beginning to search for a bride." She took a deep breath. "We do NOT want our daughter anywhere near that vile creature."

"I understand." Maxwell replied. "I usually don't do personal security. With my brother retired," he grimaced at that, "it is left up to me to help protect Cordonia's borders."

"My husband and I would be in your debt if you could watch over her in the evenings." Lorelei cajoled. "I've heard that your brother is planning on extending his vineyards. We would be more than happy to invest in the production and distribution of his sparkling wine. Perhaps even let it be the only sparkling wine we serve in our hotels."

Maxwell rubbed a hand down his face. He knew his brother was anxious to succeed. Regina had told Maxwell recently that in order for the spell to be successful, Bertrand had to relax. Gaining not only an investor but also a permanent client would help relieve his troubled mind.

"Send me her information and picture. Call her and tell her that since our family is an old friend of yours, that I've volunteered to show them around. Find out where she's staying and when she plans on arriving."

"Oh thank you, Lord Maxwell. We--"

"I'll also need a contract prepared and signed for all that you offered." He added.

"Yes of course. I'll get everything to you at once."

He ended the call and tossed his phone down.

How had he gone from a monster hunter to a glorified baby sitter?

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

Later the next day, along Beach Cove, Cordonia...

"This place is gorgeous!" Riley dropped her luggage and darted from room to room. "I can't believe we can afford something like this for our stay!"

Hana was puzzled as she turned about. The two bedroom beach house was not what she had booked for their stay. Knowing they would be here close to a month, she had gone for a plain, simple rental without any view whatsoever.

"This can't be right." She turned toward the agent. "We were going with the home on Fourth Street."

The agent shook her head. "You were upgraded by a Lady Lorelei Lee."

"My mother did this?!" Hana couldn't believe it. "Did she say why?"

"It was meant as a surprise and a sort of welcome she told me." The agent handed her the keys and told her to call of they had any other needs. "Enjoy your stay, Lady Hana."

Riley walked back into the entry hall as the woman curtsied.

"Hold up." Her smile held a lot of humor. "Was I supposed to be doing that this whole time?"

Hana rolled her eyes with a giggle. "No. It's just the custom here when one is related to a noble."

"That is so cool!" Riley dropped into a deep curtsey that made her wobble. "My lady."

Hana laughed while dragging her luggage further into the house. "I suppose I can't banish you to the kitchens since you now recognize my rank."

"I don't know." Riley pointed out the modern appliances. "I might be happier stuck in there."

"I can't believe my mother did this."

"Maybe this is her way of showing her support or make up for not showing it these last couple of years." Riley offered.

Hana paused outside the bedrooms. "I suppose that's one possibility. I would have preferred she simply tell am that instead of doing all this."

"Look on the bright side. Our videos are now going to be even more popular with this backdrop." Riley opened up the doors. "Which room you want?"

Both were master suites with a wall of windows looking out towards Cordonia's sapphire waters. The sun was beginning to set, adding a brilliant orange to the rich blue.

"I call the pink sands one!" Hana dashed into it, quickly throwing her luggage on the bed.

"Hey!" Riley doubled over laughing when Hana's momentum caused her to get tangled up in the straps and be buried under her bags.

The two friends had begun the tradition of claiming beds and rooms from their very first trip. Whoever's luggage touched a bed first, it was then hers for the rest of the vacation.

"Looks like I get the nautical theme." Riley hefted her bags and set them inside.

Her room was tastefully done in blues and whites. A bottled ship sat upon the dresser while a nearby table had an old map of the surrounding area embossed upon it.

She explored the large closet and bathroom, thrilled with the large shower with multiple shower heads to help ease the tension of a long day of filming.

"I don't think I'll ever want to leave." Riley called out. "You think we could just make this our new permanent base of operations?"

"We could ask, but I doubt we could afford it." Hana replied. "Besides, I thought you said all paths lead to New York."

"I say a lot of things." Riley giggled as she dumped her clothes on the bed. "You should know that better than anyone." She began to randomly toss her things in dresser drawers before losing all interest in this one tedious part of traveling.

She left her remaining pile of clothes and decided to check out Hana's room.

It was the same as hers yet themed more toward the beach. Riley bit back a smile at seeing Hana carefully unpack and hang her clothes one at a time. She didn't know how she had earned her friendship when they were so completely different.

She was truly grateful to have her as her best friend. No one encouraged or believed in her like Hana.

"Aren't you going to unpack?" Hana asked.

"I will." Riley paused when the phone on the nightstand began to ring.

Hana stared at it too in surprise. No one ever called them directly at the places they rented.

"It could be the agent." Riley told her as Hana picked it up.

"Hello?" Hana's eyes widened at the voice on the other end. "Mother! I don't know what to say. This is so generous to--who? Lord Beaumont?" She sat down on the edge of her bed. "He did? That is very kind of him, but we usually try and discover hidden gems for ourselves. I--no of course not!" Her head dropped. "I didn't mean to sound ungrateful--I mean--yes, but--yes mam."

Riley lifted an eyebrow when Hana placed the receiver down. "What's up?"

"Mother called upon an old friend of the family." Hana couldn't remember her ever mentioning this family before. "A Lord Maxwell Beaumont, brother to the current Duke of Ramsford, is going to be our guide around Cordonia during our visit."

"Whoa." Riley's brow furrowed. "The entire time?"

"Apparently." Hana's brow furrowed. "I don't know why she would insist on his company unless...oh no!" She dropped her head in her hands.

"What is it?" Riley sat down beside her and gently patted her back. "Hana?"

"I think she's trying to matchmake me to this Lord Beaumont!" Hana cried out. "She won't ever give me a chance to simply live my life as I see fit, will she?"

"He might actually be the kind of guy who loves showing off his country." Riley pointed out. "Even if your mother is hoping you two decide to marry, you don't have to do anything you don't want to."

Hana nodded, feeling her confidence return with Riley's reminder. "You're right. I'm certain I can rebuff any advances he might give."

"Don't rebuff him just yet." Riley teased. "We need to see the hotspots and he might be cute." She covered her face after Hana hit her with a pillow.

