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dcbbw · 10 months ago

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WIP Wishlist 2024

Hello tumblrs , and Happy March 2020-4! I’m still waiting for the new year to actually feel like a new year instead of a continuum of the year before it. Can anyone else relate?

At the very beginning of the year, while battling a never-ending case of RSV, I saw posts here about people’s writing resolutions and goals for this year. Me? I have a wish list of stories I want to start, continue, and/or finish. I will still be writing original stories, but thinking this may be the year I settle down and write/publish my own Great American Novel. We’ll see.

Meanwhile, below is a glimpse of what immediately came to mind when I thought to put this together. Where applicable, snippets will be posted. As usual, everything is in states of rough drafts and flux, and final publication may vary from what you read here.

Newbies:

These are stories that are in the creation conception stage; ideas, thoughts, some words.

The False Queen

A long ago battle between the True Queen (Ravika/Riley) and her usurper (Magda/Madeleine) resumes during the Cordonian Social Season. Think Xena, Warrior Princess with some time travel thrown in.

Untitled

An unlikely pair (Justin/Anton x Kiara) finds love during the Engagement Tour. But with Anton having other plans in mind, the path to happily ever after is anything but smooth.

Wolves and Sheep

Combining my Riam, Anton, and Secrets of Cordonia AUs, this is the story of the trial of Anton Severus.

At the prosecutor’s table sits the Duchy’s High Counsel and Lord Rashad Domvallier. Folders and papers are stacked neatly on the table while the men converse quietly as they type on laptop keyboards.

The defense attorneys sit at a table across the aisle from them: a statuesque blonde woman wearing a gray pantsuit and an African man in a pinstriped three-piece navy suit. The woman is reviewing a document, her pen occasionally scribbling on the paper. The man is speaking in hushed tones into his cellphone.

Security is omnipresent: King’s Guards work and stand side-by-side with the local constabulary and guardians of the Court.

A side door swings open; two guards, followed by the defendant and two additional sentries enter. The guards part, allowing the public its first glimpse of Anton Severus in over five years. The quiet of the courtroom is broken by rustling and whispering as everyone strains forward. Members of the Cordonian Court are no exception.

A sneer of disdain twists the mouth of the Duchess of Lythikos, Anton’s ex-wife. Her fingertips unconsciously begin rubbing the area on her abdomen where his dagger tore her flesh.

The King leans forward intently, his dark-ebony eyes hard as obsidian. His expression is stoic, betraying nothing.

The Queen is sitting ramrod straight, her eyes wide. “Holy FUCK, he’s hot!” she murmured. “I could make that man a King.”

Without breaking his gaze on his nemesis, the King lightly slaps her thigh, causing his wife to frown at him. “I said what I said,” she hisses. “I did it for you, I can do it for him.”

“I was royal long before I met you, and King when I married you,” Liam reminds her in a slightly reproving tone, his eyes still fixed on Anton.

“There you go, twisting the narrative,” Riley huffs as she reaches for her husband’s hand. He readily allows her to hold it.

Affairiage

I thought I was making Leo Rys and Savannah Walker leads in my version of Same Time Next Year, but it appears I’m doing a fanfic of 28 Summers

Heartland

Back in the Year 500 BC, I came up with the idea of a late 1950s period piece featuring the TRR crew, and promptly never said another word about it:

Well, cauldrons are beginning to bubble, and plans are being made to rework plot and premise to turn this into an anthology series set in the American Midwest during an era where Dick Clark reigned, Jim Crow ruled, and innocence began to lose its bloom.

Sixteen Candles

Another story that popped into my brain and left just as quickly. But thoughts of Drake Walker as Jake Ryan and Liam as Long Duck Dong are back and this time, I don’t think they’re going anywhere.

Small Town Secrets

This was originally titled Life in a Southern Town aka The Political AU and was going to follow the political campaigns of five mayoral candidates: Riley Brooks, the incumbent; her ex-husband Liam Rys (they still live together in the same house and co-parent their two daughters), a former state senator; Madeleine, District A councilmember; Leo Rys, the dark horse candidate; and Drake Walker, Riley’s former (?) lover who calls her a demon and a plague on the town.

However, life events and imagination are collaborating, and I am repurposing the story to include political intrigue, hidden secrets, and humor in inappropriate places.

Debating if this will be a Great American Novel nominee, and whether to use OCs versus the usual cast of characters.

Little Nobles

A (somewhat) light-hearted look at the childhoods of my favorite noble gang, along with the friendships and rivalries between their parents.

In Progress:

Stories that are nagging me to write them/finish them

City Girl, Country Boy

Tis the season, and Liam finds himself alone on holiday in Manhattan where he runs across an old friend.

From the corner of my eye, I glimpse height and dark wool; hands stuffed in pockets. Perfectly combed dark hair and Asiatic features on a half-shadowed face. I mentally shake my head as I continue walking. It’s been over a decade since we last laid eyes on each other; there’s no way it’s him.

I’m disappointed that after all this time, I still search for his face in the crowd, that I still hope he will pursue me despite the different trajectories our lives have taken. My steps are quicker as I pass apartment buildings, skyscrapers, and storefronts gaily decorated in the theme of the season. Street vendors hawk bootleg wares

I’m nearing Canal Street subway when I hear running footsteps behind me. Automatically, I step to aside, so I don’t get barreled over but the steps slow as they near me.

“Excuse me, miss,” a familiar baritone says, and I stop walking.

It can’t be.

I haven’t heard that voice in 12 years, but I don’t need to look to know who it is. I turn anyway so my ears and eyes can be in agreement. I am hoping my expression is neutral despite my insides being a squirrel in traffic.

He hasn’t changed.

His hair is still black with that streak of gray on the side; his face still unlined. Or maybe the New York night softens his years. He wears a custom-tailored, black wool coat; his wingtips are so polished, I see the streetlamps reflected in them. His cologne is subtle and not the one I remember. He still exudes confidence despite the smidgen of uncertainty in his eyes.

Me on the other hand, I am now more TJ Maxx and Macy’s clearance rack than Louboutin. I don’t smell expensive; more like affordable. My trench coat is … vintage, and long overdue for a dry cleaning. My shoes are a dull matte black, scuffed from traversing streets and subways.

“It is you.” I hear his disbelieving whisper despite the throng of people impatiently jostling past us.

The Odd Couples

It’s throwback DC AU gang, all mixed up: Liam x Liv; Drake x Madeleine; Leo x Riley; Max x Penelope

The couple was in Baltimore for the weekend, attending a costume party thrown by Liv’s employer. There had been a buffet, open bar, and a prize for the best costume. Which Liam and Olivia did not win; Carlos Santiago, a member of the Environmental Services team, along with his wife and three children came costumed as birds and bees and won the prize.

Liam and Liv were The Ricardos: Olivia’s red hair was done up in Lucy’s signature poodle hairstyle, and her dress was a dead ringer for the world’s most famous housewife’s iconic frock. He had wanted to wear a tuxedo and carry a conga drum but settled for Ricky’s purple polka dot silk smoking jacket with shawl collar, black pants, and black velvet slippers.

“I can’t believe we didn’t win!” Liam muttered beneath his breath as he came behind Olivia, arms encircling her waist; his palms splayed against her flat, toned stomach. She responded by leaning against him, her back pressed against his chest.

“Don’t hate!” she admonished. “With those Korean features and Boston accent, no way were you a convincing Cuban band leader. Besides, you have to admit the birds and the bees is a pretty creative idea.”

“Not more creative than my SOCK GAME! I mean, Liv … you gotta admit, it’s damn good tonight!”

He was wearing black, knee-length socks with red hearts inscribed with “I Love Lucy” scattered all over.

Olivia rolled her eyes in exasperation at the mention of his sock game.

This man and his socks! He thought his sock game could cure cancer and bring about world peace.

“You’re sock game is great as it always is, darling. But it was a costume contest,” Olivia placated in a soothing tone as his fingers began removing bobby pins from her hair.

She spun around, facing her boyfriend. Her hair fell in soft curls that framed her face. Her green eyes twinkled as she pressed a quick kiss against his lips.

“You big, spoiled baby,” she teased. “Wanna smoke? I brought a couple of blunts along.”

Quickly, he shook his head. “No way am I going to be in BALTIMORE off some loud.”

Alienation of Affection

An installment of my Gritty City AU loosely based on true events where sneaky links and self-loathing collide. Reader discretion will be advised.

Caught

Inspired by a keysmash-filled convo with @ao719, a twist on the night of the Engagement Ball

This is her first admission of guilt and/or wrongdoing our entire time together.

She has no choice.

I attempt a deep inhale, but my chest is too tight.

The wedding is in one week. Tonight was our engagement gala.

“Yes, Liam yes!!! A THOUSAND TIMES, yes!”

I caught her … them … in the act. The woman I love madly, truly, deeply and the man I trust more than anything in the world.

I manage to choke out a single question. “Why?”

Her shoulders slump as her head falls forward, causing her hair to cover her profile. “It hasn’t been going on long; it started on the Engagement Tour. I told him in Vegas that what we had would have to end.”

I watched her leave the stag party arm-in-arm with Drake Walker. My best friend, with whom Riley wanted to have a fling. She swore it was a one-time affair; she was too much in love with me, but she wished to satisfy her curiosity.

I attempted to leave first, but I was not only one of the honorees, I was also King.

Per traditional protocol, the King is the last to leave.

So I remained behind, drinking copious amounts of American liquor, making small talk in a loud voice so as to be heard over noisy music, and dancing with women I had previously rejected.

All while Riley spent the night with another man.

“But it hasn’t,” I interrupt harshly.

Based on Tumblr Events:

Untitled Song Rewrite

Based on Jill Scott’s Epiphany

Sisters Someone

A two-part story that brings together Sloane Washington and Kiara Theron for their respective appreciation weeks (hosted by @lizzybeth1986)

Untarnished Silver

For King Liam Appreciation Week (KLAW), a look at 25 years of the rule and reign of Cordonia’s favorite King

The Grand Ballroom in the Palace’s West Wing had been completely transformed into an elegant banquet hall:

Buffet tables filled with steaming trays of foods catered from two of Cordonia’s newest and most critically acclaimed restaurants: The Little Lamb, and its sister eatery The Commoner’s Crown, were conveniently placed next to open bars throughout the humongous room.

Tables were covered with white linen cloths and topped with floral centerpieces of irises, Peruvian lilies, and magnolias in silver vases. The flowers represented congratulations and longevity, sentiments that had been expressed repeatedly to the King and his family during the tour.

Balloon bouquets colored silver and cream floated near the ornate ceiling, as well as being tied to chairbacks. Dining tables strategically ringed the room, affording the 1,500 attendees a full view of the stage and podium. Life-sized photographs hung from brocaded walls, capturing moments of the King’s life:

Accepting the Crown Princeship one week to the day his brother Leo abdicated.

Coronation night, wearing the King’s crown, royal robes, and holding the family scepter.

Feeding ducks at Lake Fabian with his mother.

He and Riley’s engagement portrait.

Their wedding day, mouths opened in laughter with their faces covered in cake and frosting.

In a dressing gown, his back to the camera and face in profile as he held one of his sons in his arms.

Atop a horse with a frown of concentration on his face, playing in a charity polo match, the camera catching his mallet mid-swing.

Speaking with Chancellor Merkel at a summit, a half-smile on his face as they looked down at a document, his index finger pointing to something on the paper.

He and Riley dancing at their 20th wedding anniversary party, her face nuzzled against his neck while his lips hovered above her ear.

A funny family portrait, complete with exaggerated poses and expressions.

The Couple Next Door

A reworking of the 2005 action comedy hit, Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Final Cut

Based on the first three chapters of a Round Robin hosted by @choicesprompts

Bertrand Beaumont turned off the microphone before shuffling, then paper-clipping his index cards. He glanced up briefly to see the group filing out of the hotel’s ballroom; a curious expression crossed his face when he saw a few laggers approach others, striking up conversations.

What have I gotten myself into?

Starting a public relations firm had seemed a great idea a year ago. With the Duke’s diverse background in fashion, finance, and political legalities, coupled with his penchant for decorum and obsession with appearances, it had seemed a no-brainer.

Savannah was his operations manager, responsible for events logistics and administrative support. Justin Severus was his right-hand person; he had done a marvelous job restoring the Queen’s reputation after the unfortunate incident at Applewood.

He stepped from behind the podium and briskly made his way off the dais, looking down at his watch as he strode through the room. Looking back up, he saw Justin leaning against a wall, waiting for him at the elevator bank. The closer Bertrand approached his deputy, a wide smile spread across Justin’s face.

“You were great!” he greeted the Duke. “You kept the rowdies in line and gave them just enough to pique their curiosity.”

Bertrand pushed the call button. “This group is not what I was expecting. South American overlords. Hollywood has-beens and wanna-bes. AMERICANS! We’re going to need to double-check the mentor list again.”

Bertrand had postponed the mentor/mentee matchup because it was not yet finalized.

“It’s a hella group, for certain. The subject of an international child custody case, a lawsuit-riddled doctor, disgraced C-suite executive, Leo, Trystan, Olivia, a scandal-ladened starlet, America’s Sweethearts, Princess Marguerite, and Duke Dick.”

Bertrand gave Justin a withering glance. “DO NOT engage in intercourse with the Princess!” he warned.

“Too late,” Justin smirked.

Bertrand shook his head before commenting again. “The Selection Committee must have been drunk when they approved their choices. Have the other members of Court arrived?”

The elevator arrived and the gentlemen boarded. Justin’s index finger punched their floor number as he shook his head.

“Not yet. A storm is coming in, waves are choppy. They should be here by 4, and that will be the last ferry into and out of the Isle until Monday morning.”

Bertrand mulled over the information. “At least we don’t have to worry about anyone sneaking off.”

Finish Them:

So these are stories that are soooo close to completion, but I am on the fence with two of them; the others, not sure why they are still sitting around gathering dust.

House of Cards

Based on the international phenomenon Squid Games, this is the backstory of “The Salesman”. On the fence about this story, and more so about posting this one in the fandom.

On this, the night of Day 2, the remaining participants were playing yet another “game”: Pillow Fight.

Innocent sounding enough.

Except everyone knew there would be a deadly twist, and all wanted to be alive in the morning. After realizing that this was a game to the death; overcoming the initial shock of a robotic doll the size of a fully grown tree whose eyes were infra-red cameras, and learning elimination meant certain demise … partners had already become opposition.

Player 081 inadvertently set the match to the fuse. No one knew if it was intentional. No one cared.

The middle-aged man, who was less than 48 hours into a dry drunk, muttered “fuck” under his breath as he stood on his top tier bunk in an attempt to press his palm against the glass pig’s underbelly.

No one was sure why.

Was he trying to steal the bank’s treasure? Or turn off the irritating light?

It no longer mattered.

The money wasn’t his and now, it never would be.

As pillowcases filled with objects such as rocks, sturdy tree branches, and in some …mere feathers randomly swung wildly, the white cotton slowly seeped red. Hollers and screams filled the room and echoed off walls and ceilings as beds collapsed from metal bars being snatched by the frenzied mob or being tipped over in the melee.

On the other side of the bunker, a thin, petite woman who looked no older than a teenager sniffled, the tears she cried streaking a bruised cheek covered with the dried blood of a corpse. A young man lay on his side behind her on the narrow mattress, his cracked voice in her ear.

“It’s gonna be okay, Soo-Ah; just four more games and then we can leave,” he assured her in a ragged whisper.

The woman hitched her breath. “My pillowcase has FEATHERS, Sang-yul! If they pull me into the fray, I’ll be leaving here a lot sooner than four days!” Her body shook with silent sobs.

The 23-year-old street urchin said nothing. Instead, he swallowed heavily and tried not to puke at the smell of blood, both old and fresh, assailing his nostrils. His arms tightened around Soo-Ah, his only friend in this hellhole.

The pig’s lighting flickered faster and more erratically as the fighting grew more frenzied. Sickening thuds, bellows of pain, and the sounds of shoe soles squeaking against the blood and brain splattered linoleum flooring were as loud as bombs.

