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missameliep · 1 year

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Second Chances - Chapter Twenty Three: Racing Hearts

Book: Desire and Decorum – Modern AU Pairing: Prince Hamid x Elizabeth (OC) Rating: Teen and Up (there are some swearing) Word count: ~10K

Summary: Hearts are racing faster than the horses at Edgewater. The new day begins and is more eventful than Elizabeth and her friends could have anticipated.

Characters: Elizabeth Foredale (OC); Prince Hamid; Briar Daly; Edmund Marlcaster, Annabelle Parsons; Luke Harper; Vincent Foredale; Theresa Sutton.

Notes: * All characters belong to Pixelberry, except OC. * I want to thank @princess-geek and @noesapphic for being my betas in this chapter. Thank you, girls, you're awesome! * Non-English words at the notes in the end. * Your eyes do not deceive you, after a year without updates, a new chapter dropped. Sorry about the lack of updates, I hope to finish editing the next chapter in the next days. * This is my submission to @choicesjanuarychallenge day 8: Clear | Stormy | Travel.

“Are you telling Hamid?” Briar asked, glancing at Elizabeth lying beside her and staring unblinking at the ceiling.

“I guess that’s not something you just... say...”

“What then? Will you text him?”

“How would I even start a conversation like that through text?”

“Nudes proved to be extremely effective icebreakers.”

Nervously, Elizabeth giggled; not entirely sure her friend was joking.

“I don’t know... If it feels... right, I’ll try to be more assertive next time we’re together...”

“Assertive?” Briar laughed and rolled over to her side, throwing her black hair back and propping her cheek in one hand. “You must flirt back. Be seductive.”

“I have no idea how to do any of that. I’ll embarrass myself if I try.”

“I can teach you.”

“Believe me. I’m unteachable when it comes to these sorts of things,” Elizabeth laughed, remembering her friend Renata’s attempts to get her out of her shell and make a move on one of her first crushes.

“Trust me. My techniques are infallible!” she nudged her friend.

“You sound like a cartoon villain!” she giggled.

“I didn’t hear a no.”

“It’s late. Time to sleep.”

“Can I stay?" Briar curled like a cat nestling over the duvet with her arms around her torso. "I’m so comfortable right now...”

“Sure. But my alarm clock will ring in –” Elizabeth reached the mobile over the nightstand and squinted her eyes to see the time. “– 4 hours.”

“Why?”

“I have to check the horses and the preparations for our picnic before breakfast.”

“Nope... I’m heading out –” Briar rolled out of the bed, put on the slippers and walked to the door. “– But good luck with all of that. Sleep tight.”

“You too.” Elizabeth smiled, going under the duvet while the other closed the door quietly.

As the antique pendulum floor clock at the foyer chimed when the small hand reaches eleven, the soles of the riding boots clicked sharply against the wood when Elizabeth ran down the stairs two steps at a time. Luckily, Lady Dominique was nowhere around to chastise her for such an improper behaviour and remind the rules inside the manor.

The apparent misbehave has a reason: the weather forecast changed, and rainstorms are expected sooner than previous announcements. They must hurry and leave now if they want to go out for a horse ride, have a picnic like planned and be back safely and dry at the manor.

Nevertheless, getting everybody ready is a nearly impossible task. The schedule got delayed by an hour because her friends would not get up at the agreed hour or stop debating in the group chat whether they should or should not go to the pub at Moorfield this evening; even Edmund joined their discussions. Only Hamid remained silent; nobody heard from him since they retreated to their rooms the night before and he vanished from his room early in the morning.

“He will be back in time. Don’t worry, Lizzy,” Briar texted her back, but she can’t help it but worrying.

She wished he had told anyone where he went by himself. The property has many paths through the woods, which can be confusing to those not used to them, and Hamid is the impulsive kind of guy to get too far and lost. Not to mention the boars. If he’s hurt nobody would even know where to start looking for him...

Why am I thinking of all these horrible scenarios?

“That’s ridiculous,” she tells herself. “The universe is not working against me. Right?”

Another message from the group: no news from Hamid, but they are talking about second-breakfast and elevenses now. She deletes the angry cat emoji she was about to send; they are probably messing with her, and she won’t give them the satisfaction.

Finally, she understands why Lady Dominique is so strict about punctuality and is on the verge of forgetting manners and leaving behind whomever is not ready in fifteen minutes… Evidently, she would never be that rude, but the thought crosses her mind anyway.

Dashing into the ground floor while texting Edmund about Hamid’s whereabouts, she collided with a side table on the hallway. Nimbly, she lounged forward; her hands balanced it, and she thanked heavens the white statuette didn’t collapse to the ground. Her grandmother’s wrath is the last thing she needs right now.

“Why so many side tables, grandma? Those are a menace!” she muttered under her breath, tucking the mobile on the coat pocket. Judging by the familiar chuckle, the scene must have been amusing.

“There is a reason your grandmother forbids running inside.”

Whirling around, she met her father standing a few metres away on the hallway coming from the library, a wide teasing grin on his face.

To her surprise, right beside him was Hamid. The sight of him and his ridiculously beautiful face stole her breath and words for a second. Averting her gaze, she focused on her father and what she was supposed to say.

“Would you tell her?” she asked, tilting her head a little bit, and forcing an offended expression.

“It will be our secret,” Vincent stage-whispered. “Mother is yet to forget the incident with the Cordonian crystal apple... It was an irreplaceable gift from late Queen Eleanor.”

“That was not my fault!”

Her father tsked. “Harry used to say the same...”

Smiling, the trio met half-way and she hugged her father, who kissed the top of her head and complimented her elegance sporting the riding attire in navy blue and hair manhandled in one long braid. He looked proud at the sight of Edgewater’s gold crest on her jacket.

Without meeting Hamid’s gaze, she returned his wishes of a good morning and admitted in an almost inaudible tone, “I’ve been looking for you.”

“I didn’t know,” he said entirely too pleased.

“You would, if you’ve read my texts...”

Right hand over his chest, he apologised, “Sorry, Liz. The battery died and I didn’t bring the charger...”

“Why didn’t you say so?” she said, taking the mobile from the pocket. “I could’ve lent you my spare one. I’ll text Melinda and ask her to take it to your room.”

Vincent looked amused between them and joined the conversation.

“Do not be mad at him. It is entirely my fault, Eliza. We met by chance, and I insisted he joined me for breakfast. There were some matters I wanted Hamid’s opinions about.”

Her gaze darted from the mobile to her father’s face. “Were you working?”

Hamid laughed at her reproving tone, or possibly at the absurd notion of him working in his free time. “For two seconds. Nothing related to work can compete with more interesting topics of conversation.”

“Poetry and love,” Vincent added, with a grin, trying to appease the curiosity in her eyes. “I wanted to show Hamid a particular book from our collection. It belonged to his namesake.”

“A very interesting tome. I wouldn’t mind taking another look some other time.”

“You are always welcome in our library.”

Observing the exchanges between them and their smiling faces, a warm feeling spread inside of her chest. Her father is always gentle mannered and friendly, mostly due to his personality than his upbringing and lessons to fulfil his duties as the Earl of Edgewater, but there is an undeniable sense of pleasure when he is around Hamid.

“I am glad you were enjoying yourselves...”

“How anyone could not? It’s a privilege to have your father sharing his wise words...”

“Likewise. Our conversations are delightful,” Vincent said and patted Hamid on the shoulder. The other returned the compliment with a sincere smile. “However, I believe I kept you away from your young peers far too long. I am certain Eliza misses your company and will show you a far better time...”

Her cheeks reddened at the words and the knowing smile he directed at her; however, Hamid chose not to acknowledge either with a look or cheeky comment, keeping his attention at the lord, which she was truly grateful for.

“Will you not join us, sir?”

“The last thing you need is some old folk like me following you around and ruining the fun…”

“You would not bother us, dad.”

“You are too kind, my dear. But I have a busy day ahead.”

“It’s Saturday! You promised you’d rest.”

He chuckled at her remark, and it reminded him of when she was much younger and pouted whenever he needed to work during their time together.

“Later,” he said patting her arm. “Now, I am expected at Ledford Park. Enjoy your day and be careful about the rain. The paths become too slippery for the horses.”

“We’ll return before the rain.’’

Using both hands, he cupped her cheek affectionately and kissed the top of her head again.

As soon as the taps of shoe soles faded in the distance, and it was only the two of them, Hamid stepped closer.