The pair fell into giggles once more as the excitement of discovering all that this country had took over once more.

They knew this would be a trip they would never forget.

Maxwell x Sherry moodboard.

#choices the royal romance #liam x riley #maxwell x oc #maxwell x sherry #trr dark au #trr vampire au #leo x made #trr drake #trr olivia #drake walker #maxwell beaumont #olivia nevarkis #leo rhys #prince liam #trr madeleine #trr regina

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alj4890 · 3 years ago

Text

All Through the Night

A Choices: The Royal Romance Dark AU

A/N When I started this storyline, I had not planned on writing out Constantine and Regina’s love story. Then I realized with my planned ending, that their story needed to be shared. The first half of this extra long post is how they came to be together followed by the Riley and Liam meeting at the Masquerade Ball. Yes, the vampire prince is officially meeting his lady (finally!).

Catch up here: Prologue, Part 1, Part 2

Masterlist

Part 3

Fydelia...

I need you.

Regina pressed the note to her chest. Her tear filled eyes darted about her room, touching on the various books she had poured over, the potions she had prepared that did little to help him, and finally on the amulet her beloved had given her so long ago.

"I need you too." She whispered as she clasped the blood red amulet about her neck.

Gathering her cloak, she began her journey to the Dark Kingdom.

The path she had taken all these years, more times than she could count, allowed her time to reflect back on her life and how she had become involved with the Dark King.

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

Regina had possessed great magical powers from the moment she was born. Her mother, being a well respected witch herself, had nurtured and trained her daughter to never fear what she could do. She marveled over her daughter's affinity with the very power that had been passed down to their family. Throughout her time on earth and with her research, she knew that no one since Queen Kenna's era had ever had control of this much magic as her daughter did.

"You must use it whenever there is a need." She instructed Regina. "Especially when it is someone your heart is touched by."

Regina continued to study and practice all that her mother put before her. It wasn't long before the little girl was the one people came to for potions and help with their ailments and troubles. Nothing brought a smile to their face than seeing this young child doing all she could to help them.

By the time she was ten years old, the name The Guardian was associated with her. Even the King and Queen of Cordonia called upon her from time to time to help with the apple orchards or to cast a protective spell over their two daughters.

She soon became a beloved hero to those who knew of the supernatural realm of their world.

Regina flourished in this lifestyle of being needed. It seemed to be what she was destined for. The future was bright in her eyes, holding nothing but peace and simple joy.

Then tragedy struck. While in Lythikos, helping to heal one of the Nevarkis sisters who had been attacked by a creature from the Dark Kingdom, her mother had died of a stroke.

The twenty-two year old witch experienced sadness for the first time. Her beloved parent, her mentor, her very substance of encouragement had been taken from her without a chance for Regina to do something to stop it. Tears ran down her cheeks as she finished the last of the healing balm to put on a fifteen year old Lucretia's scarred face. The poison from the werewolf's scratches had nearly reached her bloodstream.

The king and queen thanked her for saving their youngest princess. Regina barely heard the words of gratitude as she walked out into the snowy wilderness. For the first time in her life, the idea of home did not hold any warmth in her heart. It was cold, colder than the icy land of Lythikos...and she knew it always would be.

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

She left in search of a new home. The people of her village could still call upon her, but she knew she would never be able to reenter the place she had been raised in. The rooms would have held hollow echoes of her mother's voice and she could not bear the thought of hoping to see her in one of them.

She had servants pack up just the library and store room. She left everything else behind to be sold with the mansion. After searching a few weeks, she found a plot of land near her family’s lesser titled manor of Fydelia and had a modest home built.

Adelaide had ignored her cousin's so called powers believing it was nothing more than new age medicine. She made jokes in court about Regina scouring the woods for mushrooms and flowering weeds.

"If I didn't know that she actually believed her so called tonics worked, I would swear that Regina was a charlatan." Adelaide told one of her many lovers.

The young future duchess was fighting against time. Her father was pressuring her to choose a husband. Adelaide wasn't ready to settle down to the more mundane parts of life. She lived for the balls and parties nobles held. She also relished in the secret love affairs that so many took part in.

Worried over the damage to her reputation, her father began to insist his niece, Regina, start going to these parties to help keep Adelaide in line.

The young noble resented having her cousin babysit her.

"I don't need a guardian." She sneered one night. "As soon as we arrive at the Duke of Domavallier's home, I don't want to see you anywhere near me."

Regina kept her mouth shut. She didn't want to go to these parties. She wanted to sit in her new home and read or do practically anything other than watch a bunch of nobles have a drunken orgy.

The dinner that night was followed by a ball. Thankfully the Duke of Domvallier was more subdued than some of the other nobles in attendance. He was hosting an engagement ball for his son and future daughter-in-law, so decorum for the most part was expected on this particular occasion.

Adelaide immediately became bored when she noticed her usual crowd leaving early.

"I'm not sticking around here another second." Adelaide yanked Regina away from a group she was talking to. "Since Daddy Dearest insists on you being with me, you're leaving too."

Regina wrenched her arm out of Adelaide's grasp. "I don't want to leave."

"Well, I do." Adelaide hissed. She raised her chin and leveled a steely glare upon her meek cousin. "So you either come with me or face my father's anger that you didn't do your job."

Regina's temper snapped. She was sick of the way Adelaide spoke to her. Her lips parted to finally set her bratty relative in her place when a man stepped in front of her.

"Is there a problem?"

Adelaide glared up at him. "Who in the hell are you?"

"A distant relative of his grace's." His dark eyes narrowed upon the lady. "I believe you owe this young woman an apology for your embarrassing behavior."

"Listen, asshole!" Adelaide's voice rose over the conversations going on around them. "The day some man tells me what to do is when--"

Regina's eyes widened at her cousin's face smoothing into a blank calm expression.

She eased around the man and looked first at him staring directly into Adelaide's eyes and then at her cousin.

She could sense the incredible power coming from him.

"What did you do to her?" She asked.

He flicked his intense gaze her way and noticed she didn't seem the least upset over what just happened.