Sang-yul chanced a glance over his shoulder, his body tensing at the sight of someone headed in their direction, their face pale and ghoulish in the broken light. A metal pipe was carried in one hand, a bloodied cloth sack in the other.

Coal black eyes darted everywhere looking for a victim.

Less players meant more money.

Sins of the Father

A Gritty City AU installment. Reader discretion will be advised.

He met Madeleine at her car door, his lips crashing uninvited against hers in a kiss filled with desperation and disbelief. When the kiss ended as abruptly as it began, Madeleine adjusted her tortoise-shell glasses while her green eyes searched Liam’s face almost warily.

“What the hell was that?”

“Someone killed Poppa Joe tonight!”

Madeleine quelled a shiver that raised goosebumps on her exposed skin before reaching back inside the car for her purse. “Thank GOD,” she breathed as opened the rear driver-side door to release Hans and Gunther, who bounded out of the car and sat before Liam so he could rub their heads and murmur sweet gibberish to them.

The restauranteur was yet another of Poppa Joe’s victims; when she was 15, the priest had gotten her pregnant. The scandal was handled quietly by the parish and her parents; the latter believed the father of the baby was an upperclassman named Tariq.

The young blonde left school for one month due to “illness”. It wasn’t a complete fabrication.

Madeleine’s abortion was a back-alley botch job which left her with a raging infection and too much blood loss. She survived but had to have an emergency hysterectomy.

She no longer cared. When she and Liam were getting serious and discussing marriage and family, he was relieved they would be unable to have children.

Tariq, the son of poor Moroccan immigrants, was transferred to an exclusive private school in the city’s North End, all expenses paid via a scholarship provided by St. Joan’s Academies.

“How did the rest of the party go?” she asked quietly as they began walking towards the house, holding hands; her blonde hair bounced against her shoulders.

Liam nodded slightly. “Good. We got Sloan Enterprise and slew of new donors.” His side-eyed his wife. “Where did you go with the dogs? It was supposed to be a walk.”

Madeleine turned her head vaguely, meeting her husband’s gaze.

“Ice cream,” she replied in a soft voice.

Her husband nodded thoughtfully. The term was code between them; when situations became too overwhelming, too triggering, they said they needed “ice cream.”

“I hope you brought me some back.” Liam squeezed Madeleine’s hand more tightly.

“You don’t like chocolate.”

The Queen’s Friendship

Riley was chatting with Maxwell in the Delegates Dining Room at the UN, waiting for the gala to begin. Liam was at the head of the room, arm in arm with Madeleine. His eyes spotted Riley and he winked. Riley rolled hers and turned her back to him.

“Blossom, don’t act like this! You know he’s trying,” Maxwell begged.

“WE’RE trying! He’s kissing his fiancée,” Riley retorted. Her eyes scanned the room. “Oh, look … there’s Drake,” she stated before walking away from Maxwell.

Riley had no idea if it was Drake or not, she just wanted away. From Liam, Madeleine, Maxwell … Cordonia. Riley figured now was the time to make the break. She was back home in New York City. She still had her apartment, for the next month at least. She passed by elegantly dressed tables and came upon an hors d'oeuvres station; she paused to pile a tiny plate with even tinier bits of food when she heard her name.

“Riley Brooks?”

She turned, a disinterested expression on her face until she saw who it was. Riley hurriedly set her plate on the edge of the buffet table before wrapping her arms around Veronica.

“OH MY GOD, Ronnie! What are you doing here?” Riley shrieked.

Veronica hugged her old friend tightly. “It’s so good to see you!” The women separated. “You look great, girl! I’m one of the event planners, why are you here?”

Riley shrugged. “I’m with the band.”

Veronica shook her head in disbelief. “How did you end up with royalty?”

“I answered an ad to be a waitress.”

DC AU Series, Chapter 6

The chirping of birds and a full bladder woke Riley up. She arched her neck, eyes still closed; they opened quickly when she felt arms around her waist and Liam’s soft snores behind her. Last night ran through her brain: their fight, their kiss, their confessions. Riley inhaled and let out a shaky breath; were they really going to do this?

Yes.

Was she ready for it?

No.

Her hands curled around Liam’s wrists, trying to pull them apart. He resisted at first, but let his arms fall away from her body. Riley missed their warmth immediately.

“Where are you going?” Liam mumbled.

“Bathroom and to take my meds.”

“Your pill and a bottle of water are on your nightstand.”

Riley looked and saw the pink pill sitting on a tissue, next to an unopened bottle of water. When did he do that?

“Thank you. But unless you put a toilet on the nightstand as well, I gotta get up.”

Liam shifted, allowing Riley to move and sit up. He watched her adjust her night shirt; his eye was caught by a mole on the back of her neck. His finger reached out, touching it experimentally. Riley giggled as she shrugged away from his touch.

“It’s like a potato bug,” Liam said as he tried to touch the mole again.

“Oh, dear God! Don’t you have to go to work or something?”

Liam lay on his back, hands behind his head. “Not going in today. You need me here.”

Riley frowned at him as she walked past the foot of the bed. “I’m fine, Liam. It’s just Drake.”

“Drake with apologies and explanations and closure. Different Drake than what you’re used to. I’ll feel better if I’m here.”

Riley shook her head as she stepped into the bathroom.

“This is what having a man who wants to claim you is like, Riley B.!” he called out.

“We’re not there yet!” she hollered back.

“Practice makes perfect!”

Oldies but Goodies:

New chapters/updates of old stories:

Timing

Object of Affection

Betrayal (Riam)

The Commonerr’s Wife

The Commoner (not that old, but I too want a thrid chapter)

One Night Stand

UnRomance

Streets of New York

Platinum (truly needs to be filed under Finish Them)

Best Friend (Depeche Mode Diary entry, needs to be a Finish Them)

Liara

And these are my #goals for 2024 writing-wise. I hope something caught your eye, piqued your interest. For all those still hanging with me and exercising the utmost patience while I let life kick my ass, I LOVE YOU! Something’s coming soon-ish, just not sure what.

Hope you’re here for it.

Tagging: @jared2612 @marietrinmimi @indiacater @kingliam2019 @bebepac @liamxs-world @mom2000aggie @liamrhysstalker2020 @twinkleallnight @umccall71 @superharriet @busywoman @beezm @gabesmommie1130 @tessa-liam @gardeningourmet @mainstreetreader @angelasscribbles @emkay512 @princessleac1 @charlotteg234 @alj4890 @lovingchoices14 @lady-calypso @choicesficwriterscreations

#dcbbw writes #all the wips #trr/trh au fanfiction #writer on tumblr

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jerzwriter · 2 years ago

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One Night in Cordonia Chapter 8: All's Well That Ends Well

Series: One Night in Cordonia, a @choicesprompts a Round Robin Event. Fandom: TRR, with some OH introduced here Pairings: You'll See lol Word count: 2.2k (I went over a little - sorry!) Rating: Mature Warnings: talks about sex, innuendos, language Prompt: Cocktails, Gala - @choicesjunechallenge A/N: Every now and then, it's fun to just take your characters and put them in different surroundings. This lil' crack fic allowed me to do just that. I was going to say it's not really "my" Ethan and Tobias here, but, to be honest, it could be them in my Ethan/Kaycee world. Thanks for putting this together and including me Angela!

Next author: ??? @angelasscribbles ???

Summary: It's Leo's social season. The day is Beaumont bash after the formal dinner is done and the royal couple has left. Anton sends his second in command, Claudius, to spread a fog, "Death Smash," that would leave the guests paralyzed and he would attack. But the gas delivered was Shagging smog 2.0 by mistake, leading to a sexual frenzy amongst guests. Anton himself goes to check and falls prey to the gas. The only unaffected members are Max (immune), Leo (because he was in the gardens), and Olivia (partially affected, trying to fight the effects).

The pretty brunette flight attendant was shaky on her feet, and for once, turbulence nor the ridiculously high heels Constantine insisted his flight attendants wear was the cause. No, this time, the mesmerizing aqua-blue eyes of her passenger were the culprit. She hadn’t dared to look at them directly for fear of what they could do to her, but she could feel them raking over as she attempted to pour his bourbon. She only hoped he didn’t notice how she trembled.

“That’s good right there, darlin’,’ he droned, his husky voice rolling off his tongue like honey. “Any more than that, and I’ll have to wonder if you’re trying to take advantage of me.”

A blush settled on her cheeks as she attempted to come up with a reply. Luckily, the other, equally aesthetically pleasing passenger spared her when he sighed with disgust.

“For Christ’s sake, Tobias, could you maybe have just an ounce of decorum?”

“You know Ethan, decorum is overrated,” he winked. “I prefer fun. You may want to try it sometime.”

“I know how to have fun, and it’s not harassing our flight attendant.”

Ethan looked over to the young woman, who could not look away before his sapphire orbs met hers. Fuck! She thought because those eyes would render her equally as helpless.

“I apologize for my colleague. Apparently, he was raised by wolves.”

“Hey!” Tobias jumped in. “My mom would kick your ass if she heard you say that!”

“Really? Well, I’m sure she’d love to hear how you are treating this young woman,” Ethan pulled out his phone. “Shall I dial her?”

Tobias threw both hands up in surrender. “Nope! Truce! Truce!”

A satisfied smirk crossed Ethan’s face. “I think you’ll be left in peace for the remainder of the flight,” he smiled. Completely oblivious to the look of disappointment on the woman’s face as she exited the cabin.

Tobias sipped the amber liquor and let out a slow moan. “Mmmm. This is amazing,” he growled. “Have you tried yours yet? I know you’re a total snob, but I swear, this shit will make you weak in the knees.”

Ethan eyed his untouched beverage and shut his eyes.

“I’ll get to it,” he grumbled. “This whole thing, it’s just… it’s obscene!”

Tobias leaned over and took the papers his companion was reading out of his hands, shoving them into the attaché at his side.

“Hey, what are you….”

“Shut up,” Tobias spat. “Seriously, Ethan. The hospital insisted we go, so just sit back and enjoy the ride. We’re on one of the most luxurious private jets on the planet on someone else’s dime. Our every need is expected to be catered to, and if you hadn’t interrupted… that might have included the beautiful Ashley.”

“Ashley?” He asked.

“The flight attendant…”

“Her name is Amber, you idiot. And sexual harassment isn’t something I wish to add to our resume on this trip.”

“Ethan, relax. I was joking!”

“I’m sorry, I just hate this whole thing. The wealthiest people in the world summoning us across the damn Atlantic to take care of their potential PR disaster is not what I went into medicine for.”

“I don’t disagree,” Tobias shrugged. “But what they’re paying us for two days’ work will fund our department for the next year. So look at the bright side for a change Mr. Sour Pants.”

“You have a point,” Ethan grumbled. “Let’s just make this quick, get in and get out…”

“That was my plan with Am….”

“SHUT UP!” Ethan hollered as Tobias adjusted his sleep mask and drifted off, pleased he had accomplished his goal of getting under his boss’s skin.

~~~~

Upon landing, a heavily guarded motorcade awaited the two doctors and drove them to the Beaumont estate.

“Is this still fun for you?” Ethan asked.

“Fuck yes! I’m living out some major James Bond fantasies right now.”

Ethan fought the genuine smile that attempted to spread on his lips; maybe there was something to Tobias’s constant glass-half-full approach, but he wasn’t about to admit it.

When they arrived at the scene, Constantine and a Lieutenant from the King’s Guard greeted them at once. The Lieutenant handed each man a gas mask.

“Gentlemen,” Constantine enthused. “We are so happy to have you here! It’s not our first incident with shag smog in Cordonia, but this one is not responding to the normal antidote. That’s why we called in the experts.”

Ethan quickly adjusted his mask, but Tobias made no effort to put his on, earning him a questioning glare.

“No need,” Tobias smiled. “I’ve been exposed in the past, so I’m immune.”

“Of course you have,” Ethan groused. “How bad is the situation?”

“Worse than you could imagine!” The Lieutenant began. “There are only a handful of people present who weren’t affected, reasons unclear at this time. Some may have had prior exposure, some, well… this could be their natural state of being; it’s hard to tell.”

“OK, so we have a handful of people who haven’t turned into sex-crazed lunatics,” Tobias assessed. “But how many have? Do you know how many were in attendance?”

“Several hundred,” a woman’s voice rang out from behind, and Tobias’s body went rigid. He’d know that voice anywhere. “Anyone who is anyone in Cordonian society is here, plus a few plebeians from other nations who are delusional enough to imagine they can fit in with us.”

Tobias turned slowly toward the red-haired beauty, salacious grin in place.

“You say plebeians with such disdain, Duchess. From what I recall, you haven’t always minded rolling around in the dirt with at least… some of us.”

Olivia’s eyes narrowed, her icy gaze meeting Tobias’s heated stare. “You!” she hissed.

Ethan clapped his friend on the back. “It’s so good to see you have fans everywhere. Please tell me you made her acquaintance at a Cordonian History seminar.”

“Yeah,” Tobias chuckled. “Something like that. It’s been a long time, Duchess.”

“I’d prefer it if you called me Olivia,” she seethed.

“Heh! That’s not what you wanted to be called last time we were together.”

Constantine turned to Ethan with a look of distress. “Are you sure the sex pollen isn’t impacting him?”

“No,” Ethan sighed wearily, “Sadly, that’s just him.”

“Tobias?” a naked Maxwell hollered as he approached the group. “Is that you?”

Ethan turned to Constantine, aghast. “I thought you said all the impacted were contained!”

“They are! But that’s Maxwell and… sadly, that’s just… him.”

“It’s me,” Tobias nodded, averting his eyes. He removed his lab coat and tossed it in Max’s direction. “Would you put this on, for Christ’s sake! No one needs to see that damn hippo tattoo.”

“Oh, yeah…” Ethan rolled his eyes. “That’s what we don’t need to see!”

“So, what do we do, gentlemen?” The Lieutenant asked. “Normally, pumping in the antidote smog does the trick.”

“Not with this new variant,” Tobias interrupted. “It’s essentially a concentrated form of GHB in vaporized form.”

“So, how do we reverse this?” Constantine asked.

“There’s been some success with the administration of diclofenac and NSAIDS,” Ethan advised. “But that would require injecting each of the infected individually. There is no way to ‘gas’ everyone back to normal.”

“Well, that could take hours! Days!” A voice called out.

“This is my son, Leo, the crown prince.” Constantine chimed in. “And I agree with him. We need to get this display of debauchery under control before it’s a scandal!”

“Forgive me if I’m more concerned about the people who were poisoned, not your Palace’s reputation.”

“Dr. Ramsey, I believe I’m paying you quite handsomely to take care of both,” Constantine reminded.

“Going room to room won’t be the fastest way,” Tobias agreed. “But it is the best way. Not only can we ensure it’s administered properly, but you can send someone in with us to confiscate everyone’s mobile devices. That will give you time to destroy any embarrassing pictures you wouldn’t want out there.”

Olivia spat out a laugh behind him. “Yes, Dr. Carrick. Because you, of all people, know about embarrassing blackmail photos. Don’t you?”

Tobias shot her a knowing look. “We’ll talk after… Duchess. Right now, I have work to do.”

~~~~~

Tobias and Ethan ran up the ornate marble staircase; the team Constantine assembled to assist them quick on their heels.

“So, dare I ask what the deal is with you and Olivia?” Ethan asked.

A blissful look came over Tobias’s face, and Ethan momentarily wondered if his friend was being impacted by the gas.

“You know I’ve always had a thing for redheads. Plus, have you ever had a woman pull a switchblade out of her stilettos and threaten you in the middle of some of the most mind-blowing sex you’ve ever had in your life?”

Ethan looked at Tobias in horror. “No! I can’t say I have.”

Tobias reached over and tapped his friend’s shoulder. “Well, add it to your bucket list, buddy. I promise you, it’s a rush.”

“Gentleman,” Leo interrupted, “if you wouldn’t mind visiting this room first. My brother, Liam, is in here.”