“You look gorgeous,” he purred while his hand reached the side of her face, gently curling a long lose curl around his fingers, before tucking it behind her ear. The backs of his fingers softly brushed her skin, causing a hundred butterflies to flutter in her stomach, and moved away. “I told myself you would never look more beautiful than yesterday and yet... You outdid yourself.”

Unnecessary to see her own reflection to know redness was blooming in her face. How she wished to keep her emotions to herself! But a mere touch or a sweet word of his and the rosy of her cheeks give away her emotions, and she hates that about herself. Hamid on the other hand admires exactly that about her: her tongue may not say the words, but the truth emerges each time she blushes. And he dared assume it was not sheer embarrassment of being complimented that pinks her cheeks, but something else entirely.

“Were you actually running after me?” he asked softly, lips stretched in a grin that showed his perfectly lined teeth, expectation glinting in his eyes. “In spite of your grandmother’s prohibition?”

“Actually, I was on my way to check on the others.”

He pouted and his entire face fell in mocking disappointment, and she stuttered.

“Did – Did I say something wrong?”

Smiling, he clicked his tongue and raised his chin in negative, like she learned from the series they watched together is customary in his country and not simply a cute thing he does.

“Your honesty keeps me humble.”

“Oh!” Averting her gaze, she looked downward at her fingers fidgeting with one golden button of her jacket. Before the moment seemed completely over, she forced herself to mumble a simple question, “What if I were?”

“That would heal my wounded ego, and I might say that among many other things, I’d happily take the blame for any bibelot you break. Or, better yet, hide any evidence of its previous existence... Which knowing your grandmother is probably a safer choice.”

She chuckled and looked back at him and how cute he looked with a silly little smile. Perhaps she should’ve let Briar give her a few pointers on being flirty.

“Can you spare a few minutes?” he asked in his most appealing tone, “I was hoping we –”

Before he finished his sentence, voices of their friends echoed from the other hallway and in the blink of an eye they were surrounded by them. Everyone talking at the same time and over each other, inquiring about the picnic and if Briar could ride wearing those high hell boots or not.

“It’s not safe!” Edmund and Annabelle said at once.

“The horse will do the walking, not me,” she insisted.

“Maybe after the picnic?” Hamid whispered into Elizabeth’s ear, one of his warm smiles illuminating his features when she faced him.

“Sure,” she sighed, knowing that between their friends and her family, there wouldn’t be many free moments during the day. Hooking her arm with his, she pleaded, “Now, come and help me. I need to borrow your skills to get everybody out of the house.”

Through the narrowest part of the unpaved path, hooves clopped rhythmically while the horses carried the group onward. With every gust of wind blowing through the crowds of the trees, rained leaves that danced in the air for a beautiful moment before sinking to join the crunchy sunset-coloured blanket covering the ground.

The further they were from the manor, the more the conversations were punctuated by the chirping of birds and more often than not by Briar’s worried remarks.

What started as a little distress at being around horses turned into a quarrel against the animals. Narrowing her eyes at the brown mare Annabelle was riding, Briar’s arms wrapped tightly around Edmund’s waist, clinging to him as if he were her lifeline.

“Look at that evil eye!” Briar’s nasal voice resounded from the back of the line, and two of the horses snorted in sequence, swishing their tails. “That beast hates me already… and is telling the others about it!”

Hamid’s silvery voice followed, insisting on explaining the amiable nature of the majestic creatures to no avail.

Smiling, Elizabeth considered how sympathetic he has been with their friend and her fear of horses, despite Briar’s previous threats to kick him in the chin or in a more painful place if a horse bites her.

“I have been around horses long enough to know they can’t talk or plot against you,” Annabelle added, her voice ringing with laughter.

“Wouldn't it be amazing if they could talk?” Hamid mused a recurrent desire of his: since he was a boy, he wished animals could talk to humans, or at least could communicate with him particularly. “I wonder what they would say…”

“Probably they’d complain about ungrateful humans they must carry around on their backs...” Annabelle picked on Briar and this remark earned a formidable string of complaints about her insensitivity...

Luke held a chuckle and gazed at the woman riding by his side on the back of a tan coated thoroughbred mare called Clover, that became her trusted companion in many summer days since she started her equitation lessons at the age of 8, like she told him earlier at the stables.

Today, Elizabeth was quieter than usual, not displeased by the company or the ongoing conversation rather than enraptured by the activity and by seeing the countryside after five long years; besides, like many introverts, she greatly prefers to be surrounded by talkative people who do most of the talking, sparing her the obligation of preventing awkward silences.

“Horses were always my favourites,” he spoke loud enough to be heard by Elizabeth, drawing her attention, “I feel I can understand them...”

She contemplated him for a second and the wide smile curling his full lips, and asked with the most serious tone she could muster, “Luke, are you going to confirm the horses are secretly scheming against Briar?”

Her joke prompted him to chuckle, a soft sound rambling from his chest, and she smiled.

“Hey! Not so loud,” he whispered, failing to keep a serious face. “I sworn secrecy!”

They let out wholehearted laughs, and Elizabeth complimented his riding skills, curious of how a boy raised in a very urban city in the United States could be such an expert around horses.

“Once you spend so much time around horses, you learn a thing or two…”

“How much time are we talking about?”

The question was the cue to Luke tell her about his training in equitation growing up and the prizes earned when he participated in competitions as a teenager that helped him earn a place at the polo team at university.

“Impressive!” she observed. “Maybe we should put your skills to test one of these days… Edgewater breeds some of the finest racehorses in the country.”

He beamed one of those shiny open smiles that crinkle the corners of his green eyes. The suggestion of riding together some other time and of a friendly race was promptly acquiesced, and he was clearly happy.

“A race?” Hamid asked already galloping to approach the two at the front of the group. “That sounds fun!”

“FUN?” Briar cried. “Only if your idea of fun is getting trampled to death by these awful beasts!”

“Don’t worry! Nobody is racing today,” Elizabeth reassured her to no avail. “But we can take the longer path to the ruins and enjoy just a little longer…” She described the track that crossed the meadows in which she used to ride with her brothers and their friends.

The proposition was eagerly accepted by everyone other than Briar. To please her, Edmund suggested they followed the plan and take the shorter route through the woods.

Briar raised a finger to Edmund and said seriously, “Promise me you will not let it dash like a maniac and trample over me!”

The blonde nodded, promising he’d take care of her, and it was enough to appease her. A barely perceptible smirk curled his thin lips when Briar buried her head on his back, hiding her face.

The group eventually parted and after a few minutes, a clearing provided the first glimpse of the ruins standing beyond the meadows peppered by wildflowers.

Hamid’s enthusiastic remarks stole Elizabeth’s attention for a moment. Even though he often says everything is the most beautiful and most extraordinary he’s ever seen, his words were not far from the truth. Despite the grey clouds looming, the countryside could not be more idyllic, and the ruins were impressive. Even considering all the missing parts, like the long-gone stained glasses and fallen tower, their imaginations could rebuild the greatness of the ancient stone building when it was standing tall centuries ago. And for a long moment, that's what they did, while conjecturing about the former inhabitants.

“Some say it’s a magical place...” Annabelle confided, and Hamid couldn’t contain his excitement to learn more about the place while she shared details of an old tale Earl Vincent has told his children countless times.

When a resumed version of the tale reached its end, the horses galloped towards the ruins meandering a field peppered by tiny yellow and white flowers. The hooves clapped against the dirt path, the gentle clip-clop punctuating their conversations, while Elizabeth led the way and Luke remained close, both sharing their tales on equitation classes. Annabelle fell behind, eyes lost in contemplation; and Hamid’s were suddenly inundated by mischief.

The tranquillity of the ride didn’t last long. The sharp sound of hooves resonated when Hamid’s horse trotted increasingly faster past them. The horse’s mane and tail undulated with the wind while they distanced. A flock of birds flew away not without sharp piercing noises that sounded like reprimands against the rude behaviour of the four-legged beast and the noisy human on its back, disturbing the peace in their haven.

Dark hair tousled by the wind and grinning, he announced he’d be the first to arrive at the ruins and defied his friends to join him.

“Come on!” he cried over his shoulders, “It’s fun!”

Annabelle was quick in following his invitation and trotted past Luke and Elizabeth, who smiled at their merriment. When she considered joining them, a loud gasp escaped her mouth. In shock, she watched the scene unfolding. Less experienced and unfamiliar with the route, Hamid misled the horse, missing a curve many metres ahead. His body swayed in the saddle, almost slipping, and her heart skipped a beat. At full speed, the horse galloped, crossing the tall grass, and reaching another path at the opposite direction that would take them back to the woods.