"Let's just say she won't ever speak to you like that again." He bowed to her. "If you'll excuse me, I must check on my wife."

Regina watched him work his way through the crowd to pause near a heavily pregnant woman. He pressed a kiss to her cheek while splaying his hand on her belly. The couple shared a laugh before he urged her out onto the dance floor.

Regina stared in awe of the love the couple shared. It was as if they only had eyes for one another and that the world had fallen away around them.

"Gina?"

She jumped when she heard Adelaide's voice.

"Yes?"

"My head feels..." She ran a hand through her blonde hair. "I think I might go sit down for a little while." She finally focused on her cousin. "Do you mind if I do?"

Regina's jaw dropped. Her eyes darted to the mysterious man then back to her cousin, waiting on her permission to sit down.

"Of course I don't mind." She gently patted her shoulder. "Would you like something to drink?"

Adelaide smiled warmly at her. "I don't want you to trouble yourself. I'll get something and wait for you over there."

Regina would have sworn her cousin had been swapped with another person’s body if she hadn't been with her the entire time.

She needed to know who that man was and what kind of power he had.

She began to join in on conversations near the dance floor, hoping to hear a name.

"Will you just look at them." One of the guests chuckled. "I don't think the honeymoon phase has dimmed at all with Eleanor's pregnancy."

Regina leaned a bit closer, smiling along with the observer's, hoping they would say the man's name.

"Constantine deserves a honeymoon as long as he can get. After that disastrous first marriage--"

"He did get a son out of it." A noble interrupted.

"Sons won't live with the parents forever." another added. "Eventually you're left alone with your spouse." The lady speaking glanced over at her own husband flirting with a group of ladies. “Then you wonder why you ever thought marriage was the answer.”

Regina remained with them until the song ended. She discreetly left the ballroom and disappeared outside.

She took deep breaths to calm her racing thoughts. Her heart pounded at having been so close to the Dark King and seeing his mind powers at work.

"Why did he help me?" She whispered into the night.

Her brow furrowed with the mystery that she doubted she would ever understand.

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

Time moved on . Adelaide accepted an arranged marriage and did as her father bid in giving an heir for their family. Regina had been there the day Madeleine entered the world. The moment she held the infant, she felt a twinge in her heart.

She wanted this. She yearned to have a child of her own. She wanted a partner who supported her and their family. She was tired of her empty home of nothing but history and spell books. They couldn't give her physical comfort. They couldn't love her back. They couldn't say a kind word nor give a smile.

She decided to heed her uncle's urging, and began to venture once more out amongst the nobility in search for love.

Each man she met seemed almost perfect. Their kisses though did little to spark her passion. There was none of the feelings she had read in love stories. It was strange how each time she came close to saying yes to their proposals, something kept her from uttering the word.

Years went by in frustration. Why was it impossible to find the right man?

Then one night at a ball hosted by the new Duke and Duchess of Domvallier, she saw Constantine again. He seemed to be a different man than the one she had seen seven years earlier. His handsome looks had hardened as if from bitterness. No easy smile graced his lips. No laughter slipped out.

No happy wife by his side.

Regina knew the story behind his wife's death. She had been the one to see firsthand the results of the ongoing feud between the Rhys and Nevarkis families.

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

She had been called upon by Lucretia that fateful night to help conceal the actual cause of the King and Queen of Cordonia's deaths. The little crown princess, Olivia, had stood proudly by their bodies, fighting tears as the witch worked on disguising their throats being ripped out.

Regina's heart ached for the little girl. She gently wrapped her arm around the warrior princess and hugged her close.

Olivia trembled in her arms before burying her face against her side and sobbing.

Lucretia opened her mouth to snap at her niece to behave herself, yet cringed back when Regina leveled a dark look upon her.

"I'll go speak to the staff about the funeral arrangements." Lucretia muttered, leaving them alone.

Once the door shut, Regina knelt down and took the little girl in her arms. She whispered words of understanding while gently rocking her.

"You lost your mother too?" Olivia asked, raising her heartbroken eyes to the kind witch.

"I did." Regina allowed her own tears to fall. "And I don't think I will ever find a day where I don't miss her."

Olivia sniffed and buried her face once more against Regina's shoulder.

"I don't think I will either." She whispered.

Regina picked her up and carried her out of the room where her parents laid. She took her upstairs to a small sitting room where a cheery fire was burning.

Sitting down with the little princess, she simply held her until she calmed down.

Regina smiled softly as Olivia tried to right her appearance.

"Is there anything I can do, your highness?"

Olivia shook her head. "No mam." She straightened her shoulders as her Nevarkis pride kicked in. "I will have my revenge."

Regina's brow furrowed at hearing such anger from one so young. She knew it was pointless to try and encourage her to seek peace after just seeing her parents' bodies in the cellar. She hoped though that one day, Olivia would find a way to achieve a kingdom without the threat of bloodshed.

Olivia glanced at her. "Thank you for coming, Lady Regina. I will call upon you soon."

Her lips curved in approval of her manners. She sank into a deep curtsey before the little girl.

"If you ever have need of me, no matter the hour," Regina paused on her way out, "I will come."

Olivia sniffed and swiped at the few tears falling down her cheeks. "Thank you."

Regina bowed her head and left.

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

She had heard from Lucretia that the King and Queen had managed to kill Eleanor with a dagger to the heart and had nearly destroyed Constantine, yet somehow he managed to overpower them and rip their throats out.

She gazed at the vampire king and wondered what kind of man he truly was. She could never forget the kindness he had given her by altering her cousin. Adelaide was to this day still kind and considerate around Regina.

Was he a monster? The books and journals she had read claimed that those of the Dark Kingdom were unholy creatures that deceived and killed every single chance they had.

Regina felt the first few inklings of doubt as she studied the vampire.

He lifted a wine glass to his lips as his gaze passed dispassionately over the dancing couples. He hadn't wanted to come here, yet he knew he owed his dragon kin an appearance. They had been the ones to help him and Liam deal with the loss of his Eleanor. He doubted his heart would ever recover from losing that precious creature. As he continued to look about the ballroom, his gaze collided with a pair of startling perceptive eyes.

