#trr mc

[mysticalfangirl]

A Cordonian Christmas in New York

Summary - Liam and Riley have planned a family trip to New York City on Christmas as the city brings special memories for the couple. They want to share with their little ones the magic of the season and their first Christmas together as a family of four.

Main pairing - Liam x Mc

Rating - General

Category - Fluff

No of words - 960

Warning - none

*Most of the characters belong to pixelberry

The gentle rumble of the private jet filled the cabin as it swooped over the Atlantic Ocean. Inside, the royal family of Cordonia was finally experiencing something they hadn't had in years: a quiet moment of togetherness.

King Liam of Cordonia sat on the plush leather seat, holding his daughter, Ella, whose sleepy head rested against his shoulder. Across from him, Queen Riley bounced their son, Elias, on her lap, his bright blue eyes wide as he tried to squirm free, captivated by the sights of the cabin.

"This might be the first time I regret choosing a plane over a royal carriage," Liam teased, his voice soft as he brushed a curl from Ella's forehead.

Riley laughed. "Trust me, this is better. I don't think a horse-drawn carriage could make it across the Atlantic. Besides, the kids are loving the adventure."

Liam grinned, glancing fondly at their twins. “True. And I’m glad we’re doing this. Our first Christmas as a family of four deserves something special. A proper adventure.”

The decision to spend Christmas in New York had been spontaneous—a way to give their children a taste of Riley's home country and enjoy a little secrecy, something that Cordonia rarely offered. Liam had always been curious about New York at Christmas, and Riley had eagerly embraced the idea of showing him her city all dressed up in holiday cheer.

Are you ready to experience the chaos of New York during Christmas?" Riley teased, nudging him with her elbow.

Liam smirked. "After hosting countless royal galas, negotiating trade deals, and chasing down two very mobile toddlers, I think I'm well-prepared.

As the plane descended to land at JFK, the twins began to stir awake. Ella blinked sleepily; her golden curls were tumbling over her little face much like Liam's. Meanwhile Elias clapped his hands and looked excited about their impending landing.

"Here comes New York," whispered Riley excitedly as she kissed his forehead.

---

The moment they stepped outside, Riley's heart swelled. New York was alive with holiday magic—twinkling lights lined the streets, snow flurries danced in the air, and the hum of traffic mixed with carolers singing on every other corner. Liam looked awestruck, his hand gripping Riley's tightly as they stood bundled up in their coats, the twins nestled in their arms.

“This is incredible,” Liam murmured, his breath fogging in the cold air.

“Told you,” Riley replied, grinning. “You’re going to love it.”

They made their way to Rockefeller Center, where the giant Christmas tree towered over a bustling ice rink. Leo and Ella squirmed excitedly in their parents’ arms, their little faces lit with joy as they took in the twinkling lights and festive decorations.

"Can we take them skating?" Liam asked, his boyish grin making Riley's heart flutter.

"Are you sure you can handle toddlers on ice?" Riley teased.

"Challenge accepted."

And so, half an hour later, Liam and Riley found themselves on the rink, both grinning, skating slowly with their load, Leo squealing in ecstasy as he clutched at Riley's scarf, while Ella nestled into Liam's chest, giggling at every time he lost his balance and regained it.

"You know," Liam said, his voice low as they skated side by side, "this might be one of the happiest moments of my life."

Riley smiled up at him, her cheeks flushed. "Mine too. The four of us… this is what Christmas should feel like."

The next day was clear blue skies and fresh powdery snow. The day took them to Central Park, where the twins dressed in tiny snowsuits that made them resemble small marshmallows.

Ella was in the snow within minutes, giggling as Liam helped her make her first snow angel. Riley was sitting on a bench, watching Elias as he patted the small snowman she helped him make.

Liam turned to wave at Riley, and his smile shone so bright. "Do you think they're having fun?"

"They're definitely having fun," Riley said with a grin as she snapped a photo of the twins.

The next stop was to a department store to visit Santa Claus. Riley had been excited to share this tradition with her children, but she couldn't help but laugh when Elias stared at Santa suspiciously, his tiny brow furrowed.

"I think Leo's not convinced this guy is the real deal," Liam said, holding back a chuckle.

On the other hand, Ella cooed happily at Santa as she tugged at his fluffy white beard; the photographer caught the photo op.

---

On Christmas morning the family assembled in the living room of their rented townhouse where the fireplace crackled warmly. A small tree sat in the corner nicely decorated, with a few little presents scattered around it.

Liam sat cross-legged on the floor, Ella perched in his lap as he helped her tear the wrapping paper off a soft stuffed bunny. Riley sat beside them with Elias, who squealed in excitement as he uncovered a toy train.

"Look at their faces," Riley whispered, smiling as she watched the twins delight in their gifts.

Liam's eyes softened as he looked at his wife. "This is perfect, Riley. A small, quiet Christmas. Just us."

She leaned her head on his shoulder, sighing contentedly. "I couldn't agree more."

As the morning light streamed through the windows and laughter echoed through the room, Liam reached for Riley's hand.

"Merry Christmas, my love," he said softly.

"Merry Christmas, Liam," Riley said smiling, her heart full.

The twins crawled into their laps, giggling happily, as the family sank into a blissful, peaceful moment-one they'd never forget. In this little corner of New York, the king and queen and their two little subjects found the ultimate gift: love, laughter, and the pure bliss of togetherness.

Tags

@kingliam2019 @kristinamae093 @ao719 @tessa-liam @busywoman @twinkleallnight @jerzwriter @malblk21 @emersyn-in-cordonia @marietrinmimi @kingliam2019 @choicesficwriterscreations @delmissesryanandcassi @belencha77 @mom2000aggie

[mariemarieohcontrary]

And if my first post for the new year is a redo of my original lineup to fit the MCs per category? What then dfougsufgsf

Again this is inspired by @cassiopeiacorvus' lineup which just seems to grow more mad respect to you omgg

I'll also do my best to explain the character design and body language I used since this is how they appear at the start of their stories!

Evangeline Marie G. (Guzman) Lakandula

I went with this very conservative style due to her being raised very sheltered and when she was younger her family always put value to how they appeared to the rest of the clan and I really wanted to make sure that it's clear that it stuck with her even after she ran away from her father and sister

White is meant to be this colour of purity but it also makes it less hot so long as the fabric isn't too thick

Body language is closed off and almost looks like she's trying to always comfort or embrace herself due to a lot of insecurities and a hard childhood

She doesn't mess with her hair at the start as she doesn't see a reason for it nor has the motivation to do anything beyond keeping her hair loose or the occasional ponytail

Flats because it's easier to use a bicycle and also since she doesn't think heels would suit her

The only constant thing I shouldn't forget to keep drawing is the necklace which I now turned into a locket. In there is a photo of her grandparents since it was her grandmother's locket before her death

Kara Urduja D. (Dimasupil) Madlangbayan

Say thank you Metro Manila Film Festival for showing The Kingdom aka a movie about an uncolonised Philippines for giving me some clues on how to work with a modernised take on something like that

So I axed off Rutherland and went with a slightly colonised part of the archipelago that reclaimed its independence before Spain fully sunk its claws into the country. Thus the small country known as Dimaapi was founded. They speak deep Tagalog and have little to no Spanish loan words but they could speak English cause it's necessary

Urduja was named after the Pangasinense princess Urduja/Udaya, and it's a name chosen by their mother to remind them of their worth. In the old stories, Urduja announced she would only marry one who is greater than her in battle and wisdom, so their mother wanted them to settle for no less than that.

Has a complicated relationship with their mother cause it feels more like they're a bargaining chip and prop for their mom's campaigns

Urduja keeps their hair short for management reasons but the first time they cut their hair it was a bit of a scandal since it's like they took away their own pride

They went to Manila once and saw modern barongs and got very fond of it that that's their go-to fashion now

Wears heels cause they like feeling tall

A bit uncomfortable with their role as First Child hence the body language and have a tendency to put their weight on one foot a lot of the time

Maya Chelidonia C. (Caacbay) dela Rosa

They actually sometimes do go on their tiptoes unconsciously, it happens as a way to think over things and they don't even notice. Mafalda learned to just accept it

Wears flats for workplace-appropriate reasons, their go-to is something respectable looking so they could be taken seriously

Ties their hair in a low bun like back in their police days back in the Philippines as something familiar but also practical

No makeup beyond a tinted lip balm their younger sister sent over to stop them from picking their lips

Likes coffee but it's more of like sweet stuff just to stay awake. Prefers Kopiko tho and black forest milktea

Delores Faustina A. (Abad) Hilario

Babie darling girl who's confident in herself and is trying her best in college

Does a lot of volunteer work back at the Philippines and is known by her old school friends to have waded through deep floods to aid very flooded areas during typhoon season

Asked her mom to dye her hair before she went to college

Rings are her comfort item and will wear a lot on different fingers (they're costume rings but it's the feeling of it that's more important)

Likes to wear skirts of varying styles unless she's told to wear pants

Emma Dolores A. (Acda) Dalit

Here's my Freshman MC all grown up and here she dyed her hair a lil bit since she liked the colour and thought it would look good on her

She stopped writing her novels and fairytales after her messy breakup with James, her grandmother's death, her leaving Hartfeld and later on her grandfather's death so she focused more on journalism after a course switch and became a political journalist

She became known as someone who interviewed King James Liam Rhys and Queen Evangeline Marie Lakandula-Rhys for a special interview

Is very work obsessed that she sleeps only four hours despite her siblings' growing concerns

Still wears pinks but stopped with the floral prints

Dyed her hair a deep red brown shade since she thinks she looks good with it

Now wears her grandmother's pink pearl necklace

While she doesn't say it, she still secretly writes short stories but she no longer talks about them

Fell out of touch with Edgar who noticed her stopping in writing

Taglist: @choicesficwriterscreations

[playchoicesconfessions]

Sent by @cadybear420

‘No because I absolutely adore MCs where there's no singular canon version of their character. MCs where I can restart the book and make a new MC with all different choices for them and it actually feels like I'm playing a brand new character with a different experience from my first MC rather than just the same character with a different appearance. TRR, OG HSS, ILW, LOA (and possibly more) MCs my beloveds.’

