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kristinamae093 · 6 months ago

Text

Ghosted

Ghosted — Betrayal (Chapter Twelve)

Series Summary - Prince Liam fell for Riley Brooks hard and fast. A marriage filled with love and devotion was within his reach, but everything changed when she vanished just before the end of the social season. As everyone voices their concerns regarding her scandalous departure, a confession from an unlikely source turns Liam's world upside down and makes him question everything around him.

Book/Pairing - TRR - Liam x f!MC (Riley Brooks)

A/N 1 - This AU starts right before the beginning of the engagement tour. There is a two-month lapse between the coronation and where we pick up, but we will stray from canon. Please excuse any errors found. Not beta'd.

Characters belong to Pixelberry.

Tags - @choicesficwriterscreations

It's another long one 😬👉👈🥹. Oops.

Liam and Drake closely followed as the guards led Bastien into the depths of the Portavirian estate. The halls remained eerily quiet as the nobility slept; not a soul to be found other than those involved with Penelope’s homicide investigation. Neither male spoke a word, but both reeled in this blindsiding revelation.

The betrayal Liam felt was like no other. Bastien was like a father to him, always around when he needed someone, but now he wondered if he ever knew him. Bastien saw him at his lowest and protected him at all costs, but somewhere along the way he changed; he couldn’t determine when that shift happened or if his guard was that good of a deceiver from the start, and felt like a fool for not seeing his insubordination sooner. It didn’t matter what he said, nor how much he pleaded; Liam already knew he was guilty, but didn’t know the extent of his involvement.

So many unanswered questions ran rampant through his mind, but ultimately the one he cared about was, where is Riley? The scandal was no longer relevant; all that mattered was finding her and ensuring she was safe. Justice would be served to all who deserved it later but right now, she was the top priority. That wasn’t a new revelation, but the urgency suddenly skyrocketed.

Liam did his best to stay afloat, but couldn’t stop his mind from wandering. If Riley was still in the country, what did that mean? Was she being held hostage somewhere? Would a ransom note appear at some point? Is she even alive? The continuous spiral intensified and formed a vortex of frustration and confusion, enveloping him from the inside out. He wanted to scream and cry to the heavens, anything to relieve some of the never-ending tension slowly constricting his muscles. Every second that passed without knowing she was safe, he grew weaker, feeling control slip right through his fingertips. The never-ending vat of unanswered questions took their physical and mental toll on Liam as a monarch and man alike.

However, every ounce of strength that remained pushed him forward. The adrenaline coursing through his veins mindlessly carried him, as he and Drake walked in deafening silence.

They continued until they entered a dark room with a table and two chairs. The guards sat Bastien down on one side and secured shackles in place over his wrists, much to his displeasure. Liam took the seat that mirrored his, shooing the bystanders out as he did. Drake lingered close by, reeling in his feelings of hurt, betrayal, and anger. Bastien quieted, but his entire body went rigid after his former subordinates exited the room. Liam placed his hands on the table and stared at them for a long while, trying to slow the wild rush inside his mind.

He finally raised his head and spoke to Bastien in the flattest, calmest tone he could muster. “Do you know why you’re here?”

“I don’t, sir.”

“First, let’s talk about Penelope. You and I both know she did not take her own life, so I’m curious to know how you came to that conclusion.”

Bastien furrowed his brow. “Not to be forward, but she was literally hanging from the ceiling… We found a note in her room, and she had every reason to want to do it — considering she was about to be arrested.”

“Right… Speaking of that… I want to see that report again.”

“Pardon?”

“The report — the one that says Penelope’s DNA was all over the murder weapon because honestly, I think you’re full of shit.” Liam hissed.

“I most certainly am not, sir. The documents are in the security office. If you remove these cuffs, I will gladly retrieve them.” Bastien confidently responded.

“That won’t be necessary.” Liam knew if he told the truth, Olivia would find them and if she didn’t, Bastien just caught himself in another lie. “Now, the next order of business — where were you the night of the jamboree? I don’t remember seeing you at all.”

Bastien stiffened. “I was doing security checks around the estate—”

“If you were doing security checks, how’d a rogue photographer make it in?” Drake interjected.

Bastien swallowed thickly, his gulp echoing in the silence. “... What?”

“You heard what he said — answer the damn question.” Liam snapped.

“She must have—”

“She?” Liam interrupted with a chortle. “That’s funny — because I never mentioned gender. Do you know something that I don’t?”

“I only took a guess — there was a fifty percent chance I would be correct.” Bastien calmly, yet firmly, answered with a dismissive shrug. “I’m not precisely sure how they breached the perimeter, but we’ve been working to strengthen our units ever since.”

“Right…” Liam nodded and forcefully clenched his jaw. It took every ounce of his restraint not to reach across the table and wrap his hands around Bastien’s throat because he couldn’t trust a single word coming out of his mouth.

Drake spoke again before Liam could act on his intrusive thoughts. “What about the Apple Banquet? Where were you then?”

“I was with His Majesty while he spoke to the Beaumonts. Someone alerted me to the body, and I immediately sprung into the proper protocol.”

“No, not when the maid was found — earlier. Where were you before that?” Liam demanded.

Bastien hesitated, but quickly fixed his features. “I was addressing an issue regarding Countess Madeleine’s security arrangements. Her old guard needed to take personal leave, so I had to find a suitable replacement.”

“... And she will vouch for you?”

“Yes, sir.”

Liam’s frustration skyrocketed, as he didn’t know how to take that statement. The number of people he could trust seemed to only shorten by the day, yet Madeleine was never present, nor even an honorable mention on that list; the time to trust her word was not amid this chaos.

“Okay, then—” Liam started again, his agitation noticeably rising. “Do you know where Riley is?”

“I don’t, sir. All I know is she returned to New York, and—”

“How did you come to that conclusion, exactly? Because I’ve done some digging and found nothing to point to that. There are no traces of her after she left the jamboree whatsoever, Bastien; not flights, not vehicles — nothing.”

Bastien shifted in his seat. “My information led me to that conclusion, Your Majesty.”

“Well, your information was wrong, and I can’t help but feel you knew that all along, didn’t you?”

“I’m not sure what you’re insinuating, but—”

“You knew she didn’t return to New York because you took her away, right? Is that how she made it out undetected? Or are you the one who assaulted her?” Liam thought back to his out-of-body experience and remembered the shadow lingering in front of her door. “Or did you stand guard while it happened? Is that it?”

“I did no such thing.” Bastien hastily replied, but cleared his throat and added, “What would I gain from any of this? Why would I give a damn who you choose?”

“That’s kind of what I’m wondering.” Drake inserted with a skeptical eye. “Look, Bas — I don’t want to believe you had a hand in all this, but it’s not looking good, man.”

“What doesn’t look good?” Bastien returned. “All I’ve done is look for her! I’ve been trying to help you!”

“Bullshit,” Liam seethed. “You know something and I demand you tell me — right now.”

“I know nothing, sir. I’ve kept you updated on every piece of information uncovered.”

“You need to understand something —” Liam's breaths turned heavy and his face flushed every shade of crimson. “I am not fucking around. This is your final opportunity — if you know something and do not tell me, I will serve your head on a silver fucking platter at the next state function. Is that clear enough for you?” He rumbled through clenched teeth. The hand he raised to point at Bastien visibly trembled, as the dam broke and rage flowed freely through his body.

Bastien’s eyes widened, and he visibly swallowed. He quickly composed himself and softly answered, “I understand the circumstances have been — tense — for everyone involved. You’ve had a rough couple of weeks, and —”

Liam slammed his fist onto the table and shot up from his seat. “Do NOT fucking patronize me!” He bellowed.

The door suddenly swung open and Olivia marched inside. In her hands, she carried a folder along with a few smaller items, but her facial expression was the picture-perfect image of unrestrained fury. “You have a lot of explaining to do.” She rumbled as she bore her eyes into Bastien.

Never could she have imagined the man sitting before her would betray them in such a way, but now they had proof; undeniable, unavoidable, but yet — incredibly unsettling evidence.

Bastien audibly gulped as he recognized the documents and all traces of pigment in his complexion vanished. With so much going on, he didn’t have the chance to dispose of everything properly. Liam and his group of friends moved faster than anticipated, and with their unexpected changes to the tour, he fell behind. The important information was extracted long ago, but what remained was still very incriminating — for Bastien.

Powerful forces expected him to pull off the impossible, but he was only one person — how was he supposed to fend off four people, plus a hired professional? Multiple ends that should’ve received immediate attention didn’t. Penelope ranked fairly high on that list, but his concerns got cast aside. His instructions were to deflect, deter, and stay silent regarding the madness; trust the process and your reward will be bountiful, they would say. Regardless, he didn’t want to aid in this crazy scheme, but had no choice — they knew information about his past nobody should have uncovered, so he found himself backed into a corner.

But as Bastien stared at the evidence of his transgressions, he realized silence would no longer be an option. He knew one way or another at that moment he was as good as dead; the question was would it be at the hands of his seething monarch, the man he practically raised, or the people who made his life a living hell to begin with?

Olivia rifled through the things on the table until she found what she searched for. “Remember when Bastien told you he disposed of Riley’s phone and her note?” She held both items up to show everyone along with her letter, noting how the guard immediately tucked his chin into his chest. “The penmanship matches mine, meaning it’s the same as Penelope’s.”

Liam forcefully clenched his jaw. “You lied to me?”

“That’s not all,” Olivia continued. “Bastien told us Penelope is the one who killed the maid, but that’s not true. Sure, the gum was hers — hair too — but the funny thing is that as it turns out, there are two sets of results on that knife.”

“There’s not—”

Olivia cackled, cutting Bastien off. “Don’t even try to lie. I’m holding what appears to be the real results in my hands. What kind of moron keeps the original if he’s planning on cloning it to frame someone else? Fucking nitwit.” She shook her head, distaste lacing her words. “Of course, we’ll have these confirmed for legitimacy, but considering who this one lists as the culprit, I can see why you’d want to cover this up.”

Liam snatched the documents from her and scanned them. His eyes widened as he went through the text, his jaw falling further and further the longer he read. Penelope's fingerprints were on the murder weapon, but unlike the last report he saw, this one went more in-depth. Her DNA might've been on the knife, but only one or two barely distinguishable smears on the blade itself belonged to her. However, the lab noted prominent traces from someone else located everywhere, but mostly on the handle, indicating that their person of interest should be whoever the second set of prints belonged to.

But Liam never received this report, and when he read who the database found as the owner of that second set of prints, he realized why he wasn’t shown.

“It was you…” Liam gasped, finally tearing his attention off the file to center his glare on Bastien. “Why?”

Bastien remained silent. He kept his gaze locked on the table, but the sweat forming on his brow wasn’t unnoticed.

“We know why, Liam. He was trying to shut her up because she spoke with us. And that’s why he offed Penelope too — right, Bastien?” Olivia answered. “Dispose of the loose ends before they can out you?”

“I did not harm Lady Penelope in any way,” Bastien stated with utmost determination, looking directly into Olivia’s steely eyes as he did.

“But you know who did, and you were working to bury that too, correct?” She quickly retorted, arching her brow.

Bastien clenched his jaw and looked away, refusing to speak, but he didn’t need to — Olivia knew she was right.

“You can deny those accusations all you want, but the next ones will be fairly difficult to talk yourself out of,” Olivia snapped as she produced another file and showed it to everyone.

“Operation Ghost?” That title caught Liam’s attention, and his mouth fell agape when he read it. He flipped through the papers inside and realized this was a meticulously planned mission, not a coincidence. While he spiraled deeper into the abyss, further away from reality, intentional carnage ran rampant within his court, and it was all a part of the elaborate plan from the beginning.

Someone plotted to hurt Riley and take her away from him, and that thought momentarily left him breathless.

“Apparently so,” Olivia answered, remorse cracking through her stony features upon seeing Liam’s broken shock. She’d already searched the file and knew what lay ahead, but didn’t know how he would react; it wouldn’t be good regardless. “Someone altered or destroyed most of this —” She paused to throw a death glare at Bastien. “But… There’s something else…”

“What is it?” Drake inquired as he and Liam took in her hesitancy, causing the hair on the nape of their necks to stand at attention.

With a heavy sigh, Olivia opened an envelope and produced a few smaller documents. She slammed them down on the table one at a time, directly in Bastien’s downward cast line of vision. “Here’s Riley’s ID, her passport, and even her goddamn credit cards. Now tell me, Bastien — how did you think she got to New York without those?”

Liam snapped his head over to her. “What?!” He snatched the items off the table and stared at the photo on Riley’s passport in his trembling hands, his heart rate taking flight.

His worst fears suddenly became reality, because he knew it would’ve been impossible for her to get out of the country without identification. This confirmed that Ray was right; she never left Cordonia. Of everything he suspected of Bastien, the things he knew and worked to cover up completely blindsided Liam. It hurt him in a way he didn’t know was possible, to be betrayed by someone he put every single ounce of his trust in.

Plus, had it not been for Olivia and Ray, he probably would have gotten away with it, too. The thought alone created a forceful swarm of guilt as Liam realized once again — this was what he ignored for so long. His breaths turned shallow as his mind took this new information and ran with it, automatically assuming the worst and with no signs to point in a different direction, he couldn’t find any strings of hope no matter which way he looked.

The waves came crashing down, sending him into an instant spiral of equal parts devastation and fear. He swayed on his feet, but eventually lowered himself back into his chair, willing the wild rush to slow.

“What the fuck is this?!” Drake exclaimed, smoke nearly barreling out of his ears. “Where is she?!”

“I don’t know.”

“Bullshit! She couldn’t leave without this! You’ve been lying to us all along!”

“I did what I had to,” Bastien returned, his voice devoid of all emotion. “You wouldn’t understand.”

“What did you do to her, Bastien?!” Olivia reiterated. “You can’t deny you know something — if she’s in danger, you need to tell us so we can find her!”

“I did nothing to her! All I did was escort her from the premises to the airport — that’s it.” Bastien huffed, immediately regretting the slip-up, which earned him a unanimous gasp.

“What did you just say?” Liam rumbled with clenched fists, his daze of self-hatred shattering on the spot.

Bastien hesitated but realized it was useless to redact. “I said I escorted her from the premises—”

Liam lunged for him without a second thought. He slammed his face into the table and held him there with all his might by the back of his skull. “So you not only knew, but you fucking helped too?!”

“I did what I had—”

“You son of a bitch!” Liam yelled as he lifted Bastien’s head, only to bounce his cheek against the table with increased force. “I trusted you!”

Bastien tried to respond, but Liam swiftly continued. “You have manipulated and made a fool of me for the LAST fucking time! I told you what I’d do, yet you still lied to me? YOUR MONARCH?!”

Again, Bastien attempted to speak, but Liam wasn’t quite finished. “This WHOLE TIME… You’ve known — you fucking helped — but you continuously led me astray.”

“Sir—”

“YOU DO NOT SPEAK OVER ME!” Liam bellowed, slamming Bastien’s head a third time.

A long silence passed as Liam securely held Bastien by the back of his neck, using more force with every passing second. He saw nothing but blood — everything that would’ve gotten covered up ran through his mind; the murders, Riley, and what seemed to be a never-ending list of other possibilities.

Finally, Bastien timidly sliced through the tension. “Sir, I’m willing to tell you what I know and what I’ve done in exchange for safety. If you do not ensure my life, I will be dead within hours.” He pleaded, preparing to meet the table again. “You have no reason to trust me now, but I will tell you what I can…” He emphasized.

Liam met eyes with Olivia and Drake, a silent conversation taking place. In all honesty, nobody cared what happened to him after the fact; all that mattered right now was getting Bastien to talk by any means necessary. Whoever wanted him dead was more than welcome to finish the job, but not until after he confessed.

Liam released him with a shove but never said a word. Instead, he strode back to the chair across from Bastien and slowly retook his seat. When Liam lifted his head, the pure fury staring back at him slightly took Bastien aback. The patient presence he’d grown accustomed to was long gone, replaced by a man driven to the brink of insanity. Those typically bright baby blues were now dark, vicious, and wild — nearly animalistic as his stare tore through Bastien. It sent a shiver of dread down his spine and made him momentarily fearful of his usually calm and composed king. His head throbbed, but he knew that would not be the worst of what he received — regardless of whose hands he suffered from.

Liam intently held his gaze for a long moment, clenching and unclenching his jaw, but finally spoke in an eerily calm voice. “... Tell us.”

Bastien strode through the country jamboree with an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach as he recalled what would happen tonight. A suitor would be removed from the competition, with or without her cooperation. The trap was loaded and ready to go; all they needed was the prey — Riley.

Bastien located Penelope in the crowd and watched her approach Riley. She was deep into a conversation with Maxwell, but Penelope slipped in and played the part surprisingly well. He recognized her shaky hands even from afar, but she discreetly slipped at least half of the pharmaceuticals into Riley’s drink, unbeknownst to her or Maxwell. He didn’t think that part was necessary, but the force beyond insisted it was essential so they would force her to her room before everyone else.

After a time, Bastien observed as Riley hugged Maxwell and headed toward the estate. He quietly followed behind in the shadows as she walked through the deserted halls to her room, cursing the creaky floorboards underneath his feet, but the woman he trailed didn’t notice a thing. Riley skipped, hummed a tune, and even did a little twirl; she had no cares in the world and had no clue that her perception of a fairy tale was about to be shattered.

As her door shut, Bastien took position outside, crossed his arms, and waited for the job to be completed. Everyone else remained at the party outside; it was his assignment to ensure the vicinity stayed clear. He knew who occupied the room neighboring hers, which only fueled the need to get this done and over with as quickly and smoothly as possible.

People spoke behind the door — the voices escalating by the second — but Bastien made it a point to drown them out. The situation could go one of two ways, depending on Riley's cooperation, and it didn't take long for him to realize she chose the hard way. Although he found it difficult to ignore her pleas for help, his allegiance aligned elsewhere.

After a time, a few gentlemen approached but Bastien allowed them access, as he expected them. He didn’t know who they were, just that they would deal with ��relocating’ Tariq; his task was Riley. One had jet-black hair, while the other donned a baseball cap. They wore a matching dark ensemble, aside from the hat and one having thick, circular lens glasses. A holster of weapons surrounded their belts, making the hair on his arms stiffen. The pair went inside without a word, but Bastien felt their eyes on him as they entered.

The deafening silence hung for what felt like centuries, but eventually, they re-emerged with their cargo in tow.

“Unhand me this instant!” Tariq demanded as the muscles dragged him away.

“Not a chance, fancy boy.” The man with glasses snickered. “Got a special place for you.”

“I did what I was supposed to do!” Tariq pleaded, his tone changing once he realized the seriousness of his situation. “Please — have some compassion!”