Constantine lurched back, his eyes widening at the surge of emotion flooding over him.

It can't be. I had the one I was meant for. My Eleanor. My very love. Surely I won't be given another...

He gasped for air. He stumbled out the glass doors to try to calm the passion surging through his blood. Every cell of his body screamed that he go to the unknown woman and claim her as his mate.

He closed his eyes, willing himself to ignore it. He already had a true love. Eleanor had been it. He knew from reading the journals of his ancestors that a Rhys was only given one mate. He had no need for marriage anymore. He had his children and his kingdom. He had a son perfect for the throne. He didn't need to worry with anything other than keeping Liam and their people safe from the last remaining members of the Nevarkis family.

Constantine rubbed a hand down his face as he contemplated killing the little girl and her aunt. It turned his stomach at the thought of harming a child, but he couldn't allow her to grow up and kill his Liam.

This has to stop. Surely one day my descendants can live without fear.

He stiffened when he heard footsteps hesitantly approach.

"Pardon me?"

Her voice is as soothing as warm brandy.

He cleared his throat and slowly turned toward her.

"Yes?"

Her smile stole his breath away. It was so gentle, so understanding.

"Would you dance with me?" A faint blush colored her cheeks over asking him.

He knew he should refuse. If he touched her skin, all hope of staying away from her would be over.

She reached out and took his hand. He felt the warmth shoot through his veins at such a simple touch.

He nodded then pulled her into his arms.

Her eyes widened in surprise.

His lips curved at the sight. He began to lead her in a slow waltz along the patio.

Her laughter bubbled up. "You couldn't wait until we were back in the ballroom?"

"I couldn't wait another second." He lifted their clasped hands to his mouth and pressed a lingering kiss to her knuckles.

He felt her stiffen at the touch of his lips. She tilted her head in silent study of him.

"You know who I am?" He asked.

"I do."

"You know what I am?"

She nodded once more.

"And yet you still asked me to dance?" Constantine slowed their steps yet held her even closer. "Why?"

Regina met his intense eyes and softly smiled. "I'm not exactly sure. You seemed so sad and I...I can't explain it." She lowered her eyes and shook her head. "It hurt me to see you not smiling."

He felt a jolt in realizing she must have felt their connection.

"The reason you did so is because you are mine."

Regina jerked away. She knew all about the so called mate reveal for the monsters. She violently shook her head.

"I'm not!"

"Yes, you are." He took a step toward her. "I must know your name."

She took three steps back and held her hand up to keep him away. "No! You don't need to know anything about me. I'm not meant for you!" She grasped the skirt of her ballgown and ran away from him.

Her breaths came in quick gasps as her hair fell from its pins. By the light of the half moon she ran through Domvallier's pristine hedge rows and sunken gardens. She glanced back over her shoulder to make certain she wasn't being followed and crashed into something solid.

Strong arms kept her from falling backwards.

"Please!" Constantine pleaded. "I won't hurt you. But you are the one to be my mate."

Regina struggled in his embrace. "Let me go!" Her eyes filled with tears as she looked up at him. "I'm a witch!"

He released her and took a cautious step back.

I've been given a witch to love? That's impossible!

Witches were barred from ever entering in the Dark Kingdom. In 1547, Queen Marissa Nevarkis sent a witch to sneak into the Dark Kingdom to live as a spy and assassin. To protect her son, the Crown Prince Fredrick Nevarkis, she encouraged the witch to become a nursemaid to the Dark Princess, Camille Rhys.

The witch had spent months gaining trust and affection with the royal family. Each evening, she joined them to entertain the little princess with simple tricks and wonderous stories. Once she was invited to move into the castle nestled within the Blackspire Mountains, she made her move.

As the family prepared to remain inside with the break of dawn, she wrapped the sleeping four year old in a blanket and sneaked her outside of the castle. If not for Royce Walker's suspicion, the little princess would have turned to ash with the first blush of dawn.

He had followed the woman and at first thought she held a bag of laundry. When he heard the faint cries of Camille, he had drawn his sword and run the witch through her black heart.

She tried to curse him with her dying breath, swearing that the Nevarkis family would have their vengeance. She then began an incantation to try to keep her fellow witches safe and away from the Mountains. Something went wrong with it as she lay dying and caused the spell to only touch the front entrance of the kingdom.

The little princess crawled out from under the blanket and searched for her mother amongst the shadows. Royce quickly scooped her up along with the blanket to cover her then sprinted back to the safety of the palace.

From that day on, all witches were banned from finding sanctuary within the Dark Kingdom. Every Rhys that followed were taught that the only thing more wicked than a witch was a Nevarkis.

Therefore, it was a shock to the two staring at one another that a Rhys had been mated to a witch.

Regina's chest heaved as she watched his shock turn to puzzlement and then to acceptance.

"I don't care." He told her. "We can't fight this."

"I will." She vowed, narrowing her eyes. "With every bit of my power, I will find a way to destroy this link."

Constantine reached out and gently grasped her hands. "I will give you one month to find a way."

Her eyes narrowed. "One month? How dare you--"

He pulled her to him and kissed her. Her struggles stopped the moment their lips touched. He released her hands and felt them slide up his chest. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he held her pressed against him.

This is what I have been missing.

Regina wrenched herself away when that stray thought crept in. Her eyes were wide as she pressed the back of her hand to her lips. She could still feel the sensation of his touch even though there was now three feet between them.

"What is you name?" His voice cracked over the pain he felt in their separation .

"Regina." She clapped her hand to her mouth. "I must go. Don't follow me." She pleaded, backing away from him.

"Regina." He swallowed uneasily. "One month and then we will be together."

She knew there was no point in arguing. Gathering her skirt once more, she ran off into the night.

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

Over the course of the next month, she poured over every scroll and book she had to find a way for a human to break free of a monster's love. With every search, frustration and a little bit of relief in her failures collided to leave her in a wretched mood.

Her heart it seemed had already accepted Constantine while her mind refused to bow to something she couldn't control. Was she not the most powerful witch of Cordonia? Shouldn't she find something to help herself?