POST/CONFESSIONS DO NOT REFLECT THE MOD’S PERSONAL OPINIONS!

[fadingreveries]

The Royal Romance, Bk1 Ch2: Welcome to Cordonia (Pt. 3)

Click here for the TRR retelling series masterlist for more chapters! 🏰

Story Summary: In this novel-style retelling of TRR, beloved scenes with original commentary from the Choices stories including your favourite group of royals and friends will be expanded upon. Contains extended commentary and scenes from the original story, in-depth descriptions of bonus scenes, and premium choices and outfits.

Chapter Synopsis: Riley travels to Cordonia, but what will await her there?

Word Count: 2.2k

Disclaimer: All rights to original commentary, scenes, and characters from The Royal Romance series reserved to Choices and Pixelberry Studios. No copyright infringement intended.

~ ~ ~

Pulling along her suitcase, Riley followed Maxwell to the front doors of the palace. Maxwell nodded in acknowledgement to the officers of the King’s Guard dressed in their black uniforms as they opened the doors for them.

The coffered ceilings of the castle were much higher than she imagined they could be with beams laid in a grid which created a pattern of recessed squares. There were rooms leading to sitting areas that had furniture and objects fancier than she had ever seen with plush velvet couches, dainty bouquets in vases, intricate gold and glass centrepieces, and sparkling crystal chandeliers.

“I thought the outside was amazing on its own, but being inside…” Riley wondered aloud, her head swivelling around as she lost her trail of thought.

It was only until she entered the palace where she realized how different her world was from Liam’s. He had grown up here, learned to follow his father’s footsteps as a prince, met all kinds of nobles, and possibly brought fancy socialites home after dates. This was his childhood home; his whole world seemed to embody glamour and prestige.

She, on the other hand, had grown up in a cramped but cozy apartment with her mother and father. It wasn’t much, but the love her parents had for her and each other was more than what most people were lucky to have. With her American upbringing, her Korean mother’s roots, and her father’s Filipino culture, she was grateful for the homes she would forever have in the U.S., the Philippines, and South Korea.

They showered her with love and reassurance, frequently reminding her that family was the most important thing to cherish that motivates and grounds you at the same time. She never felt like she had lacked anything in her life, not when she had the most loving, supportive parents anyone could have.

At least that’s what it felt like before she lost the two people she loved the most in her life. But that was a story for another time, one for where there was less pressure and anticipation facing some of the most important people in Codonia.

A small piece of doubt began to spring up once again in her mind. Based on her appearance alone, it was clear that she was not from Cordonia, much less part of the country’s nobility or highly-respected citizens. She didn’t want to let Maxwell and his brother down from her upcoming representation of their house.

But in a split second, as she’d done everyday since they were no longer in her life, she heard her parents’ words in her mind saying, One day at a time.

“It’s like a whole other world, huh? Don’t worry, you have tons of time to roam and explore and get used to it,” Maxwell reassured her, as he followed her gaze landing on all lighting and fixtures. “After all, you’ll be here for the next few months of the social season.”

They made their way to the grand staircase with gold handrails decorated with artistic panel inserts of flowing swirls. A large velvet red carpet regally covered the steps leading up to the top platform where it separated into two staircases that led to the left and left wings of the castle.

“So, what’s the deal with Drake? Why is he… so jaded?” Riley questioned, fixating on the elegant staircase she had only ever really seen replicas of in movies. Seeing all the luxury decorations and furniture reminded her of Drake's annoyance with her fascination with all the new sights she was seeing. “Is he always like that?”

“I can get that for you,” Maxwell offered, implying Riley’s suitcase as she willingly handed it to him. He lifted it up as they climbed the staircase together, before answering her question, “Oh, don’t mind him. Drake’s never really… fit in. He doesn’t like court as much as others love being part of it.”

“Not used to courtly life?” Riley suggested, glancing at Maxwell for confirmation.

“Definitely not. Technically, he’s a commoner. He grew up here at court with us, but he’s… always been an outsider here in a way. Even if he is Liam’s best friend,” Maxwell responded, even though it was something he wondered himself as well.

With a nod, Riley pondered his answer. It made sense why he seemed to stick out like a sore thumb compared to Liam and the others, although it didn’t seem plausible that someone would choose to stay in a place where they would only be somewhat excluded.

She questioned, “But if he’s not fond of spending time with royals and nobles, is there a reason why he tries to tolerate it so much? Besides being there for Liam, I’m guessing.”

“Beats me,” Maxwell responded, shrugging his shoulders. “Sometimes it’s hard to know what he’s thinking. He’s pretty much known for being mysterious and antisocial to almost everyone, so I wouldn’t take it personally.”

At the top of the stairs, Maxwell and Riley turned down one of the many elegant corridors of the castle. The ivory marble floors were decorated with intricate designs of mosaic art and sophisticated medallions. A gleaming chandelier glistened from the sunlight peering into the hall through the arched glass windows. The gold accents on the walls brought out the pastel blue that brightened up the space.

“Your room’s here in the west wing. In case you need anything from me or my brother, our rooms are just a couple rooms away,” Maxwell informed her, as the two of them walked past several large wooden arched doors.

Her eyebrows rose in surprise. For some reason, Maxwell struck her more as an only child with his keenness for adventure and love for the spotlight. She wondered if his brother was as easy-going and laid-back as he was. Riley curiously commented, “I didn’t know you had a brother.”

“Yeah, an older brother. His official title is Duke Bertrand Beaumont. As the eldest son, he’s the heir and I’m the spare. You’ll see him tonight. He’ll be excited to meet you,” Maxwell answered with a smile, although his last sentence had a hint of uncertainty that Riley hadn’t noticed. He already had a slight idea on how his brother would react, and well... let’s just say they would have to brace themselves.

Maxwell stopped short in front of a magnificently ornate door with the dark wood accentuating the designs. As Riley stood beside him, he turned the doorknob. Oh, boy. If this didn’t get her even more excited than he was about solving House Beaumont’s problem of not having a suitor, he would run down the corridor and do three cartwheels in a row.

“This is it… Here’s your room!” Maxwell revealed, with a giddy edge to his voice.

Riley entered a lavish guest room with a gold and dark magenta palette accompanying full-length paintings and gilded ceilings. Two end tables with beige and gold accents to the solid wood foundation were placed on both sides of the queen bed with understated white lamps on top of them. A shiny gold candle chandelier hung daintily above Maxwell and Riley, where they stood underneath it beside the bed with silky cream sheets and dark fuchsia pillows matching the ottoman nearby.

“Wow…” was all Riley could muster, as her neck craned high and low to take in the simple, regal style of the bedroom.

It was official; she had fallen asleep and dreamt of being in an alternate universe where she was treated as if she were royalty. Even if it was only temporary, she could only imagine what her younger self would do if she knew how lucky she was to be where she was now.

“As a royal guest, you’re spared no luxury,” Maxwell said, matter-of-factly as he observed her walking out the balcony where the cool, fresh air blew in peacefully.

Looking over her shoulder back at him with a hint of mischief to her smile which he recognized as resembling one of his own, Riley asked, “So nothing’s stopping me from jumping on the bed?”

“There’s not much anyone can take away from you by doing that. Maybe only your dignity.” Maxwell guffawed, watching as her shoulders rose up in anticipation.

As her smile turned up even more in delight, Riley clasped her hands together and simply said, “Perfect.”

With a running start, Riley rushed over from the balcony and leaped on to the bed with a soft plop. As she sunk into the mattress and felt the smooth silk sheets over her, she sighed happily. When was the last time she had ever been able to let out a true peaceful sigh in a very rare calm moment? Due to school and work, it seemed she hadn’t been able to rest easy in years.

“Ah… this is so much better than memory foam,” Riley complimented, snuggling with a fluffy pillow and allowing herself to close her eyes to cherish the peace and quiet. “I feel like I could sleep here forever.”

“Just one of the perks you have as one of the Crown Prince’s suitors,” Maxwell remarked, laughing in goodhearted nature. He walked away from the bed towards the door. “I’ll let you settle in before your big debut tonight.”

Immediately, Riley’s eyes opened in shock at his words. What did he mean? She sat up in surprise, calling after him, “My what?”Maxwell stopped at the door, before turning back to Riley with a nervous smile. Whoops. He knew he was forgetting something, but he couldn’t figure out what.

“I’m sorry, I keep forgetting that you’re not used to all this. Things are always complicated around here when it comes to special events like this, but we’ll take it one step at a time,” Maxwell reassured her. Riley’s shoulders relaxed a bit, so he continued to clarify, “The first event of the social season is tonight… The Masquerade.”

