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alj4890 · 4 years ago

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Misfortune's Intentions

(Liam x oc*Elisse Millan) (Drake x Riley) in a Choices The Royal Heir fan fiction

A/N We will have one more chapter after this one to conclude this series. Thanks so much for reading along with this idea of mine. I know I'm behind in responding to comments, just know that I have loved reading each one. In this chapter we begin life for Elisse and Liam while taking the next step forward into their future.

@gkittylove99 @krsnlove @kingliam2019 @texaskitten30 @hopefulmoonobject @yourmajesty09 @mom2000aggie @ofpixelsandscribbles

Masterlist

Chapter 6 Taking the Next Step

Streets of the Capital, Cordonia...

There is something almost magical about being awake while the rest of the world sleeps. Sounds one normally doesn't notice during the day captures the imagination. Shadows beckon to be explored. Streetlights dot the different paths one can choose for an adventure through a terrain changed by darkness.

"I can't believe we managed to escape Felix and Bastien." Elisse whispered.

Liam chuckled, wrapping his arm around his bride of twelve hours. "I learned from the best how to slip away."

They walked along the freshly rain washed streets in search of the places that meant the most to Liam. He offered stories of himself and his friends, sneaking out during his social season and unity tour. Each memory was made sweeter by sharing his past with the lady by his side.

He still marveled at the fact that less than a month ago he managed to convince her to marry him. Elisse's doubts that she should remain with him left the moment he told her just how much she meant to him.

After all that Liam had experienced with love not being returned, Elisse's declaration of how much she loved him had made him grateful that he had not kept her at arms' length.

He doubted he would have been able to if he had tried. Everything about her drew him ever closer to her.

They walked on in contented silence. Each was lost in the whirlwind that had been the days leading up to their wedding. The entire country had been both surprised and pleased when he announced his intention to marry the viscountess from Monterisso.

Alamas had given her own press conference once back in her country. No one doubted that this was a love match after more interviews were conducted. It also just so happened to be a match made in diplomatic heaven. With Corodnia's riches combined with Monterisso's technological advances, the two would be a powerhouse that countries around the world wished to be an ally of.

Regina had thrown herself happily into planning a wedding for the couple. She was determined that theirs would outshine Riley and Drake's. A bit of motherly revenge guided her toward making everything bigger and more romantic. She was thrilled Liam had found someone who absolutely adored him. She also found a kindred spirit in Amalas joining to help with the preparations. The two were driven to give the couple all they deserved.

Liam and Elisse were usually caught smiling at each other or sharing a sweet kiss at events held in honor of their upcoming nuptials. Their happiness spread to all corners of Cordonia, making everyone forget about Liam's past with Riley and Madeleine. Everyone agreed that Elisse was perfect for him.

A few days before the wedding, Riley held a dinner for the couple at Valtoria. She and Drake were relieved that Liam was no longer alone. Though Elisse smiled and thanked them warmly for hosting them, she still held some bitterness toward the two.

She was both thankful that Riley's refusal of Liam's proposal led to him becoming hers and hurt that he had to suffer such heartache and betrayal in the first place. Seeing Liam no longer negatively affected by their presence went a long way for Elisse to manage to be polite.

Though their wedding day was plagued with cloudy skies that soon turned to a storm, nothing could take away from their happiness. Once inside Cordonia's oldest cathedral, hearts were touched by the sweet vows shared by the couple.

Elisse's wedding gown drew gasps of delight from the congregation. Cameras zoomed in to capture the petite lady in a sleeveless mermaid style dress. The lace that draped the white satin and then formed a slight train shimmered in the candlelight from the sparse crystals that were carefully placed as to not detract from the beauty of the design. A diamond tiara that Liam had given her the night before completed the veil less look.

For a noble from a country notorious for its secrets, her choice to not wear a veil was symbolic that she wanted to hide nothing from the man she had given her heart to.

Though the king and his soon to be queen were the envy of fashionistas around the globe, no one could ignore the fact that neither tried to disguise how completely happy they were.