All the previous feelings that troubled her mind came racing back. At that speed, either Hamid, the horse or both would get injured due to the many obstacles, like roots and ditches.

Swiftly, Luke guided his horse to the same direction, quickly gaining speed; and a moment after Elizabeth and Annabelle followed his lead.

Horse and its rider disappeared for a moment, and the next time Elizabeth had a glimpse of them, Luke was getting closer. Despite the adrenaline, his words to Hamid seemed calm. Parts of the instructions to slow the horse echoed in the field.

Thrill running through her veins, Elizabeth’s heart raced at the same rhythm of Clover’s hooves hitting the ground while she followed them. The horses left a cloud of dusty in their awake and Elizabeth bowed and squinted her eyes, trusting Clover would find the way to Hamid.

When her eyes opened again, Luke had managed to slow Hamid’s horse before reaching too deep into the woods. Anxiously, she dismounted Clover. Adrenaline high in her system, she ran the remaining metres to where the horses had stopped, and Luke was helping Hamid dismount.

“Is he...?” Elizabeth breathlessly asked Luke, and he nodded.

“He’s fine.”

Her eyes inspected Hamid from the top of his head to his feet, as if still trying to convince herself he was perfectly fine. She inhaled deeply and tried to calm herself.

Growing up, she got used to the thrill of races through this fields and woods and all sorts of shenanigans with her brothers and their friends, pretending to be part of the group of heroes that fought the Shadow Court; somehow, this right now felt completely different. Maybe she was way more out of practice than she thought, considering the last time she rode a horse. Maybe the years made her fearful and cured her of the past recklessness. Maybe she has grown into one of those nagging adults that spoiled everybody’s fun.

“This time you can’t deny it!” Hamid grinned and said out of breath, “You were running after me!”

“You joke?!”

“I see you are alright!” Annabelle laughed behind Elizabeth, having dismounted the horse, and joined the group of riders, under an immense oak tree.

“Have you seen how fast I was?” he directed his question to her, too excited.

“I certainly did. And I imagine how sore you’ll be later.”

“It’s not as... comfortable as my Suzuki... I admit. But it was so fast! This horse is... extraordinary!” he panted. His enthusiasm cut by loud exhales and breathed laughs.

Relief had washed over her companions at the sight of the unharmed Hamid, however, Elizabeth’s jaw tightened and her whole body shivered.

“If you haven’t noticed, we were running to prevent you from hurting yourself! There’s nothing funny about it!”

“My heroes.”

The smile he flashed, didn’t ease her frown.

How could he not take his own safety seriously?

“You said you knew how to ride...”

“I may have overestimated my skills... it seems... and perhaps my expertise with a different kind of horsepower was not immediately transferred…” he said, and this could be a reference to any of the vehicles and dangerous activities he enjoys in his free time. Leaning against the trunk of the oak tree, he tried to catch his breath, and failed to plaster a more relaxed expression. “But I’m a fast learner. Give me one more minute, and I’m ready to try again. I challenge you all to another race to the ruins.”

Heart thumping in her ears and knees risking buckling, Elizabeth crossed the remaining distance to him, who steadied himself against the trunk with an arm, pretending it was just to look cooler, which nobody would buy by now, not even her.

“Seriously?” she fumed. “You could get seriously hurt!”

“I didn’t.”

His unconcerned manners remained undeterred by reason, and she let out an exasperated sigh.

In a voice as sweet as possible considering his current shortness of breath, he called her name, and leaned forward.

Raising one index finger, she stopped the predictable move of his hand before it touched her inflamed cheek.

“Dude, you couldn’t control the horse... if not for Luke...” Elizabeth trailed off, not daring say the alternatives out loud. All at once, it dawned on her the warnings the adults uttered back when she was a kid. That same uneasiness stormed, and her stomach was churning at the thought of any of those horrible things happening to Hamid.

Judging by the quizzical look in Hamid’s face, he couldn’t understand the distress in her voice nor why she was taking the incident this seriously. Nothing happened after all, which he regretted telling her once her eyes were alight like his mother’s whenever he does the opposite of what she expects from him – but he refrained from saying that.

“Liz,” he asked softly, trying his best to sound less confused than he was, “was it any different from the stories you and Edmund shared? You seemed amused sharing your shenanigans...”

“Yes, it’s completely different! First, we were kids and... –” didn’t know any better what this kind of absence felt like! “– Second, we knew these paths like the backs of our hands. Third, we had advanced lessons! Unlike you!” The emotions bubbling inside caused her voice to raise to a higher pitch and waver like the crowns of the trees dancing with the breeze. “Your self-confidence can get you hurt. Or killed. Just look what this kind of stuff does to people much more skilled than you! You must be responsible for your safety! What if Luke couldn’t reach you? Think about the people you’ll hurt... God!” She let out an exasperated sigh and covered her face with her hands; bowing his head, Hamid stepped back, trying to collect his thoughts after her outburst.

Annabelle’s footsteps on the dirty were loud enough not to be ignored. When she approached and stood between them, her presence interrupted whatever would follow this exchange.

“Fortunately, nobody got hurt, and we’re halfway to the ruins. So, can we get going? I’m starving!”

“Of course.” Elizabeth dusted off her clothes and adjusted the jacket, returning to the composed self everybody is used to, at least in the outside.

Walking away with Annabelle, she didn’t look back, but she felt Hamid's stare following her.

With a sympathetic smile, Luke patted Hamid on the back and asked if he was sure he could go on, and he nodded, still looking confused by Elizabeth’s reaction. Apparently the only one who didn't anticipate the coming storm.

When the group reached the ruins, the cloud in Elizabeth’s eyes had dissipated, but she couldn’t shy away the dreadful thoughts racing in her mind. Therefore, she welcomed the interruption when a middle-aged man with a pristine white uniform and the emblem of Edgewater walked in her direction, addressing her with the due ceremony and respect reserved to noblewomen like herself. For once, she felt too tired to oppose the ritual and kindly asked him to lead the way to the picnic setting.

In a clearing beside the ruins, four large picnic blankets had been settled over the grass with at least a dozen matching throw pillows; from two picnic baskets peeked bottles of lemonade and other colourful beverages, and exquisite food had been arranged all over the blankets, ranging from apple pie to different kinds of pastries, fresh fruits, jam, and sandwiches. The sight made her mouth water.

With the conformation everything was perfectly assembled, and settled the time of their return to disassemble the setting, the man left, making his way to a black van where another employee was waiting.

The four friends gathered around the food – and inevitably talked about the absent two.

“Should we text them?” Elizabeth asked, “See if they are alright?”

“They’re probably more than alright, and that’s the matter,” Annabelle muttered under her breath, and started typing in her mobile. “I’m texting we’ll start eating without them. That will get Briar’s attention.”

No reply came to this or any of the texts and pictures of the picnic, and the group comfortably settled down. Elizabeth watched Hamid stretching before easing into one of the large pillows on her left; she averted her eyes when he noticed the attention, focused on cleaning her hand with a wet wipe.

Several minutes later, a clip-clop announced the last horse’s arrival. Something that looked too much like disappointment was evident in Briar’s face. One hour ago, not a soul would expect her to wish to extend any stroll that involved the company of horses.

Annabelle and Elizabeth shared a knowing look, and no words were necessary to convey what they thought of that.

Edmund’s hands wrapped around Briar’s waist tentatively, and with a swift motion he brought her to the ground safe and sound; she thanked him with a lingering kiss on his cheek, that turned his skin as red as the colour of her lipstick, and reluctantly they parted. Edmund clucked his tongue and guided the horse to a tree next to the others, while Briar walked in the opposite direction, throwing glances over her shoulder.

Once the party was complete, it was time to truly enjoy the picnic. The sight of the food and setting was enough to rekindle Briar's cheerfulness.

“I remember this place from the series,” Briar pointed out. “The duel was shot right there, wasn’t it?”

Beside her, Edmund confirmed, indicating a small totem like the ones seen at museums, that contains the story of the building, and pointed at the place where the Ottoman Prince was shot.

“So romantic!” she sighed, lying on her side over a few cushions. “That scene left me breathless. Can you imagine having someone loving you that much? Risking their own life for you?” Theatrically, the back of one hand pressed against her forehead and she let out a dramatic sigh.

“Aside the fact the duel was based on misogynistic premises and claims over a fully-grown and rational human being, I won’t deny that it must have been exciting to see it all unfold!”

“It would’ve been perfect if the prince didn’t miss the shot.”

“Don’t forget the pistol had been tampered,” Edmund said, a little bit too enthusiastic to share his knowledge about the matter. “He didn’t stand a chance and was truly lucky the duke was such a bad shot and let him walk out with such a minor injury.”