“Oh… it sounds important,” Riley commented, fiddling with her fingers. Her knowledge of fitting in with socialites and moguls was limited. She couldn’t help but think about how out of place she might look in front of the finest nobles of Cordonia. She thought she would have had a little bit more time to prepare. “I’ve never been to an event like that before. Are there scheduled activities I need to prepare for in advance?”

“Compared to the balls held to welcome nearby countries, not really. Sometimes, they go full-out with the masquerade theme where everyone takes off their masks at midnight. Then, networking goes on for hours,” Maxwell explained. “This ball, though, is where all the suitors will be presented to the Prince, as well as to the King. Most people at court already know each other really well, so it’s less uptight in a way. Just good music, dancing, and food.”

“Does that mean the guests have to be in specific costumes with masks prepared tonight?” Riley questioned, finding the idea of attending a masquerade for the first time interesting.

Shrugging his shoulders, Maxwell replied, “Not everyone dresses in costume, but some people plan months finding one to wear for it. You can be sure that the ladies competing for Liam’s attention will be pulling out all the stops.”

For a split second, Maxwell glanced doubtfully at Riley’s modestly-looking suitcase. When they were at her apartment back in New York, he watched as she hurriedly packed her most essential belongings. Among her things in her suitcase were keepsakes and books as well as her quintessential New York attire.

“I’m guessing it’s too much to ask if you’ve got a costume or fancy ballgown in there,” Maxwell joked, although he was seriously racking his brain trying to remember if she stuffed one or two in there as a backup.

With a sheepish smile, Riley lifted her suitcase on the bed. She unzipped the main compartment where she pulled out a flowy, floor-length dress as blue as the calm Cordonian sky. “I packed a dress.”

“Well, I wasn’t sure, so I’ve made an appointment for you at the palace boutique. Maybe you’ll find something you like better there!” Maxwell cheerfully informed her.

For once, he wasn’t scrambling to fix things; he was actually preparing in advance. Bertrand would be so proud of his initiative. Maxwell just knew it.

Tucking her dress back into her suitcase for the meantime, Riley replied, “I’ll check it out. There’s nothing wrong with another option or two.”

“Remember, tonight is very important. It’s your chance to make a first impression on all the influential people at court and to stand apart from everyone else. If you’re going to leave a lasting impact, you might as well stun them with some style,” Maxwell responded, with a hint of cool confidence in his last sentence.

Triple S’s and alliteration? Man, was he on a roll with smooth words. Maxwell could definitely shimmy his way into being a reality TV show host. Maybe The Bachelorette or The Bachelor could use a new host in the near future…

An eager grin made its way on her face, as Riley reassured him, “Don’t worry. I’ve got this.”

~ ~ ~

Click here for the TRR retelling series masterlist for more chapters! 🏰

Tag list: @kingliam2019 @princess-geek @karahalloway @twinkleallnight @tinkie1973 @tessa-liam

[cadybear420]

Why is r/Choices so obsessed with complaining about TRR MC not having a backstory... like that is such a non-issue. It's the king god of non-issues.

like... just come up with your own backstory for your own MC. the writers even said that that was the point. and seriously like... try it. it's fun. sometimes less is more.

[ownworldresident]

Side by Side Chapter 8: Custody

Book: The Royal Romance.

Premise: With new additions to their family, King Liam and Rayne must re-evaluate their relationship dynamic.

Themes: Found family, hurt/comfort, angst, fluff, family.

Word Count: 3.2k per chapter, 18 chapters. About 60k.

Note: This story started just after TRR3 ended, and isn't related to TRH. See also Side by Side Masterlist & Master Masterlist Link

Rayne

The room darkened a shade as Rayne locked eyes on the open doorway. She tightened her shaking grip on Liam’s shoulder, then released him and strode from the room. Blood rushed past her ears as she moved through the halls in careful, measured strides, every muscle tightening. One goal. How dare she…

“Rayne?” said a voice she recognised, but they could wait. Footsteps followed. “Rayne, wait. What…” Leo appeared before her and blocked her path. “What happened?”

“Move.” Rayne avoided his gaze and began to push past but Leo held her shoulders. She tried to pull away but was unsuccessful, and only when she was still did he drop his arms.

“Really,” he said, concern in his brow, “has something happened?”

Now she met his eyes. He searched hers for some explanation, as the darkness closed around the hall.

“I need to get to the council meeting.”

“Why?”

“I don’t have time for this,” she growled, then pushed past him. A moment later he fell in step with her, easily keeping pace with her shorter strides. He asked no more questions, and they walked in silence, with faint footsteps the only sound past the ringing in her mind. The meeting room door appeared, and her mind zeroed in on it, a spark of tightness in her chest at the guard out the front.

“I need to get in there,” she muttered to Leo, angling toward the guard. If he replied, she didn’t hear him, stopping only just before the guard, who bowed his head, but looked wary.

“We need to get inside,” Leo’s authoritative voice registered with Rayne, but the guard was reluctant.

"There is a meeting in session, Lady Rayne, Prince Leo. I cannot allow you to enter.”

“Think again.” Rayne clenched and unclenched her fists, the hold and release of tension doing nothing to clear her mind enough to reason.

“By order of the Queen, my Lady. I cannot—”

Rayne’s knuckles connected with his throat, and he stumbled back, gasping for air, and clutching his neck. She didn't need reason. Rayne turned immediately to the door as the guard wheezed. Leo’s shock was lost on her. The door was locked.

“Fuck!” She rammed it with her shoulder, the force knocking the air from her lungs. “No… this can’t be happening… it can’t…” She rammed the door again and stumbled back breathless. A firm hand grabbed her arm and she looked up at Leo, his face coming into focus. He nodded, released her, then stepped away from the door, and before she could wonder what the hell he was doing kicked out hard just above the lock. The door shuddered but didn’t move. He kicked out two, three, four more times as the door cracked, splintered, and flew open.

Rayne rushed inside and locked eyes with Madeleine, who stood at the other end of the room holding a document to show the council. Everyone looked up when the door slammed open. She advanced around the room.

Madeleine narrowed her gaze. “You aren’t authorised to be here.”

Without answer, Rayne stormed up to her, ripped the document from her hands and tore it to pieces. “How dare you,” she seethed, voice shaking with barely contained fury. “You had no right.”

Madeleine glanced at the full room, then back to Rayne. “I had every right,” she said with a wicked smile, working to keep the anger off her face. “What you’ve done here is exemplify why. Treason is not a good colour on you. But nothing less tha—”

Rayne slapped her. Hard. The sound echoed around the room followed by a sharp, collective intake of breath. Leo called her name from the doorway, but he could wait. When Madeleine looked back she looked furious, with an angry red mark across her cheek.

“Shut the hell up.” Her voice cracked, the room blurring. “You will never, ever take them away from me, you understand?” Rayne sucked in a breath and blinked away some of the tears. “What have you done to Liam? Why did I find him unconscious in his office?” The fury was evening out and she felt sick. Leo swore but the room was silent. Madeleine’s anger was limited to the fire in her eyes. She smiled, too sweetly for Rayne’s waning patience.

“Why would I do anything to harm the King?” she asked coldly, “and the heirs were never truly yours to beg—”

Rayne slapped her again. “Shut up, fucking shut up. Forcing him to sign that form, that’s treason. What have you done to him?”

The Queen drew herself up to her full height, forcing Rayne to look up at her. “I would never force my husband to sign anything, and I will not suffer his mistress to force an entry on a private meeting. This assault, after the kindness you have been shown, is proof that you cannot be trusted with the care of the future leaders of Cordonia.” She turned slightly to address the room as well. “I informed King Liam of the best course to ensure that the Crown Prince and Princess are given the best possible care. As Rayne has refused to accept my assistance, I had no choice but to intervene.”

Rayne lifted a hand to strike her again, but Leo’s hand rested on her shoulder, and she balled her fists instead, drawing in long breaths to try and clear her mind. The danger was partially over, but not entirely. She gestured to the assembled council. “Why don’t you tell everyone that you drugged your ‘husband’ to strongarm him into signing that form? He’s still unconscious in his office!”

“What?” Leo stepped up beside her, pressing against Rayne’s shoulder. “You did what, Madeleine?”

No one drew breath as the Queen wiped drops of blood from the corner of her mouth. The document was in pieces, but Liam…

“I had hoped you would realise in time, Rayne, that not every action can be achieved through talk alone.” Madeleine fixed her with a sympathetic gaze meant solely for the council. “Spending all their time with someone not trained in childcare or educated as a leader, not to mention prone to violent outbursts, will only have them fall short of their potential.”

Turning to one of the guards near the door, Leo instructed them to find a doctor and take them to Liam, then placed an arm around Rayne protectively and squeezed her shoulders. Rayne felt some of the tightness in her chest lessen at the action. Leo’s focus turned to Madeleine.

“You know Rayne is right. What you’ve done is a crime against the crown. And if that form had gone through…” He looked down at the torn document that now littered the carpet, squinting to read them, then exhaled and looked up. “This motion gives you complete guardianship over Leo and Evelyn…”

“Until they’re legally adults, yes.” Madeleine glared at Rayne. “You have only worsened your position here. Assault of a monarch and destruction of classified documents is a capital offense. There will be consequences.”

“No, there won’t.” Leo stepped between them. “You know he won’t let this go.” He turned to address Rayne. “Go to Liam. I’ll take care of this.”

Still shaking, Rayne stared at the document she barely remembered ripping, then up at the entire room, all watching for her reaction. Finally she met Leo’s determination, swallowed the lump in her throat, and nodded.