Whispers of delight were shared among the guests the moment Liam took her hand and raised it to his lips. The little touches that neither could stop during the ceremony added even more to their sweetness. His wiping of her stray tears with the back of his hand. Her smoothing his lapels, only to have him press her hand to his heart.

It was a wedding that no one would ever forget.

In the midst of their reception, the couple thanked Regina and Amalas for everything before sneaking off to finally be alone.

Once inside the royal chambers the couple could finally be as close as they desired. Kisses were shared between whispers of love and attraction. Caresses became frantic as wedding clothes soon dropped to the floor.

All their moments falling in love led to this, being with the one who truly had lost their heart to them. Liam at one point paused in his movements to simply gaze down at his bride in the throes of passion that he had brought her. Her dark eyes met his fiery blue. Words were not needed. Breathless from his touch, she gently cupped his cheek as she pressed a tender kiss to his lips.

As they calmed their racing hearts in the aftermath, they shared the occasional kiss and smiles. Sleep eluded them as the excitement of the day still thrummed within their veins. Quickly getting dressed, the pair snuck down to the now quiet kitchen to raid the pantry.

Once enough sweets were between them, they sat on the counter, talking about their favorite moments of the day.

Then they discussed the honeymoon plans that had been kept from the press.

Their first stop planned was Boston for Elisse's appointment with Dr. Ramsey.

Once Liam saw her worry, he had insisted on their sneaking out of the palace and going for a walk.

His stories though, could only distract her for so long.

She stopped once they were near the shore. A smile briefly flashed when Liam folded his arms around her from behind.

His lips brushed a kiss to her ear. "What are you thinking about?"

"What Dr. Ramsey might say." Elisse relaxed back within her husband's arms. "I know after all that I have been told that I shouldn't get my hopes up." She let out a deep sigh. "But I can't help it."

He hugged her closer against his chest. He knew nothing could possibly top how happy he was with her, except having a child of their own. It was no secret to either one of them that they had each dreamed of one day having a family. Neither wanted to hear it was impossible.

Liam wanted to see a child with Elisse's dark hair and eyes, one he could spoil and proudly present to the world. Elisse wanted the same with his blue eyes and infectious smile. To see their own child sharing not only the physical characteristics but also those personality traits they adored in the other was something neither wanted to miss out on.

"We should probably return." Elisse turned in his embrace, smiling when he kissed her. "We still need to finish packing if we are to leave in a few hours."

The way his lips moved over her skin made all thoughts of packing seem less important.

Liam's smile held a hint of wicked mischief when he saw his wife's befuddled state.

"What am I to do with you?" She teased once he took her hand to lead her back to the palace.

"I will gladly go into detail once we are back in our bedroom." He winked at her, drawing another giggle from her lips.

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

Edenbrook Hosptial, Boston, two days later...

Olivia paced the confines of the examination room she had been placed in. Anxious to finally begin the decision she had made a month earlier, she was dreading to hear the news that she couldn't be the one.

After confirming that Elisse would be unable to carry a child full term, Olivia's offer to be the surrogate had shocked both the royal couple and the doctor sitting across from them.

It was the most logical decision in Olivia's mind. After all, wasn't she the one strong enough to do so? She was the one who put safety above all else. Who else would guard and protect their child just as well, if not better than them?

"Would you give us a moment, Dr Ramsey?" Liam had asked.

"Of course." He stepped out into the hallway, telling them to let him know when they were finished.

"Olivia," Elisse struggled to find the words. "We can't ask this of you."

"You're not asking.” She explained. “I’m offering”

"This is nearly a year of your life you're giving us." Liam countered. "Possibly longer if the first procedure does not take."

"It will work the first time." Olivia declared. "My body is trained in not accepting failure."

Elisse snorted softly, her heart starting to gain hope in Olivia's gruff determination. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

The duchess eyed them both before nodding. "I decided this a long time ago. Once I knew your medical history and saw Liam falling in love..." Her shoulders squared while her chin lifted, "I knew I should be not only a Guardian of Corodnia, but also a guardian of the future prince or princess."

"Olivia," Liam took her hand and kissed it. "I have no words to express how much your sacrifice means to me."