When the men entered, Liam immediately rushed toward them.

“What the…”

“Thank God you’re here!” Liam squealed. “This is shag smog… isn’t it?”

“It is,” Leo frowned. “But… you’re coherent… weren’t you impacted? Do you want to screw any of us right now?”

Liam calmly looked over the three men and shrugged. “I mean, you’re all cute… but not my type… and you’re my brother!”

“But if you weren’t impacted, why are you locked in here?” Leo asked.

“Madeline locked me in here. That woman has been dying to have her way with me and thought she believed this was her big chance.”

“Wait…” Tobias interrupted. “I’m not up on all of the societal gossip, and I know you people have your own little… proclivities… but,” he turned to Leo, “isn’t Madeline your fiance?”

“Technically,” Leo sighed.

“OK, then,” Tobias simpered. “Well, how about we leave you two to sort this out while we go administer the antidote to others.”

Leo nodded at Tobias, “Excellent idea. We’ll meet up again outside.”

~~~~~

Several hours later, Tobias joined a team of King’s Guards assigned to delete all incriminating images from guests' phones. He was having too much fun helping, chuckling repeatedly before hitting delete. He turned to Ethan with a grin.

“You know, if we want to retire early, all I need to do is forward some of these to our phones. Our offspring’s offspring could live off of the blackmail money.”

He heard what sounded like the knuckles cracking behind him and found Oliva glaring his way. “I assure you, that would be ill-advised.”

“Relax, sweetheart. Don’t you know a joke when you hear one?”

Ethan looked between the two and shook his head ruefully. “I know I’m going to live to regret this… but you mentioned blackmail photos before… what were you talking about?”

Tobias howled with laughter. “She took some photos of me and planned on using them against me. Unfortunately for her, she didn’t factor in that I have no shame. So, she got nothing.”

“Oh dear God,” Ethan groaned. “What the hell was on… you know what… no… I don’t want to know.”

“Why?” Tobias asked. “They were just pictures of me… in various states of undress… some may have involved latex… and a couple had switchblades….”

“OK, STOP!”

“In one,” Tobias said, standing up with dramatic flair, “I was kind of bent over like this….”

“I SAID STOP!” Ethan yelled as he rushed away, muttering under his breath.

Amused, Olivia slid up next to Tobias and gently caressed his forearm.

“He’s a bit squeamish, no?”

“Hey, they can’t all be me,” he laughed. “You’re looking good, Dutchess… you know, I wouldn’t exactly turn down the opportunity to … engage… again….”

Olivia rolled her eyes. “Tobias, you’re a terribly handsome man. And as much as I can appreciate someone who eagerly follows my orders and calls me Duchess throughout, I must admit… I rather get off on the fear in my companion's eyes when I unexpectedly pull a sharp object in the heat of the moment… the fact that you kind of got off on that… it takes the fun out of it for me.”

“Hey!” Tobias protested. “Fear? Is that what you’re looking for. Listen, gorgeous, I had four years in drama club in college, and I can feign fear like the best of them. I think you should give me another shot.”

Olivia’s eyes raked over him, slowly taking him in from head to toe, a fiendish grin growing.

“You’re willing to wear a harness?”

Tobias scoffed. “When have I ever said no to that?”

“OK,” she smiled, rising to her feet. “The Beumont’s armory is in the basement. Go down the staircase, make a left, and it’s the last door at the end of the hallway. Meet me there in fifteen minutes. Oh, and get your lab coat back from Maxwell. Make sure you’re wearing that… and nothing else… when I enter,” she winked. “That’s the main course. The harness will be dessert.”

Tobias looked at her with darkened eyes. “At your command, my Duchess.”

Anxioulsy hopping to his, Tobias yelled to Ethan as he made his way to the door.

“Hey, buddy! I’ve got .. uh.. some things to do. Keep yourself occupied… look around for Bertrand… you both love boring things. He’ll know what to do.”

Liam and Leo leaned against the wall, shaking their heads at what they had just witnessed.

“And that’s without the shag pollen,” Leo sighed. “Could you imagine them under the influence?”

Liam shook his head vigorously. “It would be the demise of Cordonia. Perhaps the demise of civilization.”

@choicesficwriterscreations Tagging others in RB.

#choices fanfic #the royal romance #trr #open heart #open heart choices #playchoices #choicesprompts #choices fic writers creations #ethan ramsey #tobias carrick #olivia nevrakis #the rys family #trr au #round robin

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twinkleallnight · 2 years ago

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One Night in Cordonia

Chapter 6 : Road to Recovery

Series: One Night in Cordonia, a @choicesprompts Round Robin Event.

Fandom: TRR so far, but others could be added in

Pairings: Various

Word count : ~ 1k with summary.

Rating: Mature

Warnings: talks about sex, innuendos, language

Prompt: Fantasy @choicesjunechallenge or @liaromancewriter.

A/N: This was fun to write playing with my fav characters in an odd setup. Hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thanks for including me 😘. My sincere thanks to @angelasscribbles and @lizzybeth1986 for being the force behind the scenes.

Next author: @kingliam2019

Summary: It's Leo's social season. The day is Beaumont bash after the formal dinner is done and the royal couple has left. Anton sends his second in command Claudius to spread a fog "Death Smash" that would leave the guests paralysed and he would attack. But the gas delivered was Shagging smog 2.0, by mistake, leading to a sexual frenzy amongst guests. Anton himself goes to check and falls prey to the gas. The only unaffected members are Max (immune), Leo (because he was in the gardens and Olivia (partially affected, trying to fight the effects)

"Tell me everything you know," Leo declared.

Amidst Olivia's uncontrolled advancements, Max summarized the events that took place in Leo's absence.

"What do you think we should be doing?"

Leo took a moment to think before he dashed to the staircase. Max followed, dragging a dizzy Olivia along.

Leo spoke as he climbed down, "Search for that American model Riley first and her press secretary. We have to make sure they are not recording this for their channel. Snatch their cameras if that's their plan. Can't let the whole world see the mess we are in, right now."

Olivia giggled at the thought but quickly composed herself, covering her mouth. Leo shook his head looking at Olivia swaying against her wish, trying hard to remain sane.

He took out his phone and flipped it open to contact the palace. "We need backup if this is an attack." He stated.

Max nodded while handling Olivia, who was again leaning on him. "Olivia…"

"Hmmm?" She looked up at him with a seductive gaze. He eyes roamed across the flush on her skin making her look more attractive.

"You are testing me." He groaned. He touched her cheek to help wake her from her slumber but his fingers lingered on, feeling her soft skin. She gave him a foolish grin. He was about to give in when…

"Max." Leo called him. "Maxwell, Not now! And not her. Remember what she will do to you when she comes back to senses."

Max realised he was playing with fire. His caressing hand started patting Olivia hard.

"Olivia! Olivia!"

"Oww, oww, ouch!"As soon as she was alert she noticed she was hugging Max and he was standing awkwardly. She straightened up and made some distance. She rubbed her cheek that had turned red from Maxwell's patting.

"I am sorry." Max apologised.

"Can you be a bit gentle? I know I am under the spell." She said in a stern tone trying to hide her inner fears, now that she knew about his fantasies of her. She was aware that she was adding fuel to the fire everytime cuddling up to him. But she liked the idea somewhere deep inside. She blushed fiercely and tried to look away.

Thankfully, Leo interrupted her train of thoughts. "I have called for a platoon of men from the palace. Let's go and find Riley now."

They searched through the tangled bodies but couldn't find anyone important. Everyone still seemed to be affected. A hearty laugh between the moans and groans caught their attention. They turned around the corner and saw Riley who was attempting a pole dance on some fake pole.

Liam was splayed on a couch in front of her, his gaze fixated over the display Riley had put up. His eyes did not have the glaze that others had but he seemed to be totally invested into the American beauty. Before they could step ahead, Leo's phone rang.

"Shit. Father is calling." He tensed at the timing of the call but still recieved it.

"Leo?" Constantine almost barked through the phone. "Why have you ordered guards with masks? What's going on? What are you upto and where are you?"

"Father, I am at the same place you left me, Ramsford, with Beaumonts." Leo tried to keep his voice calm.

"But why the guards?"

"I.. we… we might have a situation here." He fumbled.

"Spill it already, will you?"

"There is a fog here and we don't know who spread it but everyone is acting weird."

"Exactly in what way are they acting weird?"

"They are.. they are all making out."

"What are they making?"

"I mean, they are…all undressed and ….lustful." Leo was the infamous playboy but when it came to his father, he was finding it difficult to discuss the matter.

"Why are you talking in jumbled words? What do you think? You were born from an egg? Can't you just use the right word?"

"Sex. They are involved in a sexual frenzy." Leo blurted.

"Dammit!" Constantine cursed under his breath. "You have been attacked by Shagging Smog."

"A what?"

"It's kind of a sex pollen, you fool."

" How do you…?" Leo couldn't understand how his father knew the details.

"Where do you get that playboy streak son? Been there, done it all, my child." Constantine smirked over the phone. "Catch hold of your brother and Beaumont boys. They can help you. "

"How?" Leo uttered in a confused state.

"It affects a person only once. The smog cannot alter your mood on a second exposure. Also, it changes genetics. So, you, Liam and the Beaumont boys remain unaffected."

"You mean you and Duke Barthelemy?" Leo tried to comprehend.

"Yes," Constantine rolled his eyes. "we both have had an exposure to that stupid chemical once. So Max and Bertrand are also immune.

" But Bert was.. " Leo's voice trailed away, figuring out what he was about to reveal about Bert and Drake.

"What about Bertrand?"

"Nothing. I will find him. He is somewhere here." Leo tried to dissipate the urgency.

Constantine let out a deep sigh. "Collect the boys. I am coming there."

Round Robin Readers list:

@tessa-liam @queen-arabella-of-cordonia @secretaryunpaid @squid-princess-teach-swallow @kristinamae093 @fearyrain @petiteboheme

My tags: @3pawandme @alj4890 @angelasscribbles @bascmve01 @bebepac @busywoman @dcbbw @choicesficwriterscreations @harleybeaumont @iaminlovewithtrr @karahalloway @kingliam2019 @lizzybeth1986 @lovingchoices14 @nestledonthaveone @neotericthemis @mom2000aggie @phoenixrising0308 @princess-geek @sazanes @secretaryunpaid @sfb123 @sillydg @tessa-liam @tinkie1973 @txemrn @walkerdrakewalker @rubiwalker @703cowbarn @kyra75 @likealotus @kskvb20 @marietrinmimi @juan-francisco-palencia

#choices fic writers creations #round robin fic #trr au #playchoices #pixelberry #the royal romance #trr fandom #trr #olivia nevrakis #maxwell beaumont #leo rys #twinkleallnight

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kingliam2019 · 2 years ago

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One Night in Cordonia

Chapter 7 : Almost back to normal

Series: One Night in Cordonia, a @choicesprompts Round Robin Event.

Fandom: TRR so far, but others could be added in

Pairings: Various

Word count : ~ Rating: Mature

Warnings: talks about sex, innuendos, language

Prompt: Fantasy @choicesjunechallenge or @liaromancewriter.

A/N: This has been a whirlwind, and Loved every minute of it.Thanks for including me. My sincere thanks to @angelasscribbles and @lizzybeth1986 for being the force behind the scenes.

A/N 2: I really am sorry that this is shorter than I wanted but, I had a family matter come up and I wanted to get something out. Xo

Next author: jerzwriter

Summary: It's Leo's social season. The day is Beaumont bash after the formal dinner is done and the royal couple has left. Anton sends his second in command Claudius to spread a fog "Death Smash" that would leave the guests paralyzed and he would attack. But the gas delivered was Shagging smog 2.0, by mistake, leading to a sexual frenzy amongst guests. Anton himself goes to check and falls prey to the gas. The only unaffected members are Max (immune), Leo (because he was in the gardens and Olivia (partially affected, trying to fight the effects)

After getting off the phone with his father, Leo went looking for Olivia and Max. Locating them he ordered them to gather up some of the Kings guards,” Liv, Max instruct the guards to gather everyone and lock them in all in separate rooms, I have the sex smog coming in an hour to reverse this fiasco but I need to get them separated so we don’t end up causing a huge scandal when they see who they are with.” “Okay we’re on it, come on Liv” Max called to Liv while on the phone to the second in command.

Standing in the main room in Ramsford, Connie could only shake his head at the chaos he just walked into. “ Hey pop’s” Leo called to him. “ I’m working on getting them into separate rooms so once the fog gets here and hooked up we can hopefully get the shit show under control” “ Okay son plus I need to talk to Maxwell these Bash’s have been out of control in the last few years, I don’t mind them their great for relieving stress but this has gone too far.” “ Yea I know,” Leo gives him a sad look knowing that this will more than likely depress Max, scaling down the Legendary Bash.

About an hour later, while Leo, Max, Connie and Liv were outside the Estate as the workers pumped in the Shag smog to try and reverse the effects it took on the party goers. Looking up into the windows of where they were locked in, Leo saw confusion in Liam’s eye’s as to what happened.

#choicesprompts#round robin#round robin 2023#trr au#collaboration#trr#the royal romance#choices fic writers creations#cfwc fics of the week

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rrcraft-and-lore · 2 months ago

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The migration of folktales, fables, myths, and The Doors of Midnight. I've talked about his following piece of work before - Panchatantra

Pronounced (cuz romanizing Sanskrit adds weird ass fake A's to things) Panch (or pah-nch, meaning FIVE) Tantr (thun-trr) Treatises.

It is a collection of folk tales (and I talked about this in my true origin of "fairy tales" and even what inspired the Grimm Brothers thread) fables, particularly focusing on talking animal fables from India. The written text is about 200 BCE (before common era) but the stories themselves are agreed upon by folklorists and experts to be far older given Sanskrit's long oral traditional history and the fact India has a history of oral performers by caste passing down these tales these tales are as old as we can possibly imagine. It is arguably one of, if not the most, translated piece of work out of India, with copies of it having reached Europe by the 11th century CE - yes, that old. Old enough to influence many European stories - particularly folk/fairy tales, and we'll get into that, because believe it or not, some famous fabulist writers even credited the collection of tales/author as their direct inspiration. Wild, right?

Continuing.

Panchatantra has been translated in nearly every major language with nearly 200 versions in 50 languages over the world. Before even the 1600s it had been translated into: Czech, Old Slavonic, Spanish, Italian, German, English, Greek, Latin, and more.

The earliest known translation was 550 CE into Middle Persian (and we'll get into why this is important in Tales of Tremaine as it's a commentary/meta referential and analysis, and love letter about migration of stories as well as storytelling) -- by the 12th century it was really spreading through Europe based off the Hebrew translation by Rabbi Joel, which then went on to be translated in German by Anton von Pforr in 1480 -- nearly 40 years before the 1812 publication of The Grimm brothers tales. Yep.

Now, to 1001 Nights - a collection of tales compiled by Alf Laylah wa-Laylah, which yes, includes stories from India that were translated as discussed above, and Syria and other parts of the Middle East as well obviously.

Panchatantra has been influential in both 1001 Nights as well in Sinbad. The particular inspirations were the usage of frame narrative, first recorded in India, and also the inclusion of specific styles of talking animal fables within the collection, and most specifically the motif of the wise young woman who delays and finally removes an impending danger by telling stories - if you've read The Doors of Midnight, you'll get now where I'm going with this.

Since the series is a mix of many things, including addressing/commentary on fantasy/myth-storytelling tropes, motifs, themes, history, origins, replying/referencing them in meta ways, as well as a discussion about western fantasy novels because there's a history in/with them also using tropes for exoticization and kind of fetishy exoticization at times without nodding to, offering, showcasing a lens to/of the cultures those techniques, stories, tropes come from, I wanted ot be able to talk about that in the context of the work (which does happen), critique, reference all of it. Book two is no different.

In where if you've read it, you'll see a genderbent take on the particular motif above, and if you're only understanding of stories is 1001 Nights, you might get it confused for ONLY referencing one story. Not true. While there are many overt and subtle references to that because this is a love letter and commentary on the migration of stories (which that is literally mentioned in the story itself), so it tries to include and nod to all the wonderful stories from all the cultures I can include along the Golden Road in this world.