“No can do. Boss’s orders were strict — toss you in a hole and throw those God-awful loafers into the ocean.” The dark-haired male snapped his fingers before adding, “I can leave the shoes on if you’d prefer — put some cement in them and send you both on a journey to the bottom of the Mediterranean.” His delight showed brightly, causing Bastien’s pulse rate to skyrocket.

Tariq suddenly planted his feet firmly on the ground. “DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM?! OR WHO MY FATHER IS?” He bellowed. “You won’t get away with this — I WILL ENSURE THAT YOU—”

Out of nowhere, the male with the ball cap hit him with the butt of his pistol, silencing his tirade. Tariq slumped to the floor with his eyes rolled back, blood gushing from his nose in an instant.

“Thank you, Claudius. I couldn’t stomach another second of his useless ranting.”

“You and I both.”

“Get him loaded up — we’re on a schedule and need to move.” Claudius hefted Tariq on his shoulder with ease and quickly left out the servants’ exit. As he disappeared, the remaining man shifted his attention to Bastien. “So… You’re prepared to handle the fallout?”

“Of course.” He confidently responded.

“Are you sure? Because I don't think you understand how messy this situation could get in the future… And honestly? If the boss hadn’t enlisted little Miss Penny, this entire operation would’ve crashed and burned before it even took off.” He rolled his eyes. “You thought she would agree to this just for a spot beside the queen?”

“It might surprise you what people will do to get ahead around here.”

“Yes, but they’re willing to execute better with a little — added motivation.” He flashed a wide, sinister smile. “You should know better than anyone…”

Bastien swallowed thickly, his entire body going rigid. “I’m not sure what you’re referencing.”

“Of course not.” He snickered. “I don’t blame you — I wouldn’t want anyone to know you’re the one who mur—”

Bastien held a hand up. “That’s enough.” He spat out.

The male’s smile widened. “As I said, people execute better with added motivation.” He patted Bastien’s shoulder with a little too much force.

“Was there a point to this?” Bastien rumbled through clenched teeth, shaking off the man’s palm.

“I just wanted to make sure it’s one hundred percent clear — you need to ensure anything regarding this stays buried. If too many people ask the right questions before we reach the finish line and the boss has to get involved again… Well —” He grinned, baring his teeth. “That’d just be a shame, wouldn’t it?”

A chill shot down the length of Bastien’s spine. “What is that supposed to mean? Are you threatening me?”

“You may not be the brightest crayon in the box, but you’re not that stupid — you know what will happen.” He responded, amusement written on his cold features. His almond eyes deepened to black, leaving Bastien momentarily speechless.

“I’m certain that won’t be necessary.” Bastien confidently answered after he regained his composure. His companion nodded with an eerie smirk but casually lingered around the door. “Is there something else I can do for you?”

“I was just wondering about Lady Riley… Where you’re planning on sending her since you received the — opportunity to handle her?” He nonchalantly inquired, acting as disinterested as possible. “Such a great honor you have… One I practically begged for.”

“The States, where she came from.” Bastien’s direction was to ship her back to New York as discreetly as possible. Even though the plan took a drastic turn, that was the one constant that couldn't change because otherwise, they would out themselves for taking the reins and disobeying a direct order. She would land on her feet, start a new life, and forget all about Cordonia. Liam would surely want to search for her, but all Bastien had to do was stall until the coronation, when their cover for removing Riley would come to light.

“I see, I see… Well, hopefully, that works out for her.” He smiled, the sight raising goosebumps on Bastien’s arms.

Before Bastien could respond, the door creaked open, and a hooded presence strode out. He paid Bastien no mind, instead focusing on the dark-haired male. “Let us vacate. The party is nearly over, and we have tremendous amounts of work ahead of us if we want to pull this off.”

“What about the court? We can’t go back to —”

“Do not fret, Anton… We have a plan… Trust the process; this is only the beginning. Everything will work out as it should in due time, but we must move — now.”

The pair quickly walked away, but not before Bastien heard Anton loudly whisper, “About that — pit-stop…” to his companion.

Bastien momentarily pondered that statement, but shook off the queasiness inside his stomach, concluding they must be referring to Tariq. As he stared at Riley’s door, a brief flicker of guilt traveled through him. Riley did nothing wrong, and he knew that, but this is the task he regretfully accepted. It was not a personal vendetta, by any means, but this clueless woman aimlessly landed herself in the middle of the nobility; she didn’t understand the untold, dark side of the court and its inhabitants, but would learn on this day.

Bastien cautiously opened the door and entered to find Riley on the edge of her bed, cradling her side. She snapped her head over to him as she heard his footsteps, and her eyes filled to the brim with tears when she met his gaze. He once again fought a wave of remorse at seeing her hopeful expression, knowing he was not the knight in shining armor she assumed he was.

“Bastien, you—you have to help me… Please…” Riley croaked. Her words came out slightly slurred, although it surprised him that the earlier sedatives hadn’t taken a harder effect.

“I’m going to, Lady Riley. First, I need to ensure you’re not carrying anything on you.”

Bastien assisted Riley to a standing position, which she slowly did without question. He didn’t know exactly what transpired, but she had a gash on her side, blood soaking through the thin hoodie she wore. With her permission, he checked the wounds, none of which were bad enough to seek immediate medical attention. Her face was littered with cuts, surely bruises to follow with time, as one of her cheeks was already tinted with a light purple. He started at her shoulders and patted down to her abdomen, but stopped when he felt something in her pocket and pulled out her phone. He nonchalantly slipped the device into his jacket, but despite his best efforts, Riley watched him do it.

“That is my property! You can’t take that!” She protested.

“I’m afraid I can… You are to leave completely empty-handed. Now, we have to get going — you have a flight to catch.” Bastien placed a hand on Riley’s arm to lead her away.

Riley firmly planted her feet in place, shaking away his grip. “Don’t do this, Bastien!”

“You have no choice in this matter and we’re on a time limit,” Bastien replied as he checked his watch.

“What about all my stuff?”

“As I said, empty-handed.” He didn’t understand that part either, but concluded it was easier to shove her on a plane with no items to accompany her.

“On whose authority?!” Riley exclaimed. When he didn’t answer, she reiterated, “Who told you to do this to me, Bastien?!”

“That is confidential information.”

Riley snorted, her frustration written all over her face. “Bullshit! At least be man enough to tell me!”

“Fine. You want to know who did it?” He held her glare, letting the tension linger, but finally answered, “It was Liam.”

Riley stepped away as if she took a blow to the gut, but her devastation quickly morphed into the polar opposite.

Riley laughed; hard enough that tears spilled down her cheeks. “You expect me to believe that? Liam? Of all people?” She shook her head, slightly bouncing from her chuckles. “You think I’m that naïve and stupid?”

“Believe what you will, that matters not to me but my instructions were simple, so we must get moving.” He stated, very matter-of-factly.

“Bastien,” Riley pleaded, any signs of amusement suddenly disappearing. “Don’t do this. I’ll just — I don’t know!” She cried, anxiety prominent in her features. “I won’t say anything to anyone — I swear on my grandmother’s life! Or–or we can tell Liam! Whatever got you wrapped up in this, he will understand.” She reasoned. “Please — you don’t have to conform. We can find a way out of this together.”

Bastien considered it for a second, but ultimately gave Riley a sad smile and nudged her toward the door. Tears flowed freely down her cheeks, but he remained firm. He quickly dropped her phone and the pre-written note he received inside her bedside table and went to the threshold, stepping over shards of glass from a broken planter and a bloodied garment.

Leaving her phone there meant it would be an immediate dead end for Liam and her sponsors. He would want to call her — possibly track her — but this ensured that door was closed before it could even be opened. It was a distraction tactic to keep the prince occupied until his reason for her departure would present itself to him, where hopefully, he would drop the matter for good.

Bastien held her stare for a moment before he cleared his throat, emphasizing the need to move. Riley hung her head and eventually slowly walked out the door, quietly sobbing as she did.

Bastien led her down the long hallway toward the servants’ exit, as their SUV waited close by. Riley was incredibly unsteady on her feet, whether it was from the earlier medication or her injuries, he wasn’t sure, but he held his hand out to steady her wobbly steps on multiple occasions. He glanced back and locked eyes with the maid he summoned to clean the area, and even with his dark sunglasses, he still spotted her apprehension. The interaction was brief as he and Riley reached the end of the hallway, but something in his gut said he would have to deal with that later.

Assisting Riley down the stairs turned out to be tricky, as she was in an incredible amount of pain. By the end, he hoisted her over his shoulder and carried her the rest of the way down. She didn’t yell or scream, not that it would have mattered if she tried; the party still ‘raged’ in the opposite direction, leaving the vicinity barren of wandering ears. If she got combative he had a plan for that as well, but was glad she opted to cooperate, instead of throwing a tantrum and meeting a fate similar to Tariq.

He sat her on her feet when they emerged outside and escorted her to the vehicle, quickly securing her inside. He used no restraints, but she didn’t resist one bit; almost as if she’d accepted her fate, or her body just didn’t have the strength to fight back. There were no remnants of Tariq or anyone else, but Bastien moved with fire under his feet as if someone lurked right around the corner.

Within the blink of an eye, they were at the airport, where Bastien unloaded her from the back of the car. The entire ride he heard Riley’s sniffles from the backseat, but he drove faster — to unload this package and hopefully, this would be a straightforward operation. Once she was out of the vehicle his job should be done, unless too many questions arose.

Bastien parked toward the back of the abandoned parking lot so the only thing on security footage would be Riley entering the airport. With his connections, he knew exactly where the cameras were and discreetly slipped into a blind spot. Riley could hardly stand as he pulled her from the vehicle, but that was not his concern.

He did his part — all she had to do was walk inside and leave Cordonia forever.

He shoved a small envelope into her hands and said, “Here is your ID, passport, credit cards, and a ticket to New York. It’s been a pleasure, Lady Riley.” And with that, Bastien turned on his heel and returned to his vehicle, speeding away before he could second guess his decision.

He glanced back in the rearview mirror and saw the silhouette of a woman standing there disoriented, wounded, alone, terrified, and defenseless, but quickly averted his gaze, centering on the road. He nearly pushed his foot through the floorboard to get away faster, but bile rose into the back of his throat as a chilling realization sat in; he didn’t know how, but this was far from over, and the chances of him making it to see his next birthday just substantially dwindled.

“I assumed she boarded the plane, but I later received her identification and credit cards in a sealed envelope from an unidentifiable source. I tried to help her… I really did…” Bastien finished with his head bowed.

“No, you sure as shit did not!” Drake bellowed, a mix of fury and shock written on his features. “I can’t believe you!”

Bastien flinched. “I did what I had to do—”

“Where is she, then? Because she never got on that fucking plane, Bastien!” Olivia hollered.

“I don’t know! I told you everything I know about it! I tried to find out, but I can’t!”

“This is fucking unreal.” Drake shook his head and scoffed. “You expect me to believe you really don’t know? You have her ID! Her goddamn passport!”

Bastien forcefully clenched his jaw. “I received them before the tour in a sealed envelope. I don’t know where it came from and I can't trace its origin.”

Drake scowled. “We’re supposed to believe that?” He looked away and rubbed a hand down his face, his frustration steadily rising. “Let’s say I do — you chose to keep that to yourself? You didn’t think that was worth mentioning when we opened an investigation into her goddamned disappearance?!” He over-enunciated, sarcasm dripping off every syllable.

“What was I supposed to do, Drake?!” Bastien responded, but couldn’t fathom meeting his eyes for even a brief second.

“Not be a spineless piece of shit, for one,” Olivia answered. “For two, you could’ve refused to cooperate from the beginning. Or, told the truth, regardless of what would’ve happened to you then… Or, made sure she got on the plane, at least. You drugged her and left her for dead, Bastien! Who knows where she’s at by now?! Do you realize how much time we’ve wasted because of you?!”

“I did not drug her or leave her for dead—”

“But you didn’t fucking stop it either, and that’s just as damning in my eyes,” Drake spoke in a bland, empty voice as he tried to comprehend this betrayal. “I don’t know what happened to you, but you’re not the man I used to look up to, not anymore… I can’t believe you did this and continuously lied to us about it!”

Bastien slouched. “I never lied—”

“Bullshit! You’ve done nothing but lie! You’ve gotta stop and tell us the truth for once!”

“I told you everything I know, everything I’ve done. I killed the maid and had every intention of Lady Penelope taking the fall — I’ve led you astray and tampered with evidence — I admit it.”

“I don’t care about any of that shit right now!” Drake shouted. “We wanna know what you did with Brooks, Bastien.”

Bastien sighed. “Drake, I told you, I don’t know where she’s at! She was supposed to go inside and board the plane!”

“But you didn’t wait and ensure she did, at least?” Olivia asked with an arched brow.

“I didn’t think I needed to! After what I heard coming out of that room, I assumed she would run inside to get away… If anyone knows, it’s probably that Anton character!”

“Anton…” Olivia repeated, her curiosity peaking. “What do you know about him? And the other guy? Claudius?”

“Absolutely nothing. I’d never seen them before and haven’t since. All I know is they were in charge of relocating Tariq.”

“And you don’t know where that is, either?”

“No, I don’t. I didn’t ask questions, and I wasn’t told. I ran their names in the system to see if I could figure anything out, but they’re ghosts — there aren’t even medical records with either name on it.”

Olivia scoffed. “So, why do it, then?”

“I have my reasons…” He finally gathered the courage to take a peek in Drake's direction, but when he spotted the wild blaze of fire in his eyes, swiftly glanced away.

“Yeah… Okay…” Olivia indignantly laughed. “So was this your idea, or were you working under someone else’s watch?” He didn’t reply, but she and Drake noticed his shoulders tense. “That’s all the answer I need. So who is it? Who’s pulling the strings here?”

Bastien shook his head. “That I can’t tell you.”

“You’re already a dead man no matter which way you look at it, so you may as well just tell us. If you do, there is the tiniest chance that you may receive mercy,” Olivia growled as her hand instinctively reached for the dagger hidden in her waistband.

“I’m aware of that, but I cannot tell you.”

“Bas, you need to fucking—”

“Damn it, Drake, I can’t!” Bastien shouted. He knew the pain Drake felt was nothing compared to what he’d feel if he knew the truth, but he refused to open that can of worms.

Liam remained eerily quiet as he listened to Bastien retell the events of that night. To say he was fuming would be the understatement of the millennium. Bastien’s continuous misleading and knowledge of Riley being drugged, assaulted, and potentially still in Cordonia sent Liam overboard. Not to mention, he basically left her for dead in a parking lot. Bastien did all of that; he may not have physically harmed her himself, but he stood guard, let it happen, and actively worked to cover it up, making Liam physically sick to his stomach.

The all-consuming rage he tried to control reached its boiling point. He was no longer asking nicely — he was demanding.

Liam slowly stood from his chair, the loud screech halting the surrounding bickering. He leaned over the table on his knuckles and positioned himself at eye level with his former guard. “You told her that I did it?”

Bastien’s eyes spread eagle. “I just needed to get her out of the door… I assumed that would get her to leave willingly, but she didn’t believe a word I said.”

Liam indignantly laughed, the sound sending waves of uncertainty through everyone in the room. “So it wasn’t enough to physically break her — you had to pile emotional pain on top, too?”

“Sir, she did not believe me,” Bastien reasoned. “She knew you would never do such a thing. It was only a last-ditch attempt on my part to get her out.”

Liam mindlessly nodded, ignoring the new wave of dread filling his veins. He’d convinced himself even through all this madness, when they reached the bottom of this intricate web, there was still a slight chance Riley could love him back, but that hope burst into flames instantaneously. Regardless of whether she believed the lie, he was more determined than ever to find her, ensure her safety, and make sure she knew he played no part in this. He had no intentions of hiding his prolonged negligence of the situation from her, but wasn’t willing to let her hate him over something he had no part of.

Liam took a deep, steadying breath and spoke in a low, timbre rumble. “I’m ordering you to tell me who orchestrated all this, Bastien — you owe me that much.”

Bastien remained silent for a long moment as he held his monarch’s intent gaze. Eventually, he sat back in his chair and broke eye contact while pursing his lips together. “Damn it, tell me!” Liam shouted, his voice echoing against the concrete walls.

Bastien hesitated, as he quickly planned his path from here. The potential to get caught was always there, and he thought extensively about what he would do and who to say in this situation. His secrets fueled a small portion of his decision, but the majority centered around fear. He wouldn’t be safe either way but would take his punishment from the crown. Aside from keeping his skeletons inside the closet, to defy the — others — would essentially put nails in his coffin, just waiting to be hammered in. He’d seen firsthand the carnage they were capable of; a couple of treason charges were nothing in comparison.

But if he pointed them in the right direction, it wouldn't be him outing the culprit.

The tension lingered but right when Olivia opened her mouth to push, Bastien quietly answered, “It was your father…”

The room went silent; not a single breath to be heard. Olivia took in the steadfast determination in Bastien’s features and knew for once — he wasn’t lying. And it made some sense; Bastien was purely manpower, not an active brain contributing, and Constantine had the power to force him into anything. However, she instantly knew the former monarch was not the person behind that door with Riley.

Constantine was in high demand and there was no way he could’ve slipped away from the jamboree that early unnoticed. Olivia recalled that night, and to her knowledge, Constantine retired at the same time as Liam. Plus, if they believed Liam’s out-of-body experience to be reality, Constantine was right beside him while the attack took place.

She believed him but also realized while he told the truth, he didn’t tell all of it. There was more to the story, and she intended to get any and every ounce of information out of him, no matter what it took.

Olivia opened her mouth to address Bastien, but Liam beat her to it. “My father?” He repeated, confusion showcased brightly on his face.

“Yes, sir,” Bastien softly spoke. “I know that may be hard for you to hear, but—”

“Shut the fuck up!” Liam suddenly bellowed as his shock quickly morphed into dangerous fury. “You’re still trying to lie?!”

Bastien’s eyes widened. “I swear to you — he’s the one who told me to send her back to New York.”

Liam shook his head, his face reddening with every sullen breath. “No… You’re just trying to cover your own ass, that’s it!”

Bastien sighed. “I don’t expect you to believe me, but that is the truth. Your father is the one who—”

Liam paced the small area, his racing thoughts spiraling out of control. “My father would not do this, regardless of how strongly he felt about it. This is fucking evil and deranged — he is a lot of things, but he would never do something like this to me.” He seethed. “So I will ask you one final time — who was it?”

Silence commenced once more, but Bastien eventually answered. “I told you who it was. If you choose not to believe me, that’s your prerogative. I did what he ordered me to do.”

Fast as lightning, Liam brought his fist up and connected with Bastien’s jaw. He went around the table and hit him again, and again, until Bastien was on his knees with his head dangling in between his still cuffed hands. Liam didn’t care if he killed him or not at that moment; all that mattered was exacting revenge on behalf of his beloved, even if she wasn’t there to witness it. The monarch checked out, replaced by a vicious beast — a starved one, at that.