Her sharp gaze softened. "You owe me no words, Liam." She cleared her throat. "Now, call the doctor back in."

Olivia listened carefully to all that Ethan explained. She beat Liam and Elisse in her questions, then demanded more explanation from the renowned physician.

"Let's get on with the examination." Olivia demanded, as she stood up.

Ethan narrowed his eyes at her. "There is more to it than a simple physical exam. We need to--"

"I am ready to do whatever is needed." She spoke over him. "Are you not ready?"

Ethan bristled to the challenge he heard in her voice. Gathering Elisse's chart, he excused himself. With a jerk of his head toward the duchess, he walked out the door.

"Follow me, Ms. Nevarkis."

After blood was drawn and a physical given, Ethan asked her to get dressed then to wait until he returned.

She paced, wondering what was taking so long. She herself had one of the best doctors in Cordonia give her a physical a few weeks earlier. What if Dr. Ramsey noticed something that no one else had before?

Just as she was about to storm out and demand answers, Ethan returned.

He sat down and motioned for her to sit across from him in the only available chair.

"Well?" She bit out. "Am I healthy enough?"

"Physically, yes." He responded. "Now for the next part."

"When will the implantation be? Three weeks, isn't it, after I begin fertility medications?" She asked.

Ethan held his hand up to silence her. "The next part is a psychological examination."

"Excuse me?" Her eyes narrowed.

"Your mental health in this is almost if not more important in undergoing something like this." He explained. "You will be experiencing all the emotions an expectant mother goes through, yet you will be giving the baby to someone else."

She waived off his words with a flick of her hand. "I know exactly what I am doing."

A muscle spasmed in his jaw. "Ms. Nevarkis, why are you doing this?"

"Because I am able to." She folded her arms. "I'm the best one to do this for them. I have no intention to marry anyone in the near future. I do not have any sexual partners. I am free of any encumbrance."

He slowly shook his head. "Why do you want to do this?"

She blinked. "Why?"

"Yes. What is it about Liam and Elisse that you would be willing to do this?"

"They are my king and queen. Surely, you--"

"Personally." He insisted. "Why are you willing to give them a year of your life?"

Seeing he wouldn’t move forward with the plans, her carefully maintained shield dropped revealing a vulnerability she rarely allowed others to see. "I...there are two reasons."

Ethan leaned forward, resting his arms on his knees. His piercing blue gaze warmed as he tried to be less abrupt. "What are they?"

"Liam was...is...someone I owe everything to. He is the one who helped me get over my parents' deaths. He has done nothing except stand by me through the years." She explained.

"I see." Ethan rubbed a hand down his stubbled jaw. "That is a strong, emotional reason to want to do this. But you said you had another one. What is it?"

Olivia swallowed. "Let's call it a chance to prove once and for all that I am worthy of Cordonia."

"Worthy? What do you mean?"

Briefly closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and explained her family's treacherous past and her surprise marriage to Anton.

One thing that helped her get through her past, was Ethan's lack of response. He didn't interrupt her nor did his face reveal what he was thinking.

"This is why I want to do this." She explained, her voice was full of emotion. Even she could hear the need, sadness, and desperation. "I need to do this for Liam and my country. My people."

She jumped when Ethan rested his hand over hers.

Giving a gentle squeeze, he nodded. "Then you are indeed the one who should be the surrogate."

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

"I will stay here for the injections." Olivia explained to Liam and Elisse. "Dr. Ramsey will keep a close eye on me. When you come back in three weeks, we will begin the implantation, and then in two weeks know we are expecting."

Ethan rolled his eyes. "Am I needed here at all to explain this?" He waved toward his desk. "Perhaps you should sit there."

Olivia ignored him. "Go and enjoy your honeymoon somewhere else. There is no need for you to remain here."

She grunted when Elisse enveloped her in a tight hug. Her tearful thanks were spoken in a whisper.

Liam in turn hugged her while Elisse surprised Ethan with a hug too.

"How will I ever be able to thank you enough for never giving up on me?" She asked him.

