#trr rayne

[ownworldresident]

Side by Side Chapter 4: Resolve

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 has no association with TRH. Master Masterlist Link

Seven And A Half Months Ago

Rayne

The last time Rayne had been at the Beaumont estate, sitting in this room, had been before the international tour. Back when there was hope. Where Liam was still in her reach. A pipe dream, and long gone now. Two days ago she had watched him marry a woman he did not love, and leave on a honeymoon that should have been hers. Gone for a week, not a month as they had planned, but it would be a very long week. Without the chance to tell him.

She sighed, turning from the window to the familiar room. He had visited her here, and he had asked if she would stay with him. It was a horrible question voiced out of fear but she had said yes without hesitation, and meant it. And she was glad to have said it then, because if she had waited until now, she would never know whether it was love or helplessness that tied her here indefinitely.

One hand went to her belly. Carrying the king’s child had not been in her plan, and it spun a new, more complicated reality around her. Liam loved her now, but would he fall out of that love? And would he be happy about this child? Or would he feel obligated? The reputation she had built would be threatened, and that could hurt him. Would he resent her for that?

The court believed she had retreated due to illness, but she knew some of them thought it was embarrassment, even heartbreak. Who was to say which was more accurate. The illness was intermittently accurate, and now she knew what it was, she gave up hope it would soon pass.

Blinking, Rayne shook her head and tried to pull away from spiralling again. Maxwell was keeping her company here, and he always knew how to cheer her up. She just needed to find him.

“Maxwell?” she called from her door frame. The hall stretched long before her, but it was warmer and more homely than the palace and she felt more at ease moving through it to the front hall. As she listened for movement, she registered footsteps, and recognised a familiar gait that wasn’t her host. She rounded the corner to the hall, and froze.

“Rayne.��� Liam smiled and crossed the rest of the room. He stopped within her space and squeezed her hands.

“I thought you were on your honeymoon,” she breathed. He winced, then shook his head.

“No.” His eyes flitted down toward her belly and she sucked in a breath.

“You heard.”

“Yes.” He nodded, a hesitant smile crossing his lips. “Are you okay?”

Rayne blinked as her eyes welled, and she wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face against his shoulder as her strength failed and she shook her head.

“I’m so sorry, love,” he whispered, his arms tightening around her. She wasn’t sure who was shaking as he leant his head against hers. Then she registered his words and pulled back.

“Why? What are you sorry for?” She knew that, in his mind, there were a litany of things to choose from. He frowned a moment, running his fingers through her hair.

“I’m sorry I married Madeleine. We should have…” He exhaled. “It should have been us.”

“Stop that,” she said firmly, regaining some composure. “Don’t be sorry for that. It happened, it’s done, and I’m still here.”

It took a moment for him to meet her eye again, but he nodded. The conversation would take a more sensitive turn, and so she turned back toward her room and gestured for him to follow.

Back where she started, Rayne perched on the side of the bed as Liam closed the door and stayed standing.

“You haven’t said anything about this.” She ran a hand over her belly, then looked up at him, brow pulled tight. “Are you upset?”

She had run through dozens of possible scenarios in her mind, many with illogically negative outcomes. This was new territory for both of them. Liam’s eyes widened, he crossed the room and knelt before her, taking both her hands and her attention.

“This is…” Liam smiled. “Rayne this is more than I could ever have hoped for. I’m thrilled.” He squeezed her hands. “I never wanted anyone but you. We talked about it…”

Though he trailed off, downcast, Rayne’s heart lightened. She lifted his chin and leant forward to kiss him gently. When she pulled back, he moved to sit beside her, searching her eyes before kissing her again, deeper, with all the devotion he did not need words to convey. When they parted she was breathless, and her smile grew.

“This was not how I expected to spend this time,” said Rayne. Most of her plans had involved a lot of alcohol and her friends and anything to take her mind off the wedding. Blinking away from the thought, she broached the next difficult topic. “This could look bad for you, having a child out of your marriage, and so soon after your coronation and your wedding. I never wanted to complicate things for you. For Cordonia.”

He frowned, taking her hands again. “Rayne, I need you to understand this. Nothing in this world; not my position, my people or my country, will prevent me from dedicating myself to you and this child. I would love nothing more than to help you raise this… our son or daughter, and to be the best father I can be.” He smiled, and Rayne’s heart rose, the future seeming a little brighter.

“Thank you,” she managed. He lifted a hand to her cheek, and she closed her eyes and leant into the warm, familiar touch. The tension began to ease from her shoulders and brow, and she savoured the feel and smell she had so craved. When she opened her eyes, he pulled her up with him and embraced her again.

“Rayne, I…” he started, then paused. Rayne laughed.

“Are you speechless?” she said to his chest, a little mocking, since words never escaped him.

“Incredible,” he managed, holding her a little tighter. She heard his heartbeat and relished the touch, but the complexity of their situation began to return.

“And what about your wife?” She released him.

“Perhaps I was avoiding that issue.” He frowned, then paced, raking his fingers through his hair. His reference to Madeleine as an ‘issue’ was a new level of bluntness.

“I don’t understand.”

“Madeleine and I have an understanding.” He glanced at her as she reflected on her own agreement to stand by him despite his marriage. Then he stopped pacing, and faced her. “A different one to our original arrangement. We never consummated the marriage. She informed me of her inability to have children, and that she was aware of your circumstance. You and I are free to legitimise any child that we have.”

“You… you mean that… I wouldn’t…” she stammered, trying to process his words. And their implications.

“With your consent, the child you carry now will be recognised as royalty, and heir to the Cordonian throne.”

She stared at him. With no official position herself, the idea that her child could be the next king or queen was not something she had considered. “And I wouldn’t have to have a title?” she said quietly.

Liam frowned. “In a word, no, but I have grounds to annul my marriage.” He took a step closer. “If you would have me, I would offer myself to you, just like we planned.” The glimmer of hope in his eyes sent guilt rocking through her, but a lot had changed. This was a possibility she had considered, and she stood by her choice.

“No.” The word hung in the small room and silence stretched between them. Liam’s next works were more measured.

“What are you saying?”

“I have had a lot of time to think since I found out, and before that when I was suspicious. I thought I wanted to be queen, but I was wrong. This child…” She held a hand over her stomach, surely imagining the tiny rise beneath her shirt. “I wanted to be queen to make a difference, and that meant a lot of work, but I cannot be a good queen and a good mother. My priorities have changed. Madeleine should remain queen.”

Her heart went out to Liam, who swallowed hard and tried to read her now. She was grateful he did not immediately rebut her decision. “You always seemed so excited about it,” he said slowly, carefully. “And we talked about having children… What changed?”

Everything.

Rayne drew in a deep breath, and dropped her hand.

“I’ve never told you much about my past.” she began. “We don’t share a name but my mother is a political figure, and she was absent for most of my and my twin brother’s childhood. The circumstances are different, but time is linear, there are no second chances with a child. I want to be there, for everything, and I can’t do that as queen. There will be commitments, loyalties, obligations… I won’t treat my child with as little respect as my mother treated us.” She hadn’t even turned up to the funeral… Rayne squeezed her eyes shut and tugged on a memory of Warner smiling, before she failed him. “I won’t be absent.”

The room fell to silence again as Liam absorbed her words and she recovered from them. She had said it, and it hadn’t been as painful for her as expected. It would be for him, though.

“I understand that this is daunting,” he began. “But we can adjust your duties to suit your wishes, well into their formative years, if you wish.”

“No,” she said again, sharply, and shook her head. “I’m sorry. I know you think I’m letting you down-”

“I don’t think-”

“But can you honestly promise me that I will never be kept away from them?”

She curled her hands into fists at her sides to keep herself strong. Liam kept her gaze for a long time, his expression tight, then shook his head, struggling to keep his composure.

Unable to look at him and maintain hers, she moved away to the window. He chest tightened as she watched the gardens, wiping tears from her cheeks and hoping he didn't approach her. This was hard for him, he had always wanted a proper family, but a small, awful voice in her head reminded her of everything he had put her through since his engagement to Madeleine. The Engagement Tour, The Unity Tour, watching him marry another woman… it was unfair of her to blame him. He had been through the same disappointments. They had been there for each other through everything and it had been her choice to do so. But it was still her who was cast aside.

There had been numerous opportunities to leave Cordonia and Liam, but every time she contemplated it she knew she couldn't. A life waited for her in New York, but she could no longer feel as complete as she did with him, regardless of their obstacles. She turned back.

"You married Madeleine," she stated. Liam winced, guilt flooding his face, but she wasn't quite finished. "I came to the conclusion a long time ago that I would stand by you regardless of what or who tried to pull us apart. I resolved to be content and I am, in making a life for myself here." She wiped her eyes again.

"Liam, I love you, with everything in me, and I know you feel the same, and honestly? That was all I needed. If you are there for me…" She looked down, resting both hands over her belly, and looking up saw Liam had followed her focus as well as he waited patiently for her to finish. "If you are there for us. That is all I need."

Again, silence, as he carefully considered his words. After a while he straightened his posture and nodded, his expression soft. Rayne held her breath and hugged herself.

"I won't pretend to understand your reasoning; you know I have grown up with the expectations of the Crown, but I can try, and I can respect your decision." He sighed. "I have wronged you, so many times, and I am sorry. I know I could never deserve you, but if you choose to remain by my side despite it all, I will spend the rest of my life trying." He stepped closer, dropping his voice. "I love you more than life itself, and that you return it is a gift. I will do everything in my power to support you and our child."

Rayne’s heart swelled and her lip trembled. She felt as light as if this were a dream. Meeting him halfway, arms still crossed over her chest, she fell into his embrace, burying her face against him. Liam held her tighter, his strength and steadiness giving her the self belief she needed to do this. Even as she doubted her resolve.

He pressed a kiss to the top of her head and whispered, "I will always be here for you. As long as you want me, I will be here."

She sniffed, and choked out a response.

"Thank you."

Present Day

Liam

“Good evening, beautiful girl.” Liam leaned over Evie's crib and gently lifted her out. The moment he held her she stopped crying, and he rested her against his chest, patting her back. “Didn’t feel like sleeping yet?”

She stared up at him, and clumsily reached up a hand. He lifted her high enough to touch his face as he left the nursery so they didn’t wake her brother. In the living room, reclined on his preferred lounge chair, he rocked her slightly in the dim light. “That’s okay,” he cooed. “I didn’t feel like sleeping, either.” He couldn’t tell if she was hungry or not. It had only been three weeks since they had been born and he was still learning. After a few minutes speaking softly, she closed her eyes, and he smiled. Never had he seen a baby as beautiful as Evie, and in the brief time he had been honoured to know them, she and Leo were already showing their personalities. Leo was decisive; nothing he did was by half measures. If he woke up it was because he was hungry, and his schedule was like clockwork. Evie was less predictable; she often didn’t seem to know what she wanted.

Now, for example, she was sound asleep before he laid her down, but as soon as he turned to leave began to cry again. Liam sighed and picked her up again, having the feeling she was hungry this time. They reached the small kitchen in Rayne’s suite and placed a bottle of milk from the fridge in the bottle warmer. He swayed a little as he waited for it to finish, then carried it, a spit-up towel, and his daughter to the lounge chair again. Despite the exhaustion, he loved these moments. Spending time with Evie and Leo were the highlights of his days.

Once she was asleep, properly this time, and everything was put away, Liam finally made it to the bedroom. He swapped his day clothes for sweatpants and slid in carefully beside Rayne, closing his eyes and smiling at the beauty of that quiet moment and the warmth of her body.

He woke not long after and turned his head to see Rayne’s tight expression and quick breaths in the moonlight as she struggled through a nightmare. Though he often slept well, it had been a long time since he slept deeply, and her movement had pulled the sheets enough to wake him. Turning to face her, he reached out to touch her shoulder.

“Rayne,” he whispered, then louder. ”Rayne.”

Sometimes she spoke before waking, but this time it was only incoherent moans. He rubbed her arm, and she opened her eyes.

“Just a dream, my love,” he said softly.

“Liam,” she croaked. “You’re here.” Then shuffled closer and curled her body tight against his chest.

“I’m here,” he said, rubbing her back as she rested her head on his other arm. “I’ll always be here.”

She shivered against him, and he kept his breathing even. But her breathing soon slowed, until he knew she was asleep again.

As far as he could piece together these dreams were most often of the day at Ramsford they decided their future. It hurt him deeply to see her still dreaming of this so many months later, but he had asked her, and she had told him she didn’t remember the dreams. All he could do was hope that, eventually, they would stop.

---- ----

The list below is from my previous SbS masterlist. If you'd like to be added or removed please let me know! I'll stop including the older taglist from the next chapter.

Old Tag List: @leelee10898 @speedyoperarascalparty @brightpinkpeppercorn @riseandshinelittleblossom @bella-ca @custaroonie @furiousherringoperatortoad @missevabean @thequeenofcronuts @kuladekiwi @mfackenthal @iplaydrake @lodberg @annekebbphotography @carabeth @wannabemc @explorer-of-gems @be-still-my-aching-heart @kateslayer @kalirosesummers

Current Tag List: @tessa-liam @twinkleallnight @umccall71 @kingliam2019 @indiacater

[ownworldresident]

Yesss!! Maybe even... spoilers...?

Fanfic Writers: Director’s Cut

Reblog this if you want readers to come into your ask box and ask for the “director’s commentary” on a particular story, section of a story, or set of lines. 

Or, send in a ⭐star⭐  to have the author select a section they’ve been dying to talk about!

[mfackenthal]

The MFackenthal Show with Special Guest @ownworldresident!

banner by @whenyourheartskipsabeat

Megs:  Hello everyone!  Welcome to another episode of “The MFackenthal Show!”  Many many thanks to everyone who tuned in for the last episode.  The response to the return of the show has been truly fantastic and humbling.  It’s wonderful to have so many of you in our audience today!  

Please give your warmest welcome to tonight’s special guest @ownworldresident!

Alex:  Hey! *comes in waving*  Great to be here, thanks for inviting me Megs I'm honoured! *gives bear hug* I'm a big fan of hugs. *collapses dramatically into comfortable looking teal lounge chair*

Megs:  *Laughs* Well, make yourself comfortable, my friend. 

Alex:  Oh, you know I will!

Megs: Yes, yes I do.  So I hear that you’re working on a book!  Should I start calling you AJ?

Alex:  Okay so ... as readers of Something Unexpected will know my name is Alex. My pen name, recently decided, is A. J. Brooks. *grins like an idiot* I give you permission to call me Alex.

Megs:  Okay ... AJ ... so tell me, when did you join this crazy place we call the tumblr choices fandom?

Alex: I guess I could say I joined in about November? I started playing choices in August, because what better time to start than in the final semester of your bachelor's degree? I posted my first fic on Choices Archive which was unbelievably shit (the fic not the site!). I read A Royal Mate by @hopefulmoonobject aka Nesha and was inspired to write “You, The Lion” around chapter…. 6? I stalked Nesha to Tumblr, which I've never used before, and set up @ownworldresident, thus began the end of my social life. Courtesy of a design degree it was already pretty rocky.

Megs:  Who needs a social life when we have choices, tumblr, and fanfic, right?

Alex: Right! We all need AUs to carry us through to the next chapter.

Megs: Speaking of the next chapter ... have you read all of the choices books?

Alex: Hehe… *grins sheepishly* I have not. I have, however, played TRR enough times to have played every book twice over.

Megs:  Yeah, I think we’ve all done that!  Okay, so who do you stan in TRR?

Alex: *in a monotone* Oh, gosh, what a difficult question. Gosh Meg that's so hard to answer… *feigns thoughtfulness, then grins and speaks normally* if Liam isn't gripping the headboard with one hand to steady himself… What's the point of playing?

Megs: I’ll answer that with one word:  Drake.