“A duel is such a stupid stupid idea,” Elizabeth muttered under her breath and shoved the remaining of the sandwich inside her mouth.

The others looked at her with a mix of amusement and surprise.

“Don’t you find the idea of going to a secluded place with your nemesis and shooting them dead at dawn appealing?” Annabelle teased, “Of all people, I thought you would have the longest list of candidates...”

“God, no! Violence is not the answer to everything!”

“Sometimes it’s necessary,” Annabelle retorted. “Nonviolent resistance is poetic, but pointless when your enemy is determined to crush you or has a literal gun pointed at you... for instance, you don’t fight fascists with flowers or hugs.”

“I can see your point... But in their case, the entire thing was pointless! The prince was shot for nothing! The engagement went on for weeks after the duel and he could have died,” Elizabeth stressed the last word. “There were no antibiotics back then! If he died... she’d be alone... and Clara had just lost her mother and father... Can you imagine how scared and lonely she must have felt? The uncertainty?” her last words were barely audible, strained by the tightness in her throat and chest.

Breaking the silence, Luke remarked, “I thought you never watched the series.”

“I got curious...”

“I told you it was amazing!” Briar cried, pulling herself back to a sitting position. “We should watch together!”

“I agree violence rarely solves anything and usually brings more trouble,” Hamid mused, possibly referring to his own line of work. “But human nature is complex and even the best of us can make bad decisions moved by less than noble feelings.”

“Can you imagine how absolutely mad at that wanker the prince should’ve been at that point?” Annabelle asked, “The man was known for being a pacifist –”

“Not very pacifist, considering he was cool with putting a bullet through that other guy’s head,” Luke added.

“As if you wouldn’t!” Briar taunted.

“I don’t think I would! That’s not one of the cases violence would be justified...”

“I think you all would,” Briar pointed at each of her friends, “if you were in the prince’s shoes... even you, Lizzy, if that meant you could save someone you loved.”

“There are other options... More civilized.”

“Maybe there weren’t!”

“They could have eloped. Or left together to the Ottoman Empire or anywhere else...”

“Fleeing?” Briar grimaced. “Countess Clara was a strong woman; she would never run away without fighting!”

“That’s true. And you need to remember it was a different world back then,” Edmund re-joined the conversation, “they didn’t have games to settle their differences by blowing each other’s heads off safely... which is much healthier in my opinion. However, if you read Countess Clara’s journal, you’ll understand their reasons and the importance of the duel and how it sealed their bond...”

“That sounds romantic!” Briar clapped her hands and scooted closer. “Tell me more!”

Soon, the conversation changed and new topics more and less controversial followed.

At some point, Annabelle had grabbed a pencil and her sketchbook from her bag and sat over a boulder, looking pensive at the group and their simultaneous conversations.

Noticing it, Elizabeth excused herself and sat beside her.

“What are you drawing?”

“Just sketching...” Annabelle handed the sketchbook to her, who examined the various partial sketches of faces of their group, including herself.

A wistful smile replaced the blank expression in Annabelle’s face, and she sighed.

“I used to come here with Harry all the time... and the twins. That tree was Juliette’s balcony. Harry fell on his bottoms trying to climb it after me and got furious because I couldn’t stop laughing... He blamed me for not taking my role seriously and that Juliette would never laugh at Romeo – which made me laugh even harder.”

“That sounds just like him...”

A strained laugh that turned into a sob escaped Annabelle's mouth, and she used the back of her hands to wipe some tears pooling in her hazel eyes.

“Sorry... If I knew what this place meant to you, I’d have picked some place else…” Elizabeth apologised, but the other smiled.

“Hey! Don’t you worry. I need new happy memories. And I can always use some practice.”

They sat in silence, while Annabelle resumed sketching the tower.

“I wish I could draw like that...”

“I can teach you, if you like,” Annabelle nudged her.

“I’ll take you up on that someday...” Elizabeth smiled, looking at the way she focused on the architectural details. “How long does it take you to paint someone’s portrait?”

“It depends on size, complexity of pose and background, things like that...” Excitedly, she practically bounced in place. “Do you wish me to paint yours? I already have so many ideas! Two words: flower crown!”

“Actually, I had someone else’s portrait in mind...”

Judging by the way she smiled, Annabelle already knew the answer to the question, but she asked anyway, “Whose portrait?”

Elizabeth fidgeted with one gold button of her jacket, and said softly, “Hamid’s birthday is in December… I was thinking he would enjoy an original Parsons...”

“It’s perfectly doable.”

“Do you think it’s too much to gift a friend?”

Annabelle shook her head, her ponytail moving from side to side. “There’s no such a thing. Art is a thoughtful gift, and you are a thoughtful person.” She paused and looked back at her friend. “And you care about him. That’s why you were so worked up before, right?”

Elizabeth crossed her arms in front of her chest and bit the inside of her cheek, and sighed, “Why is he such a… frigging reckless idiot?”

Annabelle laughed, “I think the polite word is ‘spontaneous’.”

“You know what I mean. It’s stupid to put himself in danger like that…”

“Where you see danger, some people see exciting opportunities to experience life. This kind of thrill can be good to the soul.”

“Do you think I’m being unreasonable?” the pitch of her voice raised slightly in the last word, conveying the outrage at the self-accusation.

“What if you were? Is that a bad thing? Nobody can be reasonable all the time. That’s how feelings work, isn’t it?” Annabelle nudged her side, and she caved, “I guess…”

Looking away at the horizon where leaden-coloured clouds in their endless swirls engulfed the hills, she fidgeted with one golden button. “Do you think I messed things up?”

“I’m not the one you should ask that question.” Annabelle tilted her head and raised her eyebrows indicating where Hamid and Luke were standing and engaged in an animated conversation.

For the first time in hours, she didn’t avert her gaze when Hamid noticed it, which seemed to encourage him to walk in their direction followed by Luke, both still talking enthusiastically. Their voices growing closer. When they arrived, Elizabeth’s shoulders tensed, and she only listened while Annabelle and Hamid talked about art.

Inspired by the light and wind, Annabelle asked Luke to pose mounting one of the horses, and she took many pictures with the mobile.

“For reference,” she explained to Hamid, who was curious about the concept.

A few moments later, the employees from Edgewater returned and Elizabeth exchanged a few words with them. With everyone minding their own businesses, Briar and Edmund took the opportunity to slip together to explore the ruins and Elizabeth decided to take a walk by herself, working on the lines of a possible dialogue with Hamid later.

A gentle tap on her shoulder caught her attention. A familiar presence standing behind her.

“Can we talk or are you still mad at me?” Hamid asked when she turned around to face him.

“I was not mad!”

Tilting his head, he simply smiled and gave her a knowing look. That look she’s so familiar by now and means he’s not buying it.

Crossing her arms in front of her chest, she didn’t back down, “I was reasonably explaining why you can’t do this sort of risky thing!”

“Then if you’re not mad, why are you still making that face every time you look at me?” He mockingly imitated her expression, narrowing his deep brown eyes and pressing his lips together in a thin line that curled downward in the edges.

“I don’t look like that!” she huffed, trying to keep a serious expression, too self-conscious of the way lines had definitely been creasing the area between her eyebrows.

“Of course not. Yours is angrier, but cuter. Like the angriest tiny kitten that you should fear but want to cuddle...”

She huffed again, “I don’t like when you do that.”

“Compliment your cuteness?”

“Say I’m tiny...” she snorted, “It’s rude!”

“Seriously? That’s what you’ve chosen to pick on what I said, Liz?” he asked getting cautiously closer. “Am I upsetting you? Do you want me to leave?”

“No...” she mumbled and dared look him in the eye. Biting the inside of one cheek, she was feeling too embarrassed and uncomfortable with this exchange. It was the opposite of what she had been rehearsing in her mind.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. Or overstep. You’re a grown man and you can do whatever... risky and stupid thing you want… But... as your friend… I needed to warn you and –”

“You worry about me,” Hamid interrupted, saying the words she couldn’t. Welcomed by the way he smiled so openly, not a hint of judgement in his eyes, she nodded.

“I get it, and I appreciate it. I’m not used to people outside my family worrying about me.”

“Are we... okay?”

“Always.”

Smiling, he bent the arm closer to her, and with a flourish offered the crook of his elbow. “May I join your walk, my lady?”

“Are you back to your prince’s character?”

Gazing at her eyes, he said softly, “Today, I prefer that we simply be Hamid and Elizabeth, if you don’t mind.”