Liam saw nothing except Riley’s face, the sound of her cries from his out-of-body experience echoing in his mind. His hand throbbed as he relentlessly took his frustrations out on Bastien, but he barely felt it because of the pure hatred and adrenaline pumping through his veins.

Olivia and Drake watched, exchanging worried glances as Liam continued his assault. Both felt incredible amounts of anger toward Bastien, but they saw the bits of truth. Liam might not want to believe it, but Constantine made the most sense.

However, Olivia wholeheartedly believed Constantine was not the one in that room. He may have ordered Bastien to engage, but deep down she knew he was not the one calling the shots that night. As Liam continued to pummel him, she had half a mind to stop him, but the person taking out his anger on his crumpled guard was not her childhood friend, and even she was hesitant to interfere.

It was Drake who finally intervened, laying a firm hand on his shoulder. “Li…” When Liam shook him off, he tried again with more force. “Liam!”

“Get your fucking hands off of me!” Liam shouted, quickly returning to his mission. Every bone that snapped underneath his fist soothed a portion of his soul, but he wasn’t willing to stop until Bastien felt even a small portion of the pain enveloping his entire being.

The door crept open and Leo went to step inside, Maxwell close behind, but halted when he spotted a bloodied and battered Bastien dangling from the side of the table. Liam continued his attack, completely oblivious to the additional presences in the room. Leo noticed the mixed expressions from Olivia and Drake and quickly pieced a vague conclusion together. Never in his life did he think Bastien could be capable of such atrocities, but clearly they found something to tie him to it.

Leo stepped toward Liam and timidly tapped his shoulder to gather his attention. “Li, we found Penelope. She was headed to the palace with orders for incineration upon arrival, but we stopped it and she should be back soon. I talked with Landon and Emmaline and they’ve agreed to send her wherever you see fit for autopsy. Ray recommended a specialist, but I wanted your input before I started the process.”

Liam finally stopped his assault and stared down at Bastien’s crumpled body with labored breaths. “The amount of which you’re willing to go to bury this is ridiculous! WHO could be that important that you would do all this — risk EVERYTHING for?!” He bellowed, his voice booming against the walls.

Bastien never answered, whether by choice or from his injuries, but a silence took over as Liam really pondered that question for a moment. This wasn’t just some measly scandal anymore; this was an extensive operation concocted to remove the top competitors and ensure he married Madeleine. At first assumption, it would be easy to point a finger at Madeleine herself, but Bastien held no allegiance to her, and the two hardly spoke before the start of the engagement tour. She held no power over him and had no way to get him to bend to her will.

And that was simply too easy — right?

Bastien’s involvement suddenly narrowed down the potential list of suspects, as Liam knew there was a very short number of people he would have no choice but to obey. Despite everything, he didn’t want to believe Bastien willingly did all of this. He expressed feeling some kind of remorse while it was happening, but he still aided and lied about it afterward, making his guilt irrelevant.

He had no reason to trust Bastien, but the more he thought about it, the more his heart accepted the tale.

The betrayal from his former guard was a lot to process, but knowing who could have ultimately constructed the whole thing shredded him into a million tiny pieces. Half of him was ready to unleash a wrath like no other, while the other half wanted to crumple into a ball and cry. His already fragile heart couldn't take the strain; right when he thought this situation couldn't get worse, it did. Someone so close forcefully took something so precious, knowing how much Riley meant to him, and it completely blindsided him.

His back hit the wall and he slid down it, clutching his chest. Leo and Drake quickly moved to catch him, thinking he was having another episode, but Liam shook them off. As everyone took in his dejection, they realized he accepted who their next subject of questioning would be.

“Leo…” Liam swallowed thickly, his breaths rapid and labored. “Tell me — tell me our father wouldn’t do this… He’s not evil, just hard-headed — right?”

Leo winced. “I… I wish I could, Li, but…” He didn’t want to believe it but with Constantine’s infatuation with the throne, he couldn’t put it past him. Their father was never malicious, but he had a control problem regarding the crown; Leo knew firsthand.

But would he go this far?

Liam let out a forceful huff of air and ran his hands down his face, trying and failing to keep his tears at bay. “I — I thought it was bad that Bastien betrayed me, but — him? Why would he do this?”

“I want to answer that, Liam, but I’m not the person to ask… One way or another, you know we have to confront him…”

Liam grimly nodded. “I know… I just — what if he is the one who did all of this? What am I supposed to do then, Leo?”

Leo remained silent for a long moment, gathering his thoughts, but was to no avail, as he genuinely didn’t have an answer. “I don’t know, Liam… I really don’t…”

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lorirwritesfanfic · 3 months ago

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Fallen Petals

Book: The Royal Romance Characters: Liam Rys, MC (Jade), Madeleine Amaranth, Bastien Lykel Pairing: Liam Rys x MC (Jade) Rating: E Word count: 1066 Reading time: 4 min Summary: After the first dinner to celebrate his engagement to Madeleine, Liam couldn't stop thinking about Jade. He had to find a way back into her heart. Based on the prompts: @kingliamappreciationweek Day three: Roses / Golden

Author’s note:

Jade Bourbon is a creation of this author. The other characters belong to Pixelberry Studios;

Thank you to @lizzybeth1986 and @sazanes for hosting another KLAW. The event never fails to wake up my writing muse from hibernation 😁

This fic is part of TRR series, To (Secretly) Love You, but I believe anyone who played TRR Book 2 will understand the context.

County of Fydelia, January 2018

"Thank you for coming!" Madeleine faked a smile and waved as the last guest left the grand hall. The countess then grumbled and extended her hand to her maid, who promptly squeezed a hand sanitizer on her palm.

Right next to her, Liam inhaled sharply. It still baffled him to remember that Leo endured Madeleine for three years. Keeping up appearances in front of guests was one thing. But when it was just them and the servants, it was so much harder. After all, that was exactly when Madeleine's true self would show.

"Your Majesty, your bedchambers are ready," Bastien whispered.

"Thank goodness," the King mumbled to his bodyguard, who pressed his lips together and nodded. Bastien certainly knew how obnoxious Madeleine could be.

"I beg your pardon?" Madeleine cut in.

"Bastien just informed me my room is ready and I thanked him. If you excuse me, I'd like to rest right now."

"Alright, you've been doing your part pretty well, Your Majesty." Madeleine smirked.

"Not as well as you do, sweetheart," Liam retorted as he walked towards the stairs.

"Just try to not ogle that commoner when she's around and we should be fine."

Liam stopped in his tracks as his hands balled into fists. How Madeleine planned to keep up with this engagement if she insisted on pushing his buttons it was still a mystery to him. But he would never let her know she was getting under his skin.

"Have a good night, Madeleine," he said, plastering his best fake smile then headed upstairs.

Inside his bedchambers, Liam drank the last of his scotch and heaved a sigh. This certainly would give him the worst migraine in the morning, but at this point, it didn't matter. He just wished the whiskey could help him sleep and forget this night ever happened. Yet, he couldn't. How could he forget the look in her eyes? She clearly seemed upset, but her eyes still searched his from time to time. And she changed. Her hair, the way she dressed, her posture... Did she miss him too? Did she still want anything to do with him? He needed to know how she was doing, what she was thinking. He just didn't know how.

A soft knock pulled him out of his reverie.

"Yes?"

"The maid is asking if you want anything from the kitchen, Sir," Bastien explained.

Liam scanned the room, searching for any dirty dishes, when his eyes landed on the flower arrangement on the table outside.

"Actually, I do want a couple of things from the kitchen." Liam began to list a few things he wanted so his guard would pass it along to the maid. "Also, do you know if there are any flower shops open at this hour?"

"I'm not sure, but I can ask around."

"Get me the number of the best flower shop in town. I'll talk to them myself."

"Your assistant can handle this matter, Sir."

"No, let's keep this between us."

"As you wish, Sir."

About half an hour later, the Royal motorcade rolled to a stop before the largest flower shop in Fidelia. Once the King's guard cleared the perimeter, Liam climbed out of the car and walked in, greeting the flower shop owner with a smile.

"Your Majesty, it's an honor to have you here." The woman bowed in respect.

"Thank you for accepting my request in such short notice, Mrs. Atwood. Shall we see the roses?"

As the florist led him to her workstation, where dozens of roses were displayed on vases, a cold breeze blew against the flowers. Liam watched a few petals fall on the floor as a sudden memory took over his mind.

Cordonian capital, November 2017 (coronation night)

A giggle escaped Jade's lips as Liam's hand caressed her lower back and traveled to her derrière.

"So you're a butt man, huh?" She grinned.

"Pardon?" His brows furrowed in confusion.

"You know... Some people prefer boobs, others prefer butt. And since your hands can't seem to rest anywhere else..."

Liam's cheeks flushed crimson. "I didn't realize... I—"

"It's okay," she interrupted, leaning in for a quick yet torrid kiss. "I like it."

A slow smile played on his lips. "Oh, do you now?" Liam captured her lips once again, grasping her buttocks in the process.

"If you squeeze them harder, we might never leave this maze, Your Highness," she whispered.

"Nothing would make me happier."

She pulled away just enough to look at him and arched an eyebrow. "Nothing?"

"Well, there's one thing..." He gazed at her in adoration as a gentle breeze ruffled roses, a few petals falling near them. "Making you my queen would make me the happiest man. Are you ready?"

"I am. As long as I'm with you, I'm ready for anything, my love."

"I love the sound of that."

"Great! Me too."

Both of them chuckled.

Just then, a gust of wind blew inside the maze, ruffling the flowers, rose petals and leaves flying towards them.

"Oh! So cold!" Jade shivered slightly, hugging him tighter. "I think my butt is going to freeze!"

Liam guffawed then reached for his jacket, covering her backside and part of their thighs.

"Thank you." She smiled softly as a rose petal fell on her hair.

Liam then reached for a red rose nearby, tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and placed the rose on her hair bun. Jade has always been an attractive woman to him, even when she wore that unflattering waitress uniform from the New York dive bar. But, right now, wearing simply a red rose from the maze garden, she never looked more beautiful.

County of Fydelia, January 2018

"How many flowers should I get for the bouquet, Your Majesty?" The florist asked.

"All the red roses you have."

"All of them?" The woman's eyes went round.

"And a few baby's breath to adorn the arrangement," Liam said as he touched a fallen petal on the table.

The florist nodded in surprise (probably shocked that the King knew a thing or two about flowers) and left to pick up the flowers. When she returned, she placed a card and a pen on the table. "You can write a note to your fiancee. I'm sure she'll be delighted to know you came here to pick the flowers yourself."

"Thank you." Liam smiled and reached for the pen and the card. He could only hope the person he'd send those roses to would be willing to read his note and to see him again.

#choices fanfic #the royal romance #king liam #liam x mc #kingliamappreciationweek #klaw day 3 #lorirwritesfanfic #lorircreates #n*fw

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thatfunkylilfey · 7 months ago

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✦ A Guide to Mothlight ✦

a guide to Mothlight by Florian A. Ellis ; book i. of The Serpent & The Fey trilogy (x)

✦ Blurb

The day their sister disappeared without a trace, Aeramis’ world fell out from under them, leaving them to wander aimlessly, taking it day by day. That was until six months ago.

Since then, Aeramis—or Vanya as they go by these days—has been following a trail they refuse to stray from. A trail that will lead them to someone called the Spider, an individual with the ability to point Aeramis towards the man responsible for tearing their family apart. After all, Aeramis has one thing on their mind. Revenge. Something they are well-suited for being a shapeshifter, someone able to appear as anyone at any time.

As the trail for the Spider grows cold, Bastien—full-time mercenary captain, Aeramis’ part-time lover—appears in the same city searching for the Spider for reasons of his own. The Spider has hired him, promising not just gold but clues regarding a past Bastien cannot remember.

Knowing they work better together, the two of them reconnect, and the trail to the Spider becomes clearer. But when their meeting with the Spider points Aeramis in the direction of both the man they’re searching for and their childhood home, the shapeshifter and the mercenary captain are left with more questions than answers.

Aeramis must enlist both new friends and old in order to seek the revenge they are so desperate to enact, no matter the cost, allowing for nothing to stand in their way.

✦ Elements

MONKEY MAN (2024) x ROMAN MYTHOLOGY x THE CASK OF AMONTILLADO meets the vibes of ELFHAME x ARCANE

contains:

Adult [Low] Science [High/Mythic Fantasy]

Dual POV

Unreliable Narrators

Shapeshifting as a Metaphor for Gender Identity/Expression

[Alchemical] Industrial Revolution-inspired setting

tropes:

Revenge at Any Cost

Found Family

Established Couple

NB MC x Trans Man LI

They're Feral ; He's Enamored

Queer Disasters

Memory Loss

✦ Playlist

Which Witch — Florence + The Machine Wolf at Your Door — Chloe x Halle Give — Sleep Token Eat Your Young — Hozier Whatever It Takes — Imagine Dragons Heaven, Iowa — Fall Out Boy

art in the fourth image credited to the ever-lovely and ever-talented @emimillerart ✦

#the serpent + the fey #mothlight.wip #aeramis #bastien #mine #writerblr #writeblr #writing community #fantasy #adult fantasy #queer fantasy #queer author #trans author #am writing #am drafting #writers of tumblr #writing guide

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deb-1106 · 2 years ago

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Choices Flash Fic week 31

Hey all!! ❤️

Because we've both been out of the game so long, and have really missed writing, my good friend (she was actually my very FIRST friend on this hellsite 😋❤️) @walkerismychoice and I have decided to motivate each other by writing together using our LI's and MC's from different choices books. I'll be using Drake Walker and my MC, Ava Matheson from TRR, and Maggie will be using Bryce Lahela and her MC, Charlie Hawkins from Open Heart.

This story will hopefully be the first of a weekly series of one-shots using @choicesflashfics prompts.

We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed writing it! ❤️

Prompt 3 — “Wait a second. Pause and rewind … what did you just say?”

Book: TRR/OPH

Pairings: Drake x Ava, Bryce x Charlie

Rating: M

TW: Gun Violence

“Little Blossom?”

Ava’s eyes flew open.

She was momentarily disoriented, caught somewhere between a memory and a nightmare. But as her eyes focused and she took in the institutional green walls and naugahyde seating of a hospital waiting room, the crushing reality of the evening’s events came flooding back.

***

Ava! Get down!”

Drake’s warning was the last thing she heard before his body slammed into hers, knocking her to the ground. She screamed as a bomb exploded nearby, raining chunks of rubble down all around them as the acrid smell of gunfire burned her nostrils.

“Drake?” She cried, “Drake, we have to get out of here!

He didn’t move.

“Drake!“ Ava began to panic as she felt the warm, sticky dampness of his blood seep into her ballgown. She reached out to press her hand to his cheek and his eyelids fluttered open for just a moment. He gave her a small smile.

“I love you, Matheson.” He mumbled faintly as his eyes closed once again.

“NO! Drake, wake up! Please, baby. I need you to wake up!” She tried to wiggle out from underneath him, but the weight of his body was too much for her.

HELP!” She screamed, praying that her cries were loud enough to be heard over the chaos around them, “PLEASE! … SOMEBODY HELP US!”

After what felt like an eternity, she felt Drake’s weight lifted from her body. She immediately scrambled to her knees crawling on all fours to where he lay prone on the ballroom floor, his suit soaked with blood.

“Oh my God!” She gasped, “Drake!”

Bastien was kneeling over him, both hands pressed over a wound in Drake's shoulder as he barked out orders. “I NEED A MEDIC AND AN UNMARKED CAR…NOW!”

“Bastien! What’s going on?” Tears streamed down Ava’s face as she grabbed Drake’s hand, alarmed by how cold it felt.

“Terrorist attack. Drake took a bullet.”

Ava looked to Bastien for reassurance, “But…he’s going to be okay, right?”

He wouldn’t meet her eyes.

“Bastien! Tell me he’s going to be okay.” She begged, “Please!”

He finally looked up, and the expression on his face made Ava’s blood run cold.

“The wound is close to his heart and he’s lost a lot of blood.” Bastien’s voice was somber, “If we can get him to the hospital quickly, he might have a chance.”

“Might?” Ava pressed a hand over her mouth and felt her stomach lurch.

No! This can’t be happening. We were finally going to start our lives together. I can’t lose him now.

***

Maxwell knelt down beside the chair Ava had finally collapsed into after pacing the hospital corridors for hours. He placed his hand over hers and squeezed gently. “There’s a nurse here who wants to talk to you.”

Heart hammering in her chest, Ava jumped to her feet, ignoring the pain of her own injuries as she anxiously faced the young nurse standing in the doorway.

“Is he okay?” She asked, “Is he out of surgery? Can I see him?”

The nurse smiled kindly, the rapid-fire questions not phasing her in the least.

“Mr. Walker is still in surgery…”

When Ava’s face crumpled, the nurse crossed the room to place a comforting hand on her arm, “But he has one of our top surgeons working on him, so rest assured, he’s in the best possible hands.” She smiled warmly, “In fact, Dr. Lehela wanted me to let you know that Mr. Walker is out of the woods. The bullet has been removed and they’re just cleaning out the remaining debris. There was some concern about bone fragments splintering off and causing damage to the surrounding heart tissue, but that doesn't appear to have been the case.”

Ava felt her legs go weak with relief.

“Oh, Thank God.”

She felt Maxwell’s arms encircle her and sank wearily into his comforting embrace.

“See, Blossom.” He said, encouragingly, “I told you he was going to be okay. It’ll take more than a tiny little bullet to take him out.”

Ava nodded and squeezed Max’s hand without breaking eye contact with the nurse.

“How much longer do you think it’ll be before I can see him?”

“Once he’s out of surgery, he’ll go to recovery." She replied with a comforting smile. "It’s hard to say how long he’ll be there, as everyone comes out of anesthesia differently, but a conservative estimate would be another hour or two. Then he’ll be settled into a room and can receive visitors.”

Ava nodded and swiped at the tears which were once again sliding down her cheeks. But this time, they were tears of relief.

“Thank you.”

The nurse smiled. “Of course. I’ll come get you when I have his room assignment.”

Ava thanked her again.

Drake was going to be okay. Liam had been unharmed in the attack and Bastien and Kiara came away with only minor injuries. Somehow they’d all survived.

Suddenly Ava’s stomach growled…LOUDLY.

Maxwell laughed. “Okay, now that we know Drake is okay…it’s time to take care of YOU.”

Ava began to protest but Maxwell was already propelling her toward the door. “No more excuses! You need food, or at the very least some coffee, or you’ll find yourself in a hospital bed of your own. Now MOVE!”

Maxwell was wearing his stubborn expression, so Ava knew resistance was futile.

She let him lead her down to the Cafeteria. “I’ll go back up to the waiting room and let you know immediately if I hear anything from the doctors.”