Alex:  *rolls her eyes* And that’s my cue to leave the stage. *Alex starts to get out of her chair*

*Megs grabs her arms to keep her in the chair.*

Megs:  Nooooo!  Stay!  Tell us what you do when you’re not writing fics!  Geeze!

Alex: Haha, you know I’d never leave you, beautiful!  Okay, what do I do when I’m not writing fics ... I write my novel, reblog writing advice, play choices, chat to (and spam with excerpts) Nesha, Alicia, Stef, Urica, Pam, and you of course, also I have friends here but I'm not sure if they know I'm alive … I mean, I think I went out last month. This is specifically for Alicia - HE WILL REMAIN FRIENDZONED.

Megs:  Awh, maybe you need to give this guy a chance?

Alex: Oh gosh, not you too!  Stop!  FRIENDZONED!

Megs:  I’m just saying, sometimes the friend can be the *eyebrows raise twice* “friend.”

Alex: So, I’m from Australia! I was born in Perth (Western Australia), grew up in country WA, moved over to Melbourne to get a big fancy degree from a big fancy Uni, which i did *lifts fists in victory* and I love it here! Lots of ... um ... hot guys. But I spend all my time as a resident of my own world so don't actually see them much. I think I will need to go to Europe to find myself a Rhys.

Megs: nice deflection ... and we’re back to Liam.  Hahah!  Okay, okay, so as anyone who follows you on tumblr knows, you love to talk about writing.  Tell us about your writing process.

Alex: What's a ‘process? *frowns quizzically* I haven't really trained myself enough to have one. I have a muse, she is incredible, if I'm stuck I give her a problem and go and do other things and my tigress works on it in the background. For example the last big thing I wanted was a new story to write, so about a week later I was washing dishes or something and she went LIAM BANGS AN ASSASSIN and that's how The Mark came about. In case you were wondering or something. i also really like walking through forests, that really puts me in touch with my tigress. It's how You The Lion started. *shrugs* otherwise it's just when I feel like it. If I'm angsty I write Rayne. If I'm frustrated (at myself) I write Anna. If I'm excited I write SU with Nesha. If I'm focused I write my novel. *smirks* that's it! *chuckles*

Actually, Megs, are you up for an acting challenge?

Megs:  Don’t you know it!  Did you bring a script with you?

Alex:  Oh, just a snippet of my favourite passage of all I have ever written.  It’s Liam and Lisa's argument.  It’s love and trust and loss and honesty and pain, it’s really a pity they were too badly injured for angry sex. *winks*

Megs:  I call reading Lisa’s lines!

Alex: Wha?  Oh, okay, I’ll play Liam ...

*both ladies stand up in the middle of the stage and read overly dramatically*

Liam/Alex: “I thought you loved me Lisa…”

Lisa/Megs:  “Of course I love you!”

Liam/Alex: “Then that should be enough to just my judgement…”

Lisa/Megs:  “YES! It should! It should be enough to trust and yet you don’t! You don’t trust me, you’re blinded by him and how DARE you use your rank over me! I don’t give a shit what your reasoning was Liam that is not okay.”

Liam/Alex “It was to -”

Lisa/Megs: “Keep me safe! Guess what! I can defend myself, as if you didn’t know that. I told you, you should have believed me, because you said you loved and trusted me EVEN THOUGH YOU DON’T and that should be enough!”

Alex:  And end scene!

*The ladies take a bow*

I don't know if it makes sense without context and its only the dialogue but I love it!  You were a decent Lisa.  Though I’m not sure Lisa would have been quite so dramatic about it.

Megs:  You weren’t a half-bad Liam.  But i know he would have been more dramatic than you were being!  *wink*

*Both Alex and Megs starts to return to their seats - but Alex gets to Meg’s chair first.  Megs slowly goes to sit in the comfy teal green chair and gives Alex the side eye.*

Alex:  So Megs ... when and why did you decide to review and interview fanfic writers?

Megs:  What is it with my guests thinking they get to take over asking the questions?!  *Megs shakes her head in disbelief*  Hmm ... the first spotlight post/MFackenthal show was just over a year ago on May 5, 2018.  At that time, I wasn’t writing any fanfiction, but I wanted to give back to the community.  I don’t think I had even done a review post yet.  By that time I had written some posts to wish authors happy birthday or to highlight someone’s work that I was in love with ... but I had 100 followers and I wanted to celebrate that.  @maxattack-powell, @tmarie82, @lizeboredom, and a few others who aren’t here any more helped me come up with a way to spotlight the fanfic authors and I wrote a pilot episode of the Mfackenthal Show.  Ellen saw it, gave me this show, and the rest is history as they say.

Alex:  I love that you wanted to give back!  One last question ... *leans elbow on side of chair and rests chin on fingers to look at you, narrowing gaze* ... tell us one of your most fantastical Drake related dreams. Maybe you or someone can turn it into a one shot?

Megs:  Alex!  Oh my gosh!  Hahaha!  Hmmm ... okay ... well, the story would be an AU.  The MC, Megs - cause all the MCs are named Megs in my stories, is a Princess of a small country, but she’s gone into hiding because someone is after her and her family.  She goes to Cordonia and asks to help manage Liam’s social season.  She needs to stay behind the scenes so she can’t be in it.  She convinces Bastien, Liam, and Drake that she would be a good counselor/therapist for Liam - help him make decisions about who would be the best partner for him.  Of course, both Liam and Drake end up falling in love with Megs.  As always, Drake believes himself to be unworthy because he knows that Megs is a princess.  Megs is always very clear that she’s not in love with Liam and is in love with Drake.  All the forces keep Megs and Drake apart.  Drake eventually helps Megs get back to her country and Megs gets injured in a battle when she tries but fails to save her father from being murdered.  This means that Megs has to take the throne.  Drake tries to live without her, heading back to Cordonia.  Drake and Megs finally get together after her country and Cordonia enter trade negotiations and Liam sends Drake to make those negotiations. 

Alex:  *sighs* Megs, that’s beautiful.

Megs:�� Thanks!  Probably not a one-shot though.

Alex: Probably not.  Alright - well, your producers are telling me that it’s almost time to wrap up the show.  So, I think it’s time for you and your audience to learn to do the shuffle!  So stand up.

*stands and looks at you expectantly until you do the same*

okay now drink this …

Megs:  uh ...

Alex:  Just drink it!  It's not poison *smirks as you drink and splutter then shrugs at your horrified expression and drinks the other half* don't worry it's just tequila. Okay follow me, stand there… music please… let's do this.

*proceeds to teach and dance and drink more and kiss the cameraman and fall over then get up and keep dancing like nothing happened*

--- several minutes later, both collapsed and grinning and slightly drunk ---

Please don't analyze me. I have a lot of problems. Urk.

Megs:  We’ll save the analysis for after the show! (hiccups) Alright folks (hic!)  I guess it’s time to go! 

Alex: *drunkenly* Omgosh I LOVE this fandom. Everyone is so friendly and (predominantly) positive *side eyes you* and creative and supportive and talented! I love you all. Thank you for being you, and if you interact with me, my fics, or anything I post, I consider myself honoured thank you!! To the fandom I will say keep being who you are. Every single one of you is incredible *shrugs excitedly, grinning*.

Megs: Have a great night, all!  Don’t drink and drive!  Love you all!!!!

And now for the tags! If you want to be added to the tag list for these or removed, please let me know!  They won’t come out every day, I promise!

@hopefulmoonobject @queen-among-writers

[ownworldresident]

Side by Side. Chapter 14: Instinct

King Liam x Rayne (MC): With new additions to their family, Rayne and  Liam re-evaluate their relationship dynamic.

Disclaimer: Most  characters are the property of Pixelberry studios. I am just borrowing them and will return them when I am done.

Cameo by @hopefulmoonobject​ as Clair.

MASTERLIST

Side by Side Masterlist

Part of me thought I had abandoned this project, but Liam and Rayne thought otherwise it seems. Happy to be back. Enjoy!

Where we are at the moment:

Rayne and Liam have had their ‘talk’ but we aren’t sure how that went exactly, yet.

Madeleine is currently on trial for high treason. She has just confirmed that yes, Rayne’s mother was involved in Liam’s poisoning.

Drake, Leo, Clair and the others are doing their best to push Rayne and Liam in the right direction, and it seems to be working?

The twins Evelyn and Leo are just as cute as ever.

Chapter Fourteen: Instinct

“Sorry I’m late.” Liam stepped inside the small meeting room and closed the door. Everyone was seated except for Clair, who stood by Rayne at the end of the long table. The others looked up as he entered.

“So, what is this meeting about?” Olivia glanced between Liam and Rayne.

“You were at the trial, Olivia.” Rayne leant back in her seat, just out of Liam’s line of sight. Her voice was too calm. “You heard her.”

“Yes, I heard her,” Olivia replied, “but what are we going to do about it?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Drake frowned, and when he adjusted his posture Rayne’s stiff frame came into view again.

“I know what you’re going to say, Drake.” Liam approached the table but remained standing. “Gen isn’t Cordonian. The rules aren’t clear in this case.” He looked up at Clair and addressed her. “You’re uncharacteristically quiet. What are your thoughts?”

“I can’t say for sure but given the fact that she did almost commit treason, you could use that. She is an American Politician who almost caused an international scandal. How would the US respond?” Clair stated.

“We can’t know that until they do.” Rayne glanced at her friend, then laughed. “Ironically, Gen would know more about that side of the equation.”

“Your statement would have helped smooth things, though, wouldn’t it?” asked Leo. “And besides, the details of the trial aren’t being publicised yet. We have time to figure this out.”

“I can see what I can uncover.” Brow furrowed; Clair looked to Rayne. “Do you want me to talk to her?”

“No.” Rayne shook her head. “I will talk to her.”

“Fair enough, so I will do more digging. I still have friends in the Justice Department.” The smile Clair gave Rayne was lost as the latter focused on the table.

“Well-connected.” Leo laced his fingers behind his head and leant back, sending Clair an exaggerated wink. “I like that.”

“Well, Leo, one cannot have too many friends. Especially ones that owe you favours,” Clair smirked.

Drake cleared his throat. “Setting Leo’s ambitions aside,” he said, “Gen’s in custody now. She can go on trial soon, right? That will get some answers.”

“If she cooperates,” Rayne said to the table.

“Exactly. And if she does, we can whip out the polygraph again. Easy.”

“What perfect world do you live in, Walker?” Olivia stared at him.

“We’re getting off track,” Liam looked from Rayne to Clair, “but that could work. Will there be more repercussions for using a polygraph?”

“I don’t think it would be wise.  She would have to agree. That is not going to happen.” Clair said flatly.

“But say, just for a moment, that we do live in Drake’s perfect world.” Leo smirked at him. “It could have a pretty significant impact. I mean, would Maddie have admitted all that if she wasn’t hooked up to a lie detector?”

“Madeleine is a fool. Gen is not. You are going to have to get her to confess without a polygraph. It backed fired, though we got some good information.  Gen will not be easily tricked.  She has been doing this too long. She is connected too. We need to come up with something else. I will see if I can dig up anything that will help persuade her to tell the whole truth and not play games. But I will need a few days at best.” Clair opened one of the files she had brought, then nodded to herself.

“Maddy is an opportunist, not a fool.” Leo added. Though Liam agreed, that wasn’t his focus.

Liam watched Rayne’s frown deepen as Clair spoke, still staring at the table before her. Hoping her distraction wasn’t related to their last discussion, he instead focused on what Clair had said, but she had noticed Rayne as well.

“Rayne, what do think?” she asked her.

“I think there are too many demons in Gen’s closet for you to dig deep.” Rayne stood and pushed her chair back. “Excuse me.” She walked past Liam with barely a second of eye contact. He had seen that look before. She needed space. He would grant it.

“What is she talking about?” Drake frowned at the door as it shut. “I thought she didn’t have any contact with her mother.”

“Let’s just say, they are one of many reasons she doesn’t talk to Gen.” Clair looked at the door as well. “Liam, I still will contact my friends, but you need to be absolutely positive of each and every move we make going forward.”

“I know.” Liam watched the desk now, taking his time as the others waited for him to answer. “We have Genevieve’s trial in a few days. Rayne could get through to her before then, but if she goes to trial and we find nothing else, then – and only then – should you start looking into her history. Regardless of their relationship now Genevieve is still Rayne’s mother. Please keep that in mind.” He rolled his shoulders back. “Any questions?”

“I will look into her, but I need you to remember, Gen is no mother, she is simply a woman who gave birth to her.  The things that woman did...” Clair scowled, then spoke darkly, “I know Gen.”

Liam held up a hand to stop her. “Listen to me. You would have heard of my father’s deception. You know the grief he brought on Rayne and me. If he had died before I forgave him, I would never forgive myself. And if there’s one thing I’ve learnt as a father, it’s that family is family, it transcends past action and present struggles. Respect her wishes. Wait until after the trial. That is final.”

“I didn’t say I would talk to her behind her back, all I s—"

“I know what you said, Clair.” Liam said firmly. “And this is what I’m saying. Understood?”

As if to protest, Clair opened her mouth, then shut it and exhaled. “Look, you’re right, just let me know what you need, and I will make sure you have it.” Clair stood. “I love her too, you know.”

“I know, and thank you.” Liam nodded, seeing the frustration seep from Clair’s face as she gathered her things. She paused as she passed him to the door.

“Look, Liam, I don’t mean any disrespect, I know you love her, and I hate that you are going through this.  So again, I am at your disposal.” She remained beside him for a moment, but when he offered no further reply, she nodded. “I’ll see you at the trial, then.”

Once the door closed behind her, Liam turned back to the others. All were still seated, watching the discussion like it was a tennis match.

“Does anyone have a problem with how that was handled?”

--

The courtroom seemed smaller when the lights were out. Rayne descended the stairs that held the podium at the front above and separate from the councillors and attendants and ran a hand along the front of it to guide herself. Madeleine had stood right there, within reaching distance of where she was now, and let the entire courtroom know what kind of woman Gen was. What kind of woman Rayne’s mother was. What she was capable of Rayne had, really, already known.

‘Their blood grandmother’ she had said, had drawn everyone’s attention to Rayne… She reached out now, pretending to scratch the face of the woman that threatened to take everything away from her.

Madeleine was in custody and the court had adjourned for the day. Gen was in custody as well. Rayne hadn’t been to see her yet, hadn’t made the journey down to the cells in the back of the palace. She would, though. She would have to. There wasn’t any way she could rest without knowing why, exactly, Gen had chosen that path. Wasn’t any way she could rest before seeing who her mother was. There would be no facade when she was locked away, no hiding. Maybe that was one of the things that had barred her from going thus far. Seeing Gen unrecognisable, even after all the hints.

“Rayne?” the soft voice carried from the entrance she had used, light pouring in from the hall. Liam stood silhouetted in the doorway, his face in shadow.

“Down here.” Rayne moved out of the shadow of the court proper and squinted in the hall light. His posture relaxed when she appeared, tension visibly leaving his shoulders. She wished she felt the same, but when he descended toward her his gait was stiff.

“Are you alright?” he said gently, squeezing her. Now that he was shrouded in the same dark, Rayne could make out some of his features. His warm smile, slight furrow between his brows, and the remaining tension in his posture. Releasing his hand, she brushed her fingers over his shoulders as she considered an answer, trying to rub the stiffness from his shoulders and arms.

“No.” she settled on with a small smile, letting her hands fall to her sides again, “but I will be.” she looked down at where Liam took her hand again, lifting it to brush his lips over her knuckles.

“Yes, you will.” he breathed deep and with the exhale finally relaxed. In the next moment Rayne had walked into him. She didn’t pause to think, only sought his comfort. Liam brought his arms around her and she felt his chest rise and fall against her own.

“We both will.” she mumbled, then recognised that this was the first truly intimate gesture they had shared since their conversation the day before. The constancy of Liam’s heartbeat soothed Rayne’s, and she pressed closer, balling the back of his shirt in her fists. A long moment passed before she pulled back to catch his eye. “Alright?”