Tears still tracked down Rayne’s cheeks as she rushed back to Liam’s office. At the last hall, Olivia turned down the opposite corner toward the same door.

“Rayne." Olivia frowned. "Leo said… what is it?”

“It’s…” Rayne pressed a hand over her mouth and pushed the door – still ajar – completely open. Liam was where she has left him, still unmoving, and rushed to his side. “It’s… oh god…” He was still breathing.

Some time later, Rayne couldn’t tell how much, she woke up curled in an armchair beside her bed. Cold, it was cold, and she reached for the blanket that had fallen off her as she tried to rest. When that didn’t work, she went to her walk in robe and picked out something heavy.

Coming back into the room, where the curtains didn’t fully conceal the morning light, her eye fell upon the single still form beneath the heavy blanket, a flood of relief to see his chest slowly rise and fall as he slept. She returned to the armchair, curled up again, and positioned herself so she could watch him. Liam’s steady breathing was calming and an incredible relief. She could almost forget the horror of the day before, but not entirely. Her heavy eyelids began to close again, and she returned to a restless doze.

Shuffling sounds woke her not long later. Still warm, she blinked open her eyes to see Liam moving in his sleep. After an entire night almost completely still, he was returning to some kind of consciousness. A little more alert at this change, Rayne watched him more intently. A few minutes later, he opened his eyes.

“Liam…” she breathed, rushing to sit beside him. He closed his eyes again, frowning, and Rayne held her breath, silently pleading for him to come back to her. Groaning, he turned his head and opened his eyes again, squinting toward her. “Can you hear me?” she asked, remembering some of the aftereffects that the doctor had described.

He didn’t answer, slowly turning his head to look around the room, settling back on her then opening and closing his mouth a few times. His eyes widened, breathing becoming erratic. Rayne ran her fingers gently through his hair, smiling.

“The doctor said you might have trouble speaking, but not for long. You’re back in our room. You’re safe here, I promise. Safe in our room. Do you understand?”

Liam’s breathing steadied as she spoke, and he nodded, squeezing his eyes shut with a deep frown. When he looked back at her, his expression was calmer, and he brought one arm from under the covers to hold a warm hand against her cheek. Rayne sighed, eyes falling shut as she held his hand there and leaned into the touch.

“God, I missed this,” she whispered.

“Rayne.” The first word she had heard from his since the previous morning passed his lips. “Are you okay?” His voice was quiet and raspy, but Rayne let out a shaky laugh.

“I’m not the one who just woke up.” She blinked back tears, then reached for the insulated bottle on the bedside. “Water?”

Liam nodded, and she helped lift his head enough to take a drink, struggling to keep tears out of her eyes. She returned the bottle and clasped both hands over his.

“I was so worried,” she admitted, voice trembling. Liam offered a sympathetic smile, squeezed her hand, then lifted his to wipe the tears from her face with his thumb, resting his hand on her cheek again.

“I’m sorry,” he said softly. He met her gaze for a few moments, then shuffled over beneath the blankets. “Lie with me?”

Rayne swallowed the lump rising in her throat, and nodded, discarding the heavy jumper. A moment of cold, then she joined Liam beneath the blankets, lying where he had been just before. She moaned at the warmth and intoxicating familiar scent. Liam brought an arm around her to rub her back.

“I should be doing that for you,” she managed, curling against his chest.

“This is more than enough.” Liam pressed a kiss against her temple, and she drifted off again.

Liam

There was nothing casual about Liam’s journey two afternoons later, the papers his assistant had brought him held tight in his hand. Rayne had explained in controlled rage what Madeleine had done, which he couldn’t remember, and what she had done in retaliation. He had only been slightly surprised, then impressed, that Rayne had taken it far enough strike Madeleine. He could be frank that he personally found no fault in her actions. They both knew he couldn’t condone it publicly. Madeleine had gone too far this time, and what Rayne had done, in his mind, was completely justified.

It was an old law she had used, barely noticed and, since it only applied to heirs that were not the children of the queen, rarely paid attention to. He should have, he knew that now, and he had work to do make sure nothing like that ever happened again.

Much like her entrances many times, Liam did not knock before entering Madeleine’s rooms. No one was permitted to enter, and sure enough, he found her sitting alone. It had been months since he was here, and the last time had been just as unpleasant. From her desk by the window, the queen leaned back in her chair and surveyed him. Her lip was red and swollen on one side, for which he could not dredge up any sympathy.

“Husband.” She raised an eyebrow at him. She had been allowed to finalise documents and settle some personal affairs. This wasn’t a public case. Bail wasn’t an option. Without speaking, because he knew speech would compel his honesty of what he really felt, Liam strode across the room and threw the folder on the desk.

“Sign it,” he commanded. Madeleine opened the folder and scowled. “You have until tomorrow morning to read through and sign. Failure to do so will add another charge to your trial.” He left the room.

The moment he stepped into the hallway a huge weight vanished from his shoulders, leaving him almost giddy, and he released a huge sigh of relief. Everything was lighter, brighter, and he walked with a renewed buoyancy to prepare for his more exciting plan.

“Rayne?” he called from the lounge of her suite. Despite living here himself he still called it her suite and wondered why that was occurring to him now. She came down the hall with her hair and makeup done the way she only did it for them. It had been so long, he realised, gaping at the cut and fall of her lilac dress. He hadn’t seen it before, and now felt underdressed. She smiled at him, and the rest of the room faded. “You are so beautiful.” Her eyes crinkled as her smile widened.

“Isn't she?” Liam blinked back to the room as Clair appeared down the hall, looping an arm around Rayne’s shoulders. Rayne smiled and hugged her back.

“Thanks for looked after Leo and Evie. I really appreciate it.”

“All you owe me is a slice of cake from whichever restaurant your dashing beau takes you to.” Clair winked at Liam, who chuckled.

“I think that can be arranged.”

“I can allow my masterpiece to go, then. Enjoy yourself, Cinderella.” She squeezed Rayne’s shoulders again, then turned to Liam. “Take care of her, King Charming.” Still smiling, Clair returned down the hall.

As soon as she was out of sight, Liam closed the distance to Rayne, lifted her off the ground and spun around slowly. Before he put her down she linked her arms around his neck and pressed her lips softly to his. He put her down slowly and closed his eyes to kiss her more urgently before she slowly pulled away.

“I like where this is going,” she breathed, “but you said we have a reservation?”

“Being the King, I could easily delay it,” he said huskily, and she chuckled.

“Later, but right now I’m starving. I was promised food.” Rayne leant up to kiss his cheek, then moved toward the door, leaving him standing and watching her. As perfect from the back as the front. She turned back from the doorway, raising an eyebrow. He smiled and followed her out.

Rayne found his hand and threaded their fingers together as Liam closed the door behind them. He lifted the joined hands and pressed his lips briefly to the back of hers. As they walked down the hall to their waiting car, he mused over how he was going to approach the first hurdle at their dinner.

“Something on your mind?” Rayne asked as they walked, squeezing his hand. He sighed, smiling at her.

“I have something I need to tell you, when we get there.”

Rayne frowned, searching his face as they neared the exit. She must have caught the nervous excitement because she mirrored the latter. “Food first.”

---- ----

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[angelasscribbles]

Victim of Love Chapter 12: Looking Forward

Series: Victim of Love

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairings: Drake x Riley

Word Count: 1,852

Rating: MA

Warnings for this chapter: None, really. Some mild language.

Song Inspiration for series: Victim of Love by The Eagles

Victim of love I see a broken heart I could be wrong but I'm not no I'm not

My other stuff: Master List.

“That’s it! The last one!” Riley declared as she removed the needle from the rump of the heifer in the chute in front of her. Turning her head to the cowboy manning the chute door she said, “Let her out!”

“I really can’t thank you for everything you’ve done for us, Riley.”

Riley turned to smile at Drake’s mother. Dressed in trousers, a flannel shirt, and boots, with her hair tied back and pushed under a wide-brimmed hat, Bianca Throckmorton Walker looked every bit the matriarch of a family of ranchers.

Riley shook her head with a laugh, “What? Administering annual vaccinations to the herd? Any of your cowboys could have done that!”

“I’m not talking about that, and you know it! I’m not sure the herd would have survived without your intervention. Walk with me for a minute?”

Liam did not follow Riley after she left Hana’s room. She hadn’t expected him to, she meant it when she said he needed to stay and focus on his wife and unborn child.

It still hurt.

She clung to Drake and poured that hurt out as she sobbed in his arms.

“Is Hana okay?” Drake asked in alarm.

Riley nodded as she lifted her head to take in the concern in his eyes and it somehow made her feel better. She wiped her face as she staunched her tears and came to a decision, “I’m going to Texas with you.”

“What?”

“You said something was wrong with the herd, but no one knows what?”

“Yes, but-“

“Do you have a large animal veterinarian on staff?”

“No, because-“

“Because there’s an alarming shortage of large animal veterinarians in the U.S.”

“Right. We have one that we use but he covers a very large area and is currently at a ranch about two hundred miles away investigating a similar issue there.”

Riley nodded as she stepped out of his arms, “Vets who work with farm and ranch animals have to work outside in the elements, no matter how hot, how cold, or how rainy, they stay on their feet all day and they work long hours.”

“Yeah, that sounds like the job description,” Drake agreed.

“They’re also on call several nights a week. Most new graduations are choosing small animal care, dogs, cats, even exotics because they have regular hours in an air-conditioned office.”

“And the fewer people that choose to go into it, the worse the workload gets for everyone else,” Drake surmised.