She knew deep down that the only way to be the new Dark Queen was to give up the magic she had been born with. No creature would ever allow her to be with their king while she possessed ways to possibly hurt him or any of his people. She understood their reasoning given the tumultuous nature of their divided kingdom.

But she didn't know if she could accept losing this piece of herself that was the very center of her life.

While she searched for a way out of this, small gifts began to appear at her door and window ledges. Scraps of paper with words of longing and love were wrapped around a single red rose followed by a swooping C in closing.

Each little trinket and note chipped away at her desire to break free of Constantine.

By the end of the month, she completed her final potion.

Constantine appeared at her side, nearly causing her to drop her last chance of having a choice in the matter.

"Our destiny is still intact." He told her.

"Wait!" She took a step back. "Let me try this and then I will accept my fate."

His eyes flickered from hers to the vial in her hand. Folding his arms, he kept his distance while she downed the glowing blue liquid.

Her face scrunched in distaste as the vile tasting substance moved down her throat.

A chuckle escaped Constantine's lips at the sight. His worry over losing her eased when he still felt the pull that was her.

Setting down the empty container, she faced him. "How do you feel?"

He took a step forward and cupped her cheek. The touch of her soft skin caused his pain during this month away from her to ease immediately. Without another word he kissed her.

Regina felt her heart both sink from her failure and then soar to finally be with the man she had been searching for all these years. She wrapped her arms around him and surrendered to what was undeniable.

She was the Dark King's mate.

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

Now, Constantine's Palace in the Mountains...

"Regina!" Liam greeted her with a kiss on her cheek. "It is good to see you again."

She smiled warmly at the young man. "How are you?"

"Wonderful." He whispered excitedly. "I've found the woman I am to marry."

"Did you now?" Her smile turned tender over his joy. "I am very happy for you, dearest."

"I can't wait until you meet her." Liam grasped both her hands. "Riley is perfection itself."

"And does she know about..." Regina gestured around.

Liam rubbed the back of his neck while a bashful expression appeared on his face. "We uh, haven't actually met yet."

"Oh dear." She shook her head while laughter bubbled out. "What is it with you Rhys men and deciding on us without at least a conversation or two?"

"I intend on fixing that this evening." He put a demi mask on and bowed to her. "Wish me luck!"

"I do!" She called out as he disappeared out the door. Shaking her head over young love, she made her way up the stone stairs toward the King's chambers.

"My love." Constantine struggled to his feet when he saw her in the doorway.

"Don't get up!" She hurried over to him and tried to get him to sit back down.

He cupped her face and kissed her sweetly before his energy depleted again.

She knelt before him when he collapsed in his chair. "It's getting worse."

"It is." His brow furrowed. "I don't know how much time I have left."

She took his hand and pressed a kiss to it. His fingers trembled as he caressed her cheek.

"Did you see Liam?" A smile formed on his face.

"I did." She returned his smile while fighting back her tears. "He is so happy."

"Just like I was when I found you." Constantine wheezed before coughing. He pulled out a handkerchief to cover his mouth, then grimaced at the sight.

Regina reached out and stopped him from hiding how truly sick he was becoming.

Bright flecks of blood and a strange yellow substance covered the snowy piece of linen.

"Oh no." She raised her eyes to his. "I'm still searching for a way to heal you."

"I know." He smiled at her. "But darling, if you are unable to--"

"I will!" She vowed. "I can't lose you!"

"I will love you until my dying breath." He promised her. "You must never for a moment think you failed me if we can't find a way to stop this." His eyes searched hers. "Promise me, Regina."

She bit back a sob and nodded. "I promise."

He relaxed back in his chair. "I've missed you so much."

She took the chair next to his and laced their fingers together. "I've missed you, too." She glanced away and finally asked the question that had been bothering her since his sickness first appeared.

"Constantine, do you...do you resent my staying in Cordonia for Madeleine?"

"Not at all." He squeezed her hand. "I understand why you did it, just as you understand why I couldn't leave Liam and be with you." He gently squeezed her hand. "We both had obligations we couldn't abandon. I'm grateful for every moment we have managed to have these years despite our responsibilities."

"I am too." She kissed his cheek. "Have you told Liam how serious your illness is?"

He shook his head. "I can't destroy his happiness in finding his true mate." He met her concerned gaze. "I think it best to wait it out."

"Then I will keep your secret." She promised.

"Have you," he grimaced at the pain in his chest. "Have you seen Leo anymore?"

"He is still sneaking around with Madeleine."

"And you've yet to discover why?"

"Madeleine is taking every precaution to keep their meetings from me. It's strange. I raised her to be open and honest."

"Perhaps it is Leo wanting her to keep it from you to punish me." Constantine coughed once more. "I didn't want him to leave our kingdom but I knew our people would not recognize a human ruling over them. I told him he always had a home here but he--" another coughing spell came over him.

Regina gently rubbed his back. She knew he suffered over his son refusing to be a part of their family. Once Leo knew he wouldn't be king, he left saying he would never return and wanted nothing more to do with anyone associated with the Dark Kingdom.

"I failed him." Constantine whispered.

"You didn't." Regina argued. "You have done everything to protect your children."

He smiled at her. "Queen of my heart." He picked up the heart shaped amulet he had given her when she said she couldn't marry him. The crown upon it was symbolic in him recognizing her as his queen. "What would I do without you?"

She closed her hand around his and the blood red stone. The vows they had exchanged long ago to be faithful to the love they shared echoed in her heart. "You will never have to discover what that would be like."

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

The Royal Palace, Cordonia...

"I can't believe we're here!" Riley squeezed Hana's arm in an excited hug. "We're actually about to experience a royal ball!"

"I feel like Cinderella!" Hana linked her arm with Riley's. She looked down at her own petal pink gown, shimmering under the chandeliers, then over at Riley's white one. "I could cry over finally being able to dress like a princess."

Maxwell chuckled from behind them. He readjusted his black demi mask and then offered his arms to them. "Want to meet the queen?"

"Are you kidding?" Riley placed her hand in the bend of his arm, while holding her phone up to catch some of the guests in their finery. "Of course we do!"