“Yes.” Liam nodded, then smiled and stepped toward the door with a hand outstretched to her. “Come on,” he said, tilting his head toward the door, “it’s getting late.”

They had walked together out of the courtroom after the trial, but not like this. This was closer to the time they had been outside with the twins. There was a lot unresolved, Rayne knew that, but she could enjoy the arm around her and the man close beside her and pretend their worries were far away. Just for a moment.

--

Liam led the way through the living room of her apartments. He would have – should have – let her go ahead but couldn’t determine whether he would stay here. Rather than question her first, he went to say good night to Clair, taking her place in the twin’s room to say goodnight to them. After a moment of conversation he heard Clair leave, and Rayne stood at the door of the room, watching him. Heavy shadows sat beneath her eyes.

“I need to go,” she said. Liam frowned, sighing as he watched his daughter sleeping. He looked up.

“Tonight?”

“Yes.”

“Let me come with you,” he whispered, stepping away from the cribs. Evie and Leo were fast asleep, their chests rising and falling with each small breath. For the rest of his and their lives he wanted to remember that image.

“Liam…” she turned back and swallowed hard. “I need to do this on my own.”

Rather than respond immediately, Liam followed her out of the room and gently pulled the door to behind him. He sighed, one hand on the knob, then released it and turned to her in the dark hall.

“I’m here to tell you that you don’t.” He kept his voice low. Rayne stood with her posture slumped, rubbing both hands over her face. The fact Liam found her in the courtroom of all places told him she couldn’t think of anything else.

“What would you do,” she said quietly, “if it was your mother who had poisoned me?”

“I…” Liam considered his answer. He had barely known his mother, but he knew Rayne, and if someone he loved had hurt her, even someone he loved… “I would want answers.”

Rayne nodded, turned her head toward the front room of her suite, but didn’t move. He saw watched the conflict on her face.

“Rayne listen to me,” he brought her attention back and took her hands, “going down there right now will not get you any of the answers you would like. You don’t have to do this alone, but if you do, then at least go in the morning. Please?” he ran his thumbs in firm circles on the back of her hands, and she took a moment to look up at him.

“I need to know why.”

“I know,” he pulled her close, “and you will, but not tonight.” Liam anticipated some resistance but got very little. Rayne relaxed in his arms when he drew her close again, and he kissed the top of her head as he swayed.

“In the morning.” she mumbled against his chest. Liam smiled and stepped back.

“But for now you should sleep.” Liam pushed a few strands of hair behind her ear. It had grown a lot since the twins were born; she kept it tied back so often he had hardly noticed. Rayne nodded, and cleared her throat before moving past him. He paused awkwardly but smiled when Rayne grabbed his hand.

“Stay with me.” she said firmly. He smirked at the command, then followed her into their bedroom. His bed had been so cold without her, it was good to have this again. He would work hard to regain that trust. Or whatever it was he had lost.

--

The next morning, Rayne stepped out of the nursery to find Liam dressed and ready. and her heart beat faster as she anticipated their task. Finally she could find answers from the woman who used to be her mother.

“Ready?” he smiled. Rayne nodded, and at the arrival of the nanny, they left together.

The cells were as cold as their title suggested. There were four of them, so engrained in the palace that they couldn’t be dismantled without structural damage. It made Rayne uncomfortable to have these here, but at least they meant she could do this without going to city. Having the public watch her now was a bit more than she could prepare for. Yet. She would have to face them eventually.

Liam squeezed her hand when they reached the entrance to the cells and released it as he stopped walking. Rayne frowned.

“Liam?” she questioned.

“Do you want me to come with you?” he tilted his head and observed her closely.

“Oh.” Rayne had completely forgotten her intention to go alone. Having him beside her was natural and bolstered her courage but she had stated her plan and stood by it. “No. Can I call you later?”

“I’ll wait here.” He smiled. “Good luck.”

“Thanks.” Her own smile vanished when she turned away to the cells. Gen was in the furthest one. She focused on exactly what that woman was here for, fists balling as an echo of the anger returned. Liam was being lenient here, and Rayne had a feeling that it was more to do with his being unsure of where their relationship was right now. They hadn’t exactly discussed it the night before, and their candid talk before then had raised more questions than it answered. Without glancing back she turned a corner and strode to the cell.

“Gen.” Rayne demanded. The woman sat on the bed at the back of the cell and looked up when Rayne stopped at the bars.

“Good morning, Ray.” She stood and brushed down her outfit. Rayne felt some satisfaction in Gen’s lack of expensive clothing before recalling how exclusive her own wardrobe was.

“It’s Rayne,” she corrected. Gen’s smile faltered for just a second, before it covered her face again and she approached the bars.

“Rayne, then.” she stood a few steps back from the bars and linked her hands before her. “Is that all you came for? To correct the use of my daughter’s name?” The corner of her mother’s mouth twitched up higher.

“Let me make this very clear; I am not your daughter.”

“If that is the case, then your children are not my grandchildren, and I have been falsely accused.” She peered around the corner, but no one else was in the room and Liam was out of sight. “You didn’t bring your not-husband with you.”

“That’s beside the point,” Rayne said quickly, as heat rose in her cheeks. I want to marry you the words echoed in her mind once more… she cleared her throat. “Why did you come to Cordonia, really?”

Gen’s brows pulled together sympathetically, and Rayne reminded herself of the woman’s profession. “As I have tried to tell you twice,” she began, “I think you are in danger. Regardless of how little you think of me, I still love you, and I want you to be safe.”

“Even assuming that is true.” Rayne paced in front of the cell, “how am I in danger?” She paused to take in Gen’s expression and the older woman’s face fell.

“I don’t know. I received an anonymous tip through my campaign manager that someone was plotting against you. Why would I come all this way during the middle of my campaign if I thought it was idle rumour?” she folded her arms across her chest and watched her keenly. Rayne stared at her, then let out a short, hollow laugh.

“I won’t answer that, because we both know that you never do anything that isn’t for your own gain.” Rayne paced again. “No contact from you since long before I left America and that’s barely scratching the surface. I meant what I said in the café. You would have to go back two decades to rekindle a relationship with me.” She felt a few hot tears build in her eyes and blinked them away. It was moments like this Rayne thought of her brother. What she would give to have Warner here with her…

“And I mean what I’m saying now.” Gen’s voice cracked, and she cleared her throat, dropping her arms to her sides. “I love you, and all I want is for you to be safe.”

“You have a strange way of expressing it.” Rayne approached the bars. “Is that why you helped Madeleine? Did you think that handing my infant son and daughter to an opportunistic narcissist would bring me back?”

“I…” Gen paled, for a moment she seemed unable to speak, then her jaw set and her hands balled into fists. “Yes. Because that is the only way for you to see that these people are not your people. They are not your family.” A few errant tears ran down her cheeks as she spoke.

“And did you poison Liam?” Rayne finally asked, her voice becoming hoarse. She met Gen’s gaze sternly, unwavering. Eventually, Gen looked away.

“Yes. I won’t apologise for that.”

“There is no apology you could possibly offer that would negate that action,” Rayne’s voice shook, “and just when I thought you couldn’t get any worse. Wherever you end up, I hope you remember that you are a horrible human being without morality.”

Without another word to say, Rayne left her, feeling the anger rising in her again and hoping Liam was outside.

“I just wanted my daughter back,” came Gen’s defeated voice as Rayne rounded the corner.

Angry tears invaded her focus in the hall, and she didn’t see Liam until she was inches from him.

Wordlessly Liam brought his arms around her, and Rayne felt her own tears soak into his shirt. When she pulled away, she looked around for something hard to hit. Liam caught her arm.

“Come with me,” he said, turning away from the prison cell.

She didn’t argue, and allowed him to lead her through the halls, barely registering where they were until he opened a door to a familiar set of stairs. “Really?”

“Really.” He waited for her to enter. “Come on.”

Down the short staircase were the training rooms, and by the time they reached the padded floor, Rayne’s tears had almost dried. Liam walked to a wall of equipment and retrieved a pair of padded mitts, fastening them to his hands as met her halfway across the mat.

“Ready?” he asked, settling into a defensive position. Rayne stared at him for a moment, then pulled off her jacket and shoes, balled her fists again and struck.

--

Rayne walked after Liam into the courtroom, Leo and Regina close behind. She felt surprisingly calm, if a little surprised at following directly after Liam. The press conference a few days ago must have done some good.

The room wasn’t as crowded as when Madeleine was on trial, but there were still a lot of people. She took her seat beside the royal family as Liam walked to the podium. Opposite her once again were Drake, Olivia and Clair. The latter winked at her, and she sent back a grateful smile. Liam waited for the room to fall silent, then cleared his throat.

“Bring her in.”

--

Current Tag List: @leelee10898​ @umccall71​ @speedyoperarascalparty @brightpinkpeppercorn​ @riseandshinelittleblossom​ @bella-ca​ @custaroonie​@furiousherringoperatortoad​ @missevabean​ @thequeenofcronuts​ @hopefulmoonobject​ @kuladekiwi​ @mfackenthal​ @iplaydrake​ @lodberg​ @annekebbphotography​ @carabeth @wannabemc​ @explorer-of-gems​ @be-still-my-aching-heart​ @kateslayer @indiacater​ @kingliam2019​ (hopefully fourth time’s the charm with these tags!)

(If you would like to be added or removed from the tag list please let me know!)

[ownworldresident]

Side by Side: Update

Hey guys! I’ve missed you xx It’s been quite a while since I posted for my fanfic Side by Side but thought I would let you know it will be coming back soon with chapter 14!

The Basics -

With new additions to their family, Rayne (MC) and King Liam are forced to re-evaluate their relationship.

If you’d like to start reading or catch up you can find links to all posted chapters on the Side by Side Masterlist

Just a Review of where we are at the moment --

Rayne and Liam have had their ‘talk’ but we aren’t sure how that went exactly, yet.

Madeleine is currently on trial for high treason. She has just confirmed that yes, Rayne’s mother was involved in Liam’s poisoning.

Drake, Leo, Clair and the others are doing their best to push Rayne and Liam in the right direction, and it seems to be working?

The twins Evelyn and Leo are just as cute as ever.

And an excerpt from chapter fourteen --

The courtroom seemed smaller when the lights were out. Rayne descended the stairs that held the podium at the front above and separate from the councillors and attendants and ran a hand along the front of it to guide herself. Madeleine had stood right there, within reaching distance of where she was now, and let the entire courtroom know what kind of woman Gen was. What kind of woman Rayne’s mother was. What she was capable of Rayne had, really, already known.

‘Their blood grandmother’ she had said, had drawn everyone’s attention to Rayne… She reached out now, pretending to scratch the face of the woman that threatened to take everything away from her.

Madeleine was in custody and the court had adjourned for the day. Gen was being held as well. Rayne hadn’t been to see her yet, hadn’t made the journey down to the cells in the back of the palace. She would, though. She would have to. There wasn’t any way she could rest without knowing why, exactly, Gen had chosen that path. Wasn’t any way she could rest before seeing who her mother was. There would be no facade when she was locked away, no hiding. Maybe that was one of the things that had barred her from going thus far. Seeing Gen unrecognisable, even after all the hints.

“Rayne?” the soft voice carried from the entrance she had used, light pouring in from the hall. Liam stood silhouetted in the doorway, his face in shadow.

“Down here.” Rayne moved out of the shadow of the court proper and squinted in the hall light. His posture relaxed when she appeared, tension visibly leaving his shoulders. She wished she felt the same, but when he descended toward her his gait was stiff.

“Are you alright?” he said gently, squeezing her. Now that he was shrouded in the same dark, Rayne could make out some of his features. His warm smile, slight furrow between his brows, and the remaining tension in his posture. Releasing his hand, she brushed her fingers over his shoulders as she considered an answer, trying to rub the stiffness from his shoulders and arms.

“No.” she settled on with a small smile, letting her hands fall to her sides again, “but I will be.” she looked down at where Liam took her hand again, lifting it to brush his lips over her knuckles.

“Yes, you will.” he breathed deep and with the exhale finally relaxed. In the next moment Rayne had walked into him. She didn’t pause to think, only sought his comfort. Liam brought his arms around her and she felt his chest rise and fall against her own.

“We both will.” she mumbled, then recognised that this was the first truly intimate gesture they had shared since their conversation the day before. The constancy of Liam’s heartbeat soothed Rayne’s, and she pressed closer, balling the back of his shirt in her fists. A long moment passed before she pulled back to catch his eye. “Alright?”

“Yes.” Liam nodded, then smiled and stepped toward the door with a hand outstretched to her. “Come on,” he said, tilting his head toward the door, “it’s getting late.”

--

Current Tag List: @leelee10898 @umccall71 @speedyoperarascalparty @brightpinkpeppercorn @riseandshinelittleblossom @bella-ca @custaroonie@furiousherringoperatortoad @missevabean @thequeenofcronuts@hopefulmoonobject @kuladekiwi @mfackenthal @iplaydrake@lodberg @annekebbphotography @carabeth @wannabemc @explorer-of-gems @be-still-my-aching-heart @kateslayer @indiacater

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[ownworldresident]

This is interesting. For me I try to vary them. For TRR I've had Lisa, Evelyn, Kathryn (current on TRH), Dianna (current on TRR), Rayne, Alex and others. For other games I vary as well. Nightbound freaked me out because the MC already had my name (Alex), age (25) and face shape/hair style (the brunette).

My most adventurous first name was Persephone for The Elementalists. Most adventurous last name was Haussmann for TRR once because I thought it would sound funny when Drake said it and also it's kinda cool. I accidentally called myself Annabelle for Desire and Decorum.

Anyway this question wasn't for me but thought I'd answer anyway because I found it interesting :)

Hi! How do you come up with the names for your MC’s when playing a book in the choices game?

Hi Nonny - that is a difficult one, I struggle TBH. I chose Lucy for TRR, it’s kind of similar to my own name, and I have no idea why I picked the surname Valois - I suppose it was sort of European and exotic even though she’s from NY. 

Usually I just go with the default - it’s less confusing when others talk about their MC in the fandom. Having said that, I don’t like the name Riley, to me it’s a surname so I find it confusing

[ownworldresident]

When will your start posting side by side (Liam x Mc) fanfic?

Hey Anon, I was so excited to start posting Side by Side again, but about three days after I said I would, a few things massively changed in my life. Most notably my job. I'm struggling to find the time but I haven't forgotten about Rayne and Liam, my perfect OTP.

Here's some of them for you:

“You look stunning,” he said as she closed the door behind her and turned her focus to him. “I love the dress but…” she looked around the moonlit balcony. “What’s all this for? Are we celebrating something?” He shrugged. “You, us, the beautiful weather, our holiday, whatever you would like. I call it ensuring the love of my life is reminded of how incredible she is.” Still smiling, Liam brought his hands before him, revealing a bouquet of perfect roses of a dozen hues. Rayne received them with enthusiasm and buried her nose between the blooms, closing her eyes as the scent overwhelmed her senses. “You didn’t need to do this.” She looked up at him again, watching her with that boyish excitement which always preceded a surprise. “Ah, but it isn’t about need.” He stepped aside, raising an arm toward the rest of the balcony. Revealed was a small table, simply set, with candles, wine, covered plates and another small vase of roses. Rayne snorted, then cupped a hand over her mouth, still grinning as he laughed. She loved his laugh. “You are such a hopeless romantic,” she said when she could speak without laughing, shaking her head. “I object to that assessment.” Liam came forward and took her arm, looping it around his own and leaning down to kiss her. “I am very hopeful.”

Gods, I love them. Thank you for reminding me how much.

If you like, I can start posting, but it will be hella irregular.

Much love xx

[ownworldresident]

Side by Side. Chapter 16: Loyalties

Premise: King Liam x Rayne (MC): With new additions to their family, Rayne and Liam are forced to re-evaluate their relationship.