The take in here not only references both Indian and Middle Eastern culture, but also dismantles and in fact comments on a toxic trope that has had previous positive iterations as well - namely: meeting the goddess/the temptress (two pieces of storytelling that often get lumped into one of a dude character bumps into smoking hot goddess who can't resist him, they boink (A LOT a lot a lot) he leaves or threatens to and she's upset, boink continues, then he gets a gift from her. This goes backs to the oldest epics, it's not western or even fairytale original, but it did become UBER popular in the west. Young bardic boy meets fae, they boink a lot. He leaves. Usually tragedy, not always. The end. Some magical gifts.

But the idea behind the trope was never supposed to be this reductionist. It was supposed to (go back to this word I've used about) evoke SENSE OF WONDER. Meeting a powerful character in possession of knowledge (see power), and magic (also power but sense of wonder), and to learn from her, gain some wisdom for your own betterment and evolving into a better kind of hero, and then use your gifts she gives you to that end. See, Frodo meeting Galadriel, no hanky panky, much wisdom, both were offered different temptations (not of the body) and in the end helpful gifts for the quest. :)

So, if you like or want to learn more about comparative mythology, storytelling, seeing the origins of such and dismantling your ideas of: structures, plot, tropes, motifs, beats, so on - check out The First Binding and The Doors of Midnight (recently released by @torbooks and @gollancz (US/UK).

Anyways yeah.

Back to more about this. I've shared before the assertions of Max Muller and others on the influence that 30-50 percent of western fairy tales/ballads/nursery rhymes owe their origins/inspiration to Indian tales -- but Jean de La Fontaine, a french fabulist and poet - one of the most read poet of that time, directly credits Indian stories and the Indian sage Pilpay for his source of inspiration in his works --

"This is a second book of fables that I present to the public... I have to acknowledge that the greatest part is inspired from Pilpay, an Indian Sage" - Jean de La Fontaine.

He's also not the only post medieval era author to specifically credit Indian stories and the sage Pilpay and others who contributed to the many other epics, collection of tales, individual tales, and more.

Now, IMPORTANT NOTE - inspiration here does not mean a direct 1-1.

Yes, many are complete rewrites, translations which is obvy a translations, and others are using the motif and overall theme but converted to and through their cultural lens and time of place. That's how storytelling traveleled, evolved, and become coopted, adopted, and accessible to local masses in w.e. country/empire.

And that's obviously a massive theme in my work but using a central heroic figure or villainous to be a focal point for that to see how that happens around one figure as it's an easier way to do that in fiction rather than a freak ton of povs which would make it harder for readers to continue to track and grok all those changes within the frame narrative aspect.

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choicesficwriterscreations · 1 year ago

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The Royal Romance Masterlist 3/4

Ⓜ️ = Adult Content/18+ 🔥 = NSFW/18+ Only

August 2023

Week Ending August 26, 2023:

Baking Memories | Liam Rhys, Constantine Rhys - @kristinamae093

Black Silk (Series) | Liam Rhys x F!OC, Drake Walker x F!OC - @aussiegurl1234 Chapter 16: The Steer Ⓜ️

Can't Take My Eyes Off You (Series) | Bertrand Beaumont x Olivia Nevrakis - @alj4890 Chapter 3: Olivia's Ballroom

Mosquito | Maxwell Beaumont x MC - @chocopeppermintcake

The Royal Heir's Royal Romance | Drake Walker x MC, Royal Heir x OC - @whatisreggieshortfor

...Sometimes Not (Series) | Liam Rys x F!OC - @ao719 Part 8: Turn a Blind Eye

Through Hell & Back (Series) | Olivia Nevrakis x Anton Severus - @queenmiarys Part 1: First Impressions

Turning the Page (Series) | Liam Rys x F!MC - @tessa-liam Chapter 2: The Sacrifice Ⓜ️

Week Ending August 19, 2023:

Black Silk (Series) | Liam Rys x F!OC, Drake Walker x F!OC - @aussiegurl1234 Chapter 15: Stacey

The Dark Kingdom (Series) | Liam Rys x MC, Drake Walker x MC - @angelasscribbles Chapter 4: Home Ⓜ️

Envy | LIam Rys x MC - @queenmiarys

Laws End (Series) - @angelasscribbles Murder at Vista Heights Chapter 4 Ⓜ️

Savage Love (Series) | Drake Walker x MC, Liam Rys x MC - @angelasscribbles Chapter 34: Plans and Declarations Ⓜ️🔥

TRR AU Drabble | Liam Rys x MC - @lilyoffandoms

TRR Drabble | Drake Walker x F!OC - @lilyoffandoms

TRR Drabble 2 | Drake Walker x MC - @lilyoffandoms

Week Ending August 12, 2023:

Best Kept Secrest (Series) | Liam Rys x F!OC - @ao719 Chapter 16: I'll Take the Fall Ⓜ️

Black Silk (Series) | Liam Rys x F!OC, Drake Walker x F!OC - @aussiegurl1234 Chapter 14: Applewood

Cake | Drake Walker x F!OC - @persephone13

Can't Take My Eyes Off of You (Series) | Maxwell Beaumont x Olivia Nevrakis - @alj4890 Chapter 2

Cinderfella's Adventures in Cordonia (Series) | Liam Rys x M!MC - @justcallmefox89 Chapter 17

Ghosted (Series) | Liam Rys x MC - @kristinamae093 Chapter 7: The Apple Banquet Ⓜ️

Marabelle (Series) | Liam Rys x MC - @tessa-liam Chapter 6 Ⓜ️

Royal Love (Series) | Eleanor x M!OC - @eadanga Part 14

Week Ending August 5, 2023:

Cinderfella's Aventures in Cordonia (Series) | Liam Rys x M!MC - @justcallmefox89 Chapter 16

The Dark Kingdom (Series) | - @angelasscribbles Chapter 1: Escape Ⓜ️ Chapter 2: The Dark Lord | Liam Rys x MC Ⓜ️ Chapter 3: Reprieve Ⓜ️

Dead in the Water | Liam Rys x MC - @dcbbw Ⓜ️

The DeFacto Queen (Series) | Drake Walker x MC, Liam Rys x MC -@angelasscribbles Chapter 4: Are We Okay? Ⓜ️

(Less Than) Noble Intentions: I've Been Waiting for You Comic 🎨 | Drake Walker x F!OC - art by @rosefuckinggenius fic by @karahalloway

Sleepless in New York: Sparks Fly Comic 🎨 | Drake Walker x F!OC art by @blueberryarts18 fic by @karahalloway

... Sometimes Not (Series) | Liam Rys x F!OC - @ao719 Part 7: Hard to Go Back

#the royal romance master list

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queenmiarys · 1 year ago

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Please excuse any errors or mistakes and I want to say thank you to whom all reads. Happy Sunday everyone.

Through Hell and back

Trr none royal

Pairing: Olivia x Anton

Chapter summary: it's Juliana's birthday and Olivia cut loose and has some fun but confused about Anton's reaction after the party.

Warning: mentions of attempted rape, being tipsy and light profanity.

All characters belong to pixelberry I just borrowed them for my stories.

Word count 1,928

Song inspiration:

Part 2 Green eyed monster

It was Sunday afternoon. Olivia turned over and grabbed her phone, it was now 2pm. " Oh shit Liam."

She dialed his number."I'm so sorry but on the way?"

"Liv, we talked with Kiki earlier and she explained your date went over, so I understand I told her to let you sleep, besides you are coming to Juliana party tonight right?

"Sure I'll be there."

Are you bringing this new guy along?"

"I don't think so."

"Really you should invite him."

When Olivia arrived at the party, everyone was having a good time. "There you are, Max said, slurring his words." So we don't get to meet this new guy?" Kiki said that he was hot, but I bet not hotter than me." He laughed, I could already tell he was tipsy. .

"Babe, come with me so you can cool down some." A wicked grain from Juliana all it took and he followed her upstairs.

—------

Liam and Mia had walked over to Olivia.

"My love, would you mind if I spoke to Olivia for a moment?" Liam said to his girlfriend

"You know I don't mind, baby."

Once they made it outside." So you really like this guy Anton?"

"He's okay, but honestly I really don't know him well. We just went on one date."

"Have you talked with Drake at all?"

"No not at all, it's been over a year since we spoke."

"Here's the thing, remember Riley?"

"You mean his girlfriend??"

"Yeah her."

"Would you just get to the point already?"

"He asked her to marry him last week."

"Why would you be afraid to tell me this?"

"Well No one really knows how serious the two of you were, but I knew you both loved each other and despite him meeting this Riley girl you'll always be his first love and the same for you."

"Liam it doesn't mean anything." She couldn't stop the tears from falling.Liam just held her without saying a word for a few minutes.

"I'm here for you, we can talk about it if you want or not."

"Did you know he was my first?"

"I figured as much, you were so very young."

"Come on, you guys are only 2 years older than me."

"True, but you know how Drake is, you know he went against his own rules and took a chance with you only being 16, I remember right before you got together you two were always at each other's throats, I remember when he confused he had feelings for you and wanted to come forth, he thought you hated him, you know I encouraged him to just talk to you and treat you better."

" Thank you for that, um We should go back in before they come looking for us." She said to change the subject and to keep from reliving the past, besides he's engaged now.

"Yeah I suppose so, so when do I meet this Anton guy?" Oh look at that smile you really like him huh?"

"He seems alright."

They returned to the party. "Come on people let's dance the night away a very drunken Bertrand yelled out, Maxwell re entered the party with a change of clothes on, Bertrand and Maxwell broke into dancing to, it actually look like Max had taught his brother some moves, what was impressive was that Bertrand was so drunk he threw off his shirt, and throw it over his head to Penelope who caught it and was super excited, Bertrand winked at her, until he saw Savannah walk up behind her.

—---------------

Drake called Juliana on FaceTime. " Hi Drake oh hi you must be Riley?"

She smiled. "Yes, nice to meet you."

"Same here he's told me so much about you

"Excuse me, but I called to wish you Happy birthday kid, I really wish we could've been there."

"I totally understand." She said giggling. Some things never change. Drake will always be himself, she thought.

Olivia was walking past, Juliana was talking and she heard Drake voice but also another female, she peeped in to see a woman with blonde hair and blue eyes, her heart sunk in her chest, it's been over a long time she thought who could blame him for moving on it had been 2 years she was brought from her thoughts when she heard Juliana speaking again

"Look guys, I hate to cut things short, but I need to get back to my party."

Okay Juliana talk later."

—-----------

"So that's Maxwell's wife?" She's beautiful."

"So are you, Brooks, and yes I was certainly surprised when Beaumont got married, he was pretty wild back in the day."

"I've only met Liam in person, and your sister, I would like to meet everyone else, and that video call doesn't count."

"One day you will, Liam has invited you to his wedding, you know I'm the best man so I would be going down early.

" Just how early?"

"I need to go a week in advance."

"I can't let them have you for a week." She teased pulling his 6"3 frame down to her 5"4 and kissed him."I love you Mr Walker."

"I love you too."

He couldn't help but to think of Olivia and the way she used to do the same, only Olivia stood 5" nothing. He closed his eyes and shook his head.

"Baby I need to take a walk, just to clear my head."

"Okay baby, don't be too late."

He walked to a nearby park.

" Liv, stop, why do you act like you hate me so much?"

"Drake please just go." " I didn't ask you to be my knight and shining armor."

"Look at me, did Jason, just try to hurt you?" She started to cry. That was all the confirmation he needed. "That son of a b**** , "Beaumont, can you sit with Liv till I return?"

"Go ahead, I won't leave her."

Once Drake made it inside Jason was standing surrounded by several females. "Just who I was looking for, I'll teach you to never touch a lady when she says no."

Drake punched him and he fell to the ground, Drake continued to punch him. Until Liam jumped in front of him, pleading with him to stop.

"Drake you're going to kill him, come on go with me and get some air."

They got outside." What the hell happened?"

"That sob tried to rape her, she's a mess, Liam you know how I feel about her."

Once he returned home Riley questioned him going home "Oh, so you want to go without me?"

"Brooks, it's my best friend's wedding. I can't miss that."

He pulled her over to him, and gently kissed her neck."

"Come on, let's go take a shower, we will meet up with your mom in a few hours.

"We can just get ready then."

Brooks, I love you, but you take forever to get ready for like 2 to 3 hours and on top of it all, you hate waking up it takes you 30 minutes to wake fully up."

"Let's pick something to wear, and take our shower together."

4 hours later.

"Brooks, get up it's been 30 minutes, it's 9:30 we are supposed to meet your vmom in an hour. "

"I'm up." Drake was just staring ." Don't worry it's going up in a messy bun, it's only mom."

__________________

Olivia work up to her phone Vibrating, she and Juliana, joined by Kiara and Penelope all fell asleep while watching a movie, everyone was drunk except Mia

"Hello?" She answered. "Oh Anton, how are you?"

"I'm good, so did you have fun last night?"

"It was okay, wish you could've come, me and most of the girls ended up watching a movie falling asleep."

"So you are still there?" A hint of jealousy came into his voice. But he quickly changed his tone

"Yes I am,

"I have to go, talk later." He quickly hung up the phone in her face.

She stood there in shock for a moment. "Is everything okay?" Mia asked whom Olivia didn't know was in the room.

"Yes it's fine, I got to get to work."

"Me and Liam both too, it's a good thing I own my own business." Today I'll do 12 till 8.

"There you are my love." Liam gave her a kiss and handed her some money. Remember no ATM use, remember off limits."

She let out a sigh. "Okay I promise. "

"Gotta go." he gave her one more kiss

"What's this you not getting money from the atm?" You have new shoes and a new handbag? Olivia said, rolling her eyes.

"It's the reason Liam went all crazy on me, and he's been very strict on what I spend, I mean the man puts my bank account to shame. He's only 22, he gave me 20 bucks and said that should be enough for lunch."

"He's always saved up, but he's also indulged in his lavish gifts as well. "

"He's just showing me how to save and what I should invest in, well I must be going now."

Everyone rushed off to work.

—-----------------

Two weeks later, Anton had come over for dinner. Olivia wasn't the greatest cook, but her mom taught her a few Pasta dishes and how to make the sauce to go with them. "It smells wonderful in here, I didn't know you could cook."

"Well not really, these few dishes I know were passed down from my mom, I used to help her a lot."

There was a knock on the door. "Ki did you forget your keys?" She said as he opened the door revealing her father and brother standing there. "Father, Joel

"We just came to see, would you like to go get a bite with us?".

"While father I have company, and I cooked

"You cooked as in food?"

"stop it, of course I cooked food silly .

"you must really like this new guy?" Can we meet him

"Sure brother, come in." She opened the door and they all went into the dining room and introduced them, her father knew who Anton was already

"Anton this is my father Lionel and my brother Joel

"Nice to meet you." They both said in union.

They sat and talked for a while, but it was just something that Joel didn't like about his sister new man.

"Sis I hate to run but I got some stuff to handle."her brother said as he stood up to leave.

She hugged her brother and walked him out.

"So what do you think brother?"

"I honestly don't know yet sis, I mean so far I don't like him, he just has a negative vibe and until then I can't say what it is but I don't like this guy sis."

"You don't like anyone I date so what else is new?" Are you dating anyone ?"

"I was just hooking up with this guy named Kevin."

"So no one special?"

Maybe when I'm old enough, 27 is still young and beside no one looking for me to marry or have a child, since I don't swing for the right team, as aunt Lucinda always tells me how it's a sin to date men and all."

"You can't listen to her, she is so wrapped up in us but doesn't see that Amber is Bi and Casey may be as well, it'll serve her right for looking down on people."

"Thanks you're the best little sister."

"I'm your only sister." She said with a big smile..

"Let me get back to Anton." She hugged him and went back inside.

Anton sat in the dining room talking to her father but watching the scene out the window.

"Dinner was delicious, but I must be going." He hid how angry he was that her dad and brother crashed their date.

@kingliam2019 @choicesficwriterscreations @twinkleallnight @alj4890 @kaitycole @karahalloway

@honey358luv @harleybeaumont @kingliam-rys @tessa-liam @bebepac @dcbbw @mom2000aggie

@lolablackwrites @luvquit @shewillreadyou @yaniradolton @yolandawalker @yourmajesty09 @storyofmychoices @queenrileyrose @ao719 @angelasscribbles @aussiegurl1234

#olivia nevrakis #Anton #ttr none royal #Maxwell Beaumont #Juliana Beaumont #drake wolker #Riley brooks #liam rys #Mia Ramos #through hell and back

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cassiopeiacorvus · 2 years ago

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KLAW | DAY 2 - King/Historian

tagging: @kingliamappreciationweek, @lizzybeth1986, @sazanes

Five Headcanons About King!Liam

Despite the chokehold The Royal Romance has had over me since 2018, I’ve always found it difficult to articulate how Liam rules. I believe it’s because when TRR isn’t using him for the MC’s benefit, they keep all his decision making off-screen. But, I’ve knuckled down and come up with five headcanons for how Liam rules Cordonia.

International Relations & Diplomacy

We see from book 2 that Liam has a focus on diplomacy. His entire engagement tour with Madeleine was also a diplomatic trip around the world. I’ve already heacanoned that Liam goes to more countries during the tour. It was always strange to me that the tour didn’t stop by the United Kingdom even though it's one of Cordonia’s allies and Madeleine’s father is an English duke. Liam brings Cordonia into the European Union because it’s what he deserves. Unlike his father, Liam puts more emphasis on the art of diplomacy. He revitalizes the foreign ministry with the advice of Duke Hakim and hires more ambassadors to make connections across the world. Under his reign, Cordonia becomes more well-known on the international stage.