“Yep! And the less anyone new wants to sign up for fourteen-hour days and being on call five days a week.”

“Yeah, okay….so?”

“So, there’s a good chance that no one is coming to help you in time.”

“Yeah, but….Riley, this isn’t your problem, you don’t have to-“ he rubbed the back of his neck as he fought an internal battle. As much as he would love to take her home with him and have a chance to get to know her better, he wasn’t sure she was thinking clearly. She was obviously upset.

“Drake!” Her tone was sharp, “I don’t have to tell you that losing an entire herd could be financially catastrophic for a cattle ranch.”

The fidgeting stopped as his eyes searched her face, finding nothing but an earnest seriousness there. She was right. Losing the herd might be a blow the ranch couldn’t recover from. “Riley, are you sure?”

“I’m sure! Now come on, I need to go pack! And I’m going to need the contact information for that other vet so we can compare notes and hopefully nip whatever this thing is in the bud!”

“I can’t take all the credit for that,” Riley followed Bianca up a small hill overlooking the northern part of the ranch, “Wow, this is a great view!”

“Isn’t it? My grandfather used to bring me up here when I was a kid. He’d tell me stories about the ranch’s history, point out all the places we could see from here, and explain what each was used for.”

“That sounds like a good memory.”

“It is. Later, after he died, I started coming up here by myself. At first, it was just to feel close to him, but the more time I spent looking at and thinking about this place, the more determined I was to save it.”

Riley nodded in understanding. Drake had told her how Bianca’s father had abandoned the ranch. Preferring the cushy life of a politician to the harsh life of a rancher, he had let the ranch fall into a state of disrepair. “I get it. You love this place. It’s obvious.”

“I do. The only thing I love more is my children; you’re good for both.”

“What?” Riley blinked against the afternoon sun as she studied the other woman’s face.

“You’re good for this ranch, Riley, and you’re good for my son.”

“Oh…I…”

“I’m not reading that situation wrong, am I?”

A flush spread across Riley’s face, “No, ma’am, you’re not.”

Riley had been prepared to stay in a hotel room, but neither Drake nor his mother would hear of it. She had been given a room in the main house, right down the hall from Drake.

The first few weeks she had tried to maintain some kind of boundary between them. She was there for the cattle, she was there to give Liam and Hana space, and she was there to heal a little and figure out her next steps.

What she wasn’t there to do was jump straight into another relationship, one with Liam’s best friend, one that was likely a rebound. Especially when she was there to work.

But it had proven impossible to keep her distance from him for any appreciable amount of time. Not only did he run the ranch, which threw them into close proximity with each other as they worked to find the cause of the illness spreading through the herd, but since she had agreed to stay at the ranch rather than a hotel, they were eating meals together and spending their downtime together.

“Why have you been avoiding me?”

“What?” Riley spun toward the voice. She hadn’t heard anyone enter the stables, “What makes you think I’ve been avoiding you?”

“Because you’ve been avoiding me.”

She sighed as she tightened the girth on the horse she was tacking up, “I’m sorry, I just wasn’t sure how to handle the whole situation.”

“What situation?” He opened another stall and lead a beautiful chestnut gelding out. He wasn’t going to cancel his plans to ride just because she was there first. In fact, he was prepared to follow her if that’s what he had to do to get answers.

“You know what situation, Drake.”

“No, I really don’t. I thought we really hit it off in Cordonia. We got along well; the sex was amazing, and you spilled your guts to me on the plane ride home about everything with Hana and Liam. What changed? Did I do something wrong?”

Riley took the horse by the reins ready to lead her out of the stables, but she paused in astonishment, “What? No! You’ve been nothing short of amazing, Drake! You’ve been there for me in a way very few people ever have!”

He dropped the saddle he was about to put on the horse on the ground and moved closer to her, “Then why are you avoiding me?”

“I just…” tears welled up in her eyes, “I’m sorry. After everything that happened, what you witnessed with me and Liam and Hana….and after everything I told you….I just assumed you would want to extricate yourself from that whole mess. I didn’t want you to feel obligated-“

With almost no warning, she found herself in his arms, “Riley, look at me! Extricating myself from this situation, as you call it, is the last thing I want! And obligation is the last thing I feel when I think of you! Goddamn it, girl! How do you not know what you do to me?”

“I just thought, maybe I should get myself sorted before I get more entangled with you. I still have feelings for Liam and-“

“I’m well aware of your feelings for Liam,” his fingers traced up the side of her face and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His eyes locked on hers, full of pleading, longing, and determination, “I’m not asking you to stop having feelings for Liam. I’m not asking you to end your relationship with him. But I am asking…no, I’m begging you, Riley, to give this, to give us the same chance! And I have never begged anyone for anything in my life! Don’t you want to know if this could be something?”

The world stood still as she stared back into his eyes for an eternity. Then she nodded.  

“Yes? That’s a yes? You’ll give us a chance? Stop avoiding me?”

“Yes.”

He surged forward and claimed her lips.

“I’ve never seen my son this happy,” Bianca told her, “And you saved this ranch.”

“I had help,” Riley demurred.

“I know you collaborated with other ranches and vets in the area, but-“

“And Texas A&M University-“

“Yes, I’m aware, but still, it was you here on our land, up before the sun came up and up after it went down, working right alongside all of us. You kept up with seasoned ranch hands, Riley, that’s impressive.”

Riley laughed, “Don’t let the title fool you, I’m no stranger to hard work. I was waiting tables in my parent’s restaurant at twelve and I could run the kitchen by fifteen.”

“And you were top of your class in Veterinarian school.”

“Bianca! Did you run a background check on me?” Riley’s mouth fell open in astonishment.

Bianca shrugged, “When my son told me he was bringing some woman I’d never heard of home to mess with my cattle? You’re damn straight I did!”

Riley burst into laughter, “Fair enough!”

“I know you’re planning to return to Cordonia soon, but I wanted to make sure you knew that you had other options.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean you could stay. I’m offering you a job here at the ranch as well as a home. If you don’t want to stay in the main house, there’s a small guest house closer to the stables that you could take. And I’m also giving my stamp of approval to your relationship with my son.”

Riley sighed as she turned away from Bianca and looked out across the miles of pasture. The job offer wasn’t a total surprise. Large animal vets were scarce, and Bianca liked her.

But she wasn’t at all sure she wanted to move away from Cordonia permanently. “What if I say no to the job offer? Will you still give your blessing to my relationship with Drake?”

Bianca scoffed, “Of course, I will. I mean it, Riley, you’re good for him. Just think about the job for a day or two before you make up your mind, okay?”

“Okay,” she agreed, a multitude of emotions swirling and mixing inside her, “I’ll think about it.”

[beckywiththeshitassbangs]

Olivia: You're giving me a sticker?

MC: Not just a sticker. That is a sticker of a kitty saying "me-wow!"

Olivia: I'm not a preschooler.

MC: Fine, I'll take it back-

Olivia: I earned this, back off!

[justcallmefox89]

Cinderfella's Adventures in Cordonia - Chapter Twenty-Two

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

Masterlist

Callum and Liam battle it out and Drake chooses a side.

“Drake, I want you to consider moving to New York after Liam’s wedding.  To moving in with me.  To being with me.  Only me,” Callum says calmly, speaking to Drake but staring directly at Liam.

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

A crimson flush creeps up Liam’s neck and he scowls at me.  “You cannot possibly be -”

“Ok.”

Liam whips around to face Drake.  “What?”

I can’t help the smirk that creeps across my face at Liam’s outrage.

“I think that maybe Callum is right,” Drake says, taking a deep, calming breath.  “You’re going to be starting a new life with Madeline, and you’ll eventually be having kids… so maybe it’s time for me to start putting myself first.  Doing what’s best for me.”

“And you think Callum is what’s best for you?” Liam demands.

Drake meets his gaze head-on.  “Callum puts me first.  I would have a future with him, a real one, with a family and kids and little league and not having to hide.  With Callum I would finally be enough.  So yeah… maybe he is what’s best for me.”

Liam’s outrage is palpable, so thick in that air that I can practically taste it.  And it is fucking delicious.

He clocks my grin and scowls at me.  “You’re loving this, aren’t you?  Driving a wedge between me and Drake?  Forcing him to choose between us?”

I rock back on my heels and snicker.  “I’m harder than astrophysics right now darlin’, can’t lie.”

“You are such a bastard,” Liam hisses, slamming his palms onto the countertop.

“Ooh… let it all out Your Majesty; tell the class how you really feel.”  I can feel my grin turn a little sharper and my eyes narrow.  This fight has been a long time coming and I’m more than ready.

“You have always been selfish,” Liam spits out.  “Never willing to compromise, never willing to give an inch because you were always convinced you knew best.  All you had to do was swallow a little bit of your pride, but you clearly didn’t care about me enough to make even the most basic sacrifices - ”

I bark out an incredulous laugh.  “You, you of all people, are going to try and lecture me about sacrifices?  About compromise and caring enough?  You spoiled little shit; when have you ever sacrificed anything in your entire life?  Tell me two things you have ever sacrificed for me and Drake?  Go on, I’ll wait while you think.”

Drake gaze flicks worriedly between us.  “Maybe we should take a time out and get some rest before we get into all this,” he says soothingly.

“I have greater worries than mere feelings; a literal country depends on the choice of my future spouse,” Liam says, talking over him.

“Don’t try to make this about Cordonia,” I scoff.  “This is about Constantine and what he wants.  You would be a perfectly capable king no matter who you married.”