The butterflies in her stomach fluttered and tried to escape through her mouth, and she could barely answer him with a soft “Not at all.”

She linked her arm with his, and he took her hand and adjusted it in the crook of his elbow. Even after it was right in place, his hand remained over hers. Elizabeth had no intention in addressing the matter or ask him to remove it, on the contrary. The warmness of his hand spread and reached her chest and cheeks. It was always wonderful to enjoy the feeling of his soft and warm skin against hers, and his face transpired a similar enjoyment.

In comfortable silence they walked down a path framed by ancient oaks, distancing from the ruins and the place everyone else was. It was easy to forget the world in moments like these.

The wind blowing more insistently kept sweeping his hair until his hair products gave up, and she smiled at how messy and cute it became.

“Look at that!” he laughed, pointing at a flock of magpies in one of the trees.

Slowing their pace, they recited the nursery rhyme together pointing at each bird on the branches.

“And seven for a secret, never to be told,” she said looking at him, the lilt of her laughter and a smile crinkling the corners of her eyes.

“Nine! There’s definitely nine!”

“Really?”

“You missed two that flew away.” Hamid pointed at the grey skies and recited the remaining verses like she taught him in the park, “Eight for a wish and nine for a kiss. How fortunate!”

“So, there will be a kiss in your future...”

“Our future,” he stressed the word.

“You saw nine,” she corrected with humour, “I did not...”

“Oh! In this case I must share my good fortune with you.”

He winked for good measure and red bloomed in her cheeks.

“Oh! How kind of you!” she teased but looked away, when he chuckled. Her heart thumping louder and faster against its cage. Forcing herself to look back at him and meet his gaze and amused grin, she saw an opportunity; her next words slipped from her lips in a lower but steady voice, “I wonder why you would be so kind to me...”

His lips uncurled and there was no laughter this time. Positioning himself in front of her, Hamid took both her hands in his, not minding how cold and moist they were.

“Do I really need to explain myself?” Bowing his head, he smiled; and she looked up. His dark brown eyes sparkled despite the sunlight barely succeeding in breaking through a sea of dark clouds. “I wanted to kiss you since we met. The only question is: do you want me to or not?”

To be honest, she has wanted to kiss him for most of the time they have known each other, and not in a friendly way.

With anticipation, her lips rolled inside her mouth and her tongue moistened them, like it did other times. His hooded eyes stared at her lips, making her heart race. However, her doubts glued her in place, preventing her from closing that gap that decreased with each short intake of breath.

Her throat became as dry as when she walked through the Atacama that vacation long ago. She could drink an entire bottle now, or maybe it was time to simply get drunk of him, ignoring that little voice inside of her head that sounds too much like her grandmother these days and let her future self worry about everything else.

Alas that was a thing she could do...

Taking a deep breath, she straightened her shoulders and focused on the soothing motion of his thumbs stroking the backs of her hands.

“After what you said... at your flat... I... I was under the impression you would rather kiss someone else...”

His lips parted while he tried to recall the conversation she mentioned. “Someone else?” Hamid asked, his confusion frowning his brow. “I wonder what I could’ve possibly said that has led you to this conclusion, Liz...”

While she collected her thoughts, a sharp cry cut the air and a noisy flock of birds flew away, startling them. A wail impossible to ignore irrupted from the ruins.

They looked at each other and mumbled at the same time, “Briar.”

This was the cue for them to run. Holding hands, they sprinted to the entrance of the collapsed building just as a wide-eyed Edmund exited carrying Briar bride-style.

“What happened?”

“She fell. I – I think she sprained an ankle,” Edmund cried, and Luke examined the bare foot.

“It hurts.” Briar moaned and pressed the black heeled boot she was holding tight against her chest.

“I’ll take her home and call Dr. Collins.”

“The van,” Elizabeth cried and pointed at the vehicle, “It’s faster.”

Edmund nodded and changed direction, dashing to the vehicle in a surprising speed.

“What if she broke a bone?” Annabelle asked.

“Maybe she should go to the hospital...” Hamid pondered, and they all agreed.

“There’s not enough room for everyone...” Luke inspected the back of the van filled with items from the picnic and no seats available.

“Who will go with her?” Hamid said, looking between Briar and Elizabeth for directions, but the first wasn’t looking at him and the latter didn’t answer. Elizabeth’s entire body stiffened, the hospital was the last place she could go now, and she hoped Annabelle or Luke would offer to go instead.

While easing Briar into the passenger seat, Edmund didn’t wait for the deliberation and said he’d go. “As soon as we have news, I’ll call you.”

Leaning against the passenger window, Annabelle looked seriously at Briar. “I will refrain from telling you now heels were a terrible decision until we know how serious your injury is!”

Despite the pain, Briar snorted and hugged Annabelle.

“Don’t have too much fun while I’m gone!”

Edmund took a seat beside her and, immediately, her head leaned on his shoulder, and he encircled her with one arm.

As the man in white closed the door and started the engine, Elizabeth stared at the van moving away, wondering if she should’ve suggested that someone else accompanied Briar instead of Edmund. Moorfield is a small city and a visit to the hospital from a member of one of the most illustrious families in the region with a woman who is not his fianceé might cause a fuss.

“Don’t worry, Liz.” Hamid placed a comforting hand on her back, meeting her eyes with an encouraging smile. “Briar will be alright.”

“Will she really?” Elizabeth murmured still observing the van disappearing beside the trees.

“What do you mean?”

“Sorry, I'm just thinking out loud...”

He leaned closer and whispered, “He likes her.”

Of course, he knows. It shouldn’t surprise her. Besides, Briar and Edmund were not discreet or concerned in hiding their mutual interest this weekend.

“It’s easy to recognize the look on the face of a man in love...”

“Love?” Elizabeth echoed with a grimace, her eyes darting to his face. “They've seen each other a handful of times!”

“Don’t give me that look!” He chuckled and one of his fingers gently tapped the tip of her nose. Her nose and eyes scrunched, and she made one of the adorable faces he never gets tired.

“There’s no rule. Some people need time, others simply know...”

“Oh, please! It’s not always about love,” she protested, knowing that there are several other feelings that could be involved.

His shoulders raised almost to his ears, and he let them drop with a wistful smile. “What can I say, canım benim[1]? I’m a romantic.”

“You and Briar are the same,” she snorted, “Throwing the L-word around… saying people who barely know each other are in love…”

“Who else Briar thinks is in love and barely know each other?”

She gasped, “I never said that!”

Turning around, Elizabeth fished her mobile inside her pocket and pretended to read some “urgent notification”, like she told him, staring at the screen for a long moment until the faint smell of the first drops quenching the soil somewhere near the horizon reached her nostrils and reminded her of the incoming rainstorm.

A quarter after 3pm, the five horses and the four riders arrived safe and dry at the stables. The animals were left at the care of Mr. Walton and his industrious hands, and the four friends walked out cheering but were beaten by the storm in their race back to the manor.

The wind slammed a door, threatened to flip inside out the umbrellas Elizabeth and Luke carried and roused the crowns of trees at the main pathway, inviting them to an eerie dance.

The grey skies tumbled, afternoon turning into night. Cascading cold water washed over and the temperature dropped several degrees, or so it felt after every gush of wind.

The cold, however, didn’t deter the two who declined the umbrellas offered. Laughing and kicking and splashing the water running like a river at their feet, tilting their faces up and sticking their tongues out, they welcomed the drops as the most precious gift of nature.

Elizabeth will never question the benefits of rain. However, given the option she’ll always pick warm sunny days over rainy ones whenever she’s outside and the umbrella cannot protect her against the lashing cold drops.

The longer they stay outside, the more her pants got drenched and her lips quivered; fortunately, the terrace’s steps came to view. Just a few more metres. When she got to dry land with Luke, she dared looking back at the others.

In the pouring rain, arms stretched to the fullest, Hamid and Annabelle held each other’s hands swirling and laughing like it was the first time they were seeing rain.

Her ponytail was stuck to the neck, while locks of his black hair were glued to the forehead and sides of his face.

“I can’t remember the last time I played in the rain!” Annabelle cried, speaking louder than the pitter-patter of the rain against the roof, when they came running to the terrace laughing.