Disclaimer: Most  characters are the property of Pixelberry studios. I am just borrowing them and will return them when I am done, some less traumatised than others.

Themes: found family, hurt/comfort, angst

Content warning: mild mental illness reference

MASTERLIST

Side by Side Masterlist

Chapter Sixteen: Loyalties

Liam faced his friends as Clair departed, loosening his shoulders but unable to lose the frown. Part of him still wondered if asking her not to look into Rayne’s mother had been a sound decision, but at the end of the day it was Rayne’s choice, and her family’s privacy.

“Does anyone have a problem with how that was handled?” he asked Drake, Olivia and Leo, who looked between each other before turning to him again.

“Yeah, a bit.” Drake stood to face him. “Why didn’t you let Clair investigate Gen?”

“It’s illogical, Liam,” Olivia added. Liam nodded to them, then turned to Leo.

“Do you agree?”

Sitting straight again, Leo exhaled, and studied him closely. He kept eye contact as he spoke. “No. I agree with Liam.”

Grateful, Liam nodded. They had both been through enough shit to understand. He turned to face all of them. “I am grateful to Clair, but she can be abrasive, and right now sensitivity is what we need. If we c—”

“How much do you know?” Olivia cut him off, turning her chair and tenting her fingers against the armrests. “About Rayne’s family.”

“Nothing that wasn’t divulged to me in confidence, but…” Liam rested his forearms on the back of the closest chair, “enough to make this decision.” Saying that aloud gave him confidence in his choice and soothed some of his restlessness.

“So you know about her brother?” Olivia continued.

“Lay off, Liv.” Leo pulled the room’s attention. “If he said it’s private, then it’s private. Where’s the respect in this place...?”

Making a mental note to thank Leo again later, Liam recalled the day when Rayne had taken him aside and told him about Gen and Warner. The day when he knew she fully trusted him. With everything.

--

The headline resounded through Cordonia on the third day of trial, and Liam delayed the proceedings. Senator Pulls Ahead as Rival Fights for Freedom. He found the tabloid on his desk that morning. Legally this set them back and he couldn’t go ahead until it was dealt with. Clutching the paper tight, he beelined for the royal wing.

Rayne met him in the hall wide-eyed and breathless. “I was just coming to see you.” She stared at the paper in his hand. “You heard.”

“Yes.” He brought his free arm around her shoulders for a brief, tight hug. “Come on.” Continuing toward the suite, he walked with Rayne, who bit her lip and looked straight ahead. He threaded their fingers together and squeezed her hand keeping a hold of it as they walked.

Once inside he unrolled the crumpled tabloid as Rayne paced the room. Subheadings included mentions of both him or ‘a European monarch’ and Rayne ‘daughter and victim’ which validated her anxious movements by far.

“You’re holding her captive…” Rayne wrung her hands together, “just like they said you were doing for me.”

“They want to continue to paint me as villain, which makes no sense…” Liam pressed a thumb and forefinger against his temple, frowning at the rug with the paper limp in his hand.

“Doesn’t it?” Rayne paused. “They did the same last year. Your reputation…” she brought her palms down hard on the back of a chair and braced herself against it. “Dammit! We worked so hard to prove them wrong.”

“No.” Liam shook his head. “It doesn’t make sense because if they paint Gen as a victim, she should get more popularity and support. There has to be more to this.”

“How could there be?” Skirting the chair she took the tabloid he held and opened it from the front page to the rest of the article. “Twice in as many years, the new Cordonian King holds a member of the O’Mara family with no acknowledgement to the press… voters fear for the safety of their Senator… her daughter, just last year, was placed in a compromising position by the European monarch… some wonder if speaking out against King Liam risks unlawful incarceration or worse…” Rayne’s voice shook as she read parts of the article and she collapsed on the couch. Liam watched her carefully. It made sense for him to be the villain, if Gen was going to be the victim. He tried to reason through why they had chosen this strategy.

“Read the last paragraph,” Liam asked, moving closer and running a hand over his mouth. Rayne’s brow furrowed, then she scanned the page.

“Um… right.” She exhaled as she found it. “No word yet from the palace. Press await a statement from her daughter on the legitimacy of these claims… then there’s an article about the other Senator’s new campaign manager working to take advantage of th—”

“Shit.” Liam fell into the nearest armchair as the intention clicked into place, feeling like the wind had been knocked out of him.

“What?”

“They’re waiting for your statement,” he turned to her, “to see whether you support me or your mother.”

“And that…” She closed the paper. “Me supporting you destroys Gen’s platform. That’s their goal.”

Liam nodded. “Regardless of what you think of her, Gen’s career balances on reputation. A monarch might recover but in a democracy that is the death of her career. She will be humiliated if you support me.”

“If?” Lips slightly parted, Rayne stared at him. “How could you even question whether I support you?” She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, and when she spoke again her tone was less accusatory. “Sorry. But there isn’t even a choice here.”

Leaning forward, Liam took her hand. “I know. And I’m grateful. But we’ve twice discussed the possibility of her innocence now. If there’s a chance she’s being wrongly held, we would be destroying her career for no reason. I’m not saying you should support her, but we should find another option.”

Visibly calming, Rayne nodded. She glanced at the paper again, then folded and left it on the coffee table. “We should find that, then. At least we have a reprieve before the trial resumes to do so.”

“Exactly. Leo might have found something by then. Is Clair back yet?”

“No. She’s still digging things up in America.” She smiled. “Thank you for asking her to step back the other day. She’s calmed down a lot since then, though she did describe you as ‘overprotective’ and ‘sickeningly sweet’ a few times before she left.”

Liam raised an eyebrow. “Is that so?” He paused, then smirked. “And is that what you think?”

She laughed. “I could never get sick of you, you know that.”

Standing, Liam drew her close and wrapped her arms around her. “Good.” He pressed a kiss against her forehead. “We’ll figure this out, together, just like we have before.”

Lifting her chin to face him, Rayne’s reply was cut short by a gurgled cry from down the hall.

“Evie,” said Rayne’s as they both turned toward the source of the sound, then back to each other again.

“My turn?” Liam asked. Rayne smirked.

“Try not to play favourites all the time, love.”

As he stepped away from her, Liam pressed a palm against his heart and gasped. “I would never.” That earned him an eye toll, and he winked and grinned as he turned toward the nursery.

Much later, Liam returned from a meeting with his advisors in time for dinner with Rayne. The extra day had been everything, though his meeting had only achieved the decision to go ahead with the trial. Gen, though informed of the article, had been amenable to continuing. He walked into the suite to find, not a table set for their meal, but Leo, Drake and Olivia waiting with Rayne. Leo looked up from his laptop with a sombre expression and Liam’s smile ebbed away.

--

Eight months ago:

A slice of light appeared behind her and slid across the room. Rayne watched the door open reflected in the dark window where she sat behind the couch. Her knees pulled against her, at least as close as she could get them these days. A figure silhouetted in the doorway would be instantly recognisable even without the light curving round their edges. She wondered if he could see her reflection as well.

“Rayne?” Hesitant, Liam entered the dark room. Rayne opened her mouth to call out, but no sound came. She cleared her throat and tried again.

“Down here.” Croaky, but audible. Liam closed the door but switched on a lamp, the warm light guided him toward her, and she turned a tear-stained face toward him. This was only her second night here; she couldn’t decide whether she wanted his company tonight, but didn’t protest his appearance, and glanced at the ground beside her to invite him.

“What’s wrong?” Liam asked as he sat against the couch beside her. The rug was soft; not as comfortable as one of the three lounge chairs or the couch, but a better place to feel like the room wasn’t so huge. Besides, it was nice to see the moon.

Rather than answer him, she offered a shaky smile, then leant her head back to see out the window again. Out the corner of her eye Rayne saw Liam watching her, but after a few moments he followed her gaze to the sky. In the light of the lamp, the moon wasn’t as stark, but it still connected her to every other time she had gazed at it. The stars weren’t the same from here, but the welcoming sphere reminded her of all the times she had watched it with him. Back before she had even known Cordonia existed.

The heat of Liam’s body warmed her, even a few inches apart. Turning to him again, she shuffled closer and leant her head against his shoulder. Liam placed a comforting hand over hers where she held them against her legs and rubbed the back her hand. Warmth from his hand and his body eased through her, soothing the ache of the missing pieces of herself. Not until the ache was only a dull pain in her chest, and her tears were drying, did she clear her throat again.

“I’ve never told you much about my family.” She lifted her head to look at him.

“Is your family why you’re upset?” he said softly, sliding his hand around hers to squeeze it gently as she nodded, “did you want to tell me about it?”

“Yes…” Drawing in a shaky breath, Rayne exhaled slowly, and decided to start early.

“I never knew my father. He was gone before I was born. I had my mother, and my brother.” Rayne tightened her grip on Liam’s hand, nails pressing into his palm. “My mother wasn’t ever really there for us, so my brother and I stuck together. His name is Warner.” Thinking of her brother’s smile brought one to her own face and she glanced at Liam before it faded. “It’s his birthday today. Or at least, it would have been.” Silence followed her correction before she continued, picturing his smile again.

“He was a couple of years older than me. He took care of me when we were little. Then when he was older that role kind of… switched. Warner was epileptic, he wasn’t allowed to drive, and it was difficult to manage sometimes. Our mother’s capabilities extended only to book appointments. We were told it was likely genetic, I should have told you…” Rayne looked down and placed a hand on her belly, “either of these two could be born with it.”

“If they are, we will give them the best possible care. Have no doubt about that.” Liam searched her eyes. After a moment she returned his encouraging smile.

“I know.” A few moments passed before she turned away to the moon again. “That wasn’t the reason he…” She sighed. “We went to the same college. We moved to the same town. I drove him when he let me. We were so close… then the… the…”

An armed slid around her back and Liam pulled her against him. “You don’t have to continue, if it’s too much.”

“I want to tell you.” Rayne felt Liam’s heartbeat, steadier than her own, and focused on that evenness. “A few years ago I was away with some friends and our mother was meant to pick him up. Very in character for her, she wasn’t there. He waited, then ordered a car to get home and…” she balled the fabric of Liam’s jacket in her fist, squeezing her eyes shut as hot tears stung her eyes, “and he was run off the h-highway into a… and I… I…” Rayne drew in a choking breath and cried out, “I lost him.”

Her whole body shook, breath coming short and ragged as Liam’s shirt took her tears and her cries. Every second of the call she had received was clear in her mind. What she hadn’t had were the arms that held her tight and securely now.

“I’m so sorry, Rayne.” Liam’s voice was muffled as he pressed his face against her hair. She had no idea how long they remained that way, but it must have been hours, because when she had run out of tears there were birds singing outside.

“Please don’t tell anyone,” Rayne asked wearily, “please.”

“Of course, my love.” Liam leant in to kiss her and wiped some of her tears away with his thumb. “Thank you for trusting me.”

“I miss him,” she whispered, “I miss having a family.”

Liam lifted her chin to face him. “You have one now.”

--

Present day:

From the kitchenette Rayne emerged with a warm drink to the subdued room. She placed it on the unmade dining table when she realised Liam had entered and approached the others. Now that they could get started, having something to do with her hands wasn’t as crucial.

“How was your meeting, Liam?” she asked as she sat on the arm of Liam’s empty chair. He glanced around the room form the doorway, then shut it behind him and moved into the room.

“Gen has agreed to go ahead with the trial tomorrow, and I’ve prepared a written statement informing the press that we will be reporting on this at the end of the week.” He sat in the armchair beside her and rested him hand over hers, speaking more softly. “I’d appreciate it if you had a look before it was finalised.”

“Of course.” Rayne squeezed his hand, then turned back to the others, the tension returning to her body. “You said you have a name, Leo. What have you found?”

Leo and Olivia exchanged an uneasy glance, very unlike either of them.

“If it makes you feel any better, they haven’t told me anything, either.” Drake shrugged, drawing everyone’s attention, before it returned to Olivia as she hit his shoulder.

“We will review what we have first,” she said, perched on the arm of one of the armchairs.

“Good idea,” Liam said, releasing Rayne’s hand.

“What we have is contradicting statements from the two women on trial. As Rayne and Liam have said.” Leo stood and ran a hand over his mouth.

“Gen says she came back because she heard I was danger.” Rayne sat straighter.

“Yes.” Leo gestured to her, “But in court she said was in contact with Madeleine months ago.”

“And Madeleine said they were in contact only a fortnight before Gen arrived here, which was at least a week before it happened.” Liam leaned forward, resting his forearms on his legs. “She also said they didn’t have any direct contact.”

“Gen didn’t actually specify whether that was true or not.” Drake contributed.

“No,” Olivia lifted one of the mugs from the coffee table to take a long drink before continuing, “but something doesn’t smell right with the rest of it.”

“The other thing Gen said on trial was that they found Liam in his apartments.” Rayne stood and paced behind Liam’s chair. “Which is a strange detail to get wrong.”

“Exactly.” Leo gestured to Rayne as he agreed. “And that wouldn’t have been a difficult thing to get right. It wasn’t exactly a secret.”

“But we know Maddy didn’t lie in trial.” Drake yawned, stretched, and slumped back. “She couldn’t with the polygraph.”

“And Gen didn’t have that…” Rayne stared at the ground as she paced, but then the reason struck her. “Why didn’t Gen have that?”

“She’s American,” Olivia said simply. “Our U.N. informer said that.”

“No.” Rayne shook her head. “Clair said she didn’t know whether we could.”

“I should’ve pushed back more on that…” Liam pinched the bridge of his nose. He turned to Rayne. “You said there was no reason for her to answer so succinctly, when we were out with the twins.”

“I did.”

“So why did she, then?” Drake asked. “For someone making a living out of lying, why say anything?”

“Exactly my point.” Rayne returned to stand beside Liam’s chair, laying one hand on the back of it. “She wouldn’t, especially not so easily. Gen was lying in the courtroom.”

In the pause that followed, the only sound was the jingle of toys suspended above the twins. Rayne smiled, looking over to where they wriggled and batted the colourful objects above them. Their uncle brought her attention back.

“We didn’t pick up anything the first time we went through the security footage,” he said, perching on the couch to reach his laptop, “the camera in Liam’s office was conveniently not working at the time so we used the one in the doorway. Seriously though” – he grimaced at them – “and I hate that I’m the one suggesting this – you should probably install more.”

Rayne exchanged a glance with Liam, having more cameras made her uneasy, but if they had another incident because of their reluctance… They looked back as Olivia put down her mug and moved on.

“There were a dozen possible identities pulled up based on what we saw of their face. Most of them had alibis.”

“And the others?” Rayne asked.

“I’m getting there.” Olivia shook her head. “The others couldn’t be found, but we still had a few names. Leo found a bit more evidence, so we focused on our new main suspect, and we found him.”

Swallowing hard, Rayne braced herself. “Did he say much?”

Leo raised an eyebrow toward Olivia, who gave a wry smile. “It took a while, but he was persuaded to do so, yes.”

“What did he say?” Liam said.

“A lot, actually. Liv is good like that.” he smirked. Olivia sat back, satisfied. She could be terrifying sometimes. In any other scenario, Rayne might have felt bad for the man. Leo continued. “He confirmed what substance he used, told us how he got in and out and…” he put down his laptop and pulled out his phone, “his employer.”

“That took a bit longer.” Olivia gazed wistfully out the window.

“Was it my mother?” she squeaked, her heart pounding. Leo looked at her sympathetically, then shook his head.

“No.”

“Show her the message.” Olivia gestured to Leo. He opened his phone, navigated to the images, and handed it to Rayne. She squinted at the image of another smartphone.

Rayne read the message aloud, “’back in D.C. tomorrow night, materials have been disposed of. I expect the second payment when O’Mara pleads guilty.’” The room still silent, Rayne’s throat tightened as she zoomed in, and recognised the photo. Two young women smiling widely, outside a very familiar college.