The Liberation Core

We don’t know much about the Liberation Core. They’re introduced as a potential enemy in book 3, but our only insight into them is Gladys. What I’ve gleaned from Gladys’s story is that the Liberation Core is an political organization that protests the ill treatment of commoners by the nobility. The only reason they end up as the enemy is because Anton and Claudius, both members of the Sons of Earth, co-opt their movement and use it for their own benefit. So, I have Liam sit down with the Liberation Core to discuss grievances. I desperately need Liam to engage with commoners who aren’t his best friend and weren't essentially raised in the palace with him. Liam’s always stated that his duty is to the Cordonian people, which leads nicely into…

The Nobility

…Raising commoners into the nobility. We know that in TRR2, the MC gains a duchy regardless of whether she’s engaged to Liam or not. I believe down to my core that Liam gave Hana a duchy because it doesn’t makes sense for him not to. During his speech before the Homecoming Ball is attacked, he mentions wanting to revitalize the old houses of Cordonia. What better way to do that than bringing some commoners into the nobility and therefore bring new ideas and ways of thinking? Liam also makes efforts to mitigate the nobles' ability to abuse the citizens of their estate. He never wants another Lady Carmine situation again.

The Government

Remember in book 1 when there was a council that helped government affairs and influenced the outcome of the social season? Remember in book 3 when Liam implied that he wanted to put commoners on his new council… and then didn’t? Pepperidge Farms remembers. In my mind, these two councils merge into one, where each duchy has a council member from the nobility and the common people. I haven’t worked out the exact mechanics of the selection process yet, but the noble council seat is typically the current head of the duchy and someone they appoint to act as their stead if they’re unable to do their duties. The common seat (I need a better name), however, is chosen by the common people of the duchy in an election. As time goes on in his reign, I see Liam giving more voting power to the common people in Cordonia.

Culture & The Arts

What are two things Liam loves? Art and history. Liam gives more royal funding to every library in the country because that is what the people deserve. The Therons’ International Arts & Food Festival becomes more well-known as the years go by partly because of Liam’s effort to attend every year. I believe it’s canon that part of the royal palace is a museum and Liam makes sure it’s well taken care of. A lot of his personal wealth is funneled into cultural events like festivals and fairs that allow more intermingling between the common people and the nobility.

#playchoices #the royal romance #liam rys #kingliamappreciationweek #KLAW #KLAW day 2 #cassi originals

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choices-binglebonkus · 2 years ago

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I’ve just found yet another lore discrepancy in TRR.

It’s stated that the Sons of Earth and the Nevrakis family were historically at odds with each other, but when Lionel and Camellia Nevrakis failed Operation Snowspear (the coup against the crown), the Sons of Earth made an appealing offer to the decimated Nevrakis faction which sealed a covert alliance between the two in which Anton Severus and Olivia Nevrakis were legally married on their 18th birthdays.

However…it’s stated that Olivia’s parents were the ones signed the marriage agreement. But this doesn’t make sense, because the Sons of Earth and the Nevrakis family only joined forces after Operation Snowspear failed.

And need I remind you, Operation Snowspear’s failure resulted in both of her parents’ immediate deaths.

So how did her parents sign the certificate of betrothal if they were already dead by that point? And, furthermore, Anton says that Olivia’s parents trained him as a child. So how did they train him if they were already dead then, too?

#the royal romance #choices the royal romance #choices trr #trr #olivia nevrakis #choices stories you play #playchoices #choices stories we play #pixelberry #pixelberry studios #playchoices fandom #choices stories you play fandom #choices stories we play fandom

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angelasscribbles · 2 years ago

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One Night in Cordonia Chapter 9: Aftermath

Series: One Night in Cordonia, a @choicesprompts Round Robin Event.

Fandom: TRR with a little OH

Pairings: So many lol. Let's see,,, while Leo and Madeleine are about to be engaged that didn't stop Mads from being with Anton or trying to get with Liam. It also didn't stop Leo from fantasizing about Adelaide. Meanwhile we saw Bastien x Claudius, Bertrand x Drake, Olivia x Max, Olivia x Tobias, and in perhaps the only 'normal' pairing, Liam x Riley.

Word Count: 1,483

Rating: MA

Warnings: lots of mentions of sex

A/N: Thanks to @harleybeaumont for bouncing a couple of ideas with me.

This is the final "wrap-up" chapter. Thanks to the writers that participated in this little endeavor and thanks to all the readers that joined us on the journey! It's been fun and there will be more round robins in the future.

While this concludes our main series, I am hoping for the following one-shots:

Leo x Adelaide @karahalloway

Olivia x Max @alj4890

Olivia x Tobias @jerzwriter

I myself am thinking about doing a little follow-up with Liam x Riley to explore her backstory in this universe (American model, here during Leo's season, with a press secretary, how did that happen?)

Leo and Liam circulated through the crowd gathered on the front lawn of the Beaumont estate, handing out bottles of water and answering questions as vaguely as possible.

Bertrand stood in a small group asking questions and piecing together what had transpired the night before. The last thing he needed was another damn scandal. It was bad enough that Anna De Luca had published that story speculating that they were broke, all because Maxwell had freaked out over a canceled credit card.

Bertrand had canceled the card to teach his spendthrift brother a lesson, but after years of yelling at him that his extravagant habits were going to break them, Maxwell had assumed that was exactly what had happened. There had been a very public spectacle when his card had gotten declined at the Annual Cordonian Peafowl Convention.

And now his brother was being ridiculous trying to convince him that they possessed some kind of resistance to the shagging smog that had turned their party into an orgy. Preposterous!

“So, you and I and Liam and Leo are all immune!” Max told him.

“What do you mean immune?” He sneered, “That can’t be true!”

“Oh yes,” Constantine assured him, “Exposure makes you immune and that immunity gets passed down to your children! Your father and I attend this party one time…”

As Constantine prattled on, Bertrand’s eyes rose slowly, and reluctantly, to meet Drake’s expressionless gaze. He blanched and stumbled backward knocking over one of the tables full of water bottles.

“…oh, now that I think of it, that was the summer after you were born!” Constantine slapped him on the back with a chuckle, “Never mind! Guess you weren’t immune after all.”

“Oh, thank heavens!” Bertrand was so relieved that he didn’t even care he’d blurted that out loud.

“Well, if you’ll excuse me,” Constantine waved as he strode away, “I really have to be getting back to the palace now.”

“Sir, excuse me,” Maxwell chased after the king as he made his way toward his motorcade.

“Yes, son?”

“About the bash…”

“What about it?”

“Leo said you were going to ban them in the future, but since this wasn’t our fault…I mean…it was an attack and not anything that we did so-“

“Calm down boy!” Constantine guffawed, “I suppose, considering the circumstances, there’s no harm in continuing the bashes, just up the security next time!”

“Yes, sir!” Max almost passed out from relief, “We will, sir!”

Madeline sat in one of the lounge chairs that had been scattered around the lawn, examining her nails studiously as she considered the night before. Justin may have turned out to be a terrorist hell-bent on overthrowing the monarchy, but boy could he shag! Too bad Liam had refused her advances, she’d likely never get another chance at him. For one, she was about to be his sister-in-law, and for two, he seemed quite taken with that American strumpet, Riley Brooks. Dismissing that train of thought, her mind wandered back to Justin, or Anton, or whatever his name was, she wondered if the palace allowed conjugal visits.

Penelope barely remembered her actions, she had already been piss drunk before the shagging smog after all. Still, her question remained. How would they know that they weren’t lesbians unless they tried? She watched Kiara from across the lawn, wondering how to get her best friend to reconsider their relationship.

Oliva yawned as she watched the Cordonian upper crust freaking out about their night of lost inhibitions.

Amateurs.

What on earth was wrong with indulging your kinks now and then? Prudes, the lot of them.

Before the attack had happened, she had been about to sneak away with Trystan Thorne, the exiled prince of Drakovia for a little slap and tickle when Jin had appeared demanding to know what she was doing. Not him. She had trussed him up and indulged his little cock and ball torture kink one damn time and now she couldn’t get rid of him.

Thankfully he had already been escorted from the premises. As a former spy for the Auvernese government, he’d been taken in for questioning.

Her eyes lifted to take in Maxwell Beaumont giving her a surreptitious once over. She hated herself a little for the shiver of desire that ran through her. Looking away she decided that she would deal with the younger Lord Beaumont issue later. Right now she had a hot doctor waiting to be tied up.

She quietly slipped away from the group and headed for the armory.

Several days later….

“We have the men responsible in custody, sir,” the young guardsman told him, “Except one, we’re not sure how he escaped.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant,” Bastien Lykel turned toward the window overlooking the Beaumont’s vineyards, “Call off the search. We should be able to get what we need out of the prisoners currently in the palace cells. We have their leader, Anton Severus. We don’t need the escapee.”

“Sir?”

“You’re dismissed, Lieutenant!”

The young officer scurried out of the room that Bastien had turned into a makeshift office as they continued to comb the crime scene for clues.

Not that he needed any. He knew who was behind the attack. And he knew exactly how Claudius had escaped.

The two men stood in the cool night air on the same hill that Claudius had stood on just two nights earlier as he had received his orders from Anton.

Claudius eyed him with deep suspicion, “Why are you letting me go? What’s in it for you?”

“There’s nothing in it for me, other than knowing you’ll be safe from the death sentence this way.”

“Why do you care?”

Bastien grunted, “How can you ask me that? For the sake of what we once were to each other-“

“If you gave a shit about me, you wouldn’t have left the Sons of the Earth! You wouldn’t have joined the enemy!”

“Corondia is not your enemy, and the Sons of the Earth are misguided. Anton Severus is an egomaniac and a narcissist! I joined the King’s Guard to protect my country from people exactly like him!”

“People like me?”

Bastien stepped forward, taking the other man’s head in his hands as he stared into his eyes, “You’re nothing like him! And it’s not too late for you! No one knows you’re affiliated with the Sons! You could leave! You can still live a worthwhile life!”

Claudius knocked the other man’s hands away with a shake of his head, “I don’t believe you, and I don’t forgive you for leaving. This changes nothing!”

He had come for revenge, but he was leaving with renewed angst over his lost love. He gave Bastien one last desperate look before turning and melting into the night.

Every member of the Sons of the Earth that had fallen victim to the shagging smog would be tried and convicted of attempted murder, treason, and actual murder.

On the other side of Cordonia, the Cult of Dionysus had succumbed to the experimental gas that had been meant for the nobility. Their deaths would secure the maximum sentence for the collaborators.

Before he fled into the night, Claudius had willingly given up the distributor of the gas as revenge for giving them the wrong product.

With Anton in custody, Claudius was now the leader of the Sons of the Earth.

He wasn’t sure he was ready. His devotion to the cause wasn’t as strong as it used to be. He’d been focused for so many years on exacting his vengeance on Bastien Lykel for leaving the movement, and him. But after their night of passion, he was no longer sure that he could execute any plan that might hurt his former lover.

Teagan had already abandoned the group citing gross incompetence and mediocre leadership.

When he finally made it back to headquarters, he realized he was working with a third of the original group. One-third were sitting in the palace cells and one-third had walked away along with Teagan.

He was left with green recruits and men that should have retired years ago.

With mixed feelings, he sent them all home, telling them to disperse, lay low and wait to be recalled at some nebulous point in the future.

The Sons of the Earth was officially disbanded. Taken out by a video gamer and fucking shagging smog.

Claudius poured himself a generous helping of Anton’s best whiskey and settled into the plush leather executive chair in Anton’s office. He stared out the window as he wondered what he was supposed to do with his life now.

He pulled out his phone and typed Bastien’s name into Google then zoomed in on a photo of him at the last King’s Guard’s Annual Awards Banquet, looking handsome and distinguished in a well-fitting suit.

His fingers traced over his former lover’s face on the screen as he contemplated his next move.

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kraken-o-doyle · 1 year ago

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Say, in the dawn of the two final chapters for COP 2 coming out, I wanna speculate what could happen. (btw, I legit sat there shook, because I thought we weren't getting a sequel).

K, so, I feel like we are going to be very emotional saying goodbye to Trystan; and that we agree to go our separate ways because he/she knows that MC wants to go back to New York.

Also I'm disappointed by the fact that the killer is in fact Vasili, because if he wanted, he could have gotten rid of both MC and Trystan if he really wanted to and passed the legislation without anyone literally questioning him. He was nice to MC, BUT HE COULD HAVE GOTTEN RID OF HER IN THAT ONE SCENE, but now there are two wrenches in his plans and next to impossible to get rid of; because both MC and Trystan know about Vasili's actions against the three victims (more on that later?) and if he tried to get rid of MC, the crown heir would most surely start a witch hunt everyone would sort of believe the future king/queen and set Vasili's ass running. And if Trystan disappeared, boy oh boy that would be different, no one would believe MC OVER A GODDAMN PRINCE, let alone someone who is very horrible at detecting. (No wonder she was kicked out 🥹 know that I am just kidding)

I believe Trystan is gonna go missing right before his coronation because Vasili (who's the killer) is also second in line to the throne; so why tf not him making Trystan disappear and becoming King of Drakovia. (Problems with this, why wouldn't they arrest him? I have a sneaky suspicion that he knows there is no evidence linking him to the murders literally and figuratively; he got rid of the evidence or someone did and they got rid of them. (Lydea, no!)

Lydea had disappeared in today's chapter; either she did the same thing like Seb and trusted Vasili (because she thought it was Astrid and let her guard down) and he killed her. Cause I feel like we are gonna find her somewhere half dead-soon to perish. And she is gonna reveal, he had destroyed the evidence linking him to the murders. 🤷‍♀️

Could MC'S dad be alive?? Because yeah we were told she saw him get shanked but do we ever see his funeral? I hope we don't get a scenario where he is alive and behind some shitty ass thing somewhere in Drakovia, because that would undo so much character development for MC.

Question; what could be the premise of book 3. I hope it isn't to apprehend Vasili. I guess not judging by the descriptions of the two last chapters, we are apprehending him, so tf is gonna happen. Is Via Imperii gonna make an appearance? Also does he not remind anyone of Anton (TRR?)

Add on!! The statement by Astrid about MC getting shanked in the neck and possibly getting poisoned makes me worried; is that what makes the two main characters to split? Trystan wants to protect MC and only way he could insure that is if they were out of Drakovia. Astrid and Vasili working together?

Thoughts?

#choices #choices stories you play #crimes of passion #spoilers?

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dcbbw · 2 years ago

Note

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Let’s spread the self-love 💖

If you already got this - feel free to ignore it! 😉

Heeeyyyyy @bebepac!!

I love alllll of my fics equally (well, kinda sorta) but here are five that hold a special place in my heart:

Autumn in New York--my attempt at a Perfect Match/TRR crossover that I need to return to.

2. Trudy Sloane--a more recent story that gives Sloane Washington a head-canoned back story. It is one of my favorites and truly a piece I wrote for Robin.

3. Fool's Errand--part of my Anton series, this chapter was downright delicious to write. I need to update this series.

4. The Visit--I really enjoyed writing this story and had even written a follow-up that was my Riley's backstory and her journey from childhood to Cordonia's Queen, but there was little to no interest when I posted snippets.

5. Bastien Smut Ask--This fic resulted from a PWP Bastien smut ask from Nonny, and I failed miserably at it but created a head canon/AU that I do not visit often enough

Thanks for the ask, love!

#dcbbw answers #writer fic rec ask