“Thank you.” Ava replied weekly before walking through the cafeteria doors and meandering aimlessly towards the various food offerings.

—--

Charlie checked the time on her Apple watch. Wow, a whole 30 minutes for lunch today, she thought. Typically she was lucky to get half of that. Nobody ever told her the life of a hospital internist would be glamorous, but she still hadn’t been prepared for how tired and hungry she’d be so much of the time. Although they bill residency as a training program for your selected specialty, Charlie swore it was also meant to be a boot camp that only the strong survived. Only one more year and she’d have some semblance of a normal schedule as an attending physician.

“Coffee. Must have coffee first.” Charlie mumbled to herself, taking in the aroma of freshly brewed beans as she marched towards the machines only to be stopped in her tracks by someone hovering in front of them. Charlie went left, but then the woman went left. Then she tried to go right, but the woman shuffled to the right. Her patience running thin, Charlie spoke up. “Excuse me, could I sneak in here?”

“I’m sorry.” The woman spun to face her, and Charlie’s irritation melted away. The woman looked sad and tired for sure, but that was not an uncommon sight for visitors of the hospital cafeteria. There was something about her that drew Charlie in and made her want to comfort the woman. Maybe it was the fact that Charlie could see a little bit of herself in her - definitely not the flawless deep olive skin tone and dark hair, wildly contrasting with Charlie’s strawberry blonde locks and accompanying creamy white skin, but they appeared about the same age, and there was just something there that made them alike. Although Charlie was not prone to striking up friendships with hospital visitors, something told Charlie this was a connection she should make.

“Let me buy you a coffee.” Charlie offered.

The woman looked Charlie up and down, seemingly noting Charlie’s white coat and ID badge. “No, that’s okay. You can just go first. I have no idea what I want.”

“Please, I insist. Free coffee is one of the few perks I get for devoting my life to this place.” They both laughed and Charlie saw the first little spark of life return to the woman’s eyes.

Charlie grabbed two prepackaged sandwiches to go with the coffees and brought them over to the woman who had already seated herself at a cafeteria table.

"Thank you so much…" she glanced at the ID badge again, "....Dr. Hawkins. "I was too much of a wreck to even pick out something to eat. I'm sure you're busy, but would you care to join me?"

Again, it wasn't typical of Charlie to hang out with random hospital guests, but she knew this woman needed a friend right now, and maybe that feeling was mutual. "Sure, I still have about 20 more minutes." Charlie sat down. "But you can call me Charlie."

"Well thank you again, Charlie, I'm Ava."

"Nice to meet you, Ava." Charlie hesitated for a moment before asking, "If it's not too forward, do you want to talk about your loved one here that's got you so worried?... Only if you want to talk about it."

Ava's facial expression grew somber once again. She took a deep breath before letting everything spill out - getting invited to Cordonia on a whim to compete for the future King's heart, fate stepping in when she fell for his best friend Drake instead, and all the political drama and everything leading up to the events that brought her to this particular hospital cafeteria. Despite the tears streaming down Ava’s face, the air about her felt a little bit lighter.

"I'm sorry." Charlie squeezed Ava’s hand from across the table. "This must be so scary for you, but Edenbrook is a great hospital. I'm sure Drake is in great hands. Do you know who his surgeon is? I probably know them or at least know of them.”

Ava pursed her lips in concentration. “Dr, La-....hala? I think it’s something like that.”

Charlie smirked. “Young, kind of surfer boy-esque, and cocky as all hell because he knows how good-looking he is?”

Ava laughed nervously. “Yeah, that sounds like him. Please tell me he’s also a good surgeon.”

“Dr. Lahela can be kind of cocky bastard at times, but I love him. And yes, he’s a great surgeon, and I’m not just saying that because I’m biased.”

“Wait…” Ava seemed to be putting the pieces together. “You like love, love him? Are you two-”

“Yes, Bryce is my boyfriend. I might not have been so complimentary about his other characteristics otherwise.”

They both devolved into laughter until Ava spoke up again. “I like your sense of humor. Sounds like you need it to put up with him, just like me with my….Drake.” Ava quiets for a moment and then asks, “So I take it you two met here at Edenbrook?”

“Well, that’s a funny story.” Charlie wondered if she really wanted to get into this with a relative stranger, but Ava had already shared so much and could probably use the distraction anyway. “We actually met at a strip club, and believe it or not, Bryce was a stripper.”

Ava’s eyes opened wide. “Wait a second. Pause and rewind … what did you just say?”

Charlie inhaled deeply. “Okay, I don’t have a ton of time left on my break, so I’ll give you the condensed version. My med school friends dragged me out to a strip club to celebrate after we graduated. I was in a funk because I’d been recently dumped by the douchebag I thought I was going to marry and to top it off, I was set to be in my awful cousin’s weeklong wedding extravaganza and was in no mood to be questioned about the whereabouts of my plus one. Said friends paid for a private lap dance for me. In my drunken state, I got the bright idea to hire the stripper to be my fake boyfriend for the wedding. Somewhere along the way, fake boyfriend turned into real love interest. I learned he wasn’t just a stripper but had worked his way through med school and was about to hang up his banana hammocks to start his residency. As fate would have it, we’d both matched at Edenbrook and two years later, here we are.”

“Woah. And I thought mine and Drake’s relationship had an unconventional start.” Ava peeked down at her phone on the table. “I’m definitely going to need the feature-length presentation of this story another time, but my friend Maxwell just texted that Drake’s out of surgery!”

“That’s great news!” Charlie got up with Ava and walked out to the elevators with her. “I’ll walk you back up there since I’m headed that way.

Little did either of them know that this chance meeting would be the beginning of a lifelong friendship.

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tessa-liam · 2 years ago

Text

Smoke and Mirrors

-6- You Are the Reason

Book: The Royal Romance Finale +, Alternate Universe

Series Premise: Hidden in the shadows, poised to challenge the status quo are enemies of the state. The loyalties and honesty of family and of friends will be tested. ‘Keep your friends close, your enemies closer.’

•Catch up: Smoke and Mirrors Masterlist

•Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!MC Riley Brooks-Rys, OTP ‘LiRi’

2nd Pairings: Leo Rys x Amalas

Drake Walker x F!OC Delaney Leigh

All characters belong to Pixelberry except Delaney Leigh, Officer Alex Cossoy, Geoffrey Bessler (Amalas’ head guard)

•Rating: M🔞*Series Warnings: NSFW material, sexual innuendo, adult language/swearing/drinking, gun violence.

•Category: Alternate Universe/on-going series/angst/fluff

•Words: 1774, Read: 9 minutes

Chapter 6: You Are the Reason

Insert picture***

Chapter Summary: Arriving back at the Monterissan palace, discoveries are uncovered, and fears are realized.

Music Inspiration: Need You Now – Lady Antebellum

You Are the Reason – Calum Scott

A/N1: My submission for @choicesflashfics Week #27, Prompt #3 - “I don’t know if I want to know the answer, but what are you doing?”

***insert picture

Monterisso Royal Palace - Seaside Balcony

It had just turned 10 p.m. and the sun was setting over the Mediterranean Sea. The cool pool water was refreshing as Riley leaned back to submerge under the surface. Even though it was late evening, the temperature in the Capital was still 43 degrees C.

Amalas slowly lifted her gaze up when she noticed Geoffrey, her head royal guard, step onto the terrace beside the jacuzzi.

“Your Majesty, please excuse my interruption.”

“Yes, Geoffrey?”

“King Liam’s Royal motorcade has arrived at the palace.”

“Thank you.” Amalas sat up and reached for a towel.

Noticing Riley was getting out of the pool, “Hey, Ri? Is the pool is too cool for you?”

Riley laughed, “oh no, the water is amazing. I totally forgot how hot it was out here tonight.”

“Where are you off to? Would you like another iced tea?”

“I would love that, thanks. Let me just check on the girls quickly; I will be right back.”

“I wonder why Liam is coming back tonight?”

“I am not sure; Leo messaged me earlier and said that they had hit a dead end,”

Completely unaware that Liam and Leo had just walked out onto the terrace behind her, Riley slipped into her sandals. Liam lifted his finger to his lips to signal to Amalas not to alert her.

Amalas chuckled as she watched her surprised friend turn and then ‘yelp’ when she was lovingly encased in the arms of her husband from behind, as Liam caught her off guard.

“My love, maybe it would be better if you join me in the jacuzzi instead of roaming around the palace in your towel?” Liam whispers in his smooth, deep baritone into her ear.

Smirking, Liam grins as Riley shakes her head.

“Well, I’m delighted you came home early,” Riley coos.

Turning and slipping her hands up Liam’s chest, she reaches up to kiss him ‘hello’.

“Hey, Ri, how is the water?” Leo interrupts.

Sauntering up to Leo, Amalas quips, “well, there is another way to find out.”

Leo leans down to kiss her cheek. “Is that so? Care to take a swim with me?”

Amalas coyly smiles, “follow me.”

***

“So, tell me, Liam, what happened today? What changed?”

Liam looked at the ceiling, “I overheard that the Interpol intelligence reports showed that this palace would likely be the location of where my ‘supposed’ sister would be.”

“Liam, who did you overhear?”

“Alex Cossoy. He was confiding that to Olivia.”

“Oh my God, here?” Riley gasped.

“He told Olivia that his gut feeling was that this woman has a connection to the royal guard here in the palace through Bastien.”

“Bastien? Bastien again! It seems like there is a covert underground spy network between our countries.”

“Well, I am delegating this investigation to my brother. Leo has agreed to head the investigation with the assistance of Interpol here in Monterisso.

Since Officer Cossoy is assigned to Cordonia, he will lead the investigation from our palace. Olivia has already offered her assistance to Interpol.

Liam stopped, turning to Riley, “I need to get you and Ellie out of Monterisso now. It's not safe here; we are going home.”

Spotting the King and Queen walking towards her, Mara, who was standing guard outside the princess’ room, bows.

“Your Majesties.”

Riley nods and walks inside of her daughter’s room.

“Hello Mara, any issues to report?” Liam asks, noticing the guard’s attention was focused behind his right shoulder. “Your Majesty, I need to report a concerning incident that I witnessed earlier this evening.”

Officer Cossoy, responding to Mara’s request stepped alongside Liam.

***

Mediterranean Sea, Monterisso

“Never have I ever, ever thought I would someday be swimming in the Mediterranean,” Delaney smiled widely.

Drake answered back, “never have I ever thought I would be skinny dipping with a hot blond in the Mediterranean." He raised his eyebrows and grinned. “...but, here we are!”

Wanting to get closer, he stepped forward. admiring her curves underneath her bikini top.

“Well, not yet, anyway.” Drake chuckled reaching for the tie of her top.

“I don’t know if I want to know the answer, but what are you doing?” Delaney asked curiously.

“I think it’s time to teach you how to swim.”

Delaney gasped and started to walk backwards away from him.

“Tonight? Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“Not in a lake, not in a pool, but in open water,” he told her confidently.

She stared at him, “you mean like, here in the ocean?”

Delaney had told Drake her fear of deep water. Drake had made a promise of teaching her to swim so that her fears would diminish.

He nodded, “I know you can do this.” Walking towards her, Delaney stared at his broad, ripped chest.

Delaney thought about it, “Why are you so sure I can do it?”

Drake smiled, “Because you’re smart and beautiful, and you can do anything you put your mind to.

Come on, get your suit off and come here,” waggling his brows he closed the distance, drawing her close.

“And there it is!” Delaney giggled.

***

Eleanor’s Chamber

The nightlight glowed soft blue as Riley entered the room. Ellie was wide awake, sitting on the bed, holding her lovey tightly.

“Mommy!” Her bottom lip quivering as she raised her arms for a hug.

“Sweetheart, what is it?” Riley rushed to her bedside and enveloped her daughter in her arms as Ellie started to cry.

“I’m scared. I want to go home.”

Riley knelt down beside her.

“It is late. I am sorry you are afraid. Tell me about your bad dream.”

“Mommy, I didn’t have a dream.”

“If you cannot sleep, I will sit with you.”

“I don’t like that lady.”

Puzzled, Riley asks, “What lady, sweetie?”

“The lady who was reading a story to me and Mikky. The one who looks like Daddy.”

Shocked, Riley gasped, finding it hard to breathe. It took every strength to hold it together and to remain calm in front of her daughter.

“Li..Li..Liaaammm” Riley cried out.

***

Walking along the shore, hand in hand, Delaney and Drake were close to the palace as Drake started to slow. Looking sheepish, he turned, and paused scanning the outside perimeter of palace terrace.

“Drake? Where did our backpacks go; I don’t see them anywhere.”

“Stay here, I will run up and take a closer look.”

Close to the exterior wall of the palace, he spotted a tall figure looking up to the terrace with binoculars.

Slowing his movements, he called out, “excuse me, have you....”

“Freeze!”

Before his eyes, Drake watched as two men pointed their firearms at the figure in the shadows.

‘Shit, what the hell?’

He stood motionless as the lone figure turned and started to run.

A gunshot rang out as one of the men fired a warning shot into the air.

His next thought was, ‘Delaney!’ as someone pulled Drake down to the ground from behind.

“Who the fuck...”, Drake jostled hands off his shoulders. He stopped and turned as Olivia lifted her eyebrow.

“Just say ‘thanks’, Walker.

Drake felt relief when he spotted Delaney standing at a safe distance at the seashore.

Olivia and Drake turned and noticed the lone figure being arrested; cuffed and led away, Lena was silent.

***

Leo and Amalas heard the sound of a gunshot, as they were talking and lounging inside the jacuzzi.

“What the hell!” Leo jumped up looking toward the barrier wall of the terrace.

“Your highness, get down.” Geoffey shouted as members of the Monterissian Royal guard surrounded their queen.

***

Liam pushed Mara aside as he bolted into Eleanor’s room.

Noticing Riley’s fear stricken look and his daughter crying in her arms, he knelt down beside them and enveloped them protectively.

Officer Cossoy entered next, with his gun drawn. Mara locked and secured the door behind her as she noticed royal guards standing at attention in the hall outside.

“Your Majesties, there is a situation developing outside and the palace is in lockdown.”

***

The sound of the engines could be heard from outside the SUV as it moved closer to the Royal jet on the tarmac.

Riley watched Drake help Delaney out of the lead SUV already stopped up ahead.

“Are you ready, my love?” Liam asked Riley, as he lifted Ellie, fast asleep, from her car seat.

“I am.”

He smiled, “Then let us go home.”

Taking her hand, he led her to the door of the jet.

“Your majesty,” Mara greeted as the nanny lifted the sleeping princess from Liam’s arms.

As the jet took off, the sun was rising on the horizon.

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katedrakeohd · 29 days ago

Text

Chapter Twenty : You Wanna Pizza Me?

Masterlist

@choicesficwriterscreations

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Drake Walker x F!MC (Kate Darling)

Rated: Mature - Swearing, Sexual Innuendo, Adult Situations

Song Featured: I Put a Spell on You - Toadies

__🍕🥃__

The room was dark when Kate woke up, the only light was from the glow of the street lamps and the television. She had fallen asleep in Drake's arms, but now he was facing the other way. She rolled over to face his back, watching his ribs rise and fall as he slept. She pulled the covers aside slightly, appreciating his chiselled physique. Knowing that this handsome man had chosen her to share his life with, made her feel so blessed. Drake stirred in his sleep, rolling over onto his back and looked over at her, he smiled "Hey there, beautiful."

Kate smiled back, brushing the hair back from his forehead. "Hey there yourself."

She moved over closer, caressing the muscles of his chest. Propping herself up on her elbow, she leaned over to kiss his mouth.

Drake wrapped his arm around her shoulders, cuddling her to his side. Being pressed up against him made it easier for her to explore. Drake laid there and felt her slide her hand down across his abdominal muscles, and then back up his ribs on the other side. "Enjoying the tour?"

Kate smiled, her voice low,

"Oh yes. I'm thoroughly appreciating the perfection that is Drake Walker."

He laughed,

"I wouldn't say perfection. But thanks anyway."

"Modest and devilishly handsome. I hope my explorations weren't too ticklish."

"Not really, it felt kind of nice. You have soft hands Kate. Feel free to explore all you like, just go gently with the fingernails."

"Oh really, scared of a little scratch?"

Drake laughed, smirking at her, and then raised an eyebrow. "Scared is hardly the way I'd describe it."

Kate gently dragged the nail of her pinky finger along his arm, watching the goosebumps and hairs stand up on his skin. He twitched his arm and shivered.

"I see what you mean."

He sighed, "Yes, it's definitely stimulating."

Kate gently kisses the area she scratched. "Good to know. So is the invitation to more touching still open?"

Drake kissed her cheek. "Sure, I guess we'll see how much I can handle."

"We can talk about 'couple' stuff while I explore. Our Sleeping arrangements at the Palace. Bathroom etiquette, and so on. Keep your mind busy."

Kate threw off the blankets, then slid a finger under the waistband of his underwear.

"These need to go."

"Wait, sleeping arrangements and bathroom etiquette?"

Kate straddled Drake's knees, and started tugging at his underwear.

Drake grabbed for the waistband, "Hold on there, where are these explorations going?"

"A full body massage of course. What better way to get to know every inch of you."

Drake shook his head, "Sorry, my underwear is staying on. I'll take you up on that full body experience some other time though. How about a backrub instead?"

Kate climbed back off, looking disappointed, "As you wish."

She got off the bed and walked into the bathroom.

"I'll see what the hotel has provided for lotions."

Drake sat up on the edge of the bed, and looked down at the tent starting to form in his underwear. "Nuh uh, not now. Go away."

Drake closed is eyes, and imagined Madeleine and Bastien getting shot. That did the trick.

Kate spoke up from the bathroom,

"Did you say something?"

"Nothing important."

Drake walked over and picked up his phone and plugged it into the charger. There's a text message from Nicholas.

7:20 pm

Bastien has come out of surgery and is now in intensive care. The bullet knicked a major artery, and he lost a lot of blood. He's lucky to be alive, but will need reconstructive surgery to repair the muscle in his leg, as well as rehabilitation.

7:35 pm

Madeleine is still in surgery. The doctors are reluctant to give status reports at this time.

Kate came out of the bathroom, and saw the frown on Drake's face as he read his messages.

"Any news?"

He glanced her way, then went back to his phone.

"Yes, but it isn't good."

She looked down at the lotion bottle in her hand and then returned it to bathroom. When she came back out, Drake is staring out the window arms crossed over his chest, a faraway expression on his face.

"What am I doing here, Kate? I shouldn't have left Cordonia."

Kate walked over to him, and slid her arms around his waist and hugged him gently.

"You're only human Drake, what happened isn't your fault. You didn't know this was going to happen. Neither did Nicholas."

He turned away from the window, pulling Kate into his arms. "I know, but.."