“I took that photo the morning I came to tell you I had more information.” Leo grimaced as Rayne looked up to him. “I recognised the name on the message.”

Rayne handed the phone to Liam. “That photo…” he said, still holding the phone as he walked to a side table near the door. He picked up the exact same photo and returned with it. “You and…”

“No.” She shook her head, cutting him off as she stared at the identical images. “She wouldn’t do that. She wouldn’t.” Even as Rayne spoke, something heavy crawled and coiled in her stomach. Her mouth felt dry, and no more words came. Of all the people…

A hand rubbed her arm, reminding her that there were other people in the room. The images disappeared and she stared at the ground. If they had been talking, that stopped when someone knocked on the door, which came into focus when Liam turned to face it.

“Come in.” He said firmly, threading his fingers through hers; he squeezed her hand, and the gentle pressure was a welcome reassurance.

Olivia, Leo and Drake rose as well. Rayne squeezed Liam’s hand and let go to approach the opening door. Her hands shook, but her chest released, and when Clair stood before her, she felt calm.

--

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[ownworldresident]

Side by Side. Chapter 17: Reversal

Premise: King Liam x Rayne (MC): With new additions to their family, Rayne and Liam are forced to re-evaluate their relationship.

Disclaimer: Most  characters are the property of Pixelberry studios. I am just borrowing them and will return them when I am done, some less traumatised than others.

Themes: found family, hurt/comfort, angst

MASTERLIST

Side by Side Masterlist

Chapter 17: Reversal

Drake stepped forward but Olivia held him back. So he watched with her and Leo as Rayne faced her friend. Behind the three of them were the sounds of the twins’ enjoyment, and it contrasted starkly with the tension of the room.

“I didn’t realise I was missing a party.” Clair frowned, narrowed eyes passing over each of them. When Drake met her gaze she paused for a moment, then slowly closed the door behind her and walked further into the room to place her key and bag on a table against the wall. Also on that table were Leo’s now locked phone laying on the framed photo Liam had held earlier.

“Is it true?” They watched Rayne step toward Clair and Liam struggle to let her. Drake realised she now blocked Clair’s path to Leo and Evelyn.

“Is what true?” asked Clair, turning very slowly to face them again. Rayne’s shoulders tightened. Drake subconsciously mimicked the tension and swallowed back a lot of words unsuitable for the twins. Though his attention was fixed on the conversation, he could see both Leo and Olivia were similarly tense.

“Did you really poison Liam?” asked Rayne, and the entire room held their breath for the response.

“What?” Clair seemed genuinely surprised. “What reason would I have for harming a king? Or more significantly, harming my best friend’s partner?” She glanced around at the room again, then refocused on Rayne.

“I don’t know.” She took another half-step forward. When Clair didn’t immediately respond, Liam spoke up.

“Don’t drag this out,” he said in his most authoritative voice, “we have evidence liberating those on trial and written statements pointing to you.”

Drake frowned. As far as he was aware, they didn’t have any of those things in writing. Liam was bluffing.

“I thought we were friends, Clair. I’ve always trusted you.” Rayne’s voice shook, then a hand flew to her mouth and she gasped. “I trusted you with my children”

“And you were right to do so.” Clair stated, and a flicker of what might have been sympathy crossing her face before she smiled. “I would never harm them. You are my best friend, Rayne, and all I ever wanted was for you to be happy.”

“At the expense of everyone else?” Rayne gestured behind her to the rest of them. Clair followed the movement, eyes sweeping across them again, and Drake balled his fists when Clair’s eyes fell on the twins as well.

“No one who mattered. Do you mean that pathetic excuse for a mother you keep bringing up?”

“Out of line,” Leo growled, and Drake saw that he was even more tense than Drake felt.

“Leo.” Liam said in a warning tone over his shoulder, raising a hand to keep them far back. Drake put a hand on Leo’s shoulder, holding him in place, but Leo shook him off.

“Thank you, Liam.” Clair smiled. “Nothing is out of line how I work. You have exactly what you wanted, Rayne. The man you love is yours, your children are safe, the queen is gone, and the woman you were foolish enough to name your daughter after is where she deserves to be.”

“Except she doesn’t deserve to be there, does she?” said Rayne. “You framed her; you framed Madeleine…” she trailed, and Liam continued.

“Why did you do it?” he demanded, speaking with all the frustration Drake felt. “What possessed you to endanger our family?”

Looking appraisingly between the five of them, Clair lifted her bag from the table, moving Leo’s phone as she noticed the framed photo. She watched it for a moment, then her façade dropped, and tension crossed her brow.

“I see…” she sighed. “Lucky for you, I don’t have to answer that.”

She moved toward the door, but Rayne sprung instantly to intercept, resting one leg further back to centre herself and raising both hands. They faced each other again, and all the rest of them could do was watch.

“You forget we both learned those techniques.” Clair feigned one way and spun the other, but Rayne was a step ahead. Drake barely had time to blink as she grabbed Clair’s wrist and twisted to force her to her knees, pressing her arm at an awkward angle against her back. Olivia approached them and Liam blocked the door.

“You forget I was the one who taught you.”

Behind Drake, the enthusiastic noises had stopped, and Evie started crying, swiftly followed by her brother. He glanced at Leo, and they both lifted one from their blankets and held them against their chests. Drake rocked slightly as Evie cried, trying to calm her down.

Rayne looked up instinctively toward her children and in that moment Clair moved. She broke Rayne’s hold, only to find herself trapped against Olivia, a knife against her throat.

“You can’t place a foreign citizen on trial without consent.” Clair breathed, a flicker of alarm in her voice.

Slowly, Evie and Leo quieted with the gently rocking. Rayne nodded to Drake, then turned to Clair again, who stood perfectly still with the blade near her skin. Drake glanced at Liam; his face was calm, but his eyes betrayed his anger.

“I don’t care about the trial.” Rayne nodded to Olivia, who pressed the blade against Clair’s skin. “I don’t care about any of that and I never did. I just want to know why you would betray me. Your so-called best friend.”

“I won’t tell you.”

“Yes. You will.” Olivia pressed the blade a little further. From where he stood, Drake couldn’t see whether she had drawn blood, but he saw Clair’s face scrunched up in pain. Part of him wanted to tell Olivia this was too much. A very, very small part of him that he ignored.

“You owe this to me.” Rayne glared at her, fire in her eyes. “Tell me why.”

“Because she was a threat to us!”  Clair called out. “Your mother was a threat to my employer, and I was in a position to deal with that. Now let me go before I press charges.”

“You’re in no position to do that.” Liam said, still blocking the door. He watched her for a moment as Olivia removed the blade, and the room waited for him to continue. “You’re her rival’s new campaign manager.” He breathed. “So all of this was just politics to you? Threats to my family? Destabilising my country? Harming my w—” he stopped himself. Drake exchanged a knowing glance with Leo as they watched, still holding the twins.

“Yes, Liam?” said Clair. “Your wife. That’s the word you’re looking for. You should have been calling her that for over a year now.”

Drake watched as Liam and Rayne exchanged a short, silent conversation. Liam’s eyes were still on her when he continued.

“Harming Rayne.” Liam said, then, a little quieter. “How could you justify that.”

“You won’t get anything else.” Clair glared at Liam; her expression softening briefly when she met Rayne’s gaze, before turning back to Liam. “And none of this will make it out of the country. I’ll convince them that whatever ‘evidence’ you have was fabricated. Let me go, or I will be pressing assault charges.”

Rayne exhaled, turning briefly to Liam. “Let her go,” she said to Olivia, who released her reluctantly, scowling.

“You should be thanking me,” Clair said to Rayne as she shouldered her bag.

“You should feel lucky that you don’t have any broken bones, Clair,” Rayne snapped. Drake raised an eyebrow at the unbridled anger on her face. “I don’t even recognise you anymore, and I wholeheartedly hope you regret this.”

Clair scowled, but didn’t respond, turning toward the door, where Liam still blocked her path.

“I’ve called the guard. They will accompany you to the airport,” he said coldly, “you will never return here. You will never contact anyone here. And if you ever, ever threaten my country again, especially my family, I will personally ensure that you receive the punishment you deserve.”

Clair fumed as Liam stood aside, opening the door to reveal two king’s guards waiting in the hall. As she passed the threshold, she caught the doorframe, turned back, and looked only at Rayne.

“You will thank me for this. Not anytime soon, but you will see.” Clair sighed. “I meant what I said. I am your friend, and I only ever wanted you to be happy.” When she paused to look down for a moment, Drake was sure he saw her eyes shining with tears. He held his breath and rocked gently as Clair looked up again. “One day, you will be thankful, but for now… I’m sorry it ended this way.”

Liam closed the door behind her and turned back to the room. Drake was watching Rayne, who nodded to Olivia, then turned to him and Leo.

“Are the twins alright?” she asked brusquely.

Still gently stroking Evelyn’s back, Drake nodded, and saw Leo do the same.

Rayne’s voice evened out. “Good. Can you keep an eye on them for a little while?”

“However long you need,” Olivia answered before Drake could.

“Thank you.” Rayne turned to Liam, who watched her carefully. She balled her fists and took a couple of deep breaths, before focusing on Liam. “Training rooms?” she said to him. Liam nodded.

“Of course.” He held the door open for her, then turned to Drake and the others from the doorway. ‘Thank you,’ he mouthed, and followed Rayne from the room.

--

The next day Liam opted to bring Madeleine back for trial first. Many eyes were on him as he approached the head of the room. Despite the crowd, he turned to nod to Rayne as he prepared, observing that his notes had been brought set up by his assistant. When the council was assembled, he nodded to the guard to close the door, and cleared his throat. The low chatter ceased so quickly he heard his own heartbeat skip. He wondered if anyone would notice Clair's absence. Or whether that would just be those present when she confessed.

"Bring her in," he said, focusing on the back of the room, then down at his notes as they brought her in. Not that he needed them.

Madeleine was brought to the single chair near the front of the hall, between the rows of seats that faced her. She chose to stand, watching him with a dignified expression.

"Good morning, Liam," she said, her focus solely on him. The heavy shadows under his eyes weren't erased by distance. Coffee kept him standing.

Neither he nor Rayne had slept the night before. She couldn't even try until they had brought Leo and Evie's cribs into their room. The fear was irrational, and they were perfectly safe in their own room, but he was glad to have them close as well. The twins were calm and barely stirred, but they weren't so lucky. Rayne's tension had eased as he held her, but he had known she was awake. By the time he didn't have to force his eyelids shut the birds had begun to sing, and he had to prepare for the trial.

Looking around to ensure he had the focus of the room, he breathed deep, and they began.

"Last week you were placed on trial for your involvement in poisoning myself and attempting to force through a custody form that would remove Rayne's right to see her children. You admitted to the latter crime."

"I did." There was no remorse in Madeleine's tone. If she felt she had made an error, Liam couldn't see it.

"And directed us to Ms. O'Mara for the former."

"Correct."

"Given the causal link between these two events, and your knowledge of it, how were you involved with Genevieve?" They were close to the same questions he had asked her before, but this time he knew, and could direct.

"I was placed in touch with Genevieve's assistant through my own in May, three months before the event, through whom I confirmed her involvement, and from there was given the opportunity to take advantage of their plan." She frowned, then added, "I was unaware, at the time, that they would use such a barbaric technique." At her words, murmurs rose through the assembled council, but ceased when Liam raised a hand.

"So you had no direct contact with her at all?" Liam glanced at Rayne, who watched Madeleine closely.

"You know I could not. I confirmed her identity and credentials, that was all I needed."

"I see." He turned his focus to his notes again. "And what was the next stage of your plan, had this form gone through?"

Clasped her hands together before her, Madeleine took a moment to consider her answer, not sparing a look for anyone in the council or at the head of the room. "Given the nature of the form, I expected backlash from you of course." She turned to Rayne. "Not a violent outburst, I will admit." She smiled at her, then returned her focus to Liam. "We had evidence pointed to a responsible party, which would paint the incidents as isolated, connected only by coincidence."

"Yet you chose to expose your accomplice?" Liam wasn't surprised at her duplicity, but a little at how quickly she had come forth.

"They were sloppy. They should not have drugged you. That was a dangerous technique and as I said," she smiled sweetly, "I would never poison my husband, nor my king. Another strategy would have kept Rayne unaware and prevented her from committing assault in front of the council."

More murmurs from the council. Liam looked over at Rayne, recognising her struggle to remain quiet. Leo leant over to whisper something to her, and she nodded and closed her eyes, her expression smoothing. He was again grateful for his brother's presence.

"Quiet, please." Liam's words carried easily across the hall, returning it to silence as he watched Madeleine again. "Regardless, you were still involved, knowing there was a risk to me, despite your claim against such intent." He looked around at the council members. Many of them focused on him with subtle anticipation.

"Did you have anything else to add before we finish?"

"I do." Madeleine bowed her head, closed her eyes and squared her shoulders, looking up with remorse in her eyes. Shocked, and considering the likelihood it was false, Liam focused intently for her statement. She sighed.

"All I ever wanted was to serve my country to the best of my ability. While my motivations may appear insufficient, and my methods uncompassionate, I worked hard, as well as I knew how, to improve the lives of the Cordonian people by your side. I hope you consider that when you decide on my sentence." She turned to the council. "Thank you for working with me to improve the welfare of our people."

"Thank you, Countess." Liam brought her attention back before her address opened public discord. Madeleine nodded to him, glanced toward where Rayne, Leo and Regina sat, and followed the guards out of the room. The council broke into low conversation again, but he retained control when he cleared his throat again and dismissed them.

They stood at their own pace and bowed to him. As they begun to file out, he gathered his notes and joined his friends and family, intertwining his fingers with Rayne's as they headed back into the hall.

--

After a day outside at the end of the trial and managing some sleep that night, Rayne approached the next day of trial with more confidence than expected. Though it started at nine, she woke for the twins much earlier, and stayed with them until it was time to get ready, watching the sunrise through tall windows.

There were a significantly smaller number of councillors for Gen's second day of trial. Rayne took her seat beside Leo and watched everyone set up. When Gen entered, she watched her, hyper aware of their last interaction.

"Genevieve O'Mara." Liam began after Rayne's mother took the seat Madeleine had chosen not to the day before.

"King Liam." Gen bowed her head, then turned and bowed toward Rayne as well.

"Last we spoke in this courtroom, you admitted to poisoning me, and to organising for Queen Madeleine to assist in claiming custody of my and Rayne's two children. Do you remember?"

"Of course," replied Gen. Rayne watched her bow her head just barely, then look up again as Liam moved on.

"We since have found evidence from multiple sources which contradict and invalidate your confession." Liam leant forward against his notes and Rayne watched him closely. Her heartbeat quickened in anticipation; nails tight against her palms as he continued. "So I ask you for your honesty this time. Why did you confess to a crime you didn't commit?"

The half-occupied hall was deathly quiet, and Rayne knew she wasn't the only one holding her breath. Though her eyes were on Gen, she reached out blindly for Leo's hand, the warmth of his grasp calming to her.

"I..." Gen swallowed hard, then spoke softly, "I didn't want to put my daughter in further danger."

"Can you elaborate?"

"I came here because I heard something was happening here. I heard she might be in danger and I wanted to help I thought..." Gen watched her for a moment, and Rayne felt a cord tighten around her chest. "I was telling the truth last week," she continued, "all I ever wanted was to have Rayne back. Back in my life."

"Why did you not come forth when you arrived?" Liam asked. Rayne's heart pounded at the sorrow in Gen's eyes. The regret.

"This might surprise you, King Liam, but communication is not always my strongest suit. At least not when it comes to..."

"Family." said Rayne, not realising she had done so aloud until Gen turned and nodded to her.

"Yes. Family. I spoke to Rayne twice before I was accused, but past events made our conversations difficult, and I understand her position. When the opportunity to take the blame for this event came, I thought it my opportunity to make amends and I know that I deserve far worse. I thought I could stop them from trying to hurt you again if they found a scapegoat in me."