“Given your gene pool I understand that you probably don’t know what it feels like to have an accomplished father with high expectations - ”

“Keep talking and I’m gonna punch you in the fucking mouth,” I warn him.

Liam rolls his eyes.  “Charming.  I don’t know what I thought it would be like to finally be back with you again, but the more time we spend together make me think that whatever relationship we had before was a mistake.”

The barb stings, working it’s way into my heart like an insidious shard of glass.  “Get out of my house,” I say quietly.

“Callum,” Liam says, taking a hesitant step towards me.

“I said get the fuck out of my house!” I scream, my eyes burning with the tears I refuse to let fall.

Not in front of him.  Never again.

“Fine.”  Liam stalks towards the door, stuttering to a stop when he realizes Drake isn’t behind him.  “Drake?”

Drake moves next to me, taking my shaking hand in a show of solidarity and support.  “I’m staying with Callum,” he says quietly.

Liam clenches his jaw, his fury evident.  He turns his back on us and storms out, slamming the door behind him. 

Drake winds his arms around my waist and rests his forehead against my shoulder.  “I got you,” he whispers.  “I got you.”

[rosesnink]

the royal romance mc; queen primrose st claire

[choicesmc]

jacqueline looking at prince liam and seeing similarities to her late husband. I wonder if she laughs at herself a bit for falling in love with similar men.

[mysticalfangirl]

Destiny

Book- TRR

Paring - Liam x Riley (present) ; Riley x OC (past)

Author's note : I have always wondered why there is no proper discussion regarding Riley's past so this is something I came up with.

Warning- Alluding to smut and mention of death

A special thanks to @ao719 and @kristinamae093 for encouraging me to write this down and helping me throughout the story 💕

No of words- 2.87k

Past in italics

"Please don't leave me please. I don't have anyone other than you." Riley begged the person in front of her as tears continuously fell from her eyes but he was not listening. Riley held his hand with all her might not letting him go but when she looked up at him, she couldn't speak because those eyes which were always filled love care and concern for her were filled with hate and resentment. Riley was heartbroken seeing his gaze like this but she didn't let go, at last the man in front of her forcefully removed her hand from his arm and left her alone. No matter how much she screamed or begged he kept moving. As Riley sat there, the darkness seemed to envelope her completely. She was stuck in the loop of never-ending nightmares that left her completely vulnerable.

While Riley was inside her own little bubble fighting her inner demons all by herself in her sleep Liam was looking at her, his eyes filled with concern as he watched his wife's trembling body. He woke up in middle of the night but she showed no sign of waking up hearing her whimpers, it was not the first time he saw her like this, he wanted to talk to her, help her with whatever problem she was facing but Riley always changed the topic or stopped their talk altogether. He tried to wake her up but she was showing no sign of waking up. Since he couldn't do anything in middle of the night other than calming her down, he hugged her cuddling her closer to himself after a while Riley stopped trembling and instinctively moved closer to Liam in her sleep. After sometime Liam also drifted off.

A week later Liam and Riley were in New York for the gala, Liam had his arms around her waist as they talked with few delegates, all of a sudden Liam felt his hand being crushed from Riley's vice grip when he looked at her he saw that she was staring at the door her eyes red due to anger. Liam was not aware of the man's identity but when he saw him looking at Riley with a smirk on his face he felt his blood boil , he excused himself from the delegates he was talking and led her to the side. When Riley looked at him he saw that she desperately tried to hold back her tears,

"Talk to me, I hate seeing you like this. It breaks my heart love" Liam said

Listening to him Riley's tears started to fall and she lets out a sob.

"I am here, I'll always be here" Liam told her

"Can we talk somewhere in private" Riley asked and Liam nodded leading her to the balcony.

In the balcony Riley held the railing looking at the huge buildings of New York taking deep breaths to calm down her nerves , after a while she began to speak.

"The man you saw outside is Jerome, he was my ex boyfriend. Jerome and I used to study in the same law college.I thought we were in love and we will spend rest of our lives together" said Riley

"What exactly happened?" asked Liam.

"I met Jerome six years ago , six years ago he....."

"I know I said you should talk, but if you want to take more time, I'll not force you." Liam said as he enveloped her palm in his own when he saw she was struggling to speak.

"No, it was really hard for me to even start this conversation, if I stop now I don't know if I could ever get back, strong enough to talk again"

Liam nodded waiting for her to continue. Riley sighed once more and began speaking.

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

Riley stood at the entrance of Harvard Law College along with her parents and her elder brother. She held the admission letter in her hand excited to start the new phase of her life as a college student. Few hours later, rest of the procedures for her admission were were done and the dean's assistant handed over the keys of her dormitory.

"I am so excited dad" exclaimed Riley happily as she held her father's arm.

Her father Austin smiled seeing her so happy and patted her arm affectionately. "Of course you are, you worked so hard for this."

Her brother Charles came to her and threw his arm casually around her shoulder. "I'm also excited you know, I will not see your irritating face after today"

"Oh please, you love me too much my dear big brother and I am sure you'll cry after going back home"

"Cry?" scoffed her brother "I will throw a feast"

"Okay enough both of you, stop bantering" scolded Christine, their mother.

"Mooooommmmm" both whined at the same time but Christine ignored them. She turned to Austin "I'll go with Riley and help her settle in her dormitory"

"Are you sure you want to live in dormitory?" asked her dad. "I can look for a flat nearby"

"You don't have to dad, I'll be fine."

Two days later she bid goodbye to her parents and Charles.

The first time Riley saw Jerome he was alone in a lecture hall looking quite handsome and Riley like any other girl was attracted by his good looks but she had something to do so she didn't stay. When she came back he was gone. She often found herself thinking about him so when the professor told him to sit beside her she was beyond happy.

"Hi, I am Riley Brooks. Nice to meet you" she introduced herself as she held out her hand for handshake.

He smiled and held her hand to shake it "Jerome Alston and nice to meet you too."

After that day Riley and Jerome became really good friend, they were always seen together talking an laughing. One day on the way to their canteen Jerome stopped her holding her hand.

"I have something to tell you but I don't know where to begin" he said nervously as he avoided looking directly at her face.

"Why are so nervous? You didn't steal something right?" she joked.

"No, of course not don't be ridiculous." Suddenly he was on his knee in front of her.

"Riley Brooks will you be my girlfriend"

Riley's mind went blank for a second, she couldn't believe that Jerome was proposing her. She only came back to her sense when others started cheering around her.

"Yes, yes I'll be your girlfriend" Riley dropped at his level hugging him tightly.

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

Riley stopped speaking for a while, Liam too didn't say anything waiting for her to continue.

"When Jerome proposed me I was really happy. To know that the man I liked, liked me back gave me a different kind of happiness. He was very attentive towards me. Giving me flowers out of blue, taking me on dates on almost every weekend. Slowly but surely I was falling deeply for him. His birthday was coming up and I wanted to do something special but after that night everything changed"

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

Riley wanted to do something special for him, so she decorated his whole apartment and baked his favourite chocolate cake. They celebrated his birthday in his apartment with their friends. After the celebration was over and everyone went back, Jerome requested Riley to stay back with him to which she agreed.

"Would you like a drink " he asked her as they both sat on the couch.

"Yes please" she replied.

Jerome poured two glasses of whiskey and handed her one glass. As they drank they started getting tipsy. When Riley looked at him ,the lust in his eyes couldn't be concealed, the candles made the atmosphere more romantic. After that one thing led to another and soon both of them were naked entangled in each other's arms

Around 3 a.m. Riley slipped into deep slumber in Jerome's arm, combined with the alcohol in her body and everything else that happened she was so tired that she failed to notice his smug smile the small red light blinking in the corner of the room.

Next day, when Riley arrived at the college she met with a huge blow. Her intimate photos with Jerome was being circulated through social media, in those pictures Riley's face was clearly visible but Jerome's face was blurred. Few of them were pitying her but most of them were laughing at her misfortune. Riley didn't want to believe that Jerome was the one behind the incident but everything was pointing towards him so she went to confront him. Se found him in the canteen with his friends.

After confronting Jerome she got to know that Jerome never really loved her and all he did was just for sake of a bet he made with his friends. She was truly heartbroken but she was not going to cry for him.

At that moment she felt nothing else then anger, she was angry with Jerome for playing with her emotions, for making her believe that they had something special.

She was so angry that she couldn't resist the urge to slap him , so she in front of everyone in the canteen slapped him. Due to the hard slap Jerome's face turned sideways and soon the red mark of Riley's hand became prominent on his face.

"You bi**h" Jerome yelled angrily.

"You deserve it Jerome Alston, so stop looking at me like I have did something wrong"

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

"After everything I didn't feel like facing anyone so I directly went to my dormitory. I thought the matter would settle down on its own but before that could happen I got a call from my dad. My parents knew about the photos. I told them I'll handle everything but they didn't listen and decided to drive instead of taking the train, on the way they were hit, mom died on the spot from excessive blood loss and dad was in critical condition"

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

Riley was sitting in her dorm holding her phone, she just had a heated conversation with her father. She knew that her parents were concerned but they didn't have to come there all the way from Boston. She sighed and got busy with her works, half an hour later she got a call from her brother Charles.

"If you're calling to tell me..."

"Mom and dad met with an accident" Charles whispered on the call.

"What?" Riley wasn't sure if she heard correctly.