"Drake don't you dare tell me you regret coming here to get me."

Drake brought his hands up to cup her face, there's a look of profound sadness on his face, and tears in his eyes. "No, never. I'm just scared of what's going to happen next. With these terrorists attacking the royal family, what If I'm putting you in unnecessary danger if you go back."

"We'll get through this together. With you, Bastien and Nicholas working together I'm sure you can uncover who's behind all of this. Just think to yourself, 'What would Captain America do?'

Drake kissed her, then stepped back with a slight grin on his face, "You always could cheer me up Kate."

"Hey, I plan on making it my mission in life to keep you happily coming back to me. I got you to fly all the way across the Atlantic didn't I?"

Drake laughed, kissing her again. "Yes, you did."

Kate felt her stomach growl, Drake heard it too.

"I'm sorry, I forgot. We should go eat," he said.

"Hey, we both slept through supper, not your fault."

"So room service or go back to the Bistro?" He asked.

"Nah, too expensive. I'm in the mood for beer and pizza."

Drake smiled, "That's my girl, but all of these fast foods I've been eating are gonna make me fat."

Kate laughed, kissing him again. "We could get a veggie pizza."

Drake shrugged, "I'm a carnivore when it comes to pizza. But I'll suffer some peppers, mushrooms and onions for the sake of flavor."

"Mmm, sounds perfect." She playfully licked her lips, and Drake forced himself to look away.

"Ok, where's my phone? Let's order pizza."

They hastily got dressed and turned on some lights to make the suite feel more like home. Drake pulled on his Captain America t-shirt and his gym shorts. Kate found her jeans and t-shirt from the ballgame earlier that day. She picked up her phone and searched up local pizza places, "So a deluxe pizza with meat and veggies?"

Drake looked through the selection of beer in the bar fridge. "Just no anchovies or pineapple."

"Thick, thin, or regular crust?"

"Regular would be fine."

"Ok, Mariella pizza is close by, their Supreme Pizza with pepperoni, sausage, veggies and extra cheese is $19."

Drake closed the fridge, his stomach growling. "Sounds good to me."

Kate filled in their details into the website, choosing cash as payment. "Ok done. Should be here within 30 minutes. What should we do while we wait?"

Drake looked Kate up and down, thinking about their epic sex a little while ago. He didn't have it in him for an encore. But he wasn't against a little making out on the sofa. He shoved his hands into his pockets and shrugged. "Tonsil tag?"

Kate laughed, screwing up her face in disgust and then threw a pillow at him. He caught it and threw it back. "Wrong sport. I was talking about making out on the sofa."

She tossed the pillow back on the sofa. "Oh, I know. What about using our tongues to talk and drink alcohol instead?"

Drake sat down, "If drinking is your sport of choice, I'm definitely gonna win. What should we talk about?"

"I saw a bottle of whiskey in the minibar, how about a drinking game? We can play a game of Never Have I Ever.."

"I'll never say no to whiskey, but a drinking game? Do you think you really stand a chance?"

Kate walked over to Drake, sitting down on his lap, her arm wrapping around his shoulders. "The object of the game is to not drink. Or we could play truth or dare."

"I'm up for either, but truth or dare might get naughty." He wiggled his eyebrows at her.

"Ok grab the whiskey and a couple of glasses. I'll start thinking of things to ask, and we'll play both."

He deposited her back onto the sofa, and then got up in search of whiskey.

Drake opened the box of Johnny Walker blue label carefully, glad that Nicholas is covering the cost of the room. He felt a brief pang of guilt at using a 12 yr old scotch to play a drinking game, but then he shook it off. Kate was worth it. "Ok how, do we start?"

"Well someone offers a 'Never have I Ever' challenge, and if the other person has done whatever then they drink. I don't think I need to explain Truth or Dare."

"Well are we playing for stakes, or just bragging rights?"

"Hmm, not sure yet. We'll see how the game goes, and maybe we'll think of something."

Drake grinned devilishly, "Ok you're on. I've already won once today. And I rarely back down from a challenge. I'll let you go first."

Drake poured them each a small portion of whiskey.

Kate looked down into her glass, turning it around and around in her hands as she thought of her first statement, wanting an easy one.

"Never have I ever been in a fist fight with someone."

Drake frowned in protest. "You don't play fair. You know my last fist fight was over you."

"Sorry, I was just looking for something easy to start with. Now drink up."

He threw back his shot of whiskey, enjoying the smokey burn of the alcohol

Drake refilled his glass, and quirked an eyebrow. If she wanted to get personal he was game. "Never have I ever...kissed a Prince."

Kate laughed, "Oh come on, you can't tell me you and Nicholas or you and Leo have never smooched after a night of drinking."

Drake scratched his head, "Pretty sure I haven't. So nope. Now bottoms up, Darling."

Kate took a swallow of her whiskey, wincing at the burn and coughing. "Ok you got me. Nicholas is an excellent kisser. Too bad you've never tried it."

Drake fired her a look, "You can't make me jealous. I'm guessing you and Nicholas didn't go much further than a kiss. And please spare me any extra details. Ok we're even, drink for drink, your turn."

"Never have I ever... sang Karaoke at a bar before."

"No way! You worked in a bar. You've honestly never taken a turn on Karaoke night?" He scoffed, incredulous.

"Nope. You?"

Drake picked up his glass and took a drink.

"Wow Drake, I bet there is a story there, maybe I'll ask Maxwell."

Drake laughed, "Yeah right, as If I'd take Maxwell to a bar with Karaoke. That's a whole new level of embarrassing anyone would want to avoid. It was back in college, with no Maxwell in sight. A whole bunch of hot chicks around though."

She poked him hard on the arm, and he tipped over sideways and rubbed at his bicep. "Ow! You've gotta stop doing that. I'm supposed to be protecting you from threats remember? Much more abuse and I'm gonna need a bodyguard. You don't want me fighting back. I really don't want to hurt you."

"Sorry. I'm kind of the jealous type."

He rubbed his arm again, "I'll have to remember that I guess."

Drake thought of a Truth or Dare challenge to mix things up.

"Ok, Katie Pie. Truth or Dare."

She rolled her eyes at him, " Katie Pie? Don't call me that. Stick with Darlin' it'll get you much further."

Drake poured more whiskey into his glass. "Ok, no ridiculous pet names. I like calling you Darlin', anyway. Truth or Dare?"

She chewed on her lip and felt nervous about the cocky smirk he was giving her from behind his glass. "Truth."

Drake sipped his whiskey, giving her a devilish smirk, "Hmm, have you ever faked it?"

Kate's eyes went wide, "Faked what?"

He laughed, "You're blushing redder than a Cordonian apple. You know exactly what I mean. Come on, fess up Buttercup."

She heaved a sigh, "Ok, fine. Yes I have. It was highschool and James wasn't exactly a Casanova."

Drake giggled, feeling a slight buzz from the whiskey. The pizza better show up soon, or I'm gonna be high as a kite. "Poor James. I can sympathize. I was hardly a Romeo in highschool myself."

Kate shifted over closer, her knee was now touching his. He reached his arm out and laid it on the back of the sofa behind her.

Leaning into him, she tried to imagine what he was like in highschool. Then she remembered the picture in his wallet. "Ok, Drake. Truth or Dare."

He tucked his fingers into her hair, curling a silky dark ribbon of it around his knuckles. When she turned to look at him, he smiled. "Dare," he said, the whiskey boosting his confidence

There's a knock at the door, and Kate looked over at the sound. "Oh, good. Pizza at last."

She slapped her hand on Drake's thigh and leaned on him as she got up. He rubbed the spot that she'd struck, it still stung. "You're a violent drunk, I can see it now."

Kate peeked through the spy hole in the door. "Yep, it's the pizza guy. Hey Drake can you hand me my purse, it's hanging on the back of the desk chair."

Drake pushed himself up off the sofa, seeing her purse and brought it over. "You don't have to pay for the pizza, I can handle it." He offered.

Kate opened the door, taking the box from delivery guy. She handed it to Drake in exchange for her purse. "No, I insist. My treat."

She dug $23 out of her wallet and paid the guy.

He nodded, "Thanks."

"Yer welcome." And then she closed the door as he turned to leave.

The irresistible smell of hot pizza made Kate's mouth water. "Mmm, finally hot cheesy deliciousness."

Drake put the box down on the desk, flipping open the lid. "Damn this looks good, grab a couple of plates from the cabinet by the mini fridge."

Kate walked over with plates, handing him one.

He tipped his imaginary hat at her, "Thank - you, Darlin' " he drawled in his best American accent.

The hair stood up on the back of Kate's neck, and goosebumps rose on her arms. He sounded so sexy. The American version of his voice was lower. It rolled off his tongue like silky dark chocolate. "Wow, you do an American accent really well."

Drake pulled a slice of pizza out of the box and put it on his plate. He sucked some sauce off the tip of his thumb, "You think so? I perfected it back in college to fit in."

She felt her cheeks burn, blaming it on the whiskey. "You should use it all the time while you're here. Damn it's sexy."

He took a bite of his pizza, his face contorting as he tried to spare his tongue and mouth from the hot molten cheese and sauce. He struggled to get it down, sucking air around his mouthful as he chewed, "Fugh, thass haw." Forcing himself to swallow, he cleared his throat and coughed into his fist.

Kate was doubled over laughing, "Ok, I take that back. Your American isn't sexy after all."

Drake frowned, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Is it Pick on Drake day? Cuz, sorry. Not a fan."

"And the snarky Ameri-pean accent is back." She wiped her laughing tears and then pulled a slice of pizza from the box. The long thick tendrils of cheese yanked off half the toppings from the crust, and she picked at them and piled the mess onto her plate. She licked her thumb and fingers, and then wiped her hand on her jeans.

"Hah!" he barked, pointing to the messy state of her slice. "At least the piece I picked stayed together."

Kate narrowed her eyes at him, pulling a sour face and adopting a mocking tone. "At least the piece I picked stayed together."

Drake laughed, carrying his pizza over to the sofa. "You can't win, Katie Pie. I eat snark for breakfast and sweat out compliments."

Kate perched on the other end of the sofa, sitting down cross legged. " 'Sweat Comp -' what the heck does that even mean?"

He picked up his whiskey to wash down his bite of pizza, "I dunno, it was an insult that a bully used to hurl at me back in school. It confuses the fuck out of people, which just makes me laugh."

She picked toppings out of the gooey cheese on her plate, and licked her fingers again, "Alright, Snark Eater. Ready for your Dare?"

Drake tipped his crust of pizza at her, chewing,"Ok, shoot."

"I dare you to give me a lap dance."

He stopped chewing, talking out of the corner of his mouth, "And what if I turn down your dare and pick truth instead?"

Kate flicked a mushroom at him. "No, switcheroo Bucko. Take it or drink two glasses of whiskey."

Drake shook his head, picking the mushroom off his shirt and setting it on his plate. "Two whiskeys is hardly a penalty," he stated calmly.

"Just do the lap dance. It's not that much of a challenge. Unless you're too much of a chicken?"

He paused the piece of crust that he had raised to his mouth, his eyes narrowed, "What did you call me?"

"Cluck cluck, Walker." She said with a smirk around her mouthful of cheese.

Drake tossed the crust of pizza back onto his plate. "Fine, I'll do the dance. But only if I get to pick the music.

Her eyebrows shot up, "Ooh, music too? Now I've gotta see this."

He got up off the sofa and placed his plate on the coffee table. "Be right back. I need to prepare for my performance." He threw his nose into the air and then stalked into the bedroom, giving her a look over his shoulder as he turned the corner.

Kate nearly choked on her bite of food as she laughed, "Ok, now I know you're drunk. If that wasn't a snooty Maxwell impression I'm going to eat my shirt."

"Not drunk," he answered from the bedroom.

"But still Maxwell though," she giggled.

"Yeah, it was." He admitted.

She finished her deconstructed pizza, and then got up for another slice. "What're you doing in there?"

"If I'm going to do this lap dance right, I need to change my clothes. A tee and a pair of shorts isn't going to cut it."

"Ok, Magic Mike. Whatever you say. This better be good."

Drake peeked around the doorframe. "Oh, it will be. Better get your phone to prove it happened. Cuz I'm only going to do this once."

Kate ran over to her purse to get her phone, "Are you serious? You'll let me record this?"

"Get the desk chair and drag it over into the middle of the room. I'm not doing this with you sitting on the sofa."

She shrugged, doing what he'd asked. Well alright then.

Taking a seat she waited, her phone camera open.

"Alrighty then, whenever you're ready Drake."

"On my way. I can't believe I'm doing this."

He stepped into the doorway and Kate set her phone down and clapped with glee. He was wearing his green shirt and black dress pants, a belt and his brown leather jacket. But no shoes.

He turned around and struck a pose in the doorway, reaching into his jacket pocket he turned on his music. "Ok, showtime."

Kate lifted her phone and hit record.

As the slow tempo of I put a Spell on You, started to play, Drake braced his hands against the doorframe and started to sway his hips in time to the music.

She almost dropped her phone as he continued to sway, and then suddenly looked over his shoulder. Lip syncing to the music.

I put a spell on you, because you're mine. Yeah

He turned around and continued to sway, rocking his hips to the music. He pointed at her.

Stop the things you do, watch out.

No, I ain't lying. No, yeah

I can't stand it no more.

No runnin' around

He stepped forward, letting his hips lead the way until he stood a few feet away.

I can't stand it no more. He slowly unzipped his jacket, still swaying and rolling his hips around, stomping his foot to the beat.

Dear God, this is so hot, Kate thought. She didn't know where to look. At his face and the way he was really getting into the song, or the way his lower half was moving.

No more, puttin me down

He slid his jacket down off of his shoulders, snapping it back behind him and then letting it drop down off his arms onto the floor, punctuating the action with a thrust of his hips.

Kate blinked, he was looking at her the whole time. And her mouth suddenly went dry as the song continued. She couldn't help but lick her lips.

He pointed at her again, and started undoing the buttons on his shirt with the other hand. Still rocking his hips forward, and around.

I put a spell on you

Because you're mine

After the third button he stopped opening his shirt and just slid his hand down the front of his body and unbuckled his belt.

Now listen

As the saxophone played a raunchy riff he turned around and started pulling his belt out of the loops, jerking his hips to the right for emphasis. Then he whipped the leather free and looking over his shoulder giving it a roll, he grabbed the other end of the belt and shimmied it across his ass as he spread his legs wider and continued to sway. Then he tossed the belt away and turned to the side, undulating and rocking his hips. And sliding his hand down his front once more, popping more buttons until his shirt was open to the waist.

He turned around to face her, his thumbs hooked into the waistband of his pants as he rolled his hips around.

Stop the things you do

He undid his pants, pulling his shirt free.

Watch out

He undid the cuffs, letting the shirt slide down his arms. And then shook it off his hands and let it drop to the floor.

I ain't lying, no, no

He slowly unzipped his pants, plunging his hand inside.

I love you, I love you

and it hurts

He punctuated each I love you with a hip thrust

dropping his head back.

Then he brought his chin back down and stepped closer. Looking into her eyes he straddled her knees, placing his hands on the back of the chair.

I don't care if you don't want me

I'm yours right now

He jutted out his ass and then slowly squatted down, rubbing himself up her lap.

I put a spell on you

He cupped her cheek in his hand, tipping her head back to look up at him. And then sat down on her lap and kissed her as the song finished.

Because you're mine, mine, mine

---

Later, Drake tallied up the drinking game on his fingers,

"Crap, you're winning. One more .. Never Have I Ever.."

"Ok, name it, " she said.

"Never have I ever ...had a pet cat."

Kate pointed at him with a gleam of victory in her eyes, "Ha, me neither."

"I thought you said your Mom had six cats."

"Now that she's living out west with her girlfriend she does. We could never have a cat back when I was a kid, because my Dad was allergic to them."

Kate claimed another slice of pizza.

"I was thinking about what the loser of our game would have to endure as a penalty."

Drake groaned, "Seriously, as if losing and getting half drunk in the process wasn't bad enough."

"Half drunk?" She scoffed. "You finished off the bottle."

Kate laughed, "Me on the other hand. I'm basically half your weight, and totally have a serious warm and fuzzy buzz on right now.

Drake paused in mid bite of his pizza slice. Gives her a pained expression. "Hey, the drinking game was your idea. So what is this penalty you're referring to?"

Kate finished her bite of pizza, swallowed. "Beth and I have this tradition of going out to a certain bar on Monday nights, and they have Karaoke."

Drake finished his pizza slice, wiping his hands and mouth on a napkin. "No, way."

Kate grinned, shooting finger guns at him. "You got it cowboy."

He rolled his eyes, rubbing the back of his neck as he avoided looking at her and shook his head. "Ok fine, but I get to pick the song."

She jumps up and down giggling. "Oh this is going to be so much fun, we'll have to do a double date with Beth and Daniel."

Drake closed the pizza box, not feeling as enthusiastic as she does. "Between you and Beth, and you and Maxwell I don't know which is worse. Whenever we're all together there's always a 'let's embarrass the fuck out of Drake' moment that makes me want to jump off a bridge."

Kate just looked at him speechless, continuing to eat her pizza in silence. A sudden queasy feeling makes her drop the slice on top of the box. When she does finally speak her voice is barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry Drake. If you don't want to do the karaoke thing you don't have to."

He shook his head, determined to give Kate her comeuppance. His eyes dark and serious .

"No, I'm all in for it now."

Kate squirmed a little, her skin going pale, she shivered

"Uh Kate, you don't look so good."

She bolted to the bathroom, doubling over and throwing up into the toilet. Drake walked over and closed the bathroom door to give her some privacy. He then went over to the mini fridge to get her a bottle of water, and then sat on the end of the bed to wait for her.

A few minutes later he heard the toilet flush and then the water running in the sink.

Kate opened the door, her color considerably pale, she accepted the water bottle and sat down.

"Feeling any better?" He asked.

"Ugh, no more alcohol for me thanks. That was such a bad idea."

Drake rubbed her back while she took a drink of water. "Why don't you pick out something to wear to bed, and I'll go run you a shower."

Kate sipped her water, gratefully nodded and then went over and flopped open her suitcase. She can see Drake moving around in the bathroom, gathering towels and then turning on the water in the shower.

She selected a white tank top and a pair of grey fleece shorts to wear to bed. Drake came out of the bathroom carrying a robe for her to wear.

"Thanks Drake, you're very sweet."

He laid the robe on the bed and then sat down next to it.

"It's not a problem Kate, I know you would have done the same for me."

She smiled, gathering up the robe and then headed for the bathroom. "Yes, you're right I would have."

While Kate showered, Drake busied himself in the sitting room. He went over to the fridge to get a bottle of water to drink. Turning on the TV, he tuned it to a sports channel and found baseball highlights. Drake sat down and waited for Kate to return. After about 10 minutes he heard the bathroom door open, and saw Kate walk into the bedroom to get dressed.