He patted her back and smiled down at her. "You don't need to." He shook Liam's hand while promising that he would do all he could to make this go as easy as possible.

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

Edenbrook Hospital, Boston, five weeks later...

Olivia absentmindedly rubbed at the spot where blood had been drawn. She glanced at the couple who had all their hopes placed within her ability to carry their child.

Please, she silently prayed. Please let me do this for them.

Ethan returned with a smile on his face. "Congratulations. You're pregnant."

Elisse covered her mouth as a sob broke through. Liam wrapped her in his arms, tears sparking his eyes.

Olivia nearly sagged in relief. "And my offer?"

Liam and Elisse looked up. "Offer?"

"I have asked Dr. Ramsey to come to Cordonia to monitor us throughout the entire pregancy." She explained. "In exchange for not only his help in establishing a research hospital in Lythikos but in Cordonia possibly offering a grant to Edenbrook."

Liam nodded. "Of course. I was planning on doing so in Elisse's name after all that you and your hospital did for her."

Ethan cleared his throat. "I have been encouraged by our board and a few others to accept. It is a very generous offer that I can't refuse."

"Thank you!" Elisse hugged Olivia and pulled Ethan in on it. "I can never thank you both enough."

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

The Royal Palace, two months later, Cordonia...

"Shouldn't we wait on Liam and Elisse?" Oliva asked.

Ethan continued to type in information. "Your blood work came back with some surprising results. I want to confirm my suspicions before we talk to them."

She reclined back on the padded exam table as he performed an ultrasound.

The east wing of the palace had gone through numerous changes. Given the equipment Ethan needed to monitor Olivia, rooms had been divided up for examinations and lab work. His own personal quarters were across the hallway from his work.

He had been shocked when Elisse showed him that they had knocked walls down to make him an apartment similar to the one he had in Boston.

"I want you to feel at home as much as you can while you're here." She explained. "You still will be welcome to join us whenever you wish for meals and events, but I know you need a space that is all your own."

Touched by her thoughtfulness, he had accepted the hug graciously that she still felt was needed to express her gratitude.

Liam also invited him to treat the entire palace as his own also. He personally gave him a tour, taking Ethan to the library at the end.

"One of Corodnia's previous rulers was fascinated with medicine." He led him over to a section of shelves on the second floor. "My mother shared his interest and she and I, in her honor, have made certain to keep up with the latest research."

Ethan saw not only many names he recognized through medicine's history but also some he had only been able to gather pieces of. Having a chance to read through all this at his leisure was an unexpected perk to living within the gilded palace.

The entire country was in baby fever. Riley was nearing her due date, causing added scrutiny whenever she and Drake were caught outside of Valtoria. The rest of her pregnancy had gone much easier now that the stress of having the royal heir was removed.

Cordonians were struck speechless when Elisse held an interview openly explaining her fertility problems. When she announced that Olivia would be the surrogate to hers and Liam's baby, the duchess was hailed once again as a hero to Cordonia.

The people in Lythikos were eager to share their opinions that they always knew she was a noble worthy of admiration, but they were also humbled by her willingness to do this for their monarchs.

Olivia and Ethan were soon the ones to dominate the public's interest. The American doctor was asked on numerous occasions how the pregnancy was progressing. Unused to such attention, his deadpan expression with quick, decisive words somehow helped to eliminate any anxiousness the citizens felt.

Olivia looked over at the screen. She failed to recognize what exactly Ethan was studying.

"Well?" She prodded, impatient over his continuing silence. "What is it that you have determined?"

A reluctant smile formed at her trying to disguise her worry with irritation. He took a few pictures and printed them out.

"That we were wrong." He told her.

All color drained from her face. "What do you mean?"

"We suspected twins." He reminded her. "Which was why I wanted to do more bloodwork. Your HCG pointed at that not necessarily being the case."

"Ethan." Olivia narrowed her eyes. "Tell me. I am at least carrying one child for them, aren't I?"

"No. You're carrying three."

#misfortune's intentions #choices the royal heir #liam x oc #drake x riley #trh liam #olivia nevrakis #ethan ramsey #choices stories you play

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