Elizabeth cannot remember either. The last she voluntarily stayed outside in the rain must have been when she was a kid and definitely before her mother got sick. After that, she became increasingly cautious about her own health: eating fruits and vegetables, taking vitamins, avoiding rain and dangerous activities and, most important, she’d do everything possible not to get sick, because she couldn’t afford being unwell and burden her mother. Later, whenever her mother’s health decreased and she needed to be cared, Elizabeth couldn’t bare the idea of doing something stupid and selfish and letting her down... That was the main reason she rarely travelled by herself for longer than a few days; or why she avoided drinking entirely. Except for that one time at seventeen when the prognostic was bad and her mother stayed over a month at the hospital, and she got so utterly sloshed with cheap wine with her friend Renata, she barely remembers anything that happened that weekend and how they came back home from the clubs; even the hangover that lasted an entire day and caused her to miss school at Monday was welcomed. It was good to feel something other than despondent for a change, even if it were the queasiness in her stomach and the obnoxious headache that pounded like a tambourine inside of her head.

Hamid asked something, interrupting her thoughts.

Her brain barely processed the question, and she looked at his eyes closer than anticipated, trying to find out if she missed a long bit of a conversation. Luke and Annabelle were not around anymore.

How long was she silently staring at the rain?

“Are you alright?” The neutral tone didn’t match the concern in his eyes.

How long was she silently staring at the rain?

“Just cold.” To be more convincing, she hugged herself tighter to keep warm, and a tight-lipped smile curled the corners of her lips without reaching her eyes.

“Beautiful, isn’t it? The rain makes everything more poetic.”

“Does it?” she asked. “I can think of a million ways the rain makes everything worse: traffic gets slower, drives us out of the beach during summer, turns everything sad and grey and wet and cold… and makes people sick. And I have a tight schedule. I can’t get sick! So, no, I don’t think it’s poetic.”

“Again, you are being too pragmatic.”

“Or are you being too much of a romantic?”

“I can’t deny that.”

A bright smile in his face, he leaned closer, making sure the wet coat hanging from his arm didn’t drip all over her. Despite the coat being impermeable, the rain had seeped through the collar and darkened his blue jumper, and her eyes followed the droplets still dripping from his hair, running down his face and soaking the fabric.

“But what about how beautiful the world looks? The way puddles reflect the light and façades of buildings? Or the thrill of dancing in the rain?”

“Dancing?” She shook her head. “It only works in movies...”

Slinging his arm over Elizabeth’s shoulders, droplets of water from his hair dripped and ran down his face and peppered her jacket. Too close to her ear, Hamid said, “If you’d give it a try, it’d change your mind. It’s the kind of refreshing experience that reminds how amazing it is to be alive! I’ll happily join you if you wish to try...”

“You know what would truly make me feel amazing right now?” she asked looking up at his face and meeting his eyes.

“Please do tell,” he purred, “especially if it’s something I can provide.”

“Dry clothes and warm chocolate.”

Briar returned from the hospital in time to have one mug of hot chocolate before the two-thermos bottles were completely emptied. A minor injury that resulted in zero broken bones, she told them, but ruined her plans to go out tonight.

“The bad news is I can’t go out with you, guys tonight…” she lamented, “It’s so unfair! I brought the cutest costume to wear tonight.”

To make her feel better, Edmund was catering to her every need, which included an icebag for her ankle, pain medication, a raspberry scone, and the first volume of the published journals of Countess Clara.

“We should stay in, anyway,” Annabelle suggested, “Anything we would do there, we can do here.”

“And in better company,” Hamid added with a charming smile.

While Elizabeth, Annabelle, Hamid, and Luke played another round of Just Dance, Briar had skipped most of the entries of the journal and went straight to the ones about the duel. Reading the most interesting parts aloud, she often stole the competitors' concentration... and was influencing the scores – whether it was on purpose or not, one could only suppose.

“Oh, my God!” Briar gasped. “This is sooo good!”

When nobody asked a follow-up question, she teased some more in a louder sing-a-song voice.

“I know why Lady Clara was so fond of the ruins!”

“You got to that part?” Edmund asked without raising his eyes, too focused on the task of rubbing anti-inflammatory gel on her injured foot.

“Which part?” Elizabeth asked, missing precious points while Hamid nailed all the moves.

“The saucy part!” Briar giggled. “The prince was smooth! Using that last night on earth line on her… Girl dropped her panties like that!” Briar snapped her fingers, then flipped a page. “Listen to this: ‘The moonlight illuminated Hamid’s features while he slowly removed his cape, then his kaftan. My gaze devoured every bit of skin uncovered, and my hand ached to touch him…’ Is it hot in here?” She fanned herself dramatically and Edmund handed her a glass of water.

The game couldn’t compete with the curiosity stirred by the descriptive details of the prince’s physique that followed and after forty-five minutes of uninterrupted dance, some of the players needed a break.

“That lady got dicked down good!” Briar let Hamid read over her shoulder the next paragraphs. “Outdoors pre-marital sex with a hot guy she was not engaged to in 1816: lady was living the life! I stan!”

When she finished reading the parts aloud, Luke, who had plopped in an armchair closer to the windows and observed the rain, asked, “Can we play something else?”

“Why?” Hamid asked. “This is so fun!”

“Only because you don’t suck at it...” Annabelle teased, nudging his side.

“Don’t come at me if you can’t keep up with my moves,” he retorted pulling an intricate combination of steps, she rolled her eyes and they laughed good-naturedly.

“I could use a break...” Elizabeth admitted taking a seat.

“Maybe another round of CoD?” Edmund suggested, and Briar looked puzzled.

“Call of Duty? The combat game?”

“Yes, please,” Briar said, “I don’t know how to play, but I want to kill zombies too!”

“Of course, darling. Hamid can sit this one out, he sucks anyway!”

“Hey,” Hamid protested. “I’m a pacifist. I don’t see the point on blowing anyone’s head off…”

“They’re zombies! Stop making poor excuses,” Annabelle teased.

“Why don’t we play the real zombie game!” Elizabeth said already fumbling inside the box. “Wake the Dead is so good! In the multiplayer we can kill all sorts of zombies.”

While they were preparing for the next game, Annabelle excused herself to go to the lavatory, and Elizabeth heard voices in the corridor.

“Did you hear that?”

“I didn’t hear a thing...” Luke shrugged, while texting.

“It sounded like Theresa’s laugh.”

“Very funny,” Edmund retorted, throwing his stepsister a dirty look.

“I’m not joking.”

“There’s someone outside,” Hamid said, and as if on cue, Theresa’s nasal voice was unmistakable heard through the walls. Instantly, Briar pulled her legs and Edmund bolted upright from his spot on the sofa.

“What’s she doing here?” he asked in a low tone, while rubbing his menthol-scented hands against his trousers, and Elizabeth shrugged.

“Your fiancee, dude... If anybody should know...”

Muttered a string of swearing under his breath, Edmund picked his mobile from a side table and there were seven missed calls from Theresa and an even larger number of messages that he ignored the entire day.

“Bullocks.”

An employee brought a tray with refreshments and announced Theresa’s arrival. The woman could no longer be ignored.

She politely greeted everyone with air kisses.

“Are you happy I came, Edmund?” Theresa asked with a wide smile. Edmund’s eyes squinted when she kissed the corner of his mouth, leaving a lipstick mark that she wiped with her thumb. “Your mother said you would!”

“Did she?”

“Oh! She did! She said: ‘Theresa, go to Edgewater immediately.’” She tried to mimic the countess’ voice, but it was just a lower-pitched version of her own voice. “I asked why and she said ‘because Edmund needs you by his side’ but I said I was busy with Felicity and I was going to do my hair... but she insisted, 'Pack your things now or don’t even bother coming anymore!’ The Countess is funny, I think. But I don’t get her humour sometimes…” She shook her head and grinned at the group. “What are you doing?”

“Playing video-games,” Elizabeth said lifting the controller in her hand. “Do you want to play?”

Clapping her hands, she squealed, “Yes! I do! Edmund never lets me play... Can I?” She looked at him pleadingly and he sighed. Before he could give up his controller, Elizabeth offered hers.

“Here, Theresa. You can play, I'll sit this one out.”

“That’s so kind of you, Elizabeth. Thank you.”

“You’re letting him play with his fiancé and Briar?” Hamid whispered, looking at the women sitting at both of his sides. “You’re devious.”

“I’m not!” She elbowed him. “And I’m not responsible for this situation…”

“It’ll be interesting to watch how it unfolds…”

“Indeed.” Annabelle slung her arms around Hamid and Elizabeth’s shoulders. “And you know what could make it even more interesting?” she asked, but it was simply rhetoric. “Drinking games!”

“I love drinking games!” Theresa and Briar cheered from their places at the sofa, and Annabelle couldn’t be more pleased with herself.

“Correction,” Hamid glanced at her with a sly smile, “you’re the devious one.”