Checking the time he saw that it's 10:45 pm. He stifled a yawn, and walked back into the bedroom to check on her.

Drake leaned against the door frame and watched her. She's dressed in her tank top and shorts, bent over and rubbing her damp hair with a towel. For the first time he's struck by how small and fragile she looked. He was 6'1" and weighed about 175, meanwhile she probably only weighed about half that. Kate can feel his eyes on her, and she turned around to face him.

"Hey there you, enjoying the show?"

Drake walked over and wrapped his arms around her, feeling the muscles of her back flex as she hugged him back. As she looked up at him, he leaned down and kissed her forehead. "You're very pleasant to look at. Are you feeling all better now?"

Kate smiled pressing her cheek against his chest, not wanting to leave the circle of his strong arms. She sighed happily, "Yes, especially now that I'm wrapped up in your arms again. I could do this all night."

"Me too. Although I keep thinking about how we're going back to Cordonia in a day or so. And how our lives are going to change."

Kate pulled Drake down to kiss him, but then stepped back when she saw the seriousness of his expression. "You're not just talking about our new relationship are you?"

Drake closed his eyes, and shook his head.

"No, there's so much more than that. The threat against the royal family, and my new role with the King's Guard, is going to change our dynamic."

Kate sat down on the bed. "Go on."

Drake rubbed the back of his neck, pacing back and forth as he explained.

"For most of the day I'm going to be off limits to you, because I'll be on duty. You'll see me around the Palace of course, but won't be able to spend much time with me socially during events until after the investigation is over."

Kate's face pouted with disappointment, "Aww, but that's gonna suck horribly. I want to spend time with you."

"We'll have to keep our relationship as low key as possible. Which means possibly having separate rooms, or at the very least adjoining rooms. Eventually we can turn them both into our own combined living quarters, but for now for the sake of me keeping a daily schedule..."

"Nah uh, I'm not sleeping separately. If I'm being forced to avoid you all day, I'm going to need some time with you at night. Otherwise what kind of relationship can we have?"

He stopped pacing, opening his mouth to argue, but upon seeing her defiant expression doesn't bother.

"I guess you're right, I'd go crazy too knowing you had to sleep in the next room. But anyway you get what I'm saying. When I'm working I have to be all business. No distractions."

Kate nodded, "Do I get my own security detail? Or am I fending for myself?"

"When we get back to the Palace, You, Hana, and Maxwell are probably going to be spending a lot of time together. I can arrange a guard to shadow the three of you. Obviously if we're both invited to an event, I'll stick by you, but I'll be wearing an ear piece radio. You have celebrity status now because of your friendship with Nicholas. And unlike our time here in New York, I can't always be with you, but we'll find a way for you to contact me if you need to. Self defense training for you, Hana and Max will help give me some reassurance that, if needed, you can find safety."

Kate sighed, laying back on the bed, "Is there any pizza left, because I'm hungry all of a sudden."

Drake yawned and then walked into the bathroom to get himself ready for bed. "I saved you a slice, oh and the TV is still on if you want to watch something."

Kate walked out to sit down on the sofa. She picked up the remote and changed the channel to HBO. A few minutes later Drake came out of the bathroom. He went over to Kate, bending down to kiss her cheek.

"Time for bed, try not to stay up too long, Ok?"

She gave Drake a little wave as he turned to go, opening up the pizza box.

"Eat up my little lady."

Kate giggled, "Yes, thanks. Goodnight Drake."

#Spotify #drake walker #choices #drake x kate #theroyalromance #onehandsomedevil trr #Drake Walker x F!mc

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liaromancewriter · 2 years ago

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The Start of Forever

Premise: The Prince always knew his duty would require sacrifice, but no one told his heart that.

Book: The Royal Romance Pairing: Liam x MC (Phoebe Summers) Rating/Category: General. Angsty Fluff. Words: 810

A/N: Some of you know, Liam is my favorite Choices LI [I changed the default name to Aiden]. I don't typically write for TRR, but the @kingliamappreciationweek inspired me to write this fic. This is for Day 5. Enjoy! I'm using @choicesflashfics week 29, prompt 2 (in bold) and @creativepromptsforwriting prompt 362. Tagging for reblog to @creativepromptfills. Also submitting to @aprilchallenge prompt "wish"

Prince Aiden Rys had not grown up believing love was a possibility in his future. He might have wished for it -- in the darkest part of the night when his thoughts were too loud for him to sleep — and secretly hoped he could fall in love with the woman he would marry.

But believe? No. That required more than he had to give. And he had already given up so much. And yet. For a few hours last night, he fell in love and believed in the possibility of forever.

Aiden glanced at the digital clock on the bedside table, ubiquitous to hotel rooms everywhere, and locked his hands behind his head on the pillow. He should get up and get dressed. But he did none of those things. Wanting to prolong these fleeting moments of freedom for as long as he could.

Bastien would knock on his door in a couple of hours, reverential but unyielding, as he shepherded Aiden to the airport. The bodyguard’s presence would mark the end of this interlude and the beginning of the next: Cordonia’s social season and selecting his future queen.

But the Masquerade Ball was still hours away, and Aiden was not ready for reality to intrude just yet.

Earlier tonight, he arrived at the address Maxwell had texted him. Aiden hadn’t known what to expect from what appeared to be a dive bar. But knowing his exuberant friend, he’d had trepidations. At the same time, he hoped Drake would keep the younger Beaumont brother in check.

Okay, somewhat in check, Aiden laughed silently. Very few people in this world had the power to control Maxwell.

All his reservations went out the door the moment he saw her. The ugly uniform couldn’t detract from the beauty of her heart-shaped face and soulful blue eyes framed by long black hair, the front of which was arranged in a complicated braid.

One could argue there were more beautiful and sophisticated women at Court. But at that moment, Aiden was hard-pressed to name a single one of them, let alone remember what they looked like.

All he could think was, finally. There you are. Quickly followed by not her, not now.

He couldn’t fall in love just when he had accepted what he must do for the good of his kingdom. The people of Cordonia deserved a monarch who placed duty, the honor of sacrifice and love for one’s country ahead of everything else.

Aiden hoped he would one day be worthy of Cordonia’s storied legacy.

But tonight, just for a few hours more, he wasn’t a king or a prince. He was just Aiden. A man that craved freedom even as he embraced his responsibilities.

During dinner, he’d tried to hide his feelings, but his eyes followed Phoebe every chance they got. He hoped he’d been surreptitious in his admiration, but he’d never been in love.

Drake had given him a look that told Aiden he wasn’t being his usual stoic self. After that, he’d turned his attention to the deluxe burgers, listening absently to Maxwell’s tall tales and ignoring Tariq’s snide remarks about the food and the establishment.

Later, Aiden walked up to Phoebe, apologized for his friends’ boorish behaviors and racked his brain for an excuse to stay in her orbit a while longer.

Luckily he remembered Maxwell’s earlier comment about wanting to try a New York City nightclub, and things progressed from there. The flashing lights held no appeal for him, but sharing a drink with Phoebe and telling her his secret had felt freeing.

The whole night had been a lesson in spontaneity, from Phoebe arranging a private boat tour of the Statue of Liberty to that unexpected kiss just as the cloud cover broke and the stars sparkled above them like so much fairy dust.

They only realized they were holding hands the entire time, the moment they had to let go as the boat docked at the pier. They disembarked, turning to face each other, the Manhattan skyline rising behind them, both uncertain about what came next. But knowing instinctively this was it. There was no next.

That’s all they were now. A memory. A faded picture. A failed potential. Two people, right for each other, who’d met at the wrong time.

If only, thought Aiden, shoving the covers aside, swinging his legs off the bed and forcing himself to let go.

He might be a prince, but he’d always known his life was not a fairy tale.

When the knock came on his door, as he’d known it would, he glanced at the man in the mirror one last time. One who’d been free to kiss the woman he loved on a starry night under the watchful eye of the ultimate symbol of freedom.

And he said goodbye to what could never be.

-------------

@choicesficwriterscreations @lizzybeth1986 @sazanes

#the royal romance #choices trr #trr fanfic #choices fanfics #choices fanfiction #klaw day 5 #kingliamappreciationweek #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week #liam rys #liam rys x mc #short story #writers on tumblr

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lolablackwrites · 2 years ago

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MC Mixer #2--Alice x Bastien

Here is my submission for week 2 of @choicesmcmadness ‘s MC Mixer!

Hello, Trend readers! Check out this online exclusive sneak peek from our upcoming exclusive interview with the Duke and Duchess of Valtoria, Alice Ayers and Bastien Lykel.

—Ana de Luca

***

Ana: As the newest duke and duchess of Cordonia, the two of you must have to attend a lot of parties.

Alice: I find them easier to stomach if I think of them as networking events.

Bastien: Which they are—from the outside it might look like just a party, but policies and international relations can be made or broken at these events. Alice in particular has been very adept at navigating these and strengthening Cordonia’s position on the world stage.

Ana: My other sources have said the same thing.

Alice: (laughing) You both give me too much credit. It has to do with my years of bartending and learning how to talk to just about anyone.

Ana: A skill I’m sure comes in handy, especially at events with an open bar…

Alice: I can neither confirm nor deny this…although I did once impress another member at court with my knowledge of top shelf whiskey.

Ana: I’d be remiss if I interviewed you for Trend and didn’t ask you about fashion—what are you wearing to these events?

Alice: If it were up to me, I’d exclusively wear jeans and my leather jacket. (Laughs). But in the best interest of Valtoria and Bertrand’s blood pressure, I’m very fortunate to have those with better fashion sense than me at my side—especially Hana.

Ana: Just to clarify, you mean Lady Hana Lee?

Alice: Of course. She’s an incredibly talented seamstress and the only reason I look even mildly presentable most of the time is because of her.

Ana: Lady Hana is quite talented—the photos of your wedding dress were stunning. Now, Bastien, I understand you had a hand in that?

Bastien: Only in that I recruited Hana to make Alice’s dress, I can’t take any credit for the final product.

Ana: And what about the fashion you wear to these events?

Bastien: I honestly wasn’t aware anyone was looking at me, seeing as I’m always standing next to her.

Alice swats his arm and smiles before taking his hand.

Alice: You don’t give yourself enough credit. You’re particular about your suits and you always have them tailored so they fit you perfectly. Your style is timeless.

Ana: I have to agree—I’ve had a lot of men asking me about your suits.

Bastien: It’s like Alice said, it’s all about the tailoring.

Ana: Let’s talk a bit more about party prep—what do you do to get ready before any big event?

Bastien: Nothing too extensive, just a shower and shave. I can get away with a lot less than Alice.

Ana: It’s true, men get off easy. Alice, what about you?

Alice: It depends on the event, really. Sometimes I hire someone to do my hair and makeup so I’m sure things turn out right, other times I do it myself. Mostly my party prep includes psyching myself up to be “on” for the event. Despite how I might come across, I’m a homebody at heart.

Ana: As we know, you two are currently expecting your first child, so arranging for child care isn’t an issue quite yet.

Alice: (Laughs as she places a hand on her stomach). Not yet, for now this little one just goes with us. But that is something we’re going to have to consider sooner rather than later.

Bastien: Because of our obligations at court, we’re already starting that process now and reviewing applicants for a nanny.

Ana: I can only imagine what that process looks like, especially as King Liam as named your child as the royal heir.

Alice: Olivia is personally vetting each applicant.

Ana: Given the queen’s reputation as a Nevrakis, I can only imagine what that entails.

Alice: She’s…thorough. And a force to be reckoned with, which is why we love her, both as a friend and as the queen of Cordonia.

Ana: It’s true, our beloved queen is a powerhouse. Let’s circle back to your party prep—how do you usually get to your events?

Bastien: Given that we attend many events while being hosted here or at the homes of the other members of court, our travel usually includes walking downstairs. But when given the opportunity, I’ll drive us.

Alice: Bas restores vintage cars and I get to be the lucky one who is chauffeured around. Who wouldn’t love that?

***

The full interview with the Duke and Duchess of Valtoria will run in our next print issue.

#mc mixer #getting ready #Alice Ayers #Bastien Lykel #The Royal Romance #Bastien Lykel x MC #Guarded Hearts #The Guarded Heir

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justcallmefox89 · 2 years ago

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The Royal Romance: Cinderfella’s Adventures in Cordonia - Chapter 10

An AU of The Royal Romance with a male MC and a bisexual prince.

It’s been over a year since Callum fled Cordonia in disgrace and went into hiding, but now some familiar faces are back in New York and searching for their missing friend.

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Hana asks, nervously fiddling with the bracelet on her wrist. “I don’t think we should ambush him like this.”

“It’s not an ambush, Lee,” Drake mutters. “We’re just stopping by to say hello.”

“To someone who doesn’t know we’re coming. That we haven’t talked to in over a year. Yeah, you’re right. That’s totally not an ambush.” Maxwell rolls his eyes as he hurries to keep up with Drake’s quick pace. The crowded New York sidewalk is difficult to navigate, and more than once Maxwell crashes into a stranger as he struggles to keep pace with Drake’s long-legged stride.

“Look.” Drake stops in front of a run-down bodega and gestures for Maxwell and Hana to come closer. “This is our last chance. Liam is going to marry Madeline in eight days. Eight. Fucking. Days. And we all know that if he goes through with it, it will be the worst mistake of his life. Seeing Callum again could be the thing that tips the scales and convinces Liam to call off the wedding.”

Maxwell can’t keep the skeptical look off his face and Drake scowls at him.

“What if Callum doesn’t want to see Liam again?” Hana frets. “This feels like we’re going to be manipulating him.”

“It feels that way because that’s exactly what Drake wants to do,” Maxwell replies, deadpan.

“I want to stop my best friend from making the biggest mistake of his life!” Drake snaps.

“And you want to use Callum to do it!”

“Please don’t fight.” Hana’s eyes worriedly flit between the two men.

Drake sighs scrubbing his hands over his face. “Look,” he sighs. “We all know that there was something between them. Something real. What’s the harm in putting them in the same room for five minutes so they can talk?”

“So much harm,” Hana answers.

“Literally all the harm,” Maxwell says.

“If you both think this is such a horrible idea, why did you come with me?” Drake throws his hands up, exasperated.

Maxwell steps closer and places his hands on Drake’s shoulders. “All we’re trying to say, is that if someone changes their phone number, moves out of their apartment, completely ghosts their job and old co-workers, and deletes all their social media… maybe they don’t want to be found. And that showing up out of the blue to talk to this alleged person might cause said alleged person to freak out.”

“We’re just worried,” Hana says softly. “About you and Callum.”

“Also, how did you even find him?” Maxwell asks.

Drake flushes and stares down at his boots. “Just… research,” he mumbles.

“What kind of research?”

“Does it matter?” he tries to deflect.

“Drake…”

He wilts under Hana inquisitive stare. “I asked Bastien to find all clubs and bars Callum’s family owns.”

“Go on,” she encourages.

“Then I searched through their social media accounts and the accounts of any customers who mentioned them until I found someone who mentioned a bartender who’s description matched Callum’s. Then I narrowed my search to that particular bar’s Instagram page until I found him in the background of a few regular customers’ tagged pictures. I think he might be working there. Or at least visits there sometimes. Either way, someone will have to know who he is and where we can find him.”

Hana flounders, opening and closing her mouth, trying to find a response. Maxwell has no such compunctions.

“So you stalked him,” he says, frowning at Drake in disapproval.

Drake glares at him, the tips of his ears turning bright red. “No!”

“Callum doesn’t want to be found! The fact that you had to go so far to even get a hint at where he might be proves it! That’s literally the definition of stalking!”

Drake’s shoulders bunch up around his ears, and he muscles past Maxwell, charging down the sidewalk.

“This is so fucked,” Maxwell mutters, running his hands through his hair.

Hana rubs her hand between his shoulder blades in soothing circles. “I miss Callum too, but this feels… personal for Drake. More so than just trying to keep Liam from marrying Madeline.”

“Everything’s been so messed up since Callum left,” Maxwell sighs. “This is all my fault. If I hadn’t convinced Callum to come to Cordonia none of this would have ever happened. Drake and Liam would still be getting along, Callum wouldn’t have had to give up his life -”

“No,” Hana sternly interrupts him. “None of this is your fault. None of it. And I don’t want to hear another word about it, do you understand?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he says meekly, nodding.

“Good.” She links their arms together. “Now let’s catch up to Drake. I have a feeling he’s going to need our support tonight.”

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choicesficwriterscreations · 2 years ago

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TRR FotW May 14-20, 2023

18+ = Adult/Mature Content 🔥 = Explicit Material/NSFW 🔹 = Submitted to CFWC

Best Kept Secrets (Series) | Liam Rys x F!MC - @ao719 Chapter 13: Maybe There's No Making it Now 18+ 🔹

Black Silk (Series) | Liam Rys x MC, Drake Walker x F!MC - @aussiegurl1234 Chapter 7: The Situation 🔹

Estranged (Series) | Liam Rys x Savanah - @twinkleallnight Chapter 2 18+ 🔹

Ghosted (Series) | Liam Rys x MC - @kristinamae093 Chapter 1: Blindsided 18+ 🔹

Just Try | Liam Rys x Madeline - @alj4890

The Life of Riley Book 2 (Series) | Liam Rys x MC - @bebepac Garden Party Photo Op 🔹

Midnights Like This (Series) | Leo Rys x OC, Liam Rys x MC - @queenrileyrose Part 7: Sparks 18+🔹

Never Have I Ever (Series) | Bertrand Beaumont x MC - @harleybeaumont Chapter 13: Bring It Home 🔥18+ 🔹

One Night in Cordonia (RR Series) | Bastien/Claudius, Madeline/Anton - @aussiegurl1234 Chapter 2: Chaos 18+ 🔹

The Rotten Apple (Series) | F!MC x M!OC - @bebepac The Last Part 🔹

... Sometimes Not (Part 1) | Liam Rys x OC - @ao719 🔹

Victim of Love (Series) | Drake Walker x MC - @angelasscribbles Chapter 1: Whisky and Women 18+ 🔹 Chapter 2: Undeniable Attraction 🔥18+🔹 Chapter 3: Old Friends & New 18+ 🔹 Chapter 4: Conflicted & Confused 18+ 🔹

Upturns | Hana Lee x MC - @unsettlingconclusions

TRR Crossover Fics

The Royal Romance / Open Heart

Serendipity Part 3| Drake Walker x MC, Bryce Lahela x MC - @deb-1106 and @walkerismychoice

CFWC MAIN FOTW LISTOPEN HEART FOTW LIST

#choices fanfic #the royal romance #the royal romance fanfic #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week #playchoices fanfic #playchoices

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ardl · 2 months ago

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#tunes #confucius mc #basatien keb #kofi flexxx #shabaka hutchings #rap #Bandcamp

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kristinamae093 · 4 months ago

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Ghosted

Ghosted - Family Ties (Chapter Thirteen)

Book/Pairing - TRR - Liam x f!MC (Riley Brooks)

Characters belong to Pixelberry.