Gen stood and looked directly at Rayne, who looked back through watery eyes. Liam didn't take back control and the council seemed content to listen to her.

"I was never a role model to you or your brother. I worked hard, but I never took the time to be a family. I realise that." Gen blinked away a few tears. "I wasn't there for you, I wasn't there for my family, and I wasn't there for my son when he..."

Rayne clasped a trembling hand over her mouth to muffle her unsteady, halting breaths. Out the corner of her eye she saw Liam's worry. Gen clutched her stomach as she continued.

"I couldn't go to his funeral. I couldn't bring myself to face that knowing that I was the reason he was gone. I was a coward, and I'm sorry. I don't deserve your forgiveness. To bury one's child is every parent's nightmare, but I should have tried. I know that you hate me, and that I deserve it, but at least I got this chance to say I'm sorry."

This time when the eyes were on her Rayne didn't care about the witnesses. She had prepared for her mother to explain why she had lied, not this. Gen paused, unable to meet her eye.

"I'm sorry," she all but whispered to the floor, curling in on herself, "for everything."

Rayne reached the end of the row and descended the stairs to her mother. She pulled her up and wrapped her arms around her. Gen tensed, then shakily held her as well.

"I'm sorry," Rayne choked, tears streaming down her cheeks as she closed her eye, buried her face against her mother's shoulder and spoke between sobs, "I should have listened to you before."

Rather than respond, Gen shook her head and held her tighter. Her legs threatened to buckle but even as both of them shook, and Rayne felt her mother's tears against her shoulder, they kept each other upright. It had been over two decades since her mother had held her, she couldn’t even let her go now.

“I missed you,” Rayne sniffed, trembling as the truth of that statement washed over her. Gen nodded against her, unable to respond.

When they did part, both had run out of tears, and the room had emptied. Near the hall door was Liam's shadow as he stood outside. Turning back to her mother and wiping her eyes, she smiled.

"Would you like to meet your grandchildren?" she asked, then watched her red, tear-stained face light up.

"Are you sure?"

Right now, she was incapable of a lot of words, but managed, “I am.”

Leading Genevieve through the palace halls was the strangest experience Rayne had never thought she would have. Liam followed behind as she walked in step with her mother, pointing out details of the halls they passed that she thought she might like. Gen's wonder at the place was a marvel on its own, and made Rayne remember how grand the place was. It was easy to miss things, after living here for a year and a half. She glanced back at Liam as they entered the royal wing and saw her favourite warm smile, lighting up his face as he watched her happy.

Gen was hesitant on the door of her rooms. Rayne linked arms with her and walked in slowly. The nanny was in the kitchen, and she led Gen directly to the nursery.

The sheer wonder on her face when Rayne opened the nursery door was the least guarded she had ever seen her. As Gen approached Leo's crib, she turned back to Liam, who leaned against the doorway.

"I love you," she said. Liam reached up a hand to wipe a few tears from her face.

"I'm so proud of you."

"Can I hold him?" Gen's voice pulled their attention. Rayne nodded as she approached to see that Leo was awake and watching. When he saw her, he smiled his Rhys smile and when she lifted him out, he smiled wider.

"Mom, meet your grandson." Rayne handed him to her, and she held him gently with both arms. Gen was instantly mesmerised as she watched her grandson.

"Leo…" Gen breathed, eyes still on him. Rayne reached a hand into Evie’s crib to stroke her cheek. Liam's arm curled around her waist again and she turned to see him right behind her. She leant into him, relaxed against his warmth, and watched her family.

--

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[ownworldresident]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it @tessa-liam! I love the bond between Liam and Rayne 🥰 and don't worry - Madeleine will pay 👌

Side by Side Chapter 2: The Agreement

The revamp of a long-ago series because I wrote myself into a corner

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 has no association with TRH. Master Masterlist Link

Rayne

"Liam," Rayne croaked as she opened her eyes, squinting in the low light, then registering her surroundings.

"Right here, love." The voice she had so craved answered softly, and she turned her head to see him seated in a chair beside her, smiling, holding something small against his chest.

Her breath caught. "Liam, is… is that…"

His smile grew, and he stood. "Your daughter," he said. Then, as she held her breath, he adjusted the bed so she sat up a little, and placed the bundle carefully in her arms, against her chest.

Then, for the first time, she met the eyes of her newborn child. Rayne breathed a small 'oh' as her heart grew to form the place for her children. She thought she had known love, she had been wrong, but knew it now.

"Beautiful," she managed, cupping the side of her face and lifting her closer to place a kiss on her temple. "What's her name?" she asked, not taking her eyes off her daughter.

“She doesn’t have one yet.”

Rayne looked up at him. “Are you sure you’re okay with me naming her?”

“Of course.” Liam smiled. “She is yours too, my love.” He wiped away a few of her tears and leaned down to kiss her temple. When she tilted her face up he kissed her lips as well; it was gentle, slow, and full of feeling. Rayne smiled, then turned back to her baby.

“Evelyn,” she said. “Evelyn Seng Rys… is that okay?”

“It's perfect, love.” His eyes crinkled as he smiled. “She is yours, and you should be honoured, too.”

Lifting her hand, Rayne cupped his cheek. “Thank you.” He placed his hand over hers, and she relished the warmth of his palm, then looked past him to the crib against the wall. Registering her focus, Liam left her side to carefully lift another bundle from the crib. “My son...” she said softly, her voice full of emotion as Liam rested him in her other arm. She pressed a kiss to the boy’s temple as well, and hot tears welled in her eyes as they both watched her. She turned to Liam again, and could only laugh through tears as he took their photo.

“He hasn’t been given a name either,” he said as he returned to their side.

“What would you like to name him?”

“I thought you could,” he said, then paused. He laid a hand on his son. “I thought perhaps… perhaps Leo.”

Despite herself, Rayne smirked. “Your brother’s ego might explode.”

“Leonardo was also my grandfather’s name,” he said. “I’ve always liked it.”

She nodded, turning back to their son. “Prince Leo Drake Rys.” She looked back at Liam.

“Perfect.”

She nodded. They had discussed a few second names more from her heritage for their son, but she couldn’t look past Drake’s role in bringing her children into the world. She hoped Liam would remember this positively, and not as a reminder of his absence.

Then the fact she had been the one to mention ‘prince’ settled, a sudden and painful reminder that her babies were not truly hers anymore. For nine months they had been hers, but they were royalty, and she was not. One of them would lead this country one day, and she would be in the shadows... barely a footnote, quickly forgotten. But wasn’t that what she wanted?

“What is it, love?” asked Liam, picking up on her distress. “Why are you upset?”

“It’s just…” she swallowed the lump rising in her throat. “I won’t get much time with them, now that they’re here. As soon as I’m not needed to nurse them any longer, no one will need me.”

“That’s not true,” he said firmly. She met his eyes again, and they were determined. “I will not let you be sidelined. You will be there for them as will I.” He rested his other hand on her shoulder and rubbed it gently, speaking a little softer. “Leo and Evelyn will need their mother, and you are so important, not just to our family but our people and the world and Rayne.” He wiped a tear from her cheek before she realised they were falling again. “I will never let anyone forget that. We all need you.”

Rayne nodded again, but it didn’t stop the tears. She closed her eyes as he kissed her, heart swelling as every piece of her heart touched her at once. “And I need you, too,” he added softly, then kissed her again on the lips, then her nose, and her temple, and she laughed, and believed him.

Liam

Soonafter, Liam left to find a nurse, who came in and helped Rayne nurse the twins properly. He sat with her while she did, amazed at how naturally it came to her as she held each to her breast in turn. Leo and Evelyn fell back to sleep after that, and after answering a few questions, the nurse left, and they were alone again.

A little later with Rayne’s permission he invited their friends in and Leo, Drake, Olivia and Maxwell carefully shuffled through the doorway. They all broke into mirroring smiles when they saw them.

“Good afternoon,” Rayne said softly, a sleeping Leo in her arms. Evelyn still slept in Liam’s, and he felt as if he were getting better at supporting her correctly.

“Congratulations, you two,” said Olivia just as softly, looking between their children. His children… his and Rayne’s. Even though they had known for months it was so new, but so right.

“Congrats Rayne, little brother.” Leo rested a hand on his shoulder, and Liam looked up to see him staring down at his niece, with a depth of affection that he rarely showed.

“Little blossom has two little blossoms!” Maxwell said happily, beaming at them all.

“How’re you feeling, Kham?” asked Drake, brow furrowed. She smiled at him.

“Really well,” she seemed to say only to him. “Thank you.”

“Good.” Drake nodded, and relaxed.

“They look just like her, Liam.” Olivia smirked. “Are you sure they’re yours?”

“Definitely his,” Rayne answered before Liam could, and he chuckled at her tone. Whether by the reverberations of his chest or by coincidence, Evelyn chose that moment to slowly open her bright blue eyes, and all four of them gave renewed smiles. Liam stroked her head, and held her closer to his chest to place a soft kiss on her forehead.

“Definitely a Rys,” said Leo, chuckling.

“Do they have names yet?” Olivia asked.

Liam looked to Rayne, who’s eyes were getting heavy, and she nodded. “Liam is holding your niece, Evelyn Seng Rys.” She reached a hand toward Liam, and he squeezed it with his free hand. Then she turned her attention to her son. “And this is your nephew. Leo Drake Rys.”

They both looked up to see the reactions. Leo seemed momentarily surprised, then grinned. Drake was a little more taken aback.

“You sure?” he asked, rubbing the back of his neck and glancing between Liam and Rayne.

“Absolutely,” answered Rayne. After a moment of eye contact, Drake sighed, and nodded. It wasn’t an unexpected response, but nor was it an unexpected choice. His friend would adjust. “Would you like to hold him?”

Drake brightened at that, if only slightly, and for a while the group each found a turn in saying hello to the newborns.

“I think that’s enough for now,” Liam said after a time, judging Rayne’s mood. The others were happy to comply, Maxwell and Leo carefully gave the twins to Liam and Rayne, and they started toward the exit.

“Wait,” said Rayne before the others could go. They turned back. “I need a word with Drake. Privately.” Their friends all looked at Drake, then left him and headed out. Rayne turned her gaze meaningfully to Liam. She wanted him to leave as well. He complied, of course, resting Leo in his crib and leaving them alone.

He knew what this would be about, closing the door behind him and waiting in the hall as Olivia, Maxwell and Leo headed toward the lobby in good spirits. She hadn’t said anything, but the sudden reminder of his broken promise rushed back. All the words Drake had said to him rang in his mind and he had by far deserved them. All the pain he had caused in his absence. Everything he had missed. But he couldn’t get that time back, or ever make up for the failure. He could only ensure he never failed her again. Anymore than he already was.

Drake

The room was much quieter with just the two of them. Them and the frighteningly fragile newborns, that was.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better,” he said hesitantly, hovering between the door and the bed.

“So am I. You can come closer,” she said, amused. He did so, and she reached for his hand, her other arm still supporting Eleanor. For a moment she only smiled at him, and he wondered if he was meant to say something, but then she did. “Thank you.”

“You don’t need to--”

“I do, though.” She squeezed his hand. “You were here for me when I thought I was alone, and you stayed, even though it was hard.”

“Of course I stayed.” Drake frowned, unable to think of a scenario where someone would leave. “You shouldn't've been… I mean I couldn’t leave you alone. Not for this.” Not ever.

“Not just anyone would, though, and I’m still grateful.”

“Kham-”

“All you have to do is say ‘you’re welcome’.” She squeezed his hand again, the same one she had held for hours earlier that day, and didn’t let go until he nodded.

“Any time.”

“Good enough.” She smiled, then sobered. “Now. I’m guessing you spoke to Liam when he arrived?”

Ah. That was why. “I did.”

“Did he tell you why he wasn’t here?”

He wondered why she hadn’t discussed this with Liam, but suspected Liam’s penchant for internalised melodramatic guilt had something to do with it. “He didn’t, but the hospital staff said he was in a meeting, and they weren’t meant to disturb him until it was over.”

“I see.” She looked down at Evelyn. “So I guess your conversation with him was a bit more…”

“Direct,” Drake said. “You had already gone under when he arrived. I told him what his commitment had cost him, and what he had missed.” He didn’t realise his voice had grown firmer as he spoke, and he cleared his throat, and spoke more steadily. “He needed to know.”

“Alright,” she said, her voice still steady. The room was quiet for a few moments as she considered her response. “I need you to do something more for me.”

“What do you need?”

Rayne turned to him again. “I need you to forgive him.”

Exiting the room in a daze, Drake clapped a waiting Liam on the shoulder, then wordlessly turned for the lobby as his friend reentered the room. The short walk allowed him his reflections. It would take time but he would keep his promise to Rayne, of course, and let go of his frustration. And wonder how she could be this generous after everything the Cordonian Royal Court had put her through.

He had been terrified of dropping their daughter, but had had the opportunity to hold her for a while. She was beautiful, much like her mother, and so, so small. If they were still okay with him being the godfather, he would protect that girl with his life, just as he would her mother. Drake’s hand went to the healed bullet wound in his shoulder. He would do it again for either of them. For any of them. In a heartbeat. He sighed.

Rayne was a mother now… and Liam a father. The titles would take a while to sink in. Even though they had known for months, seeing Evelyn and Leo as real, breathing human beings was such a huge shift.

It really hadn't been long, after all, since they had met the drifting waitress in New York. Whatever had brought Rayne to Cordonia, love had kept her here. Stronger than he had seen since his own parents. Stronger still for what she had been through.

"About damn time." Leo's voice snapped him out of his reflections the moment he reached the lobby.

"Beer garden. Everyone. Now," Olivia stated, then shrugged when they all turned to her and rolled her eyes. "What? Relax, I'm not going to poison you." It was still a strange recommendation from her; she had never considered the venue dignified. It wasn't.

"No complaints here, Livvy." Leo grinned, stretching. "Especially if you’re buying. Celebratory drinks!"

"Great plan! Thanks Liv!" Maxwell led the charge out to their respective vehicles, Drake following a little slower behind them, wondering why they hadn’t enquired about his time with Rayne.

Twenty minutes later they pulled up at the beer garden they had been to before the homecoming ball. To Rayne and Liam’s credit, despite the circumstances, that had still been a good night. Leo had arrived first on his motorbike and grabbed a table near the back. Also on the table were three more glasses and bottles of scotch, whiskey, and champagne with the latter in an ice bucket. Drake reached for the whiskey as they all sat and poured themselves drinks.

"To Rayne," said Leo, lifting his glass. "Mad enough to deal with Rys children and the bravest goddamn woman I know."

Drake glanced at Olivia beside him as they toasted.

"Outside of Lythikos, that is," she added. He smiled and shook his head as they clinked glasses and drank.

"If you say so, Livvy." Maxwell grinned, then turned to Drake. "Speaking of women, though, where's Harper?"

Unprepared for the question, he hid his first response behind a sip of whiskey before answering. "We broke up."

In his periphery, Olivia looked up a little too quickly, but he ignored it. Instead he braced himself for the response.

"What did you do?' asked Leo as he poured himself a new glass of scotch. Drake scowled, receiving only a smirk and a raised eyebrow in return.

"Nothing," he lied. He knew exactly what had gone wrong. They'd only been going out a couple of months, and only hooked up a few times. Then she'd slammed on the brakes and given him an ultimatum. He had really liked her, and her reasons were completely valid, but though he was pissed at himself for giving her up he also didn’t regret his decision.

"Not likely," Maxwell pressed. "C'mon, tell us your deepest darkest secrets."

"None of your business."

"Leave him be, you two," said Olivia. They all turned to her, and she sipped her champagne as they waited for the other shoe to drop. "If Walker doesn’t want to admit he has issues getting it up, then that's his problem."