Hana took his other arm and gently squeezed it. "Thank you so much Lord Maxwell for not only being our escort but in also helping us find the right gowns."

"Just Maxwell." He corrected. "And I promise it is no trouble at all."

He led them through the double doors of the ballroom as the herald read their names out.

"Maxwell!"

He paused and smiled at his brother. "Ladies, this is my brother Bertrand and his wife Savannah."

Hana dropped into a perfect curtsey. "Your grace, it is a pleasure to meet you both."

Riley followed her example. "I bet you two are used to this sort of thing."

Savannah shook her head with a laugh. "It doesn't matter how many balls I've been to, they all cause a thrill like my first."

Bertrand wrapped his arm around her, thrilled with seeing her so happy. His own was spilling over with the news she had surprised him with earlier.

"May I tell him now?" He whispered, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

Savannah looked up at him and nodded eagerly.

Maxwell cocked an eyebrow at them. "What are you two up to?"

"Savannah," Bertrand beamed at her, "is expecting."

Maxwell blinked then pulled them both into a hug. "Congratulations!" He kissed his sister-in-law's cheek then hugged his brother again. "I can't wait to meet him!"

"Him?" Savannah giggled. "He might be a she."

"True." Maxwell's dimpled grin appeared. "But there has yet to be a time in history where there weren't two Beaumont brothers."

"He's right." Bertrand's brow furrowed for a moment. "I forgot about the sets of brothers and their..."

Hana tilted her head in question when he seemed unable to find the words. "And their what, your grace?"

"I don't know." He shook his head as if to clear it. "Forgive me, Lady Hana. I know it has something to do with our family's collection of swords and such."

Maxwell and Savannah shared a panicked glance.

"They were glorious knights of old." Maxwell explained. "They were some of the best jousters throughout Europe."

"That's right." Savannah wrapped her arms around her husband. "I read about Percival Beaumont recently. His wife, Annalisa, used to tie her house colors on the hilt of his sword when he was courting her." She lifted her hand to caress his cheek. "Thank goodness I never had to do such to stake my claim on you."

Bertrand's brow smoothed as he met his wife's adoring gaze. "I've been proud to be yours since we first met."

"How did you meet?" Riley asked, seeing that romance was truly magical with the Beaumont brothers and their ladies.

"We met..." Bertrand winced as he tried to remember.

"What is it?" Savannah stepped back when he tried to focus. "Are you feeling ill?"

"We met in the woods." He replied, staring at her. "Didn't we?"

"That's right." Maxwell quickly intervened. "We went camping." He had to fight his worry with Bertrand’s odd behavior to keep the humor in his tone. "Or at least we tried to camp." He winked at Riley and Hana. "If not for Savannah being out there on her own camping trip, Bertrand and I would probably still be out there trying to set up a tent."

Savannah grasped that lie and ran with it. "You two had also forgotten your supplies." She shook her head, hoping he wouldn't remember anything from their actual past. "You did your best to impress me with your fishing abilities."

"I don't recall--"

"Who would want to remember falling down in the stream?" Maxwell slapped his brother on the back. "Though that did get you special attention from our pretty camping savior."

"Savior..." Bertrand mumbled. "You needed saving."

"We needed saving." Maxwell corrected. He whispered loudly to the ladies. "I knew he must have hit his head when he landed in the stream."

"Did I?" Bertrand looked back and forth at his wife and brother. "I must have. For some reason, I just remember the image of you crying and my need to hold you."

Savannah's eyes glistened as she placed a kiss on his lips. "I was crying with laughter. Your fight with the trout is one of my favorite memories."

"Fight?" His eyes widened. "There was a fight, wasn't there?"

"The trout was actually this big,” Maxwell held his hands out about eight inches, “but each time we tell the story it grows more closer to the size of a whale."

Bertrand ignored the teasing while trying to grasp on the images of woods at night and a strange castle that seemed to fade as soon as he saw them.

"How about a drink to toast the new Beaumont?" Maxwell asked.

Bertrand blinked as his mind calmed once more. "I'll help you carry them."

Savannah breathed easier once they left.

"Is everything all right, your grace?" Hana asked when she noticed the worry still etched on the young duchess's face.

"Yes. Thank you." Savannah tried to regain her earlier happiness. "I think I'm just--"

Her lips parted at the sight of the person approaching. She shook her head, knowing it couldn't really be who it was.

"Hello everyone." Sherry greeted. "What do you think of your first ball?"

Savannah stared dumbfounded at the fact that Riley and Hana seemed to have already met the dragon before.

How did this happen with Maxwell guarding them?

Sherry then turned her silver eyes to the lady she had once considered her best friend.

"It's been a long time, Savannah."

"Yes it has. How," Savannah cleared her voice of emotion. "How have you been?"

"Good for the most part." Sherry clasped her hands together.

"How's..." Savannah briefly closed her eyes. "How are the others doing?"

Sherry shrugged. "Depends on which one you're asking about." Her expression saddened. "Liam and Rashad are well."

"And Drake?" Savannah placed her hand over her heart when she felt the pain just his name caused.

"He's--"

"Sherry!" Maxwell stared in shock at her appearance in the ballroom "How did you get--what are you doing here?"

She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "What do you think I'm doing here?" She teased. "The queen invited all her nobles here tonight."

Bertrand looked curiously between the two. "Who's this?"

Maxwell audibly swallowed. He silently prayed that Sherry would not trigger the night they saved Savannah.

"This is my, um,..."

"Lady Sherveen Alcantar of House Domvallier, your grace." Sherry held her hand to him while curtseying. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you. Maxwell has told me so much about you."

"He has?" Bertrand smiled warmly at her. "I see." He winked at his younger brother. "And here you've been worrying me over nothing."

Maxwell couldn't hide his confusion.

"Haven't found the right person." Bertrand chuckled while clapping his brother on the back. "When were you going to surprise us with Lady Alcantar?"

"I, um..." Maxwell tried to think of an answer.