Tags - @choicesficwriterscreations

It's another long one 😬👉👈🥹. Listen I'm only slightly sorry, lol. A lot is happening here, LOL.

A few evenings later, what would have been a polo match in Portavira was canceled, and instead, a small, intimate memorial took place for Penelope near the water. The forecast for the day perfectly matched the melancholy atmosphere, as storm clouds rolled in and painted the sky in dark hues of blue and gray, the crisp breeze causing the temperatures to drop well below average.

The nobility mourned alongside the family, but whispers of what happened and why spread like wildfire. An official announcement about her death was released, but the details were incredibly vague; they wanted to withhold that information until they had someone to hold accountable. Emmaline and Landon cooperated with Ray, who worked around the clock to find some kind of suspect or a clue to lead them to one.

Liam was confident Ray would promptly produce an answer. Olivia helped him scour the crime scene from top to bottom, but little clues remained. However, Penelope’s note had fingerprints on it and her body showed prominent signs of a physical altercation, all of which pointed to her trying to fight back. The coroner extracted DNA from underneath her fingernails and found bruising and discoloration on her forearms and shoulders. He concluded this case was a homicide, which didn’t come as a surprise to anyone.

Every ounce of evidence was sent off for further analysis, and everyone anxiously awaited the results. The cross reference in the national security database would surely produce a name to match those fingerprints, and they hoped it would put them one step closer to unraveling the chaotic web around them. Ray looked at the surveillance system but found someone deleted the footage from the camera positioned outside of Penelope’s room for a certain period — no doubt when whoever took her life was inside.

They had a time frame, which was at least a start, but that was the only thing they knew.

Ray did as asked and backtracked to look into Rhonda’s demise. Liam was correct in his assumption that most of the damning evidence was long gone, but they confirmed the legitimacy of the second report they found; Bastien’s fingerprints were indeed on the murder weapon. Although they remained unsure of where the brutality initially took place, Bastien would face charges of homicide — and more — as the story unfolded, and Liam intended to serve him multiple platters of cold, hard justice. He was being monitored at a local hospital under a continuous watch from three heavily armed guards and medical professionals.

Liam told the guards if Bastien miraculously disappeared, they would face charges of aiding a dangerous criminal, even going as far as threatening to make them stand trial for treason. He didn’t use the term hate lightly, but he hated Bastien and was determined to make him stand before God and everyone to take accountability for what he’d done. His doctors had no choice but to put him into a medically induced coma while they tried to stabilize internal bleeding from Liam’s relentless assault, but when he woke, he would get moved to a permanent cell.

They still knew who held that kind of control over Bastien, and that was Constantine. Liam avoided him at all costs in the short time since that revelation. He wanted to question him and knew he needed to, but he honestly didn’t know how he could remain calm and keep his head level, and this wasn’t something he could send Olivia to do; he needed to hear it, straight from the horse’s mouth. However, he genuinely didn’t want to hurt the man who gave him life, but if it came out that he harmed or acted against Riley, his body might react without a second thought and he knew that would not be pretty. Perhaps he should have kept his cool with Bastien to get more information, but he didn’t regret taking out some of his aggressions; if anything, it was a release he didn’t realize he needed.

Since Ray was now officially investigating the homicides, Olivia took over the search for Riley and Tariq. She wasn’t as skilled as Ray in tracking missing persons but had some basic knowledge. Her results were the same as his — there were no traces of either. She contacted the airport and requested security footage for the date and time Bastien specified, but unfortunately for them, he told the truth when he said he dropped her off in a blind spot; the SUV wasn’t on camera and Riley was nowhere to be seen.

She watched the footage from every angle until the sun broke out and illuminated a nearly empty parking lot, but never saw a single sign of anyone relevant.

They dissected the file ‘Operation Ghost’ from top to bottom for every detail. It held no other useful information, but enough to charge Bastien with murder and prove Riley did not disgracefully leave with another suitor. Technically, it was enough to clear her name, but it did nothing to ensure her safety or help them locate her. Her phone also received a thorough examination but uncovered nothing of importance.

Liam knew he could not wait any longer because time was of the essence, and they needed answers; he had to corner Constantine and demand an explanation. It crossed his mind more than once that his father could know something, but he shook it off, concluding there was no way Constantine would do something of that nature. In retrospect, he was the reigning monarch at the time of the incident; something of this magnitude couldn’t have gone completely undetected, especially if Bastien was involved. The thought alone shredded his fragile heart, but he pieced it back together with bandaids and pushed forward.

Liam’s mental state was fluctuant, at best. He felt unending guilt for allowing all of this madness to happen, and that pit doubled in size with every passing hour. If he had been more attentive and alert from the beginning, none of this would be happening. Innocent lives were taken all too soon from a path of unrestrained fury, and he truly felt like that blood lay on his hands. Not to mention Riley’s heinous assault rested heavily on his conscience, creating wave after wave of remorse mixed in with soul-consuming rage. His out-of-body experience continued to taunt him; her screams and those vile chortles flowed through his mind on an insistent loop, taunting him with shreds of the truth, but he still couldn't put a face to that man's voice. And now, he had the added stress that she suspected he ordered her assault. He hoped she wouldn’t believe the lie, but without seeing her, he automatically jumped to the worst-case scenarios all the way around.

They decided Liam and Leo would quietly pull Constantine aside and question him after the memorial concluded. There were only a few events left of the engagement tour, and now the wedding had much more at stake than only the future of the monarchy. It wasn’t a hunch they had confirmation for, but they just knew if they didn’t locate Riley before it was time for Liam to say I do, something drastic would happen.

During the ceremony, Liam’s heart broke for the shattered remnants of a mourning family, but he couldn’t help but feel they were on the verge of a breakthrough. If his father was involved, this couldn’t climb the social ladder any higher, meaning Constantine could hold all the answers he desperately sought. He kept telling himself he would control his emotions regardless of what his father said, but everyone knew that was a lie, especially given his unfiltered and raw reactions as of late. Leo expected a knock-down, drag-out between Liam and their father, but he would stand beside his brother through hell and high water when it came down to it.

As the service winded down, Liam made a bee-line for Constantine, who was deep in conversation with Godfrey and Adelaide, with Leo hot on his heels. He made it to the group and plastered on the politest smile he could muster, ignoring a glare from the duke. “Excuse me, but I need to speak with my father.”

Constantine waved him off, barely even glancing in his direction. “Not now, son. I’m in the middle of a discussion.”

Liam forcefully clenched his jaw and swallowed down the ball of rage forming in his throat. “I insist on speaking with you. It is urgent.” His eyes pleaded, but he didn’t make it too noticeable; just enough for Constantine to read because the last thing he wanted was to alert Godfrey and Adelaide. It took every ounce of willpower he had not to get irate and start screaming right then and there, but he was determined not to lose his head — at least until after his father answered some questions.

Constantine’s irritation rose, but he paused and observed Liam and within a second, his resolve weakened. For the first time in weeks, he truly took in his son and what he saw left him speechless; his sunken and darkened eyes with large bags underneath, his slouched posture, and he spotted Liam fidget with his hands, even though he tried to hide it. He knew Liam spent a few hours at the hospital recently, but since he was released so quickly, he assumed it was a farce, or someone being overprotective of the monarch. However, at that moment, he started to question his well-being.

Leo stood beside him, but wouldn’t look up to meet any of their gazes. Constantine heard he was around somewhere, but hadn’t seen him until the beginning of the ceremony. That wasn’t unusual, as Leo typically avoided his father like the plague, but he consistently interacted with Regina when he visited, and even she hadn’t mentioned him. His body language seemed nervous compared to the usual cocky demeanor Leo always wore, as he continuously bounced in place and mindlessly trapped his fingers against his thigh, raising multiple red flags.

Constantine had never seen his sons in such a way; the tension within them was palpable, making it impossible to ignore.

He casually finished the rest of his wine, doing his best not to raise suspicion of their distress to the current audience. “Alright, boys, you have my attention.” He politely waved toward the lingering duke and duchess, before following Liam and Leo away from the crowd.

Liam silently led them down the beach, away from the surrounding commotion. While they walked, he racked his brain, trying to figure out the best way to approach this. When he ascended the throne, he never imagined it would lead him here — questioning the man he put on a pedestal his entire life about his one true love's disappearance.

His heart pounded so hard in his chest that he was sure it would jump out at any moment, and the bites of finger foods he consumed tumbled in his stomach, threatening to reemerge. Every step crunched in the sand, the sounds echoing in the deafening silence. The ocean lapped against nearby rocks, but was the farthest thing from calming, white noise; every violent crash amplified the tension, the air nearly crackling from the combined stress and the distant lightning.

They reached a small enclosure away from the gathered nobility and sat inside. As they did, Constantine quickly asked, “What’s going on? Are you alright, Liam? Were you in the hospital?”

“I was, but that’s not important right now… ‘’ Liam trailed off, his voice soft; a stark contrast to the swell of emotions in his head. He remained silent momentarily before murmuring, “I need to ask you about something…”

“Alright, well, what is it?”

“Before I begin, will you promise to be honest with me? I — I’m begging you.” Liam pleaded, but wouldn't meet his father's curious gaze. His hands trembled violently, leaving him with no choice but to clasp them tightly in his lap.

Constantine furrowed his brow. “I shall do my best, son, but what’s this pertaining? What’s the matter?”

Liam glanced at Leo, his distress shining brightly, and his brother gave him a reassuring nod in return. He wanted so badly to believe his father was innocent, but deep down, he knew he wasn’t, and the thought alone made him fearful; he wasn’t sure he could stop the wrath that may ensue once the confession left his mouth, but he needed to hear it, regardless.

With a deep, shaky breath, Liam began. “I think you know something about what happened with Riley. We know she didn’t leave with Tariq and the photos were fake. We found her things in Applewood with evidence to suggest she suffered an attack. Bastien has been working to cover it up and is responsible for that maid’s death — possibly Penelope’s too — to ensure this stays hidden. He confessed and told us you ordered him to engage… I don’t want to believe it, but I think he told the truth…”

He sat forward but kept his vision cast downward, dread hitting the pit of his stomach like an anvil. “I need to know where she is. I don’t care about everything else, aside from the murders. Just — tell me where Riley is.”

Constantine’s jaw dropped further and further the longer Liam spoke. Leo observed with a critical eye, but his father’s confusion only intensified throughout the story. Constantine was good at a stoic facade, but he was no actor and Leo knew all his little tells — he was genuinely shocked. However, there was guilt in his eyes; when Liam mentioned the scandal, Leo saw the flash in his gaze, but otherwise, he only showed bewilderment.

“Liam… I —” Constantine started before he forcefully coughed, but quickly cleared his throat and tried again. “I admit to knowing of the scandal and her relocating back to New York, but I know nothing about the rest.”

Liam’s vision turned crimson, but he squeezed his hands into fists and used every speck of restraint to deny the urge to act on his intrusive thoughts. “How? Bastien has been working to cover it up this entire time! I didn’t tell him to do that — you did, didn’t you?”

“I — I did, son.” He stopped to take a steadying breath. “I told Bastien to bury the tracks, but I only approved the scandal and her returning to the States.”

“You approved the scandal?” He repeated, his brows nearly touching his hairline. “What does that even mean?”

“That’s correct —” Constantine admitted with his head held high. “But I assure you, I did not partake in any of these other things, nor did I know they were happening.” He sighed heavily when Liam and Leo merely stared at him, disbelief etched on their features. “Son, I knew how you felt about her — it was clear. If given the chance, you would have selected her as your queen, but I couldn’t let that happen…”

“Why?” Liam demanded, his tone sharp and harsh.

Constantine’s shoulders slumped, an air of melancholy clouding his expression. “I was afraid, Liam. Look at me — I’m withering faster than an apple rotting in the summer sun. I needed to do everything in my power to ensure you had a stable, capable queen to rule beside you.”

Liam shook his head, the rosy hues in his complexion brightening with every sullen breath. His willpower teetered, hanging on by less than a thread. “Riley would have made an excellent queen. She thrived during the social season! She may not have been born royal, but she fit right in! Everyone accepted her! The people loved her!”

“She was inexperienced, Liam.”

“She could have learned everything she needed to know,” Liam bit out, his patience dwindling rapidly. Leo noticed and shifted in his seat, praying with everything in him that he wasn’t about to go postal.

“Inexperience equals weakness. I was protecting you.”

“Don’t give me that bullshit.” Liam scoffed.

“Liam, believe it or not, I only did it to protect you—”

“So you made me turn my back on her to protect me? She’s in fucking danger because of you! I ignored her because you shoved this down my goddamn throat!” Liam yelled, not caring who heard.

Constantine winced at his volume but calmly responded, “I didn’t know she was in danger. Bastien told me—”

“I don’t believe you. I can’t believe you.” Tears blurred his vision as his entire world came crashing down. He felt a fool for giving him the benefit of the doubt, but that was a mistake he wasn’t willing to make more than once.

“Son—”

“No, you — you’re not my father, not anymore. You threw my mother in my face so much, but look at you! What you’ve become would disgust her!” Liam seethed. “I should banish you right now for lying and betraying your own flesh and blood. Do I mean anything to you?!”

“You mean everything to me, son.” Constantine held his hands up in surrender but remained calm as a cucumber. “And I understand your anger, but I need you to listen to me for a moment—”

“Fuck. You.” Liam growled. He got into Constantine’s personal space quick as lightning and grabbed the front of his shirt, yanking him to his feet. “I hope you rot in hell, you spineless piece of shit.”

Liam balled the fabric in his hands and bore his eyes into Constantine, who merely let it happen, but he didn’t recognize his son; Liam was nowhere to be seen, and he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what this monster before him was. He’d never seen him so worked up, but knew he needed to calm him down so he could plead his case.

Leo approached and rubbed Liam’s shoulder, gently pulling him from his enraged trance. “Li, man —” He gave him a sad smile as Liam faced him. He understood his brother’s fury over the situation, but Constantine hadn’t even started talking. Until they got useful information from him, he had to keep his cool — for Riley. His eyes pleaded with him, but he breathed a sigh of relief when Liam’s features softened as if he got the silent message loud and clear.

Liam turned back to his father and held his intent gaze for a long moment before he pushed him away with a firm shove. The former monarch stumbled, but quickly regained his footing.

Constantine straightened his jacket and sat back down while avoiding the judgemental glares from his sons. He took a deep, shaky breath before he softly started. “Do you remember what happened to your mother? Did you want something similar to happen to Lady Riley?”

“Look around!” Liam bellowed, his face red as a ruby. “It is happening, and you fucking did it!”

Constantine sighed. “I told you, I knew of the scandal and her departure — nothing else. I ordered Bastien to send her back to New York so you both could start over.”

“She never returned to New York!” Liam and Leo yelled in unison.

Constantine furrowed his brow. “... Pardon?”

“Bastien told us he left her for dead in a parking lot after Penelope drugged her, with a plane ticket, but she never went inside!” Liam hastily explained. “She didn’t board, and Bastien told us he later received all her forms of identification in a sealed envelope. We have no fucking clue where she’s at!”

Constantine’s mouth fell ajar. “Bastien told you this?”

“Yes! Are you really trying to sit there and tell me you didn’t know any of this?!”

Constantine remained silent for a long moment, gathering his thoughts, but both Liam and Leo noticed his anger escalating; neither was aware his elevating state caused his already labored breaths to shallow themselves further. His chest tightened and a strange discomfort erupted and traveled the length of his spine, but he shook it off as best as he could, and focused on the need to prove his innocence.

But Constantine was having trouble keeping his composure because he realized he'd been played and lied to — that was abundantly clear. Someone took matters into their own hands and ignored a direct order, and he was unwilling to take the blame for that. Bastien was at their disposal but even he disobeyed his wishes.

They went rogue.

As he took in the deadly determination staring back at him in Liam’s eyes, he realized it was time to come clean. Whatever happened that night did not go according to plan; not his plan, anyway.

“Liam — let me tell you what I know because I did not wish for any of those things to happen. As a matter of fact, I strictly forbid them…”

Lythikos, during the Winter Ball

Constantine retired to the king’s suite much earlier than normal. Usually, he would keep Regina on the dancefloor until both of their feet ached, but he just didn’t have the energy. He insisted she stay at the gathering, as it was still fairly early in the night and one of them needed to be in attendance, but he couldn’t withstand another minute. He was exhausted and found his lung capacity was nowhere near what it should have been; no doubt from his recent cancer diagnosis.

Since Liam’s social season was in full swing, he knew he needed to step down and let him take the position of reigning monarch. He and Regina made the difficult decision together, after hearing his condition was fatal. However, Constantine realized in doing so, he would dump a world of responsibility on Liam’s shoulders, and he remained uncertain if he could handle the pressure so soon after taking on a role that was never meant for him.

Regardless, the suitors all proved themselves capable in one form or another; some more than others. He hoped Liam would make the best decision for Cordonia when the time came, but knew his heart already belonged to a specific candidate. He wanted to forbid Liam from picking her but realized he would ultimately follow his heart. And, at one point, Constantine defied his father and married Eleanor; to speak ill of their hypothetical union would make him a hypocrite, and he knew that. He tried to convince his son to be reasonable and view the situation from a governance perspective, but Liam couldn’t see anything past his puppy love.

Just as Constantine was about to begin his nighttime routine, a sharp knock echoed throughout the room. He furrowed his brow, as everyone knew not to bother him after he retired for the night unless it was an emergency. He hastily dashed to the door and swung it open to find a familiar face on the other side.

“Your Majesty.”

“Hello…” Constantine answered unsurely. “It’s been a while…”

“I’ve kept myself rather busy these days.” Constantine’s face contorted, but before he could press, they continued. “Respectfully, I’m in a bit of a pinch for time.” His company heartedly chuckled. “Do you mind if I come in? I have a proposition for you. One where we both get something we want…”

Constantine eyed his visitor for a moment, but ultimately let them inside as his curiosity got the better of him. He ushered them to the seats situated around the fireplace and took one across from his guest, a thick silence filling the air. “What is this proposition you speak of?”

His companion took a short moment to collect themself but soon began with utmost certainty. “It’s clear who your son intends to choose at the end of this… Lady Riley.”

Constantine noticed the hint of distaste in their tone. “Yes, I believe that as well…”

“And you’ve done nothing to stop it? You and I both know Madeleine is the one who rightfully belongs on the throne.”

“Really?” Constantine challenged. “I’m not sure I understand why—”

“She is a commoner, sir — nothing good will come from that for anyone.”