There was stunned silence for a moment, then Leo and Maxwell burst out laughing and Drake scowled even deeper.

"That's not it." He didn't know why he bothered. This was just Olivia trying to get under his skin.

"If it's not that then what was it?" Leo asked. "No time for 20 questions. Spill."

"No." He reached for the whiskey, but Leo pulled it out of reach. They locked eyes for a moment, then Drake rolled his eyes and left to get another bottle from the bar. That in hand, he reluctantly returned to sit beside Olivia again, poured three fingers and sipped it, looking pointedly at Leo as he did.

"We'll get it out of you one day," said Maxwell. He hated that they probably would.

Suddenly, he felt Olivia’s foot curl around his ankle. For some god awful reason he found it oddly comforting, and despite his better judgement did not pull away. She didn't look at him, but the corner of her lip turned up into a smile as she sipped her champagne and continued to speak with the others. Drake looked down at his glass.

The reason he'd broken up with Harper was that, in the last few weeks, he had spent most of his free time with Rayne. She'd become much less mobile and he kept her company at the palace mostly when Liam was working. The fact that Liam couldn't spend that time with her was shitty, but that was on brand for their whole arrangement. It was horrible to watch, but Rayne seemed genuinely okay and he had been happy to talk and go for short walks and play board or card games or watch movies with her when she wasn’t resting, which she often was. He wouldn’t see much of her now. He moved his leg closer to Olivia.

Liam

Rayne fell asleep not long after their friends left. Liam hated to leave her, but a couple of things that needed to be taken care of couldn’t wait. He softly kissed her forehead, and in the hall gave the nurses very explicit instructions to contact him as soon as she was awake, if he wasn't back yet.

Only upon exiting the hospital did he realise it was nearly dusk. Rayne hadn't mentioned his absence from her labour but he felt it keenly, and needed to confront the woman responsible.

As soon as he reached the palace he beelined for her quarters, and knocked.

"Come in," she called almost immediately. He entered, finding Madeleine at her desk, poring over a thick document.

"We need to talk." He shut the door, and she looked up, then stood, seeming unphased by his anger.

"Go ahead then, husband."

Liam breathed deep to try and calm himself; it wasn't particularly effective.

"What the hell do you think you were doing last night? How could you possibly think it was your place to tell the staff not to inform me that my children were being born?" His anger increased at her lack of reaction.

"You were busy, and the birth of your bastards was not significant. Now they’re here, you can of course see them. They need to know who their father is. Otherwise your presence was superfluous."

He stared at her. "You're joking." He gestured generally behind him. "This was the most significant event of my life and I needed to be there and how dare you keep that from me."

"Watch your tone." Madeleine's voice cooled. "This was our agreement. You can legitimise your mistress’s children, but you are loyal to the Crown."

"No, Madeleine," he seethed, taking a step forward. She knew damn well how he hated her reference to Rayne as his mistress. She was the woman he loved and so much more. "Our agreement was that the Crown recognise my children. They are my children! I had a right to be there if not as a king them as a father and you know that. Rayne is a human being, not a fucking machine. Find some ounce of compassion."

Silence followed and her cool regard was more infuriating than any like reaction.

"I would, perhaps, for my own children," she said, her voice softened. "So you can go ahead and quiet any accusation that I’m some heartless narcissist."

"No. You don't get to play that card," he said before his very real compassion took hold; her clear intention. "If you wanted me to feel sorry for you, you should have told me before we were married." He turned toward the door and looked back when he reached it.

"I will be the best father I can be for my children. I will be there for them and Rayne whenever they need or want me. If you were can't understand that as love and loyalty then at least could understand it as a duty to my family."

"Their mother is not your family," she said coldly. "You owe her nothing."

"I owe her everything." He stated just as coldly, a hand on the doorknob. "Stay away from them all."

---- ----

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@tessa-liam

[ownworldresident]

Side by Side. Chapter 15: Pick Your Battles

Premise: King Liam x Rayne (MC): With new additions to their family, Rayne and  Liam are forced to re-evaluate their relationship.

Disclaimer: Most  characters are the property of Pixelberry studios. I am just borrowing them and will return them when I am done, some less traumatised than others.

Themes: found family, hurt/comfort, angst

MASTERLIST

Side by Side Masterlist

Chapter Fifteen: Pick Your Battles

“I want to marry you.”

The room, empty but for the two of them, fell quieter after Liam spoke. Rayne wrapped her arms around herself as she considered her answer. Finally, she nodded, and Liam exhaled. He stood and approached her, but her arms stayed tight against her chest. “All I ever wanted was you,” Liam continued softly, lifting a hand to graze over her cheek, “however I could. Having you with me in this life is truly a gift and I am thankful for every breath I take by your side.” He sighed. “I am telling you this so you know it, not to sway you.”

“I know.” Rayne offered the slightest smile, then turned and moved away from him through the parlour. This was one of her favourite rooms in the palace, and she hoped it wouldn’t be tainted if this conversation ended badly. “Thank you for telling me,” she said, lowering her arms to fiddle with the dried flowers in a tabletop vase, “I’ll admit that it scares me. Part of me is afraid of what will happen when this happens, and to everyone except me it seems inevitable.”

“And the other part?” Liam prompted after a few empty moments. Several feet away, Rayne dropped her arms and turned back. Her tone grew sharper.

“The other part of me is angry. No matter what I do or say, no one hesitates to second guess my judgement. Even my friend accused me of lacking in self-respect.” Rayne’s nails pressed against her palms as her hands balled into fists. “I could ignore it because I knew you were never going to ask me, and I could pretend that it wasn’t only my will that kept them all at bay. I pretended that everything was okay, just like you did with Madeleine, even though it wasn’t.”

“I know what I’m capable of, Liam. I know what I can do.” Rayne blinked back tears; she had said this to herself so many times, but the only time they heard it was when they spoke behind her back. “I left it, and you never asked, and it was comfortable. I was safe, but they…” She gestured toward the door, “didn’t believe that, did they.”

Her arms relaxed and she clasped her hands before her, watching Liam’s patient observation as he chose his words.

“They have a habit of being right,” he said hesitantly, “I suppose we should be grateful to them.”

“To an extent, maybe.” Rayne swallowed hard and rubbed the back of her neck. “It doesn’t change the fact that you just broke our agreement. I know you said you weren’t trying to sway me, but both of us have been backed into corners.”

“Not entirely true, and I told you, almost a year ago now, that I wouldn’t pretend to know your reasons.” Liam stepped closer. “But I would respect them, and I do. I have to ask you to consider, though. If your duty to your kingdom transcended that which was to yourself; if you were raised to exhibit stability and security over desire or even love, would you serve your people, or prioritise the latter?” He stepped closer again and offered his hands to take hers. Rayne stared at them, then her brow furrowed as she met Liam’s gaze.

“I would find a compromise,” she stated matter-of-factly. It was the most logical decision to make, if not the easiest to execute.

“Something I have considered.” Liam nodded, and reached out to hold Rayne’s hands. “but a compromise doesn’t mean forgetting the part you least anticipate.”

The logic of Liam’s argument was well-founded, but this wasn’t even a discussion. Liam squeezed her hands and she returned the gentle pressure before answering.

“It seems we have reached an impasse, then,” she said.

“Indeed.” A soft spark in Liam’s eye matched his rueful smile. “Thank you for allowing me to express my thoughts.”

“Of course.” Rayne’s small smile quickly faded. “This can’t affect the trial.”

“It won’t.” Liam squeezed her hands again. “Nor can it affect Leo and Evie. We can pick up our discussion when things have settled.”

--

Genevieve wore her day clothes into court, much more at home in quality linen than standard cotton. She entered calmly, though from the stand Rayne observed the delicate flush in her cheeks and the way she tried not to wring her hands together. Liam waited until she had recited an oath to be truthful and was seated before he continued.

“Thank you for your cooperation, Ms. O’Mara,” he began, “we’ll begin with basic questions, and if you feel the need to make a short statement to the court, you are welcome to do so following those.”

“Thank you, King Liam.” Gen lifted her chin to him, her eyes flicking over to where Rayne sat with Leo and Regina. She kept her mother’s gaze until Gen looked away. “Genevieve is perfectly fine, though.”

Now that they had a crowd, Rayne watched Gen’s professional persona come online. She could be very charismatic when she wanted to be, and Rayne was glad that the judge was Liam.

“Good. Now. Have you been in contact with Countess Madeleine before or since your arrival in Cordonia this month?”

Gen nodded. “I was put in touch with her a few months ago.”

“And was the objective to transfer custody of Crown Prince Leo Rhys and Princess Evelyn Rhys from Lady Rayne and myself to the Countess?”

“It was.” At her words there was a collective intake of breath from the crowd. A hand rested on Rayne’s trembling one and squeezed it, and when she turned to see Leo looking at her with concern, she realised how rigid her posture was. A massage wouldn’t go astray. Rayne smiled gratefully and Leo continued to hold her hand in both of his.

“And did you arrange for me to sign over custody?”

Looking across to the other group at the top of the room, Rayne caught her friend’s eye. Clair smirked, giving her a thumbs up and a wink before returning rapt attention to the trial.

“I did.” Gen looked away, and her voice sounded resigned. “I organised to deliver a drug to you through an assistant in my employ. I had them coerce you into signing the form while you were in a suggestible state, which Madeleine then took to a council meeting I believe while you remained unconscious in your room.”

“In his room…” Leo whispered, leaning close to Rayne’s ear, “didn’t you find him in his office?”

Rayne nodded, eyes still on Gen.

“I see.” Liam looked at the notes in front of him, but from the depth of his frown Rayne knew he wasn’t reading them. The room was silent, all eyes on the king, as he measured his next words. Minutes seemed to pass, and Rayne felt sweat on her palms, holding in a breath. His gaze flicked to Rayne’s for barely a moment, an apology in them that ran deep. She swallowed hard and kept her face impassive.

“I have one more question for you, before we adjourn.” Liam’s piercing focus travelled to the woman he questioned. His voice deep and even, he asked, “what prompted you to take part in this?”

Nobody in the room moved a muscle as Gen closed her eyes, smoothed her clothes, then lifted her chin. Rayne had played this game long enough to know a fake sorrow from a true one. She had seen a similar one in her own mirror before; the expression was genuinely strained. Her mother locked eyes with her.

“I wanted… all I ever wanted… is to have my daughter back.”

--

The winter would arrive for them soon, but for now autumn was warm; perfect for a day away from the palace. Liam offered a hand to Rayne as she stepped out of the car, then circled to the opposite passenger side to unbuckle Evie as Rayne did the same for Leo. He handed a thick blanket to Rayne and pulled out a basket, leaning in for a brief kiss before they left the car and entered the woods.

“Do you remember the way?” asked Rayne. Liam kept her pace, an easy smile on his face as they walked through dappled shade beneath rusty, swaying leaves.

“Yes.” He turned to see the same smooth, calm expression on Rayne’s face as she smiled back at him.

“Good.”

They didn’t walk much further to reach the clearing they visited most often. An almost flat area near the edge was large enough to lay out their blanket and shaded enough to sit in for hours. Soon enough they could relax back, and with a contented sigh he lay on his back and rested Evie on his chest.

“Hey beautiful girl,” he cooed, “welcome to our favourite place.” He looped his fingers in her fists and she applied some pressure as she squeezed them, lifting her head to watch him. Liam moved his fingers in small circles, and Evie wriggled her arms as she followed, smiling widely. He glanced at Rayne, who beamed at them. “She has your smile.”

“They’re getting stronger.” Rayne looked down at Leo, who watched the swaying trees above them, mouth slightly ajar. Liam watched her run two fingers down his cheek, and his heart swelled at the pure love on her face as she did. Evie rested her chin on his chest and brought back his attention, resuming the gentle motions.

After some time they opened the picnic basket and pulled out lunch for him and Rayne and toys for the twins, who were settled on softer blankets beside each other. Liam looped an arm around Rayne’s waist and pulled her closer, kissing her sweetly when she turned her head to him, then leaning his forehead against hers.

“I love you,” he said softly.

“I love you more.” Rayne smirked as she pulled back and reached for the sandwiches and handed one to him.

“I don’t think that’s possible.” He smiled and accepted the food.

Rayne braced both hands behind her and arched her back and neck in a deep stretch, smiling at the leafy canopy. Her smile faltered when she straightened, and for a moment she was tense again, then she sighed and reached for her sandwich, her smile a little subdued.

Not until they were repacking the basket did she reveal what was bothering her.

“I think…” She reached for discarded toys, then paused with them in hand and turned to him. “I think that Gen is lying.”

Liam watched her carefully and kept his answer even. “Are you sure?”

“Not completely.” Rayne placed the toys in the basket and closed the lid. “But the way she answered those questions… complete shift from her interview in New York, and she has no reason to confess so much, so succinctly. Her whole career is built on half truths, after all.”

“I see.” Liam stood and moved the basket out of the way. “So how do you think we can be certain? We can question her again, but if I ask the same questions, we will get the same answers,” he said as he helped Rayne to her feet.

“Clair will be looking into her, I assume, after that conversation.” Rayne winced. “I haven’t seen much of her since then.”

Liam squeezed her shoulder, then “She is.”

“Good. I hope Clair will be fair, but she has had a very understandable vendetta against Gen since we met, and I’m not sure she would care if there was any evidence against this.” Rayne sighed. “You know my relationship, or lack of, with Gen. I wouldn’t be suggesting it if I didn’t think we were accusing the wrong person.”

“Alright.” Liam lifted Leo from his blanket and held him against his shoulder as Rayne did the same for Evie. “We can talk about it when we get home. Come up with a plan.”

He nodded in agreement, and they started back to the car.

--

Unenthused by his task, Liam strode down flights of stairs to the opposite wing of the palace. He had been here a few times during the social season and afterward to see Rayne, but not since she had moved to the royal wing. Most of year these rooms were nearly all empty, which was useful, because it drew less attention to the one with a permanent guard stationed outside.

“Your Majesty.” The two uniformed guards spoke in unison and bowed to him. He nodded to acknowledge them, then knocked twice and opened the door to a modest, light room.

“Nice of you to grace my presence, Liam,” came a voice from the corner. The angle of the windows placed her in shadow, but as he focused, he saw his ex-wife seated as a small desk, writing what looked like a letter.

“Madeleine.” Liam nodded. “I need to ask you a few questions.”

Madeleine stood, placed the lid back on her pen, and laced her fingers together in front of her. The cunning smile she had had since he had known her was fast in place.

“Why would I answer them?”

“Because I am still your king, and because they may lessen your sentence.” Liam waited as Madeleine pursed her lips and lifted her chin, and he watched her consider the answer.

“How is my estate?” she countered.

“You aren’t in a position to be questioning me. But…” A plan formed in his mind and he gave a half smile. “Quid pro quo. I will tell you of your affairs, and you will answer my questions. One for one.”

“Deal. You first.” She didn’t move a muscle as she watched him, a practised stoicism that he had always associated with hiding something.

“Fydelia is being overseen by your mother and major-domo while the trial is running.”

Madeleine scowled, then exhaled. “I see. And your question?”

“How did you first contact Genevieve?”

“Ah.” She glanced at the desk beside her, then to him again. “I spoke to her assistant, two weeks before her arrival.”

Keeping his face impassive, Liam stepped further into the room. “You’re sure?”

“Yes.”

“And how did you contact her while she was here?”

“My question, I believe.” She waited for his nod, then continued. “Who is running my conference next week?”

“I am.” Liam wanted to add that the conference seemed an unnecessary formality, but he hadn’t come here for that discussion. “And my question?”

“I see.” She shrugged. “I’ve had no contact with her. She was given a brief in the initial contact and acted independently since then.”

“You’re certain?”

“Absolutely. I’m surprised she decided on drugging you. Much too melodramatic, but I suppose subtlety isn’t an American trait. Poisoning a monarch is such a cliché.” Madeleine’s eyes were near the ceiling, but she was far from focused on that. She was waiting for him to bite back, as he had before.