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secretaryunpaid · 2 years ago

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@jerzwriter, I’m truly appreciative that you were able to read this 🥰!!!

I am still reading through TNA book 2, I got pissed off when they brought Addison back from the dead, so I stopped reading 🤣🤣🤣. Like a kid throwing a tantrum that affects nothing 🤣🤣🤣.

Sam lost custody during the divorce and death of his wife Alina. They are actually the biological children of King Liam (my TNA-TRR crossover introduction to writing TRR).

Sam neglected his wife’s clear warning while they were in Milan… and she ended up finding comfort in the arms of another. Liam was just the spare Prince at the time and had no idea that Alina was married. When the confession of her marriage occurred, it was already too late. Leo told Liam not realizing beforehand that his new love was the wife of an American billionaire, on the day he was about to propose marriage to her and introduce her to the then current King and Queen of Cordonia. Before he could propose, Leo abdicated and his entire world crumbled 🥺 (found in my Blue Grotto fics).

Liam came to New York to claim his boys, but Vivian Dalton mediated and an emergency called Liam back to Cordonia, giving Sam more time with the boys. Witnessing his wife’s behavior after killing Anton Edison (The Queen Returns) made Liam very hesitant to have her around children, so this delay provided another means to an end.

As for the unbelievable "soothing", Beyonce can get on her knees, but Sam Dalton can't ...

Although I am writing fiction, my intimacy is never based on nonfiction, and it always makes me pray that much harder for those who have yet to find a partner to connect with on these levels. (*Gives silent prayer... Amen*) You can tell those who have never ventured, and setting limitations for oneself is nothing that I disagree with... but when it comes to speaking against someone else's experience, one should not knock what they have not tried... Best way to miss out on things, for sure! Truly, how can they judge? Meh, easily and incorrectly... but, to each their own I say. I am just not of the group that chooses to limit themselves. (Filtered to the best of my abilities... I do not intend to offend. Proof lies with the person who questions.)

This Virgo ain't no Virgin, lol.

I will definitely tag you in the second part! Thank you again for reading, commenting, tagging, and sharing !!!!!

The Long Goodbye...

Rating: Mature

Warning: Intimacy, the feeling of loss

Word Count: 3500 approximately

The Long Goodbye…

It was time…

He wasn’t ready, although he thought he would be…

Boys, get your scarves, Dahlia and I are going to take you on a stroll through Central Park, and then we are taking a trip together to visit someone special to you that you haven’t met yet. Saying “special” cut like a heated knife through his heart, but it would not take away from the fact that he is someone special to them, as he was to their mother… another bitter fact that Sam had come to accept. It had taken him time, but he knew that brooding over the fact wouldn’t change a single ounce of the truth that had burned in his mind and heart for some time now.

He had given him time to adjust to his request for his sons, but would that time ever be enough? No way that it could ever be. Although they were not his biological sons, they had made him the man he was today. For if they had not been born, he would never have found it within himself to care more about his own life… It had been their births that grounded him. Watching the pain ripping through Alina as she so bravely pushed each one into the waiting hands of a very proud father, eventually cutting their cords after the desired time she’d ask them to wait… the last moments they would be totally dependent on her alone for their survival finally showed Sam exactly what he had been taking for granted.

Looking back on it made things bittersweet. How could the best memories of his life be stained with untruth? But he wouldn’t allow any deception to taint his relationship with his boys, until they could no longer reside with him he would give them his all. So, today would start their long goodbye… Mini trips to fun locations and a walk down memory lane, ending in the very place he’d discovered his wife in the arms of none other than their true father.

Sighing, Dahlia takes his hand and pulls him into a tight hug. “We will get through this, Sam. It won’t be easy, but we will. This doesn’t truly have to be goodbye. I don’t see that you could be kept out of their lives after raising them to be such fine young boys. Their brilliance and love of life is all because of you. Yes, Alina had her share in giving them love early on, but after… Well, love, that was all you!” He bends and rests his chin atop her head, steadying his anxiety in her firm hold of him. She always did have a way of calming the worst storms brewing within him. “Let’s go, we have a lot of activities ahead of us, and our boys are anxious… “

Once at the park, the boys inquired about every scientific thing that they could think of, from the color change in the leaves, to the contrasting landscape, to why they seemed to react differently to the cool weather… Dahlia had on a wool trench, while Sam just had a knit sweater and scarf thrown over his neck and shoulders, but a thin turtleneck was the only protection against the chilling breeze. The boys both had on their fleece lined jackets with hats, scarves and gloves.

It was fascinating to listen to Dahlia explain the body’s mechanisms for regulating body temperature, the boys eagerly giving their own examples, missing the heated looks between the two adults whose bodies were joined at the sides, arms wrapped around each other like anchors to keep them both from losing themselves in these moments… How would their days be without the energy and life the boys brought throughout their days?

Thoughts were broken as they came across a cart vendor selling the most alluring scented hot drinks and pastries. Answering before the boys’ excitement could settle enough to ask, they followed the boys at a much slower pace to the smiling older gentleman who was reciprocating the smiles plastered on the boys’ faces. As they animatedly discussed which sweets would be best and to see if they could get away with more than one, Dahlia held a quick conversation with Sam which ended in a sweet kiss caught by the boys just as it was ending. “Eewwww, more kissing!”

“That’s what love looks like, young men, now… what can I get for you?” This man reminded them of Carter once they gave a closer look, but maybe it was just his gentle nature that made them think of him. “Well boys, since we grossed you out just now, I’m sure you won’t want anything but a hot drink, right?” Sam teased them, knowing that they’d plead for more and it would divert them from witnessing their mature actions. As they protested, Dahlia nudged Sam to give in just this once and let them have their pick of things to their delight. After drinks and goodies were purchased, their walk continued until they reached the pond and park benches.

“Your dad and I will sit here while you two explore this area in front of us, but stay in sight, okay.” The boys head straight for the carousel, and once on, chase each other around it until they find just the right spot. As the carousel turns, intermittently waving and calling out to the boys, Dahlia turns to Sam with puzzlement over his distant expression. “Do we get to discuss more about this? I still don’t know who this mysterious father could even be.”

He finally turns to look at her with tearful eyes. “I know it’s asking a lot, but I don’t think it’s something that I can discuss right now. I just want to fully enjoy the remainder of our days together as a complete family. I will explain more on the last leg of our vacation. I am, however, anxious to meet your sister! Is she anything like you?”

“Way to deflect from unwanted conversation, mister… but, not so much. Riley and I are two very different people. Although, she did marry my brother-in-law not truly knowing anything about him… That is similar to us, but I knew a lot about you… You just didn’t see that knowing everything about me would change things. But to add more, Riley carried a lot of the responsibility for me. Our parents traveled for work and were hardly ever present in my life. My Grandma Addie was my lifeline… but after she passed on, it was pretty much Riley. I went off to college at an early age, and Riley eventually went off to medical school but left to pursue “anything different” to quote her directly. She was pretty much a professional student, but our grandmother always told us that you can’t ever have too many degrees behind your name. Life played out a lot differently for me, but I do have my Master’s in Chemistry, Bachelors in Biochemistry and Psychology.”

Sam barely heard much of what Dahlia was saying, eyes flicking between her and the carousel, taking in how excited and carefree the twins were. This had never been his childhood, groomed from an early age to be in the public eye, from his grandfather’s prominent status to his father’s need to surpass the image of his father. He couldn’t help reliving the day of their birth, changing their diapers for the first time when handling them both on his own… a bet he’d made with confidence to his wife that he could handle the task alone and with precision, but two blowouts proved otherwise. He didn’t think something so small could hold so much, but they did, and it was like a competition brewing between them already, or their first ever prank. His memory of dropping them off for their first day of school brings a smile to his face, but is quickly interrupted by the boys’ screaming as they played tag after having gotten off the carousel and playfully raced back towards the two of them.

Standing, he reaches for her hand with a sad smile which causes her to pause, but she offers him her hand. Pulling her into him for a tight hug, he kisses just behind her ear as he whispers, “I love you, you know that?” As she leans to try to guess his mood, he kisses her on the lips quickly before taking her hands and kissing them before interlacing their fingers together so that they could continue their evening of fun. Each feels Mickey and Mason slide up against their exposed sides, simultaneously ruffling their hair as the boys protest, “Where to next, Dahlia?” She looks at Sam and says, “You boys up to pillaging and plundering a castle?”

“There’s a real castle?”

“Yes, in the center of Central Park. We have to fight off other pirates as we climb to the top. We’ll need to get to the lookout to search for the potential locations the treasure has been buried. Race you there!”

“Ugh, dad! Dahlia’s too fast! Catch her!” He can’t help falling into the feeling of family and gives chase, hearing the boys yell, “faster, faster, she is getting away!” Gaining on her quickly with his long strides, he catches her at the waist and spins her around. As he begins to lower her to the ground, the boys join in hugging her waist and laughing, “You’re fast, but not faster than dad!”

“Yeah, duh!!! Do you see those long legs! That’s why I needed the headstart! But… since you don’t know the way, my little admirals, you’ll just have to stay close and follow me!” His heart pangs with knowing these are the final moments with his family in this way. He is so thankful that Dahlia is taking charge of this adventure in his stead because he is slowly crumbling inside and fighting hard not to fall weak in front of the boys.

How had he taken them for granted all of this time … allowing their grandparents the better part of their time? Arm draped around her shoulder, he quietly thanks her for all that she is doing today and he shows his gratitude later when they are alone, kissing the top of her head. She isn’t used to seeing Sam in such a vulnerable state and begins to worry about him. She won’t probe him further about it now, just keep the boys occupied to give him this bit of instant relief.

Finally making it to the top spiral of the castle’s tower, they make a dramatic scene of spotting creatures and pirate ships sailing towards them in the icy lake below. “We can’t let them get our treasure, Admiral Mason!” “No chance of that, Admiral Mickey! We have Dahlia and dad to fight them off for us!” Sam makes a display of suiting up in armor and weaponry as Dahlia fires shots from the imaginary cannons and yells back for Sam to man the bow chaser. Brandishing his cutlass, he screams out pirate jargon and then throws grenades as he runs to the cannon to finally sink the closest ships. Celebrating in triumph, they all perform a signature dance move and fall down in a fit of laughter.

Once hydrated, they move on throughout Central Park, making their way back towards Hyland Planetarium, the place where Dahlia had taken them on her first attempt at babysitting them for Sam. This would be another painful moment, unable to be hidden. “Dad, why are you so sad?”

Both boys rush to take a hand, somberly gazing up into his eyes awaiting some response.

youtube

Every Breath You Take… Aaron Krause link2

Sam pulls them into a tight side hug, reassuring them that he isn’t sad (a blatant understatement, but a little white lie told to not dampen their moods), but just remembering their happiest moments together (not a lie, but a mask for what he truly feels). As they make their way to their preferred row of seating, the lights begin to lower. After calling out as many of the ones they recognized in competition, the boys noticed a new set they had never seen before, a mirror image representing identical twins. Sam had arranged for the boys to have their own constellations named after them, so that no matter where they were in the world, as long as they were looking up at the starry night sky, there would always be a constant reminder of how much he loved them even though they may be apart.

“Wow, dad! You really had them named after us?”

“I sure did! I even bought you an advanced telescope so that you can help to discover more… even if they can’t be documented, you boys can have the pleasure of writing your own worlds in the stars above.” Dahlia leaned in close as Sam lifted his arm for her to cuddle into him.The tears in her eyes were apparent, but the boys didn’t catch on due to their excitement of air tracing their very own constellations. Dahlia remembers the exact evening Sam discussed the idea with his mother when they visited her for dinner, and slowly the pieces begin to stitch together. This is what had motivated all of these unexpected yet sentimental acts from Sam.

Vivian had discussed having their ceiling mimic this exact view with Liam, and he’d agreed to have the renovations completed by the time of their arrival. She made sure that he knew the things the boys were accustomed to and had already begun shipping things unable to be found in Cordonia out of her need to have some control in this unfortunate situation. Liam was beyond grateful for every bit of information he had been privy to because this was already going to be a major change… one, not even he could be sure that Riley or Cordonia would be openly receptive to.

One last car ride with Carter… this time, both sit up front, after a dare made by Mickey that Mason wouldn’t be able to convince Sam to allow this to ever happen, and if by some rare chance he did, he would stop teasing him about the bedwetting prank he’d pulled on him, never mentioning it again to anyone. He’d teased Mason long and hard over this, making sure to tell anyone that would listen to his comedic rantings, so there was no way that Mason wouldn’t give this a try. To Mickey’s disbelief, all Mason had to do was ask and Sam gave in with a gentle smile, rustling his curls saying, “Just this once!”

His strength had completely faltered, and there was no way that he would be able to thwart the onslaught of questions the boys would have given on the journey home. They wouldn’t continue to believe that he was the nostalgic father he’d previously explained their prior concerns away with. The moment the town car began its designated route to the airport, Sam sank down into Dahlia’s lap, his head heavy and eyes brimming with the unshed tears he had been willing away the entire day.

As she gently stroked his beard, she softly pleaded for him to talk to her. Knowing the details may allow her to comfort him better, but he delays the conversation by planting kisses on her inner thigh through her clothing, moving to place a kiss on her mound before easing his way up to kiss her with such a needy force that she abandons any and all conversation. Unfastening the button with a mere hook of his finger and quickly dragging the zipper down, he buries his face in her crotch, teasing her clit as his hands squeeze her thighs… slowly dragging her forward to allow him better access.

“Sam, I love the way you feel right now, but what about the partition?” Only stopping to lean backward to lock the window access to the back of the town car, he turns and eyes her with such adoration in his eyes that she feels her wetness increasing.

It will take at least an hour to reach the private hanger, where Sam’s plane has been prepped for him to take his family up for the first leg of their air travel. He’s never taken the boys up but feels that this would be the perfect way to ease them into the much longer flight ahead of them. What better way to show his boys how cool their dad is? Their dad…

Desperately needing to get out of his head, he gave her only one instruction, “Don’t make a sound!” The roughness in his kiss suffocated any spurning her mind insisted upon knowing that the boys could potentially hear or see her intimate behavior, soft whispers and cries escaping her. When Sam desired comfort in this way, she knew that whatever was grating on his mind would unravel through the most intense touch he could offer her, and she could barely contain her anxiety to absorb every ounce of feeling that he would pour into her.

He thought that this was finally smothering the feeling of abandonment that haunted him, but her repetitive whisper, “Oh, baby!”, would remind him of the words that escaped Alina’s mouth as he held her, nestled in his lap with each new baby boy held secure in her arms as he firmly surrounded hers… “Oh baby, look how peaceful and beautiful they are!” The push and pull between reality and memory almost proved to be overwhelming, but he would soon remedy this.