"It's my fault we've yet to meet." Sherry explained. "I've have family duties that take me away for weeks at a time. Then whenever I come home--"

"I try and keep her to myself." Maxwell interrupted. He slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer to his side. "I know I shouldn't be so greedy, so I planned on inviting her to our Beaumont Bash and officially introducing her to you and Savannah."

"Maxwell!" Bertrand's smile grew. "You want it to be official?"

"Er..." Maxwell shared a puzzled look with Sherry. "Yes?"

"My word." Bertrand grasped his shoulder then kissed Sherry's cheek. "We will wait then until our ball to announce your engagement."

"Our what now?" Maxwell paled.

"This is marvelous news!" Bertrand included Riley and Hana with his explanation. "I've been worried over Maxwell not having someone and his nights out alone." He shook his head. "And here you've had the perfect lady all along."

"They are adorable together." Riley added. "They've been helping us with our research and Hana and I just love seeing how cute they act toward one another."

Bertrand raised his flute of champagne. "A toast then to the future." He wrapped his free arm around his wife. "To our child and to the soon to be new Lord and Lady Beaumont."

"Cheers." Sherry clinked her glass against theirs.

Maxwell downed his entire glass.

"I think I need to sit down." Savannah begged to be excused.

"Of course." Bertrand promised to find them all later to discuss wedding plans. He then issued an invitation to Riley and Hana to attend their upcoming ball at Ramsford.

"We'd love to." Hana replied. "Thank you."

With another affectionate clap on Maxwell's shoulder, Bertrand followed after his wife.

"Anyone need a refill?" Maxwell asked. "I need one." Or something stronger.

"Why don't we meet up later?" Riley asked. "Hana and I want to go check out the buffet tables and see if we can get a few more shots of some of the more decorative masks."

"Sure." Maxwell couldn't think of an excuse to keep them close by. "I'll find you in an hour or so." He flashed his smile at them. "I doubt you'll need it, but I would be more than happy to find you both some dance partners."

"Sounds like a plan." Riley took Hana's arm and left the couple.

Sherry turned toward Maxwell. Her eyes softened as she took in how handsome he was in formal wear. She reached out and gently smoothed his lapels then lifted her eyes to his.

His lips quirked into a grin. He had never seen her in a ballgown before. The jet black dress shimmered with a silver mesh overlay. Her black mask caused her gray eyes to be even more mesmerizing. His eyes dropped down to her bare shoulders and the diamond necklace at her throat.

"You like diamonds?"

Her eyebrow lifted. "Doesn't every girl?"

He took her hand in his. Calloused fingers drifted over her ring finger.

"Just checking." He lifted his eyes back to hers. "I would hate to get you an engagement ring that you didn't like."

"Is that a proposal, Lord Beaumont?"

"No."

Her eyes widened.

He flashed a smile then tucked her hand in the bend of his arm as he led her to the dance floor. "But one's coming."

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

"Well?" Riley held her phone up to film Hana. "How are the apple tarts?"

"The best I've ever tasted!" Hana took another bite and had to quickly cover her mouth when some apple dripped down her chin.

Riley laughed at her trying to right the mess. She took a step back and bumped into someone.

"I'm so sorry!" She grabbed a nearby napkin and began to dab at the gentleman's white jacket. "I should have been paying better attention to my surroundings."

"It's no trouble at all." His hand gently stopped hers from trying to mop up the spilt champagne.

His touch almost felt like an electric shock. She looked up and found herself captured by the most incredible blue eyes she had ever seen.

His fingers drifted down her wrist to grasp her hand.

She stared at him with her jaw dropped as he lifted her hand to his lips.

"May I have this dance?"

She swallowed and managed a nod.

Without much thought, she handed Hana her phone and dancing in the arms of the handsome stranger.

His eyes held hers the entire time. Though she thought it silly, she had the strangest sensation that she wouldn't have been able to look away if she wanted to.

"Who are you?" She asked.

"My name is Liam." He responded.

"Liam?" She tried it out. "I'm Riley."

"A pleasure to meet you."

She suppressed a shudder from the sound of his voice. Something about it reminded her of the old tale of The Pied Piper. She didn't doubt that flocks of women would follow after him just from his voice alone.

"You are not from Cordonia, are you?" He asked.

"Me? No." She smiled at him. "What gave it away?"

"Your accent."

"And here I thought I had finally gotten the hang of hiding my childhood in Brooklyn." She teased.

His lips curved, causing her breath to still. No man should ever be this charming and handsome, she thought.

"Breathe." He whispered.

She gasped at the feeling of his lips barely brushing the delicate shell of her ear.

"That's it." He gently rubbed his hand up and down her back. "In and out."

"I--I know how to breathe." She mumbled, pulling away from him.

Something about him was almost overpowering. She soon found herself searching for an escape just to settle her rambling thoughts about this mystery man.

Liam noticed and led her off the dance floor.

"Where--"

"You look like you could use some air." He kept her hand securely in his while taking her out to a small courtyard.

Riley took a deep breath. She closed her eyes and allowed herself a moment to soak in the knowledge that not only was she attending a formal ball in an actual castle, but she had also just had her first dance with a man whose looks were straight out of her fantasy.

Liam waited patiently for her to open her eyes. He wondered what her thoughts were as her facial expression turned to an almost dreamy like one. He was using all his restraint to keep from claiming her. His vampiric nature fought against him to tell her she had no escape from him or their destiny.

He doubted though that he would easily win her heart if he allowed that aspect of himself to be revealed.

"So?" She opened her eyes and tugged her hand out of his grasp. "Are you from Cordonia?"

"Yes." He put his hands in his pockets so as not to grab her. He walked a little ways from her and pointed at the mountains that lined the eastern half of the capital. "I grew up in the Blackspire Mountains."

Riley walked over to stand next to him. Now that she had some space from him, she realized she didn't want it as much outside as she had in the crowded ballroom.

"I've been wondering about those." She looked up at him. "I bet you know all the legends and stories about the Dark Kingdom."

His eyes widened. "You...you know of the Dark Kingdom?"

"Only what I read in some books my friend, Hana, gave me." She explained their travels and what interested her. "I don't suppose you have any suggestions on where the best creepy place for me to film would be?"