“Did you have another question?” He asked instead, regaining her attention.

“What do the press know about the trial?” she said immediately.

“Only that you’re in it, and that they’ll get statements and minutes once it’s over. I have one more question.”

“Make it a good one, then.” Madeleine smirked, crossing her arms expectantly and raising an eyebrow. It didn’t quite mask her discomfort.

“Why did you use Rayne’s mother?”

When she didn’t respond immediately, the credence there was more involved unfolded in Liam’s mind. Madeleine took a long, deep breath, giving her time to calculate.

“A recognisable figure even in this country. Her association with her daughter discredits Rayne’s ‘family’ image.” She turned back and Liam’s jaw tightened. That reasoning he could believe. Facing him again, she fiddled with the pen now in her hand.

“You underestimate her again, Madeleine.” Liam turned back to the door and reached for the handle.

“I believe you owe me one more question.”

Gripping the doorknob, Liam shook his head. “Later, perhaps,” he said to the door as he opened it. Pausing in the doorway, he glanced back at her impassive expression, but nothing compelled him to be grateful, so he left.

--

Three hard knocks on the heavy wooden door woke him effectively. Grumbling at the wake-up call, Drake rubbed his eyes, pulled on some jeans, and stumbled to the door. He ripped it open.

“What?” He all but shouted in their face, blinking in the lighter hallway to refocus, and finding Leo’s smirk too unphased for his liking. A snort behind him brought Olivia into focus, rolling her eyes and standing behind Leo.

“You need to come with me,” Leo stated. As soon as he spoke, he turned and started down the hall. Drake didn’t move.

“I’m busy, and why the hell would I go with you?”

Leo glanced at Olivia, then looked uneasily at him. “It’s important. I’ll explain when we get there.”

“You’ll fucking explain now, Rhys, or you can piss off without me.” Drake scowled, ignoring Olivia’s judgement, then rubbed his face again.

“Look…” Leo paused, then faced him again, shifting his weight uneasily. “It’s about the trial. We need to speak to Liam and Rayne; we need to do that asap.”

Olivia followed Leo, leaving Drake to absorb both the words and the urgency, then exhaled loudly. Grabbing the closest shirt from the ground, he shut his door and started groggily after them, pulling on his t-shirt as he went.

As they walked through the palace, Drake became more aware of the details of his surroundings. Still fine with following Leo, he noticed how unkempt the man’s outfit was, and laughed when he realised why.

“You finally slept with her, huh?”

Leo turned his head to wink at them. “Told you it wouldn’t take long.”

“Rayne’s gonna kill you, Leo.” Olivia shared a knowing look with Drake, then looked forward again, “That will be interesting to watch.”

“I doubt it.” Leo shook his head as they reached Rayne’s apartments. He knocked and turned back to them. “Well, she might try, but that depends on where she’s placing her trust right now.”

“What?”

Leo managed half a rueful smile before the door opened and Liam appeared.

“Morning, little brother.”

“Uh… good morning…” Liam replied, looking past his brother to Drake and Olivia. Drake shrugged. “What are the three of you here so early for?”

“I have no fucking idea why.” Drake nodded to Leo, scowling. “Bastard woke me up.”

“Pull it together, Walker.” Olivia rammed his side with an elbow. He swore. “Stop acting like a child.”

Confused, Liam turned back to Leo, who continued. “We need to talk. Can we come inside?”

After a moment’s hesitation, Liam nodded, and stepped back to let them in. Drake looked around as they entered to see if the others were there but found it empty.

“Rayne will be out in a moment. Do we need her as well?”

Leo sighed. “Yes.” He raked both hands through his hair and stopped in the middle of the room. Liam nodded, and disappeared up the hall to their room. The three of them stood awkwardly in the quiet, sunlit room as they waited for the others, finding armchair arms to perch on. A few minutes later, Liam returned with Rayne, who was drying her hair with a towel.

“What’s going on?” she asked, glancing between each of them. “Is something wrong?”

“It’s about the trial, apparently.” Olivia spoke in a bored tone, but Drake heard the curiosity run beneath.

“I should call Clair,” Rayne looked around for her phone, “she’ll want to hear it, then.”

“No, don’t.” Leo bit his lip as he looked at her and Drake rolled his eyes. “She’s probably still sleeping.”

Rayne stared at him, and Drake shared a glance with Olivia as they waited for the drama.

“Leo…” Rayne started, then shook her head, “she’s in your room, isn’t she?”

“Sure is.” Leo grinned, “and her stamina isn’t what I had hoped, so she’ll be there a while, but that’s beside the point.”

“You know there is a point where detail becomes too much information, right Leo?” Drake stretched and raised an eyebrow at the man, who shrugged.

“It’s never stopped him before,” said Liam, “but setting that aside, why are you here?”

They were interrupted by a gurgled laugh from the corner of the room. Drake hadn’t even noticed the set up for each of the twins there, with hanging toys above them that they grabbed at with lopsided smiles. He looked back in time to see the warm smiles on their parents’ faces before the two focused on the conversation again.

“We need to check the security footage again,” said Leo, bringing the mood back to business.

“Of the study?” asked Rayne, “we’ve checked it a dozen times.”

“But we never got an exact identity from whoever drugged Liam…” Drake crossed his arms and frowned, sitting straight on the armrest. “Why would you check it another time?”

“He’s found something else to direct the search.” Olivia tilted her head as Leo nodded. “Nice going, Rhys.”

“I have a possible name,” he said, then turned to the others, settling on Rayne, who stood closest. “I really hope I’m wrong.”

--

Current Tag List: @leelee10898 @umccall71 @speedyoperarascalparty @brightpinkpeppercorn @riseandshinelittleblossom @bella-ca @custaroonie@furiousherringoperatortoad @missevabean @thequeenofcronuts@hopefulmoonobject @kuladekiwi @mfackenthal @iplaydrake@lodberg @annekebbphotography @carabeth @wannabemc @explorer-of-gems @be-still-my-aching-heart @kateslayer @indiacater @kingliam2019​

(If you would like to be added or removed from the tag list please let me know!)

[ownworldresident]

Six Sentence Sunday!

Okay guys you've waited a long time for this and yesterday was shitty so I got angsty and wrote this:

Rayne was in the gardens.

Her feet took her on familiar paved routes past hedgerows and roses as her mind fought itself and she sat contemplatively in the background.

Do it now. Do it now. The voice that had sat within her for so long was getting louder, stoked by her friends. Until now she thought it had been quieted. After that dinner with Liam she had assumed that the voice was sated. Do it now. Evidently she was wrong and, really, she had already known that. Do it now.

Bit more than six sentences but in my defense a few are very short. This is the start of chapter 13 of Side by Side so I'm tagging that list xx

Tag List: @leelee10898 @umccall71 @indiacater @speedyoperarascalparty @riseandshinelittleblossom @brightpinkpeppercorn @bella-ca @custaroonie @furiousherringoperatortoad @missevabean @thequeenofcronuts @hopefulmoonobject @kuladekiwi @mfackenthal @iplaydrake @lodberg @annekebbphotography @carabeth @wannabemc2 @explorer-of-gems @be-still-my-aching-heart   @lauradowning29

[mfackenthal]

MFackenthal Reviews - TRR

@likethetailofacomet

https://likethetailofacomet.tumblr.com/post/178641518985/master-list

The Broken Bits: Series: Bastien is retiring.  Can he now be with the love of his life?  Will Drake and Claire help him find his love

@whenyourheartskipsabeat

Masterlist: https://whenyourheartskipsabeat.tumblr.com/post/184314862013/welcome-to-my-world-this-is-my-masterlist-im-an

Fate Intertwined https://whenyourheartskipsabeat.tumblr.com/post/184440749378/heres-chapter-5-a-little-earlier-than-expected: In this series, Liam meets the love of his life before Leo abdicates.  When his life is upended, will he be able to have his happily-ever-after?  Come find out and see Drake come through from Liam time and time again.

All is Fair https://whenyourheartskipsabeat.tumblr.com/post/184416458418/an-hi-everyone-ive-decided-this-is-the-last: Come see how this series ended.  Does Liam get a happily-ever-after?

A Twist in the Tale: Liam announces his truth to everyone FINALLY!

@elles-choices

Sweethearts (Chapter 6) https://elles-choices.tumblr.com/post/184437012524/sweethearts-chapter-6-trr-liam-x-mc:  Liam was an idiot as a teenager.  He was still the man we love at his core, but he cared too much about public opinion. This cost him the love of his life. Can he win her back or will life keep them apart? 

@speedyoperarascalparty

We’re Enough Part 3: Love and Support: https://speedyoperarascalparty.tumblr.com/post/184414641108/were-enough-part-3-love-and-support: Drake and Pam are having trouble getting pregnant and their squad rallies around them.  A reminder that you are enough.  It’s beautiful and you should read it.

Truth and Lies https://speedyoperarascalparty.tumblr.com/post/184147063743/truths-and-lies: Drake and Anitah think their significant others are cheating on them – with each other!  Come see their shenanigans.

Born Into Darkness https://speedyoperarascalparty.tumblr.com/post/183782629393/born-into-darkness-chapter-6-the-arrangement: A dark but beautiful fic about Madelaine and why she is who she is. 

@ownworldresident

The Mark: chapter 7: The Cause: https://ownworldresident.tumblr.com/post/184411903004/the-mark-chapter-7-the-cause: Liam has in custody the woman who tried to kill him.  He is very attracted to this woman.  This woman has answers that he needs.  The cabinet wants to know Liam is safe and wants answers.  How will Liam handle the pressure?

Side by Side: Chapter 13 Honesty https://ownworldresident.tumblr.com/post/183867841064/side-by-side-chapter-13-honesty: A cliffhanger of an episode … Liam and Rayne really need to talk … but what about?  Catch up and whine for more with me.

@debramcg1106

Tell Me What you Want https://debramcg1106.tumblr.com/post/184399673239/tell-me-what-you-want: Come learn why Liam cries wolf and almost gets Drake in trouble. 

@umccall71

Good Goodbye https://umccall71.tumblr.com/post/184360631927/charactersprince-liam-x-mc-lady: Olivia’s best friend from college comes to visit.  Liam is already smitten.  So is Saige. Come see the sweet innocence before the upcoming storm.

@silviasutton1989

TTK Chapter 21 part 1 “Mad” https://silviasutton1989.tumblr.com/post/184377878383/ttk-ch-21-part-1-mad: Liam loves Olivia but also believes she tried to kill him.  Come enjoy the drama of it all!

@boneandfur

Fluffernutter (N*FW): https://boneandfur.tumblr.com/post/184356704459/fluffernutter-nfw: let’s just say if there’s an innuendo around PB&J, it’s in use in this delighful fic

@ao719

The Return Series: https://ao719.tumblr.com/post/178163456921/masterlist-series-fate-liam-x-mc: This series is especially for those who don’t really love Riley. Come fall in love with someone who is truly right for Liam. Your heart will break, but I also promise a happy ending.

@lolablackwrites

Guarded Hearts Series https://lolablackwrites.tumblr.com/fanficmasterlist: Alice (MC) meets and falls in love with Bastien first.  Will Bastien be able to compete against the rest of the TRR crew? Get ready for love, romance, drama, and so much more!

@choicesbyjade

Late Night Confessions https://choicesbyjade.tumblr.com/post/184155061657/late-night-confessions: When Olivia finds Drake outside looking at the stars, admissions are made.

Blue https://choicesbyjade.tumblr.com/post/183969202906/blue: Leo struggles in a marriage with a too-distant wife.  A letter from Hana is just so sweet.

@hopefulmoonobject and @ownworldresident

Something Unexpected Series Latest chapter: https://hopefulmoonobject.tumblr.com/post/184334049983/something-unexpected Liam still hasn’t admitted to the woman he loves that he is the King.  She’s about to meet his friends.  Check out how the initial meeting goes.

@bobasheebaby

Hankering for Chee-zee Bread https://bobasheebaby.tumblr.com/post/184279860713/pairing-liam-x-bailey-x-drake-athena-x: If you know what Chee-zee bread is, then you know why it’s wanted.  If you don’t – come learn about it. 

Want You to Want Me – Falling for You Chapter 4 https://bobasheebaby.tumblr.com/post/183942041018/want-you-to-want-me-nsw-falling-for-you: This is Olivia with Bastien … a pairing I never would have thought about but @bobasheebaby made me fall in love with. Sigh.

@fluffy-marshmallow-heart

Drake’s Diary ch. 28 – Coney Island: https://fluffy-marshmallow-heart.tumblr.com/post/184271285666/drakes-diary-ch28-coney-island: It’s exactly what you think it is and if you love Drake, you need to read it.  If you don’t love Drake – come find out why the rest of us do.

@tornbetween2loves

My Heart Torn Apart https://tornbetween2loves.tumblr.com/post/177628304621/my-heart-torn-apart: Why choose between Drake and Liam when you can have them both?  And why is watching them together soooo hot?

@hopefulmoonobject

Secrets: What’s Done In the Dark: https://hopefulmoonobject.tumblr.com/post/184224102983/what-is-done-in-the-dark: Leo’s mother has left behind clues to the truth of his past.  Can Leo find and handle the truth?  Will it lead to a more grown up/mature Leo if he does?

@larryssunflower

The Line https://larryssunflower.tumblr.com/post/183904047398/the-line-drake-x-mc-part-one-characters: Drake owns a bar.  Liam is a father of a 6 year old, but I don’t think he knows that yet … read this and beg for more with me.

@laniquelovewrites

Lessons in Driving: https://laniquelovewrites.tumblr.com/post/180664067478/lessons-in-driving I may have had a small influence in this fic and so every once in a while I go back and read it because it’s amazing and I love it.  Read it and laugh at Maxwell with me!

@theroyalweisme

Duties of a Prince – Chapter 34: https://theroyalweisme.tumblr.com/post/183658887923/duties-of-a-prince-chapter-34-leo-x-liam-x-mc  Haha, remember when you called this a little AU @theroyalweisme?  34 chapters later … find out just how awesome I am (Megan) and come see Sab and Leo “pretend” to be in love.

@captain-kingliamsqueen

Falling Deeper in Love Series: https://captain-kingliamsqueen.tumblr.com/post/183574728626/falling-deeper-in-love-until-we-meet-again: King Liam meets a fashion designer who can fulfill more of his needs than just his need for a tux.  

[ownworldresident]

My lips are sealed, love xx

I love the flashbacks, they are awesome for showing exactly how deep Rayne and Liam's love for each other goes...

Also glad the epilepsy mention was alright. I have epilepsy myself so putting up the content warning felt really weird!

You'll get some answers next week :)

Side by Side. Chapter 16: Loyalties

Premise: King Liam x Rayne (MC): With new additions to their family, Rayne and Liam are forced to re-evaluate their relationship.

Disclaimer: Most  characters are the property of Pixelberry studios. I am just borrowing them and will return them when I am done, some less traumatised than others.

Themes: found family, hurt/comfort, angst

Content warning: mild mental illness reference

MASTERLIST

Side by Side Masterlist

Chapter Sixteen: Loyalties

Liam faced his friends as Clair departed, loosening his shoulders but unable to lose the frown. Part of him still wondered if asking her not to look into Rayne’s mother had been a sound decision, but at the end of the day it was Rayne’s choice, and her family’s privacy.

“Does anyone have a problem with how that was handled?” he asked Drake, Olivia and Leo, who looked between each other before turning to him again.

“Yeah, a bit.” Drake stood to face him. “Why didn’t you let Clair investigate Gen?”

“It’s illogical, Liam,” Olivia added. Liam nodded to them, then turned to Leo.

“Do you agree?”

Sitting straight again, Leo exhaled, and studied him closely. He kept eye contact as he spoke. “No. I agree with Liam.”

Keep reading