Taking her faster would cause her words to falter, only allowing room for her to attempt catching her breath while moaning her elation, but this would only set him back to square one, answering questions he wanted to avoid. Lapping the remnants remaining of her first orgasm, he unbuttons his shirt, hurriedly ripping it from his torso just before leaning back on his knees to unbuckle his belt.

Dahlia is already upright on her knees in front of him, unzipping his pants and freeing his pulsing erection, straddling it before he’s even removed the belt completely. A pointless idea now abandoned, he steadies her thighs in his grip as she grinds on him, kissing him with as much passionate energy as she felt coursing through her just moments ago. She feels so damned good taking him as he sits idle, enjoying the feel of her using him to bring a climax and hard release that has her trembling around him, embracing him as she pants so heavily that syncope is near.

Sam is still so conflicted in his heart that his release is stunted each time he is on the brink. Only taking complete control will allow him to escape everything consuming him. Dahlia has no recovery time. Sam lifts her and crawls forward pinning her sideways on the seat as he drives into her hard and fast at first, but slows to give him more time. Both watch as he slowly sheaths himself fully within her, withdrawing at the same pace but lifting upward to intensify the feel of him against her clenching walls.

Stretching her each time as his excitement floods into a near-painful hardness, he finally knows that the time has come to empty all thoughts as he forces himself into her not pulling away any longer but pushing with a deep grind that has her clawing and gripping his arms as he hovers close to her. The buildup to their release becomes so powerful there’s a tightness in his chest and he is almost unable to breathe. One arm holds her tightly against him just below her shoulder blades as his other hand cups her ass, lifting her into his deep strokes, whispering for her to get ready, he’s about to flood her.

She holds tightly around his neck as his grind forces her upward, burying her head until she feels she may scream. “Kiss me, Sam!” He can’t have her talking loudly or screaming. She audibly pouts at his withdrawal, her body now torturously aching to be filled. Unable to protest because Sam repositions and fills her mouth instead, “Take it!” He stretches over her and begins to kiss and suck her orgasm from her as she does him, both grinding wildly against each other’s faces.

Release !!! Finally, a delicious release drowned in barely audible hissing and shivering moans… “Mmmmhm, Sam!!” It takes everything within him to remain silent, but he has to maintain this restraint… The boys can’t know why he so freely agreed to Mason’s request, although this wasn’t necessarily the primary reason. Lazily readjusting themselves and their clothing, “Talk later?” Yawning, her only reply, “Mmmm…” Reaching into the console to retrieve a light fragranced cologne bottle, he squirts a few sprays onto their clothing to mask their adult activities before relaxing back into the seat and holding Dahlia against him as they await arrival at the hanger.

Was this long goodbye truly the best idea? Sure, it gives him more time, but it would still come to an end with the same result… letting go… How the hell was he supposed to do this?

{To be continued...}

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msjr0119 · 5 years ago

Text

We Belong

Part 9

Evangeline Bruley returns to Cordonia to take over her families Duchy. She was betrothed to the now King, however he is engaged to Duchess Riley but still has lingering feelings towards his first love. What will happen during her time back in Cordonia?

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Wahay I’ve finally wrote a full chapter 🙌🏼- thank you everyone who has asked how I am, I’m getting there. If there’s any spelling mistakes etc, just please ignore it and I’ll rectify it when I can 😘

Warnings: Swearing, alcohol abuse, mention of murder, loss, slight grief, marshmallow Drakey.

*****

Maybe I’ve been foolish letting you down

I’ve been a little selfish not being around

But if I lost you I’d be helpless inside

Gotta hold on to our love tonight

Cause now that I found that someone I believe in

And I feel so complete by your side

It’s the only time I’ll ever love somebody baby in my life

We gotta hold on to our love tonight

I know that you’ve been hurting

The pains in your eyes

I promise you im changing I feel it inside

I dont know what I would do if it all passes by

We gotta hold on to our love tonight

When you find love never let it go

Because now I realise what your mean to me

Cause now that I found that someone I believe in

And I feel so complete by your side

It’s the only time I’ll ever love somebody baby in my life

Drake stayed by Evie’s side as he sung the song in her ear. Holding onto her hand, he became clammy hoping that she would soon wake up. She had just returned from surgery, the doctors briefly explained that it could have been worse, but there was something they was keeping from him as he wasn’t recorded as the next of kin. The next of kin for her was Olivia once her parents had passed away.

“How’s she doing?” Liam asked as he arrived at her bedside. Drake was confused as to why he was here, it was his wedding night and he should be embracing it with his new Queen.

“She’s breathing. She’s alive. They haven’t said much due to me not being next of kin. Where’s Brooks? Shouldn’t you be with her?”

“Riley understands. Don’t worry about her, Hana is with her. Your mom is in the cells with Duke Tobias. I think my country needs me here at this moment in time. Both of them mentioned about this Anton person but we don’t know who he is or where he is. Riley and myself have made a joint decision to postpone our honeymoon. Evie is everyone’s priority. Justin the press secretary offered to talk to Bianca and Tobias believing as an outsider that they may open up to him more, I didn’t really understand why but it worked.”

“Bianca! Toby! I demand answers now! Evie is fighting for her life. It’s my wedding day. An event that neither of you were invited to!” Punching the table in front of him, this gesture made the two prisoners jump slightly- hoping now that they realised how much trouble they were in. Or so Liam believed.

“I didn’t mean to stab her Liam. We have a past, I wouldn’t hurt her again.”

“Oh course you wouldn’t.” Bianca responded sarcastically. Not giving two damns about him pining for Evie, like her son.

“Shut the fuck up! You don’t know anything about mine and Evie’s relationship.”

Bastien interrupted the conversation, explaining that Justin was outside urgently needing to talk to Liam.

“Justin? How may I help you?”

“I heard about what had happened? Is her majesty okay?” And alive, fucking useless morons.

“Yes, luckily. But it’s my dearest friend Evie that got the wrath of it.”

“As I am Riley’s press secretary, maybe I could have a word with them both? They may speak to me more as I’m not the King.”

Liam agreed, not knowing if they would open up or not. Justin explained that he would enter without company and if there was any danger he would exit the cell immediately.

“Now I know how you could mistake two beautiful brunettes- but you stabbed the wrong one! What happened?”

“I did as planned, I saw the Queen and I had the knife in my hand ready to threaten her. But my ex fiancée Evangeline was forced into me by her. She’s a liability Anton. She’s always drunk!”

“Bianca, you want revenge on the crown but as Toby said, you’re a liability. When am I going to have chance to take the royal family out now?”

“I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I’ll try harder. We want the same. I don’t understand your reasoning though Duke Tobias.”

“I haven’t really got any vendetta, I’m just in it for the money. Myself and Liam were friends as children. Our parents were allies. Then we drifted apart. Anton can you get any information on Evie for me please.”

“You don’t deserve any information. So plan D. We failed to kill Riley because your son jumped in front of her, the roof didn’t kill anyone and they all went on that stupid unity tour, you both cocked up plan C.”

“Plan D?” They both said in unison.

“Plan D, I will inform Liam that one of you are totally innocent with the tragic event that occurred tonight. One of you will be let free. I will get the crown with or without your help!”

Exiting the cell, he informed the guards to separate the two prisoners as they began a fight. Lying, he faked shaking- making it out that he was a hero getting a slight bit of information.

“So?” Liam asked, still frustrated with the events that had happened.

“Your majesty, I’m so sorry. You have a traitor within your ‘court’. One of them is innocent, they are sincere. The other one is mentally not stable. This person is the ringleader and they were involved in every assassination attempt that has occurred. The one that injured Sir Walker, the one that nearly killed your father when the roof collapsed, then tonight.”

“Which one Justin?”

“Sir, the innocent party in this is.....” Whispering in his ear the name, Liam grit his teeth. Anger raging through his body.

“Thank you for your help Justin. I have to go and visit Evie. If the press require a statement, could you inform them that there is no comment at this moment in time? I’d appreciate that. I’ll deal with them tomorrow.”

“Of course your majesty. Anything.”

Liam reiterated his point of view from the interaction in the cells, Drake shook his head, ashamed to have a mother like her.

“What’s going to happen to my mom Liam?” Drake wasn’t concerned about his mother’s punishment- as far as he was aware she was now non existent with her confession regarding the Bruleys and the involvement in Evie’s attack.

“I’ll leave that decision up to the council, and Evie when she pulls through. Do you want a coffee?”

“You’re trying to make me leave her aren’t you?”

“You have your own mind Drake, but you look knackered. Max has brought you some spare clothes too. We will be five minutes tops. Olivia can come in and sit with her.” Drake nodded, knowing his friend was correct in some manner. He didn’t want Evie to wake up, seeing him wearing a suit that was covered in her blood, potentially traumatising her more. Kissing her on the forehead, Liam’s heart sunk- seeing his best friend broken in front of him. Realising how much love Drake had for Evie, he had hoped that she would forgive him for his silly mistake.

*****

Olivia entered the room, asking for time alone with Evie without Maxwell being a burden breaking down even more.

“You’re not superwoman you know Evie, I know Drake fucked up- but he loves you. I hope your stubborn ass will forgive him. I hope there’s no recording of me saying this, I still hate him.” Laughing to herself, she hated seeing her best friend in this way- ready to cause havoc if she ever saw Bianca Walker and Toby again.

“Duchess Olivia I assume? My name is Dr Hussain. May I have a moment of your time please.”

“You assume correct. What is the matter?”

“On our records you are Duchess Evangeline’s next of kin. I assume Mr Walker is close to her, but I have to let you know about her injuries.”

“Go on...”

“We stopped the bleeding from the open wound, however there was more bleeding from elsewhere. Was Duchess Evangeline aware that she was pregnant?”

“Was?”

“Yes, unfortunately once we realised the possibility of why she was bleeding we did an ultrasound - there was no heartbeat.” Olivia remained silent, not knowing how to comprehend the news- looking at Evie, her heart shattered in pieces for her.

“Dr Hussain, can we not inform her straight away about the miscarriage? She’s been through enough, I’m sure King Liam would agree.” The doctor explained that he would have to inform his patient before discharging her but agreed for the time being to remain mute- he also explained the outcome of what was due to happen once the miscarriage was fully over. As Evie couldn’t consent on what to do regarding her miscarriage at the moment, there was three options; wait for her body to naturally remove the baby, take a pill, or have a surgical removal of the baby.

Leaving Olivia alone with Evie, she wiped the tears that were pouring down her cheek- thinking about what the best option was for her friend.

“Look at what you’ve made me do now, I’m crying- I’m Olivia Nevrakis I never cry. I forgive you for puking in my Prada bag- or do I? I can replace that, but I can’t replace you. For fuck sake Evie, in future just stand in the corner of the room like your lover and not interfere with anyone. Or at least leave it to someone like me- who actually carries self defence weapons in case of emergencies.” Hearing the door open, she grabbed a tissue and over exaggerated blowing her nose- hoping this would be a good enough excuse for why her eyes were watering.

“Liv? Is everything okay? Are you crying?”

“Me cry? Ha! Don’t be stupid Walker. It’s dusty in here, not doing my allergies any good. Where’s Liam?”

“He’s on the phone to the kings guard, something about Toby or my mom.”

“Good! Well not good. Just sit with me.” Drake hesitantly sat beside her, wondering why she forced his hand onto Evie’s.

“Drake, I don’t like you. I never have done, and I probably never will do. But you two belong with each other. There’s something I need to tell you....” Taking a deep breath, Drake noticed tears creeping from the duchesses eyes. “Evie was pregnant. She lost the baby. I’m so sorry.”

“She... my baby... I...it’s my fault...” Pulling him into her embrace, she was grateful that there was some hand sanitiser near by- not that Drake had germs, she just didn’t like him or his heavy whiskey scent.

“It’s not your fault Drake...” although you publicly dumped her, and your mother caused this- but I won’t say that out loud. “I’ll leave you alone with her, looks like you have a lot of grovelling to do. If you need anything just let me know.”

“Thanks Liv, but you know I still hate you right?”

“The feelings are mutual Walker.” Winking at him, she provided him with a smile- a genuine sincere smile. Something that he never believed he would receive from his worse enemy.

Cause now that I found that someone I believe in

And I feel so complete by your side

It’s the only time I’ll ever love somebody baby in my life

We gotta hold on to our love tonight

“Hold on to our love forever, please wake up soon. I love you.” Drake placed one hand into hers, and the other lingering over her stomach. Attempting to fight back the tears, he couldn’t prevent them from falling. I’m so sorry.

*****

Drake fell asleep, leaning over the bed- his emotions had got the best of him. All the what if’s still roaming through his subconscious mind. The guilt hammering and stabbing him constantly in his heart. Evie began to stir, the bright light preventing her eyes to open fully.

“Drake?” Her voice was hoarse, his name barely escaped her chapped and dry lips. Pressing the buzzer next to her arm, she wanted assistance due to him being ‘crashed out’. The three friends waiting outside rushed in first after hearing the alarm. Panic setting in, wondering if Evie had potentially had a sudden relapse.

“Evie!” Maxwell screeched, waking Drake up from his slumber.

“Is there a problem?” Dr Hussain questioned as a team of staff rushed in all breathless.

“I pressed... it... I... you can... all go...I don’t want any visitors.”

“Evie? You need us here to help you.” Liam insisted- instead of responding Evie looked into Drake’s eyes, before brushing his hand away and focusing her gaze elsewhere. Not making any eye contact with any of her friends.

“I just want to be alone.”

“I think you should all leave. If Duchess Evangeline changes her mind regarding visitors we shall let you know.” Liam tapped Drake on the shoulder, his body was all frozen- not expecting for her to react this way. Escorting him out, he asked Maxwell and Olivia to sit with him.

“Dr Hussain, a word outside if I may?”

“Duchess Olivia informed me about Evangeline’s miscarriage. I don’t know about hospital policies but I am begging you as your monarch to not inform her about this. It has to come from Drake, the father of the baby. I will ensure that none of the staff will be blamed for this deceit and will get you to fill a form out. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, your Majesty. I will keep Duchess Olivia upto date with news regarding discharge if she still refuses to see anyone.”

*****

Three Weeks Later:

Liam entered the Duchy, not knowing what to expect- not knowing how Evie would respond to him showing up unexpectedly. As he was King, he knew she didn’t have the authority to throw him out as she had done everyone else over the weeks since returning from hospital.

Remember Liam, don’t tell her about the baby. That shouldn’t come from you.

I know Liv! I’m not stupid! I just want to make sure that she is okay, that she is eating and looking after herself.

You should be on your honeymoon with Riley. Leo’s sorting out Toby and Bianca. Evie is not your concern Liam.

She’s still my best friend, and if she is willing to talk to me - I’m going to talk to her. Riley understands. I’ll keep you updated. You check on Drake.

“Hello Evangeline.” Looking up from the kitchen table, she sighed as Annabelle the majordomo escorted Liam in.

“Your majesty.”

“Evie, come on. No titles required.”

“Liam.” Emphasising his name, she stared vacantly into the black coffee as Annabelle excused herself. Liam had hired her against Evie’s wishes, but she had been closed off from everyone- not allowing anyone to see her.

“Shouldn’t you be on your honeymoon?” She questioned with a slight bit of sarcasm in her voice- not really understanding why he was here, again.

“Should be but I’ve had a lot to deal with, and we need to make sure you are fine.”

“Oh I’m fine. A stab wound to add to the bruised ribs. Danger just loves to follow me around.”

“Exactly, so you need to allow us to see you. You need to talk to Dr....”

“I do not need to talk to Drake. He’s the reason why I’m like this. His mother is the reason I am like this. End of story.” He needs to talk to you.