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

Notes:

[1] canım benim – Turkish expression equivalent to “my dear/my darling” and meaning literally “my soul”.

#desire and decorum fanfic #desire and decorum modern au!#prince hamid #prince hamid x oc #oc: elizabeth foredale #briar daly #edmund marlcaster #edmund marlcaster x briar daly #theresa sutton #annabelle parsons #luke harper #vincent foredale #second chances series #choicesjanuary23 #choicesjanuary2023

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playchoicesconfessions · 2 years

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Sent by @calcifersbutt

'I will NEVER forgive the crusty old granny from Desire and Decorum for setting us up with that creep Duke Richards. And I’m furious with PB that in order to play the story correctly we are expected to be nice to him. Idc idc, I’m picking the meanest options and bullying him for the entire book.'

POSTS/CONFESSIONS DO NOT REFLECT MOD'S PERSONAL OPINIONS!

#dominique foredale #tristan richards #desire & decorum #desire and decorum #choices desire and decorum #choices d&d #playchoices #choices stories you play #confessions #mod kamie

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squid-princess-teach-swallow · 2 years

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Yep a smart match, totally not a love match lol 😅

But fr tho, I'm half-sure that I chose the "I could never marry him" option in my first playthrough 🥲 because ngl, I wasn't particularly fond of Ernest in the beginning; took me some time to warm up to him. But after that I absolutely fell in love with him ❤️

#edgewaterbookclub #choices stories you play #choices #playchoices #choicesgame #choices stories you play fandom #choices desire and decorum #choices d&d #d&d #desire & decorum #desire and decorum #dominique foredale #d&d mc #mc: emma spencer

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lorirwritesfanfic · 3 years

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Minefields And Battle Scars - Part 2

Author's note: Leading characters are owned by Pixelberry Studios and original characters are creations of the author. Book: Desire & Decorum (modern day AU) Pairing: Prince Hamid x MC (Daphne) Rating: T Word count: 4833 Reading time: ~19min Summary: Daphne’s visit to the queen will bring changes she can’t foresee.

Istanbul, January 7th 2019

Daphne finished arranging tempura, sashimis, tofu and donburi on the tray when Hamid's laughter echoed through the walls. After a moment of frustration during the visit to his orthopedist, to hear him laughing was a relief. It was rare to see him so upset and she didn't realise until then how much his sadness could affect her. But hopefully, good food and wholesome entertainment would help cheer him up.

Taking the plates to the lounge, she grinned at the sight of him still laughing at a scene of a series recommended by Malak. "You watched the scene with Ceycey hiding behind the plant, didn't you?"

"It was the dumbest scene I've ever watched, but it's so good," he replied, taking his time to catch his breath.

"Malak was so right. This series is addictive."

"Don't tell her that or she'll flood your phone with gifs and gossip about the actors and the series."

"Noted." The lady beamed and placed down the tray on the coffee table as she sat on the sofa.

Hamid glanced at the dishes with a curious look. "I thought you wanted to try islak burgers¹."

"Yes, but I saw the look in your eyes when we passed by your favorite Japanese restaurant here after we left Dr. Delin's office and I ordered our lunch from there. Now I understand why you wanted it."

"That's the best Japanese restaurant here. Their dishes remind me of my trip to Kyoto after I graduated at Bahcesehir²." His lips curled upwards softly. "I had already been accepted in Cambridge, but I wanted to spend summer away from everyone and go somewhere unknown. I wanted to have time to see the city and enjoy every new thing I learned there." A wistful look crossed his features.

"Seems like I made the right choice for lunch then," she added, placing her hand atop his.

"You did." A wider grin spread on his lips. "I would've been perfectly content with a kiss and a hug from my girlfriend, but I'm not complaining..."

"Is that so?" Daphne smirked, leaning in to kiss his cheek.

Cupping her face, he kissed her forehead, the tip of her nose and her lips. "Thank you for this. I promise one day we'll have lunch in Kyoto and stroll around the city."

"I'll hold you to that. Now then, let's dig in."

"Great idea."

The couple sat on the carpet and arranged the coffee table to have their lunch. Between bites and a conversation that flowed easily, the sound of something falling called their attention. Looking from the corner of an eye, Daphne grimaced as she spotted her mobile on the floor, screen facing down the floor while Hamid's cat jumped from the sideboard to play with it.

"Allah, allah..." He narrowed his eyes at the cat then looked at his girlfriend. "I'm sorry, aşkım."

"It's fine..." she gave her shoulders, trying not to look annoyed. "I wanted a new phone anyway..."

"Didn't you buy that one two months ago?"

"I did?" She forced a smile.

"Daphne, I'm not going to be mad if you're upset about it. I know Maya can be a handful sometimes."

"I'm not going to make a fuss about it. Maya is just a tiny kitten with a lot of energy. Many baby animals go through this phase."

"Are you sure it's fine?"

"It's just a phone. It's easily replaceable. Drake was way worse when his teeth were growing. Do you have any idea of how many shoes and bags he ruined until I found a good dog trainer?"

The two of them chuckled.

Hamid reached for her hand and lifted to his lips to kiss it. "Let's finish eating. We'll check on the damage later and purchase a new phone if you want."

As soon as they continued to eat, Daphne's phone buzzed again.

"Seems like it survived the fall," Hamid commented.

"That's a good sign," she added and continued to eat.

The phone buzzed again. Maya jumped back, puffing up her fur and hissing at the phone.

"Aren't you going to pick it up?"

"And bleed until next week when her sharp claws and teeth sink into my skin? No, thank you."

"She's not that aggressive..." He scoffed.

"Easy for you to say, babağim³," she retorted.

He chortled. "Fine... I got it." With one arm, Hamid reached for a food container and grabbed a cat treat. Before he called Maya, she was already sitting beside him with her big pleading yellow eyes waiting for the snack she was going to get.

Whilst her boyfriend distracted the car with a treat, Daphne picked up her phone from the floor and smiled at the sight of the barely scratched screen. She then proceeded to open the messages she received and made a face.

"How bad does it look?"

"Well, my phone is fine. But my grandmother sent me her suggestions of outfits for me and I don't know what to make of them."

"Didn't you say you two have similar preferences in fashion?"

"We usually do. But not today..." she said, handing him her phone and grinned as he twisted his nose at the outfit.

"Is she suggesting you wear an outfit I can only imagine Queen Elizabeth wearing because of last week's gossip about you?" He arched an eyebrow.

"I'm afraid so..."

"But It wasn't that bad. You didn't hit anyone with a tennis ball or ended up in jail this time," he teased.

"What happened to Theresa was an accident! And that guy who tried to grope me had it coming." Her lips twisted in a scowl.

"I know..." He chuckled. "All I'm saying is we can barely call what happened last week a scandal."

"There's no reason why she should bother with this. It's not like I'm going to be countess." Daphne gave her shoulders and began to poke the food on her plate.

"I suppose you're right." Hamid studied her face. "You mentioned you only agreed to attend this meeting with the queen to please your grandmother. But I was wondering if this truly the only way you can make amends with Lady Dominique."

"It's the most effective one."

"I'm still failing to understand how it'd help. I hardly believe you would wish to settle your differences with your grandmother in front of the queen."

The lady glanced at him and looked down at her food again.

"Daphne, why did you agree to this meeting?"

"Because grandmother is right. The queen is an example of a powerful woman with many years of experience. She faced wars, unsuccessful alliances, and unscrupulous people. Maybe I could learn something with her."

"Hm..." He placed his elbow on the table and supported his chin with one hand. "A diplomatic and vague answer that would work so well with other people. Smart..."

The lady frowned and moved closer to him. "How do you do that?"

"It takes a charmer to know other," he replied, wrapping an arm around her waist.

Daphne snorted, but soon her brows knitted together in a frown. "I don't think I was born to be a politician. But my grandmother and he had faith in me that I started to believe it."

"Do you regret sending the letter to the queen?"

"A little..." She sighed. "But it was for the best."

"To whom?"

The lady pulled away from her boyfriend and narrowed her eyes. "Hamid, you've worked with my father. You know the members of the Parliament. Do you honestly think any of them wouldn't belittle me?"

"No. But I also think you're not the kind of person who walks in and out of any place without leaving your mark. Do you have any idea of the impact you could cause there? How much hope you could bring not just for your family, but to the Asian community, immigrants in general, women, artists?"

Staring wide eyed at Hamid, she slowly tried to process what he said.

"You don't have to become a politician if you don't want to. But you have a power, a voice that shouldn't be silenced by anyone. Don't forget it."

Still unsure of what to say, Daphne simply stared blankly at him.