"THEY HAD AN ACCIDENT OK, MOM IS GONE....." he yelled angrily

Riley could clearly hear the slight tremble in his voice.

"Mom is gone and the doctors are not sure if dad could even make it through the operation"

Before Riley could say anything she heard the beep sound from her phone singling the end of phone call. She immediately booked the tickets for flight and after informing the college dean she went to airport with her phone and a small tote bag.

When she reached the hospital she saw Charles sitting leaning along the wall sobbing, she ran to him.

"Charles" she called out.

"Dad's gone too, I am an orphan now" Riley heard him muttering. She couldn't hold back her tears, she got down on her knees and hugged Charles as he wept hugging her. After he stopped weeping he pushed her away and got up from the floor and then helped her up.

"Just go home, I'll handle everything here"

"But Charles..."

"Just go home please"

Riley wanted to stay but she went back home after Charles insisted. When she reached home, she looked around, this was the place where she grew up. She remembered how her father used to move around the house with both her and Charles in his arms when they were little, she remembered how she would fight with her dad over the last cronut which they both loved especially if Christine was the one who made them and how every time her mom would be waiting for both her children at the gate when they came back from school.

When the sudden realisation hit her that her parents were truly gone, something clenched her heart making it hard for her to breathe. Riley didn't cry when she came to know about Jerome's betrayal, she didn't cry when everyone around her mocked her and called her name but she couldn't hold her grievances to herself any longer. She wanted to scream, trash everything around, anything that would help her vent out everything but she fell with a thud and cried her heart out, she didn't know when she passed out but when she woke up, it was already 5 a.m. in the morning. She was lying on the couch with a thin blanket on her and Charles was sitting there with his eyes closed and head tilted backwards, her movements woke him up.

"It's still early, why don't you go to your room and sleep for few more hours" Charles told her.

"Mom dad?"

"They are kept in the morgue, we can bring them back after I make the preparations for their funeral"

"They are really gone" Riley muttered not sure if she was telling it to herself or Charles.

Charles didn't reply, he just scooted closer to her, allowing her to hug him. No one said anything after that, they just sat there watching the sky brightening eventually. Both of them started getting messages from friends and family.

Three days later the funeral was held, Charles and Riley bid the final goodbye to their parents as they both laid in casket. They were covered with bandages but Riley still thought that her mother was the most beautiful lady and her father the most handsome man.

After the funeral was over Riley and Charles came back home, Riley felt that something was wrong with Charles, he was so lost in thoughts that he didn't even notice that a pillar was in front of him. Before he could hit his head on the pillar Riley pulled him back.

"Can't you see there is a pillar?" Riley exclaimed

"I am sorry I am quite tired I didn't notice" Charles told her

Riley took a deep breath to calm down her nerves "I can understand, I am tired too. Just go and change, I'll bring something to eat"

Charles nodded and headed upstairs, after Riley brought their food to Charles's room, they ate in silence, after that Riley went back to her room wishing him good night. She was so tired that sleep consumed her as soon as she hit the bed. In middle of the night she felt someone holding her hand, she could not hear if anything was being said but she started feeling anxious all of a sudden and wanted to wake up but no matter how hard she tried she couldn't open her eyes due to tiredness.

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

"That night was the last time I saw Charles, when I woke up next morning he was gone along with all his belongings. I tried calling him, you know I called his colleagues, his friends and even his ex girlfriend but no one knew where was he. I slept soundly that night because I was so sure that no matter how hard it would be without mom and dad by elder brother will always be with me through thick and thin. I can't explain that feeling Liam, I was angry,helpless and everything was falling apart. It seemed as if the whole world has abandoned me."

"Why didn't you tell me any of this? I know I cannot change your past but I could have been there for you, I could've helped you overcome the grief" Liam told her

"How Liam? Everyone around me started telling me that it was my fault that my parents were dead, that Charles left because he hated me, you know I started having nightmares after Charles left, I always see him leaving me alone and every time I feel like the same helpless girl who was abandoned by everyone around her . I was afraid that you might think that I was the reason for everything that happened." Riley said as she slipped into his embrace

Liam hugged her tightly as he patted her back "None of it was your fault love, and I would never ever blame you for mistakes someone else committed."

When Riley looked up at him her eyes with filled with pain and agony but there was an unmistakable tint of love present.

Liam kissed her forehead and held her in his arms for few minutes, after few minutes he unwrapped his arms and said"We should go back we have been here for a long time"

Riley nodded and they both went inside.

Her reunion with Charles a month later in Cordonia was something unexpected for Riley, when Charles first came to Cordonia she was really reluctant to approach him but she was glad that they talked, their reunion was heartfelt and emotional. Riley never asked why he left and he never told her. Riley never thought her life could be more perfect then it was already but the presence of her loved ones made it possible.

Thank you

Tags:

@ao719 @choicesficwriterscreations @kristinamae093 @sfb123 @angelasscribbles

[mariemarieohcontrary]

Choices MCs (Filipino Edition lol)

《Next》

Finally drew four of my Choices MCs inspired by @cassiopeiacorvus and her wonderfully done OC compilations (how do you have the patience to draw all of em omg)

I'm thinking of doing the same for my Romance Club MCs too (background would be the purple of the homescreen there)

Interested in commissioning me? Click the source! 💗

Evangeline Marie G. (Guzman) Lakandula - Ah yes, my soft, anxious babie with self-worth issues. She comes from a messy background with a horrible father. She was close to her late (paternal) grandparents and had a very complicated relationship with her late mother. One of her relatives shes v close to is her older cousin, Ethan.

She's a college dropout thanks to her father's bad choices and worked the moment she had a chance to.

After her mother passed, that was it for Evangeline. She kinda needed to go away from her dad and his loud voice and other issues. So she left home and Ethan helped her out before he left for a business trip abroad.

He had her go to a house he owned in Laguna where she could live in provided she just do the cleaning in there. She found simple work that she was qualified for and that was her life for the next few years until a certain bachelor party came into her life.

Diwa Kalangitan M. (Masangga) del Rosario - My chaotic good and very protective MC who definitely rabbleroused in the school she works in.

She was raised in a household that follows some precolonial beliefs and traditions. She has a stepfather who's an albularyo and two half-siblings. One is studying in college, the other is still in high school. She has a close relationship to both her parents.

And she is rather happy with her job as a teacher in a private school. Sure she sometimes goes against curriculum to make sure the kids enjoy her lessons. She's a class advisor also so when she found out their math teacher humiliated one of her students, she confronted said teacher.

Her trip to America is really just a birthday trip until the events of the book started. In the end she ends up in a poly relationship with Nik and Cal. (She does end up pointing out to the boys that she'll have to go back to her work and family at least just to properly resign and find work near them and also to assure her family she's safe.)

Maya Chelidonia C. (Caacbay) dela Rosa - The local tired detective who had to move abroad for their own safety. Love them SM.

Maya is the child of Jaime dela Rosa, a cop in the Philippines who does not follow in corrupt practices and tries to do right by the community. He was killed after coincidentally seeing signs of corruption in the force and wanting to expose it.

After their father's death, Maya also followed in his footsteps. On their end, they wanted to try and do some good in their job but ended up experiencing some discrimination in the work force. Enter them finding the same evidence of corruption that their father found as well. This time they managed to expose the corruption but in the end, one of their few friends in the force warned them that they'll have to flee the country due to some v angry officials.

So they fled with their mother and younger sister.

Their sister became a fashion designer. Maya found work as a private detective and the two teamed up to be able to live a decent life. Their sister travels with their mom on fashion shows. They're fine living nearby their maternal uncle with their dog, Spudge. (He's a scaredy cat and a lil crybaby who doesn't like strangers and by that I mean he starts crying when the strangers notice him. It's not out of trauma, he just likes Maya and their fam more than anyone else and is v shy with others. He's also scared of the dark and loud noises.)

Inocencia Honorata G. (Galang) Valenciano - and finally, my love's embarrassing bby. My Rafael Aveiro romancer. Love her sm.

She and her mom, older brother and little sister ran away from their father when they were a kid. Her parents annulled their marriage after a few years.

Her older brother became the youngest lawyer in the country and had a firm in New York seek him out. This led to him helping Inocencia and her sister (who had skipped grades and managed to enter college the same year as Inocencia).

Inocencia is v non-competitive that she chose De La Salle University while her sister went to their grandfather’s alma mater, University of the Philippines. At college, Inocencia got dubbed as SiaSia because of the repeated -cia in her first name and surname.

The two got accepted into Edenbrook when they were gonna start. Inocencia being 27 and her sister being 25. By then, Inocencia still isn't competitive and didn't sign up for the competition for the diagnostics team but her little sister shoved her to try it out.

[playchoicesconfessions]

Sent by @lover-also-fighter-also

‘We already see the vaa imperii organization pattern in the royal heir book 3 when MC and co break Olivia out when she gets captured, even before it was mentioned. MC = The Empress. Liam = The Face. Drake= The Fist. Hana = The Voice. Maxwell = The Eye’

POST/CONFESSIONS DO NOT REFLECT THE MOD’S PERSONAL OPINIONS!

[fadingreveries]

The Royal Romance, Bk1 Ch2: Welcome to Cordonia (Pt. 4)

Click here for the TRR retelling series masterlist for more chapters! 🏰

Story Summary: In this novel-style retelling of TRR, beloved scenes with original commentary from the Choices stories including your favourite group of royals and friends will be expanded upon. Contains extended commentary and scenes from the original story, in-depth descriptions of bonus scenes, and premium choices and outfits.