"You want to go up there?"

"Well, yeah." She smiled at him. "Maybe in the daylight for the first time, but I want to see where the stories come from."

He turned toward her. "What stories in particular interest you?"

Riley looked back toward the misty mountains. "I guess I'm most curious to see if there really is still a Rhys family secretly ruling up there." She laughed and shook her head. "And maybe find out how they became associated with vampires and dragons."

She turned back to say something to Liam and noticed that he had backed up several feet.

"Is something wrong?" She asked once she got a closer look at his face.

The handsome planes had hardened.

"What would you do with this information?"

She blinked at the clip manner that had replaced his earlier way of speaking to her.

"What do you mean?" Her brow furrowed when he took another step back. "You mean the Rhys' history?"

His eyes narrowed somewhat. "It is not a happy one, I assure you. Would you add more to their heartache by revealing it to the world?"

"Heartache? I read briefly about the feuds between them and the Nevarkis family, but--"

"Families were torn apart." His harsh words sent a chill down her spine. "Children losing their parents. Parents discovering the ashes of their infants..." His anguished voice trailed off. "It wouldn't be welcome in either the Nevarkis or the Rhys' families to reveal that part of history."

"You know the stories then?"

"I do." He replied.

"Okay, then can you at least tell me whether or not there is a castle up there somewhere?"

He hesitated. "There is."

"And does it happen to have someone living in it?" She tried to make her tone light to ease the charged atmosphere. "Maybe he or she even gives orders from time to time?"

He lowered his head. "Yes."

"I don't suppose you know their last name?" She took a few steps closer. "I promise I won't bother them or anyone else with this if it will truly cause pain." She took a deep breath. "I guess my wanting to know the answer is for my own sake rather than my channel."

He quirked an eyebrow. "Why do you want this?"

She reached out and took his hand. She noticed the flicker of surprise on his face when she did so.

She pulled him over to a small bench and sat down. When he didn't immediately sit, she patted the spot next to her.

Unable to resist, he did as she wanted.

"All my life, the myths and legends fascinated me. I think a part of me refuses to believe that it is nothing but a made up story." Riley looked up at the stars. "Something about being outside at night makes the notion that magic exists more plausible, I suppose." She grinned at him. "I know it sounds crazy, but I think it doesn't matter how many places I visit and come back with nothing. I will never stop my search for something that my heart seems to know exists."

"So you seek those cities where the stories originate from?"

"You wouldn't believe all the places I've dragged Hana to." Riley laughed. "We've yet to find anything supernatural." She turned her gaze back to the mountains. "Who knows? Maybe somewhere up there is just the evidence I've been searching for all these years."

"Let's say you do find it." Liam covered her hand with his. "Let's say that up there is a kingdom filled to the brim with the supernatural. What would you do then?"

“I'd probably want to sit down at a table with them and ask about their lives." She shrugged. "See if it compares to my own." Her lips trembled with laughter. "I'm certain there's at least a creature or two who has been stood up for a date or had that really rotten boss who they wanted to spike his coffee with liquid laxitives."

Liam felt his earlier reservations over her curiosity of his kingdom fall away. She wasn't seeking power or a way to hurt anyone. She was genuinely interested in seeing the type of people they were.

He chuckled softly. "I could see that." His fingers laced with hers. "Would you want to become one of them?"

Her laughter echoed into the night. "I don't know." Her smile dimmed. "At fourteen I would have said yes, especially if it was like a really cute werewolf or something."

"Team Jacob, huh?" Liam shook his head. "Poor Edward."

"Edward was much too moody." Riley argued with a giggle. "He really needed to learn how to enjoy life."

"That's true." He nudged her. "What if you fell in love with a man who wasn't human?" His charming smile flashed. "Would you want to be whatever he was, even if he was a moody vampire?"

"I can't see myself falling in love with any kind of moody man. I guess I always hoped to find someone pleasant." Her eyes cut to his. "Charming. Easy with a smile."

"I see." He relaxed beside her.

"What about you?"

"Me?"

"Yes, would you give everything up for your swamp lady or hairy beast?" She teased.

He laughed out loud, causing a yearning in Riley to hear the sound again and again.

"Why do I get only those two options?"

"Because, if you are willing to become those then it must be true love."

"I see." He shook his head, still chuckling. "I was raised to give myself over to whomever my heart recognized as my true love. So yes, if a swamp creature or lady in need of a shave was meant for me then I would gladly grow a beard or wallow in the muck."

"Good answer." She squeezed his hand.

His smile grew as he studied her profile. "You don't happen to be a swamp lady or hairy beast?"

Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "I'm afraid that's classified."

He let out a playful sigh. "I knew there was a chance the road to love would have bumps." He couldn't contain his smile. "But marshes and fur balls..."

She laughed once more. "I wish I was that interesting. Sadly, I'm only a weak human who runs out of breath jogging half a mile and drinks one too many cups of coffee when faced with a deadline."

"Just a human." He lifted her hand to his lips. "Then you must enjoy eating normal things like seafood, steak, and pasta."

She playfully pushed him. "Yes, I'm familiar with those."

"Good. I would hate to make dinner plans for us tomorrow night and find out that you can only eat live chickens by the light of the Harvest Moon."

"I only do that every five years." She allowed him to pull her off the bench and back into his arms. They could hear the music from inside start a slow dance.

"Good. Then eight o'clock should be just right for us."

"I think I can make it work."

Liam held her close when she raised her hands to his shoulders. His eyes held hers as they moved in a slow circle.

"I'm glad you can." He brushed a tender kiss to her cheek.

Her breath stilled again from that simple touch. She could feel her heart race in time with his. Her attention settled on his lips when he eased away.

Unable to understand this burst of boldness, she raised on her tiptoes and kissed him.

And Liam knew then that even if she had evil intentions with discovering the secrets of his home, he would have been unable to stay away from Riley.

*Constantine x Regina Moodboard*

#all through the night #liam x riley #maxwell x oc #maxwell x sherry #choices the royal romance #trr dark au #trr vampire au #bertrand x savannah #constantine x regina #trr hana

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