“How about I make us something to eat, then we can watch titanic. I know I’m not Max. But I can cry like he does.” Liam faked crying, very over dramatically- providing Evie to laugh for the first time in weeks. And there’s that beautiful smile, baby steps. Liam managed to fix a meal together for the two of them, finding pasta and sauce in the cupboard it was a basic meal. Evie hesitantly ate it, but he could see that she was being stubborn. Smiling softly at her, gave her the encouragement to eat it all. They settled on the couch, and as promised he put titanic on. They spent the entire movie sitting close to each other, Liam kept his arm around her as she snuggled into his embrace. The cuddles they shared felt like a little touch of heaven- content with each other like when they was younger. Even though he was married with a pregnant wife, Liam had wished that he could extend his stay just so he could stay close to her for longer, keeping her safe in his arms and embrace. It was the closest anyone had been with her, and he felt relieved that someone could make her finally open up- even if it was just her arms wrapped around him. Cupping her cheek, he felt a dampness in his his fingertips- now realising that she had been crying once the film had ended.

“Evie?”

“Yes?”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine Liam. Thank you for coming. I now understand that this is probably what I needed.” Liam drew closer towards her, she could feel her heart beat so hard- scared that he would feel it. Kissing her softly on the cheek, left a small damp mark- knowing this was his way of being polite, a sign of their long term friendship she didn’t read too much in to it. A small grin crept onto his face as he pulled away silently. His eyes locking on to hers as her cheeks painted themselves a bright shade of red. Unexpectedly his lips brushed hers not in an innocent manner it was more passionate and demanding. Knowing deep down this was wrong, she needed to pull away before she lost herself in to him- but she couldn’t. It was as if all her senses had disappeared, she couldn’t think straight. Guilt. Guilt was the devil on her shoulder encouraging her to resist the soft touch of the King. The angel suddenly forced its way into her mind, making her push him away- knowing she had crossed the line. She was now a hypocrite calling Riley the ‘court whore’.

“I... I think you should... go.” Shaking his head, he blatantly ignored her suggestion. Instead he stood up, holding his hand out to her- leading her upstairs.

Fuck, startled she sat up in bed in a shot, sweat dripping off her forehead. Why am I dreaming about Liam?

“Are you okay your grace?”

“Yes, thank you. Sorry if I woke you. And please just call me Evie. I’ve been telling you this for weeks now, I’m sorry I was horrible to you when you first arrived- I was more angry towards Liam than you for his deceit. I’m happy he hired you on my behalf now, so please- we are friends. I’m Evie to you, not your grace.”

“Sorry, Evie. How are you feeling? Do you need me to do anything for you?”

“No, thank you - Annabelle. When’s the council meeting?”

“This afternoon at 1pm. His majesty called by late last night to remind me. He was occupied by Duchess Olivia and Sir Walker.....”

“Good evening Annabelle, is Duchess Evangeline available?” Annabelle opened the door allowing the visitors to enter the Duchy. Curtsying for Liam, she regained her normal posture before biting her lip- nervous that she was once again going to have to refuse them from seeing Evie.

“Your majesty, she is asleep. She still isn’t up for visitors. May I help?”

“We was hoping to speak to her, but it’s okay. The council meeting tomorrow is at one o’clock- if the Duchess is going to be attending could you inform her please. If she doesn’t attend we all understand.”

“Of course your Majesty. Is that all?”

“Is she eating?” Olivia asked, that was her main priority over the council meeting. Ensuring that her stubborn friend wasn’t killing herself out of spite.

“Yes your grace, I ensure that she is looking after herself. To begin with she was very withdrawn, and still is in some context. Sir Walker...”

“Just call me Drake. Please.”

“Drake... I know you need to talk to her personally, but give her time. She’s been through a lot- she will eventually become the Evie you all once knew. Healing takes time.”

“Maybe we should just send Drake upstairs, beg on your knees for forgiveness. Like a dog.” Olivia narrowed her eyes at Drake, the last few weeks she had been like a stuck record- drilling into his head how much he messed up.

“Liv, don’t you think I know that. I just want her to look at me, to talk to me. I fucked up and I want to make amends with her.”

“You’ll have to kiss and make up brother. You must be a better kisser than I was as she chose you. As Annabelle suggested healing takes time. Thank you for your time Annabelle. You’re doing a marvellous job. Goodnight.”

“I did as you said, explaining as I have done since King Liam hired me that you didn’t want any visitors until you was ready.” I know you did Annabelle, I was stood in the shadows overhearing the conversation. Maybe that’s why I dreamt about Liam kissing me?

“Thank you. Shall we go out for breakfast? Change of scenery? My treat as a thank you.”

******

Evie arrived at the palace unusually late- usually she was like Bertrand, insisting that meetings or events you had to be punctual. Walking fast, her breathing was heavy but she believed it was also due to nerves- nerves that were self inflicted as she had chosen to ignore everyone. Forcing the door open, the room went mute all of a sudden. Everyone mirrored the same expression, a big smile.

“Sorry I’m late, stop gawking at me. I’m not a ghost, not yet anyway- maybe next time.” Seeing Liam raise his eyebrows up with her ‘joke’ she sat next to Olivia, who held her friend’s hand. “Carry on Your majesty. I won’t interrupt.”

“It’s nice to see you Evie, I’m sure we can all agree. You showed up at the right time actually, we was about to discuss the punishment options for Bianca Walker and Duke Tobias. We want you to have the final decision as you was affected.”

“Toby can have his dick chopped off for all I care, and exiled out of Cordonia. And for that woman- I think she should face the death penalty.” Everyone provided her with the same look- shock. Obviously they knew she would have anger, but didn’t expect that from the kindness noble they knew - if anyone it would be Olivia that they would expect it from.

“I’m joking....” or am I? “Toby is British, simple- send him home. But with Bianca, I have one suggestion. Not many of you will agree with me, not many of you may like her- but she is still Drake and Savannah’s mom. She tragically lost Jackson, she’s dependent on alcohol. I’ve never had an addiction, but it must be hard to be so reliant on it. Maybe she just needs some rehab and counselling, to become the Bianca- the caring mother, the welcoming friend, we all knew when we was younger. Bartie doesn’t want to see his grandmother the way Drake and Savannah saw her for the majority of their childhoods. She’s not only a mother, but a grandmother to a gorgeous little boy who will want all his nanas attention before they have anymore children- she needs help.” They all gulped, all knowing that Drake hadn’t had the opportunity to tell her about her miscarriage. On behalf on Evie, they agreed with the doctor to allow her body to naturally remove the baby, if she was to question it, Dr Hussain suggested that it was an early period brought on by stress- going against all morals, he didn’t have a choice to rebel against the decision as he was surrounded by nobles and the royal family.

“Liam, can I have a word with you in private please? I’m sure Bertrand could carry on?” Liam nodded, escorting Evie out- he wondered what was on her mind.

“How are you feeling?”

“Where’s Drake? I’m just a bit sore, I had this awful cramping in my stomach- and a heavy period, sorry too much information.” Placing his hands around her waist, he knew what exactly she was referring to- feeling guilt ridden he needed to keep providing that infamous stoic expression as he held her in his arms.

“I’m glad you’re okay, I just wished that you would have seen us all before now. Drake... he’s... he’s not very well.” Oh great, just lie to her yet again. I’m going to have no balls left, once she finds out the truth.

“I see, could you take me to the cells? I’m not bothered about seeing Toby, but I need closure with Bianca.”

“Are you sure that’s wise?”

“Please Liam.”

******

“Bianca...” Evie nervously announced herself into the cell, followed closely by Liam and Bastien. All the hate she had towards the woman, slowly drained away- seeing her in this vulnerable state obviously not having any option but to cold turkey. Bianca bit her nails, her whole body was trembling- until she saw the people enter. Correcting her posture, she knew she had to act ‘sane’ in order to have any chance of escaping any punishment.

“Your majesty, Duchess Evangeline.” Faking a smile, she had lost count of how many days she had been here in the cold yet damp cell. If it wasn’t the rats scurrying past her, she heard the echoes of the guards conversations. “It’s good to see you alive Evie.”

“I’m like a cat, with nine lives- except I’ve only got seven left. I assume that you are wondering why I am here?” Bianca scowled at her, before nodding. “At the council meeting, Liam wanted myself to have the final say about your punishment as you harmed me. Then blamed Toby for it all, you must have forgotten that the Queen was a witness. But anyway, I originally wanted the death penalty. You hurt your children, you lost your husband because of your addiction, you potentially could have killed me. How many more people do you want to hurt?”

“I’ve hurt a few more. Not purposely. One being my own grandchild.” And your parents.

“You’ve hurt Bartie? How low can you stoop?”

“Evie, I think it’s time we left. Bianca, Evie has decided to save your life as long as you agree to counselling and rehab. That was her decision, if you ignore the conditions you will leave me no choice.”

“Why are you changing the subject Liam?”

“I’m not...” Don’t you fucking dare say what I think you are about to, it has to come from Drake.

“Oh Evie, it was fate that my grandchild that you was carrying tragically didn’t want to stay with you.”

“Bianca, I have no idea what you are on about.”

“Ask your precious King Charming if it’s true...” Evie looked towards Liam who was scowling towards the woman as Bastien covered his hand with his mouth, as he shook his head with Bianca’s malicious attitude.

“Li?”

“Evie... fuck. We didn’t want you to know once you’d woken up, you’d been through so much. I’m so sorry. Drake wanted to talk to you, it was between the two of you. We’d assumed you would have let him talk to you.. not shut everyone out...”

“I.. I... we.. we was having a baby? She made me miscarry?”

“As I said it was fate.” Cackling in the background, Evie soon regretted sticking up for the woman in the meeting- her hate had immediately returned with vengeance.

“Liam, I’ve changed my mind. Stick to my original decision- death... I need to find Drake.”

*****

Exiting the cell, she felt as if she was about to hyperventilate. All these weeks, none of her friends had mentioned her true injuries- although she had been avoiding them. Catching her breath, she knocked on his door- not really knowing what to do or say. Believing that everything that was to occur would be spontaneous.

“Go away Liam.” Hearing his voice through the walls, he sounded broken- assuming it was due to her actions, she took a deep breath.

“I was just wondering why you wasn’t present at the meeting.” Hearing the door open, they both stared at each other- neither knowing how to elaborate on this conversation.

“I erm. I wasn’t feeling up to going. Are you okay?”

“Can I come in?”

“I’d rather you didn’t Evie....”

“We need to talk.” Forcing her way through the door, she noticed three empty bottles of whiskey- assuming there would be more if she scrutinised the room. Feeling ashamed with himself, most people would criticise him- but in his mind this was the only way to heal the pain he had gone through alone.

“I’m not an alcoholic...” Defending himself, he hoped that she wouldn’t send him to rehab. Hoping that if he could talk to her and explain his reasons that she may understand.

“Whiskey to you is like tap water it doesn’t affect you. I’m not criticising you Drake. You might want to shave soon though.” Smiling at him, her heart fluttered. Even though he had hurt her, she still cared deeply for him- and always would do.

“You don’t like this look? I think I’d suit a bit of a beard...” Winking at her, she laughed-even if it was quietly he still heard it, not wanting to say anything to push her away he made the decision to let her begin the conversation.

“Actually it does suit you, I’m just used to not seeing you with more than a bit of stubble...” Tracing her fingers along his forming beard-that spark returned with this slight touch. Quickly removing her hand, she saw disappointment in his eyes, but she couldn’t go back to where they was prior to the wedding shower. “So, I saw your mom....”

“Why would you see her? Don’t you ever see her again! Promise me Evie.” She’s a maniac.

“I saw her to personally inform her of her punishment for her harming me....” Pausing, she needed to say more- taking her time, she finally finished her sentence off. “...and our baby.”

“How... how do... you know? I wanted to talk to you about it, but....”

“Your mom blurted it out. I’m so sorry Drake. If I knew... I’d have... I would have... we could have supported each other...” Pulling her into his embrace, she didn’t want to cry in front of him- most people would say it was tragic, that it wasn’t a baby- but to them they would be grieving over the loss of their future together.

“I’m so sorry... I’d have looked after you both, I’d have provided for you both, I’d have loved you both with all my heart.”

“I know you would have done... I’ve got a few things to do, we could meet up tomorrow and talk properly?”

“I’d like that. I wrote you a letter, I wasn’t sure if you was ever going to speak to me again. Here.”

“I’ll read it when I get home, come to mine tomorrow- say brunch time?”

“Sure.” Evie gave him a half hearted smile, walking towards the door- he grabbed her wrist.

“I love you.” Not responding back, she slowly closed the door behind her. Pausing outside in the hallway, she immediately regretted not saying those three words back. Opening the door slowly, she witnessed him pouring the whiskey down the sink- wondering if he was feeling okay. Wondering why he would do that?

“I love you too Drake.” She whispered, before exiting the room once more.

******

Arriving back at her Duchy, Annabelle welcomed her as always. Sitting in the kitchen, her fingers traced the white envelope- hesitating whether to open it or not. Annabelle gave her a coffee, whilst looking at her confused- Evie noticed and decided to confide in the woman sat next to her.

“Drake gave me it, he said he was unsure if I would ever speak to him again. I assume you know about the baby?” Feeling guilty that everyone knew apart from the mother herself, she nodded. “Do you think we’d have made good parents?”

“I believe you would have, no doubt about it. He seems to care a lot about you.”

“Do you have family or friends here in Cordonia?”

“Yes ma’am, not too far from here. Why do you ask?”

“Once you have finished, why don’t you go home and have tomorrow off? I’m fine, if I need you I’ll will contact you.”

“Thank you. I’ll be back early Friday morning.”

“Goodnight Annabelle, and thank you for all your help. I’m going to go upstairs.”

Walking upstairs, she entered the master bedroom. Pulling the dress out of the wardrobe that she was wearing at the royal wedding, the tears that she had so cleverly kept hidden now rushed out like a burst dam. Opening the letter, her mind was flooded by his scent.

Evie, Lina. You’re probably reading this because you are refusing to acknowledge me, not that I blame you one bit. I’m not writing this for you to feel sorry for me, I just need to communicate with you in some way. There are things I need to tell you, things that probably should be said in person. I never wanted to let you go, I love you so much that it hurts. My Mom is poison and always will be, at times I wish she had died rather than my Dad- I know I’m a horrible person for saying this. In my stupid mind, I thought losing you would be for the best, to protect you. Then the night of the wedding, I could have potentially lost you for good- never having the opportunity to tell you how I truly feel. I don’t deserve you, I never have done- I’m just Drake the commoner, who is best friends with the King. The King who gave me a title out of pity, not because I deserved it or earned it. I’m not sure if you know this, but your parents made me heir to your Duchy if anything was to happen to you- could you imagine? I hate nobles. Except Liam and you obviously. Even though you have survived, I still lost a bit of you- a bit of us both. Super spunk here managed to get you pregnant, but we lost our baby. I’m so sorry that I couldn’t protect you both. I’m sat here crying because I just want to hold you in my arms, telling you that everything is going to be okay- that I’m the biggest jerk alive. If you ever decide to talk to me again, I will fight to win your love back- I want a future with you and without you in it my future is bleak. If you just want to stay friends, I suppose having you in my life as a friend is better than nothing at all. I love you so much Evie, and I’ll never stop loving you. D x

Wiping her tears, they just kept appearing- then her thoughts lingered on her parents choice of heir.

“Was you really that desperate for an heir that you’d choose Drake Walker? Seriously?” She managed to laugh in between the tears. “It’s a good job that I’m a fighter, that I decided it wasn’t time... no wonder in my dream Jackson persuaded me to not give up, he knew that Drake wouldn’t cope..” My grandchildren. Grandchildren? Was that my subconscious informing me that I was pregnant? Or was it really Jackson, Mom and Dad? I need to see Drake. Now. Not tomorrow.

Grabbing her coat, car keys and bag- she ran downstairs needing to get to the palace as soon as possible. Hoping that Drake would still be there, if not the only other place would be his cabin. Opening the door, her eyes widened.

“What are you doing here?”

#trr #trr fanfic #trr choices #trr we belong #drake x mc #drake x evie #liam x mc #liam x evie #olivia nevrakis #maxwell beaumont #bertrand beaumont #trr bianca walker #trr evie bruley #trr oc toby #trr anton

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