Chapter Synopsis: Riley travels to Cordonia, but what will await her there?

Word Count:

Disclaimer: All rights to original commentary, scenes, and characters from The Royal Romance series reserved to Choices and Pixelberry Studios. No copyright infringement intended.

~ ~ ~

After quickly unpacking a few of her belongings, Riley made her way out of her assigned room on a mission to explore the palace boutique’s options. Luckily for her, Maxwell had told her that the store was located on the ground floor near the front entrance.

A few minutes later, Riley pushed past the doors into the boutique. The soft pink walls contrasted nicely with the brown mahogany floors and the light gray floor rug covering the entire ground. A silver chandelier with bell-shaped glass shades hung directly in the middle of the room. Several mannequins dressed in various formal attire for men and women were scattered across the rooms.

Absentmindedly, Riley brushed her hand against the silk and satin dresses placed on one of many racks on display. The closest she had ever gotten to seeing such beautiful formal dresses was outside display windows of luxury stores on her way to school and work.

“Oh!” A girl yelped out, stepping out of a changing room and holding a dress.

Startled with the sudden voice, Riley looked over her shoulder to see who it was. However, when she noticed that the girl was only dressed in her underwear, Riley quickly turned back around. While she felt a hint of excitement to meet new people up close and personal, this wasn’t exactly what she had in mind.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry!” Riley apologized, feeling embarrassed at seeing a stranger looking so vulnerable. “I didn’t realize someone was already here. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have just barged in.”

With Riley’s back turned, the girl quickly draped the curtain of the changing room over her body to cover herself. Only her head poked out, a sign she was eager to invite Riley into a conversation.

“Oh, it’s no problem at all. To be honest, I didn’t have an appointment. I forgot to book one before my flight landed a few hours ago but thought I would peruse down here before it became too crowded,” the girl sheepishly replied, making Riley turn around to see her friendly smile. “I’m Hana. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Pleasantly surprised with the girl’s bright kindness to a stranger like her, Riley gave a smile in return. “You too. My name’s Riley.”

“I suppose you’re also here to prepare for the Masquerade tonight,” Hana replied, before disappearing behind the curtain to pull on the dress she was holding. “Since you’re here and not already dressed, I must assume that you’re just like me… searching desperately for something to wear.”

“More or less,” Riley replied, with a relaxed laugh. Her neck craned around to catch short glimpses of the dresses in the boutique, wondering how on earth she would be able to narrow it down with the surprising variety.

“The seamstress seems to be running late, but I can show you around! The boutique has the most exquisite gowns. Quite a few of them were shipped just this morning,” Hana answered, pulling the curtain to the side. “Let me just zip this dress up and we can look for one for you!”

Walking to a floor-length mirror, Hana faced her reflection to note her appearance. There was an immense amount of pressure on her from her parents to make a good first impression on the nobility during the court’s social season. She took a deep breath, examining the rose gold laced bodice with rhinestones and a matching floor-length satin skirt.

Her hands arched around her back, trying to get a firm grasp on the tiny zipper. Replaying her parents’ never-ending lectures in her mind about securing the hand of the prince, she felt a slight tremble in her grip and found herself unable to zip herself in the dress. What was she going to do if she failed to secure his attention?

“Need a hand?” Riley offered, admiring how confident and poised Hana looked in front of the mirror with her masquerade outfit.

With a relieved laugh, Hana answered, “That would be amazing.”

Making her way behind Hana, Riley grasped hold of the zipper and slid it all the way up. On a nearby side table, Hana picked up a salmon pink mask with gold accents that matched her dress perfectly. She carefully settled it on her face, making her happily sigh with a satisfied smile.

Turning to face Riley with a grin, Hana complimented, “Thank you. It’s a pity that not many girls here are like you.”

“Helpful?” Riley asked, a smile on her face at Hana’s comment.

“Genuinely nice,” Hana explained, with a simple knowing nod. “It would make the social season much less intimidating if we were here to converse as ladies instead of constantly viewing each other as competition.”

If Drake was right about the ruthlessness of noble ladies, it seemed Riley had found a rare ally in her. Unbeknownst to her, Hana held the same sentiments. Most ladies would secretly turn their noses up at her out of jealousy, let alone help her—something Hana was used to growing up as a noble.

Hana spun for Riley, her full skirts twirling as she giggled. “Ah, this dress is perfect! Now, what about you? One must have a mask for the Masquerade!”The two girls perused through racks of dresses, holding up possible options to the other for a second opinion. Ten minutes later, Hana’s eyes widened in excitement as she pulled two garment bags from a rack. “Have you seen the angel costume? You’d look amazing in white,” Hana suggested, eagerly holding up the white dress in her right hand and the other dress in her left hand. “Or there’s also a red one, if you’re feeling more devilish.”

“I’ll take a look.” Riley giggled, as Hana handed her both garment bags.

Inside a dressing room, Riley eyed the first costume meant to resemble a sultry devil. The crimson red colour of the strapless dress was striking along with sections made of mesh lace fabric highlighting embroidered patterns. Along with the dress were two devil horn accessories and a bold black mask with sparkling rhinestones.

Ultimately, Riley decided on the angel costume that Hana first suggested. It was much simpler with its draped off shoulder straps, a sweetheart neckline, and a shimmery sparkle that brightened the pure white colour. After stepping out of the changing room, Riley fixed the matching halo accessory on top of her head and plucked a detailed silver mask off of the table.

“How do I look?” Riley asked with a smile, giving a little twirl similar to the one Hana had done moments ago.

Hana’s face brightened up, as she grinned and the two made their way out of the boutique. “Heavenly! A costume as angelic as the girl wearing it.”

~ ~ ~

Click here for the TRR retelling series masterlist for more chapters! 🏰

Tag list: @kingliam2019 @princess-geek @karahalloway @tessa-liam @twinkleallnight @tinkie1973

[grovershire-girl]

I'm not really sure if I should call this a rant or just simply putting my thoughts out there. Mostly, it's just me trying to give some defense to the Royal Romance Mc. I don't really interact with the Choices fandom very often, but whenever I do see stuff, especially towards mc, it's mostly negative. Now, I by no means believe that there are NO issues with the books, but I do feel like mc receives more of the blunt of those frustrations than she really deserves.

First, before I get into this, I will be honest and say that mc is one of my favorite choices characters, so there is some bias. The way I view the story, the characters, and the various events that happen throughout are completely my own. I personally kind of add to the stories as I play through them. I'm definitely going to try to give valid reasoning here, but it's totally understandable if you disagree or dismiss this. I don't want to start any arguments. I personally greatly enjoy her and have played through the entire series multiple times now (I'm currently in book 2 as we speak). The main thing I've noticed throughout these replays, the thing I'm going to be using as my main driving point, is that mc is doing her best in strange situations that do not let up for even more than a moment.

At the very start, mc is just a regular person living in New York, working as a waitress/bartender, and probably isn't living the best of lives, again just trying to work with what she's got. Along comes this guy and his friends. She'll probably just thinking that their her last customers before she can go home and crash into bed, but then the guy comes up to HER and asks her to accompany them for the night. Her reaction is sort just like, "You know what, sure. Why not? I ain't got anything going on." If you do the diamond scene, she arranges an impromptu boat tour for Liam mostly just because she noticed how down he was, and then pretty much just shrugged her shoulders and gave Maxwell a thumbs up when he asked her to go with him to Cordnia.

Right from the start, it's shown that mc is impulsive and tends to just go with the flow and do without thinking too much about it. Now, if you're like me and like to mentally fill in the (many) gaps that the writers have left, you probably came up with your own reasons and background stories that explain why she's like that. Most likely on purpose, as even though mc is her own character, she is still supposed to be a representation of you. Her impulsiveness is simply an outline of who she is, and you, as the reader, color her in.

That's not to say that she can't stand on her own at all, though. One thing I find that I notice in all the books, at least in my perspective, is that mc is incredibly observant and clever. It may not come across that way all the time, and those two things definitely don't always mean smart, as mc has more than enough fumbles to show for it, but by no means is she at all stupid. Even in her sillier moments, she seems to knowingly like messing around, both for her own entertainment and to be petty and get under people's skins. Like with her whole "fwieeeends" bit with Olivia, for example. She is definitely well aware of the fact that it's annoying and seems to take great enjoyment out of it.

But that is to say, in circling back around to my earlier statement, she's just trying to work with what she's got. From the very beginning, when she arrived in Cordnia, she has people looking down on her, namely Drake, Olivia, and Bertrand. I'm not sure if Pixelberry ever gave them official ages, but I'd say she's around 24 or 25, maybe. She also clearly didn't have a whole lot of people close to her in New York. So all and all, she's a young girl brought to a foreign country to compete in a competition to marry a prince, but now also has the entire weight of the Beaumont legacy suddenly thrown on her back, is sorting through complicated feelings that she might be developing for other people, and has been all but shoved front and center into the national (and global) spotlight. Despite all of that craziness, she is STILL able to navigate through it all until the end when forces outside of her control send it all crashing down.

And it it pretty much like that in all the books. Mc is working with a semi steady bombardment of issues (mostly do to an extremely flawed monarchy system) and rarely really has time to actually stop, come to terms with what's going on, properly plan, of even just breath. Regardless of whether she's queen or duchess (especially if she's a duchess), she has way more thrown on her that she actually should. And all she can really do about it is roll with the punches, try to figure things out as much as she can, and make silly little comments and jokes to keep herself from having a breakdown.