“I agree with you to an extent, but what am I supposed to do?” Constantine shrugged. “I’ve tried speaking with Liam about it, but he’s not listening.”

“He’s thinking with the wrong head.”

“I concur, but again, how am I supposed to remedy this situation? It’s not like I can send her home before he has the chance to choose her!”

“Perhaps you can.”

His visitor smiled, and Constantine had never seen such a chilling sight. “Pardon?”

“I have a plan… We set her up.”

Constantine’s interest rose. “… How so?”

“We get her alone, send someone to her room, and have a photographer waiting to capture a scandalizing scenario… I’m not sure where just yet, but we can dispose and erase all traces of her after.”

“Dispose?” Constantine shook his head when his comrade nodded, completely stunned by the suggestion. “No, we will not be doing that.”

His guest winced. “Perhaps not dispose, but only ensure she leaves and can never return.”

“And how do you suggest we do that?”

“We detain her somewhere — perhaps use the tun—”

“No.” Constantine sternly interrupted. “I will not allow you to do such things to her. Staging a scandal I could agree with, but I will not let you imprison her simply because of her origins.” He scratched his chin, deep in thought. “Perhaps a ticket back to New York would suffice, instead.”

“We can’t just send her back to New York! She will surely find her way back, or Liam will—”

“If Liam is heartbroken, he will let his duty guide him; that’s the only way he will leave her behind.” Constantine returned but kept his vision locked on the floor.

“We can’t simply rely on breaking his heart!”

“I know my son — he’s emotionally driven. If he’s devastated, he’ll keep going…” Constantine admitted in a low voice. He felt guilty about even entertaining the idea; to manipulate his son and the situation, knowing how he felt about Riley, but the past would always be there to haunt him and he couldn’t let it go, no matter how hard he tried.

“... So, you’re agreeing to the scandal?”

Lady Riley’s presence was pleasantly surprising and she had undeniable chemistry with Liam. In another universe, he would eagerly support their relationship. However, the throne was not to be taken lightly; it was a dangerous position that would put not only her but Liam at risk as well. He’d already lived through one assassination attempt and buried his mother after her demise, yet he still entertained the idea of letting a commoner rule beside him. He didn’t understand this weakness could bring Cordonia crumbling to the ground, taking his heart and man-hood down with it.

Constantine briefly thought back to the torturous months after Eleanor’s death — how heartbroken and hopeless he felt. Those were the darkest times of his life, and he truly didn’t know how Cordonia wasn't brought to its knees then. He wanted to protect Liam from experiencing that type of pain at all costs. A harmless scandal and sending Riley back to New York was a decent option; he would ensure Liam continued for the greater good of Cordonia and, eventually, she would become a distant memory.

His country and his son would be safe, and Constantine could rest in peace, knowing he did everything to protect what was important to him.

However, he didn’t know if he could genuinely trust the person before him. The solutions they suggested were extreme, and he did not wish for those to come to fruition. On the other hand, he recognized his time left dwindled rapidly, and as it was, he physically could not make any plan come to fruition and he couldn’t step away at such a crucial moment either. He needed to ensure the transition from monarch to monarch went smoothly, especially after Leo's sudden abdication.

There was no other choice than to take a chance and hope for the best.

“Will you be present during the operation?” Constantine questioned with a curious eye.

“Yes, sir. I will make sure everything goes according to plan and they’re removed from the premises after.” The response came immediately, with not even a single second of hesitation.

“They? Who’s the other?”

“Lord Tariq — he’s the perfect candidate. He’s naïve enough to go along but still noble. The goal is to photograph them in a compromising position.”

“Compromising how?”

“That will depend on how the situation flows, I suppose, but something to disgrace her and make your son and the nation believe she left to be with Tariq. We’ll find a media outlet or something to leak the story and soon, her name will leave a bitter taste in everyone’s mouths — including Liam.”

“And how will we enlist this photographer? We can’t do it ourselves — it’s too risky.”

“I'll request the aid of Lady Penelope.”

Constantine’s brows rose. “And you expect she will agree? What will you offer in return?”

“Don’t worry about her,” His guest smirked. “I have my ways, sir… She will comply with the request willingly.”

After a moment of deep consideration, Constantine slowly nodded. “I can agree to this, but perhaps we should let her finish out the season to avoid raising suspicion.”

His visitor tensed. “Respectfully, I don’t see that as a viable option. If someone has the chance to get to her, they may convince her to stay. It has to happen before the end of the social season — at a random moment, without notice.”

Constantine stared off into the fireplace as he pondered that statement, but ultimately knew it was true. He could admit Riley was kind, funny, and incredibly smart, but those features couldn’t grant her the specific birthright she needed. He couldn’t let it happen; it wouldn’t end well for anyone involved, especially Liam and Riley.

This had to happen.

“I suppose you’re correct.” Constantine finally agreed with a heavy sigh.

“She has to leave beforehand. It’s the only way we can make it work.”

Constantine bowed his head, overcome with a rush of various emotions, as their plan snapped itself into place. “... Alright, I’ll allow you to oversee the operation.”

“Marvelous!” His company grinned. “Perhaps you have a few guards to spare? Just to ensure everything runs smoothly… Maybe — Bastien?”

“Alright — you have Bastien at your disposal to assist in whatever you may need and he will report to you, but he is to be in charge of Lady Riley’s departure at the end of the night.”

“As you wish, my liege… Just to clarify, you’re putting me in charge of this operation?”

“I — am.” Constantine reluctantly agreed, but quickly added, “Do not make me regret it… Now, what of Tariq?”

“I'll handle him. You and Bastien deal with the commoner.”

“Okay, but neither of them is to be harmed in any of this, and I shall tell Bastien the same — do you understand?” He eyed his visitor critically, searching for any signs of ill intent, but found none.

“I do, sir.” His guest snickered, a small notion the monarch didn’t notice.

Constantine mindlessly nodded, sufficed by the answer. “This needs to happen fast — perhaps in Applewood, as it’s an older estate and it’ll be easier to have all of this go unnoticed.”

“I agree.”

Constantine inspected the person across from him once more, causing his cohort to shift in their seat. “Remember what I said — neither of them is to be injured, only removed — that is an order. And you had better make this quick and quiet — nothing that’s going to end up causing more harm than good.”

“Understood, Sir… Now, what can we do about Duchess Olivia?”

“I ordered Bastien to ensure she went back to New York — safely, and he told me he did. I pushed the scandal on you because I assumed the plan came to pass as instructed. It wasn’t until this conversation that I realized they played me.”

Liam couldn’t believe what he’d heard. It hurt him in a way he didn’t know was possible, to know his father acted against the woman he loved in such a way, even if he says his intentions were pure. Plus, the manipulation he suffered at the hands of the person who should’ve shielded him from the animosity shredded the frail remnants of their relationship. He felt the tear within his chest, as that father-son bond crumbled into a million pieces. He truly didn’t know who the man sitting across from him was, and couldn’t conclude if he could trust his confession. Constantine looked genuine, almost remorseful, as he spoke, but he knew his father could shift and mold himself to adjust to any situation.

That’s what snakes do best.

“I don’t believe you,” Liam suddenly declared, breaking the tense stillness.

Constantine’s shoulders sank. “Liam, I —”

“No!” Liam shouted as he shot up from his seat to tower over his father. “You’re lying and I demand to know the truth!”

“Look at me, Liam!” Constantine breathlessly pleaded. “What do I have to gain from lying at this point?! I’m dying! I never wished for harm to come to her — I only wanted to remove her from the situation—”

Liam sardonically laughed. “Yeah, well they fucking did, alright!”

“Liam, I apologize. I trusted the wrong person and—”

“Me too — me too.” Liam shook his head, tears of rage burning his eyes. “How could you?”

“Son —”

“YOU LET THEM HURT HER!” Liam wailed, not caring if anyone could hear their altercation.

“I didn’t! I specifically told them not to!”

“But yet — you ordered Bastien to go along with it?”

Constantine winced. “I did, but he never mentioned any of the additional things you speak of. I told him to cover up the scandal — nothing else. His job was simply to escort Riley to the airport and ensure it stayed quiet. Anything additional, he did under the supervision of someone who was not me.”

“But you told him to clean it up?” Leo questioned.

“Yes…” Constantine swallowed thickly, followed by a small coughing fit. He recovered quickly and continued, “But I didn’t know—”

“Yeah, well, for once, Bastien understood the assignment — maybe even a little too well.” Leo retorted, completely blown away by Constantine’s admissions. He regained himself rather quickly, however, and a light bulb suddenly went off inside his head. “Have you ever heard the names Anton and Claudius before?”

Liam froze, but centered his death glare on his father, watching for any waivers in his facade but Constantine’s face only contorted, his confusion showcased brightly. “... Who?”

Liam scoffed. “Keep lying and see what happens.” He laughed indignantly, his hands balled into fists at his sides. “I’m not playing these games. I want to know the truth, and I want to know now.”

“I am being truthful with you. Listen to me, Liam — I never should have gone along with it and I am so incredibly sorry,” Constantine pleaded, but as he finished, his lungs screamed for air. He inhaled deeply, searching for oxygen, and found just enough to continue. “I never should have agreed, but I was afraid, and I let that fear guide my decisions in the matter.”

“I do not accept your apology! You–you’re a monster!” Liam yelled, his voice cracking on the last syllable as one lone tear traveled down his cheek.

“I — I know, son…” Constantine hung his head. “I regret the things I’ve done, even more so now that I know Lady Riley is potentially in danger.” He hacked again, but then forcefully clenched his jaw. “I told him not to…” He grumbled to himself, which Liam nor Leo heard.

His lungs burned with every shallow breath, and his pulse steadily rose, causing his hands to shake and turn clammy. He wanted to blame his sudden change in state on nerves for being caught, but realized it ran deeper than that; something was wrong. A tight sensation in his chest made him feel as if a weight sat on top, growing in pounds by the minute, and every breath seemed to do the opposite of what it should. His windpipe slowly narrowed, and the erratic thump of his heart was so forceful, that he felt it from the tips of his toes to his temples.

Leo interjected himself. “You don’t know where she is? Or Tariq? Really?”

Constantine didn’t answer but stared off into space with furrowed brows as he recalled conversations, while simultaneously trying to catch his breath and settle his elevating state. He and his conspirator spoke only a few times regarding the ordeal, but every time, they subtly asked for insignificant details regarding a specific location within a few of the duchies. He never thought much of it because the areas were abandoned, never used, and inaccessible; but it would be possible if someone knew where it was, and he’d practically given them a detailed road map to it.

His eyes widened as he slowly turned to Liam and spoke just above a whisper. “The tunnels…”

“You mean that old wives’ tale about underground passageways?” Leo returned.

“It’s not a tale, but very real,” Constantine replied, matter-of-factly.

“And you think that’s where she is?”

“It's a huge possibility. If you go deep enough, the passageways lead to cells, almost like a hidden dungeon. Our ancestors used them as torture chambers when someone spoke out of line against the monarchy, but those accusations are mostly hearsay. He kept asking about it when we spoke, but I didn’t make the connection.” Constantine coughed again, trying his hardest to hide his rapidly deteriorating state.

Liam’s heart rate involuntarily quickened, the light at the end closer than ever before. “The tunnels?”

“Yes… If you believe Lady Riley is still in the country, I would almost guarantee that’s where she is if you haven’t found her by now.” Constantine answered through a wheeze, but neither Liam nor Leo noticed, as they processed this new information.

“Where? Which estate?”

“I’m not entirely sure which duchies still have one. A lot of the dukes and duchesses opted to have them filled with cement long ago to erase the remnants of what their ancestors used them for. All I know is they are only accessible through a hidden door, likely on the outside, but it won’t be easy to find without knowing what you’re looking for. It will take you underground, but the chambers will have concealed doors as well. I know for a fact the one at the palace remains open, but Portavira and Ramsford are closed.”

“Why is the one at the palace still open?” Leo demanded. “And how do you know so much about this if you’re ‘innocent’?” He air quoted.

“My father’s father brought forth plans to fill it, but uprisings started and it got lost in the hands of time. As far as my knowledge of it, I was young and curious once as well. There is a book in the library that has a lot of useful information on it, and I know for a fact that it has not moved from its spot on the shelf.”

“How?”

“Maybe I knew in my subconscious that something wasn’t right, and I wanted to ensure it was there so I knew it wasn’t being used to gain access.” Constantine shrugged. “As long as it was there, I didn’t have to face the possibilities of what I allowed to happen, I suppose.”

“Yeah? How’d that work out?” Leo rolled his eyes but centered his attention on Liam. “Applewood, maybe?”

“Yeah… Yeah — that makes the most sense, right?” Liam responded, his mind racing a million miles an hour. Every muscle in his body shook as wave after wave of adrenaline rushed through him. “Perhaps I’ll send teams to all the duchies.”

“Not a bad idea — knock ‘em all out at once, and we can’t leave any stone unturned. And I think we should check all of them, despite what he claims.”

“I agree, boys,” Constantine hoarsely interjected.

“Don’t even act like you helped us at all. You knew about all of this and never said a word to me about it! And you had Bastien fucking me around this entire time!” Liam bellowed.

Constantine let out a slow breath and spoke in a low, quiet voice. “I understand you’re upset. However, I truly thought she safely returned to New York. Bastien mentioned none of these things to me, nor you. Granted, perhaps I should have stayed more on top of the situation. I was aware of the deaths, but you never told me there was foul play involved or that you suspected Bastien. If you had come to me sooner, I would have told you what I knew.”

“Yeah, I bet you would have.” Liam huffed.

“I would have, Liam. I never meant for this to happen — all I wanted was to ensure you and Cordonia would be safe after I’m gone. It was my duty as Cordonia’s king—”

“No, it wasn’t! And you’re behind Olivia leaving too?”

“She’s far too irrational to sit on the throne, Liam. I knew if you had her as an option, you would choose her.” Constantine’s face contorted as the knife in his chest suddenly twisted. He somehow pushed through it, but the pain only flourished, alternating between sharp, sudden jabs and a dull, throbbing ache. “You still tried to select her, but I assumed she would speak to you and not leave without saying a word.” He breathed, his face turning a bright shade of pink.

“I don’t understand something—” Leo spoke with furrowed brows. “Why was all Riley’s stuff in Applewood?”

“I didn’t have any part of that. I was not interested in taking things from her — I only wanted her to leave.” He wheezed. Liam and Leo both continued to glare at him, but their fury and curiosity blinded them from seeing their father’s deteriorating state.

“One more,” Leo went on. “If you were behind the scandal, why’d you drop it during the coronation of all moments?”

“That was the only hiccup in the ordeal that I knew of; the timing. I realized Liam would have an adverse reaction, but it was supposed to be released early enough to give him some time to let the general shock wear off.” Constantine rasped, and that’s when Leo finally took notice of his father’s struggles. Despite his sideways feelings, a surge of concern bolted through him.

“Wow…” Liam spoke before Leo could address their father's state. He shook his head, tears of rage and devastation stinging the corners of his eyes. “You played me like a goddamn fiddle and I let it happen. You had everything planned out, down to my emotional needs.” He indignantly laughed, the sound sending waves of uncertainty through everyone.

“I — I’m sorry, son. I regret what I’ve done, and I hope one day you’ll be able to forgive me for getting caught up in this—”

“Don’t hold your fucking breath.” Liam snapped.

“I’m willing to do whatever I can to help you find her, Liam.” Constantine held a shaky hand over his chest as the pain intensified, momentarily taking his breath away. Leo rose to his feet, torn between his brother's wrath and his father's struggles, but Liam continued before he concluded what to do.

“How can I trust you? You knew about all of this! I think you know much more than you’re leading on, too!”

Constantine’s mind raced so fast, but he tried with all his might to fight off whatever was happening within his body. “I’ve told you all I know, son. I will gladly assist you in any way possible from here on out.”

“You’re going to be lucky if you don’t wind up in the infirmary next to Bastien, or worse,” Liam snarled as he slowly rose from his seat. “Who?”

“Pardon?”

“Who was it? Who came to you that night in Lythikos?” Liam stalked toward him with his hands balled into fists at his sides, his steps loud and menacing. He didn’t even notice Constantine’s struggles — all he saw was the monster who destroyed his life and decimated everything he’d ever cared about. “This is your only chance to come clean because if I have to ask again, you won’t like how I get the answer.” He scowled.

Constantine stumbled upright and took another ragged breath, but realized he was no longer getting any airflow. He coughed, but his hands flew to his neck after, helplessly clawing at his throat. He suddenly gasped for air and grabbed at the front of Liam’s shirt, his knees buckling under his body weight. His eyes were nearly black as the dilation swallowed his iris, but his sclera was tinted with a bright shade of pink.

“What the—” Liam started, but soon recognized the problem. Constantine’s complexion somehow went from a shade of red to white within an instant, his gasps becoming more panic-laced by the second. One moment they were face-to-face, but the fear Liam saw staring back at him momentarily took him aback; it wasn’t a terror rooted around being caught, but something much deeper. His body tensed, the hands securely holding onto his jacket turning white and shaking from the intensity of the seizing. Constantine choked on his saliva, struggling for air, but soon let out an anguished, blood-curdling cry.

The next instant, Constantine crumpled to the floor, his entire body going limp.

Before Liam or Leo could register what happened, the guard stationed close by was already on site. The man spoke into his earpiece and summoned medical professionals to their location, a frenzy of lights approaching in the distance nearly instantly. Constantine’s eyes were open but nobody was home, and before too long, the man had no choice but to start CPR.

Liam could only stand, frozen in place, unable to focus on anything else. He wanted to look away so badly, but couldn’t gather the strength. He felt every push against his father’s chest as if it were his own, and his pulse soon matched the rhythm of the compressions. An overabundance of emotions filtered through him; betrayal, fear, anger, regret, and guilt. Constantine shredded their bond into a million pieces, and he couldn’t find it within him to be sad; he desperately wanted to feel any inkling of remorse that his father might have just taken his final breath right before him, but he wasn’t, and that made him question if he was a monster in disguise all along, too.

He fixated on the fact that Constantine knew who did this and, right now, he wasn’t sure he would get to hear that tale. His heart yearned for Riley, but every time he got even a drop of information, he only met an abrupt wall. He’d almost grown accustomed to having the tiny shrivels of hope dangled in his face and then yanked away, but this time, he couldn’t simply shake it off and pretend like they had the situation under control, because they didn’t.

The abyss of insanity Liam teetered for so long pulled itself dangerously closer. His father had aggressive, end-stage lung cancer, and something like this should come as no surprise. But — for his clock to stop ticking at that exact moment seemed too convenient and at some point, the term coincidence just couldn’t apply anymore. Any other time, he wouldn’t have questioned it, but he instantly fell into a pit of madness as he internally debated the facts.

He couldn’t decide if this was nature taking its course, or a different force pulling strings.

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