Certain she would take his words under careful consideration, Hamid smiled proudly. "I see the idea still demands some time to be absorbed, but in the meantime, how about we finish our lunch?"

Daphne nodded, but remained quiet, still lost in deep thought when a large hand holding chopsticks captured the last of her salmon nigiri. "Hey!" She scowled.

"You snooze, you lose," he winked.

"Oh, you're going to regret that, Osmanoğlu," She threatened, using her chopsticks to steal all the tuna sashimis. And just like that, the couple began a playful chopsticks fight that ended up into feeding each other until all the food was over.

County of Edgewater, three days later

Daphne placed one last pin between her dark strands of hair, finishing her low braided bun. Checking her hair to see everything else in place, she applied a dry hair spray when she heard a knock.

"Daphne?" The earl called.

"Come in, dad!" She answered, smiling as he walked holding a small box in his hand.

"You look as stunning as ever, my dear."

"Here you go, sweetheart."

She grabbed the box and opened it. Her eyes landed on her family heirloom, a sapphire and gold brooch with Edgewater crest engraved in the blue gemstone. "It's so regal..." She said, admiring the details of the accessory.

"Did I tell you it belonged to one of your namesakes?"

"Which one? But don't tell me this belonged to Stormholt or Cordonian queens because I won't believe it. I'm not twelve anymore, dad."

"I may have stretched the truth a little, my stories were good, weren't they?"

"Yes." She pursed her lips, but still smiled.

"Thank you." Vincent chuckled. "This one is from my father's side of the family."

"So no queens flying on blue dragons or crown shields with magical powers."

"No. Even though Cornodians are extra careful with their most prized possessions, I highly doubt they still have crown jewels from the late Middle Ages when the kingdom was still divided in five distinct lands. This brooch belonged to Countess Daphne Foredale of Edgewater."

"There was a Countess Daphne Foredale before?"

"Yes, during the Regency period."

Curiosity sparkled within her eyes. "How was she?"

"She was smart, beautiful, polite, just and very popular among gentry folk."

"She sounds fascinating." Daphne said, eyes glancing at her accessories and choosing the necklace her boyfriend gave her.

"She was." He smiled to himself watching his daughter's fingers open the locket for a moment before closing it and putting on the necklace.

"I don't remember seeing her portrait on the wall of our ancestors."

"She didn't rule Edgewater for long."

"Oh?"

"I can tell you her story later. Now then, how are you feeling, my dear?" He asked, taking a seat on the chair nearby.

"Like I can't wait for this brunch to be over." She grimaced.

"You've met the queen before. There's nothing to worry about."

"But it's been over a year since the last time I met her. A lot has happened since then. What if she looks down on me?" Daphne frowned.

"Well, Her Majesty can be a judgemental woman just like everyone else. The royal family has never been a model of decorum within closed doors. But in my humble opinion, everyone deserves respect. And you, my dear." The earl reached for his daughter's hand and squeezed it gently. "You're the most honourable young lady in UK and she’d be a fool to misjudge you."

"Honourable enough to still become a countess?"

"Is it what you want, Daphne?"

"I'm not sure. But I've been thinking about it..." She looked down, fiddling with the hem of her dress.

"I don't know about the queen's opinion, but if it's only up to me and if it's what you want, you'll be the second Countess Daphne Foredale. And I'll make sure your portrait will stay on the wall of our ancestors for many years."

"But what about Eddie and Harry?"

"What about them?" He joked.

"Daaad..." She whined.

"Nothing is set in stone, my dear. I'm still alive and well and I hope to have many years ahead of me. Which gives me plenty of time to decide between them if my first choice maintains her decision."

A thin line took shape between her eyebrows as Daphne looked down at her hands.

"I'm not pressuring you, sweetheart. All I want is for you to be happy whether you wish to follow my footsteps or not," he said, placing the brooch on her vanity dresser.

Her eyes landed on the brooch and mixed feelings rose inside her. Was she ready to be back in another minefield again? "I know..."

"Take your time. Whenever you have a definite answer, I'll be here."

"Thank you."

"You're most welcome, my dear." The earl kissed the top of her head and left the room.

Daphne picked up the brooch and pressed it against her chest to figure out where it would go. For a moment she wondered what it would mean to her grandmother and the queen if she wore a family heirloom.

The arrival of the Foredale ladies to Buckingham palace didn't go unnoticed by the paparazzi. To respect the distance stipulated by the court to avoid lawsuits, they only took pictures of her whenever she was close to the Queen. Much to their delight, she was constantly close to Queen Elizabeth walking through the gardens with her pug. They even managed to snap two or three pictures of her Royal Majesty smiling at the viscountess's dog. The moment they walked inside the palace, things were bound to change.

"Thank you." Daphne smiled at a servant who gave Drake a bowl with treats.

"You have a very well behaved dog for a pug. His breed isn't known for its obedience." The queen pointed out.

"Oh, I know. His trainer did wonders. Hopefully, he will continue to behave now that I'm taking him with me to the States."

The queen nodded as her eyes eventually darted to the brooch with Edgewater crest. "I assume your grandmother didn't leave us here to get a recipe with my personal chef for nothing."

"You're correct, ma'am. Lady grandmother always has a strategy."

"What is it that you want to talk about, Lady Foredale?"

Daphne shifted on her seat in discomfort and cleared her throat. "Ma'am, you became sovereign in your late twenties, you were many times the only female politician in a room full of men who think they know it all. How do you handle criticism?"

The queen placed her teacup back on the coffee table and began to speak. "Criticism is part of existing in human society. One cannot expect to please everybody and it was never my job to do so. I do hear what others have to say, but I can't allow it to cloud my judgement. My duty to this country, to the Commonwealth comes before everything else."

"I see." Daphne replied with a grim smile.

"Do you regret your decision of stepping down from public activities as a noblewoman?"

The young lady averted her gaze as she searched for the right words.

"It's a simple answer, Lady Foredale." The queen affirmed, taking the opportunity to scrutinize the viscountess.

"It seems easy to say yes or no. But each answer comes with consequences that will affect not just me or my family. I can't forget the people whose lives might be affected by this choice."

As she glanced at the queen, she noticed something different about how the sovereign looked at her.

"I wasn't raised among nobility, as you must know. When I came to the UK to live with my father, I didn't know he wanted to pass his title to me. I thought he'd give it to Harry. He was the obvious choice. But he told me he saw something in me that made him believe I look after the County of Edgewater. After a while, I started to believe it too."

"Did you stop believing it after the succession of scandals you were involved in?"

"No."

The queen's forehead creased in surprise.

"I never stopped believing it, ma'am. I was just..." Daphne took a moment to choose her words. "I was mentally or emotionally exhausted at the time I wrote you that letter. I thought it was the right decision for me, for my family's legacy, for Edgewater."

"May I ask what caused that change of heart?"

"I was discussing the purpose of this meeting with someone very dear to me and he reminded me of all the reasons I started to believe I could do it. Even if my voice feels little at times because of my humble origins, my gender, my race or what I did in the past, I still can make an impact if I'm there."

"Yet the life you have now in another country, away from the scrutiny of paparazzi and gossip feels safe, does it?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Lady Foredale, you've always had my approval. I wouldn't have wasted my time attending a ceremony to bestow you a courtesy title if I didn't."

Daphne stared at the queen in shock. "You wouldn't?! I thought you attended the ceremony because of your friendship with Lady grandmother. Or because King Liam was there."

"Please... I could've simply sent somebody in place to give you the title of viscountess." The queen waved her hand dismissively. "I have to admit your family connections do give an advantage. But as you reminded me, you were born with noble blood, but weren't raised to be one. What you accomplished in so little time was remarkable. And my opinion didn't change. If you do wish to take your place as the rightful heir, I won't oppose."

Daphne nodded, doing her best to wrap her mind about it. "I can't say I was expecting that."

"I can see that," The queen said as a ghost of a smile played on her lips. "But take your time to think about it. After all, you were right. This is a decision that comes with consequences that will affect more than just you or your family."

"Thank you, ma'am."

Just then, the door flew open and Lady Dominique walked in folding a piece of paper.

"Forgive me for my absence, Your Majesty. I saw the chef preparing biscuits and I had to stay and watch his marvelous work." Dominique said, taking a seat next to her granddaughter. "I hope the conversation you two were having was pleasant."

"Yes, Lady Dominique. It was." The queen answered as she poured herself more tea.

Glancing at her granddaughter, Lady Dominique gave Daphne a discreet nod and a smile in approval.

Daphne, however, wasn't sure what to make of it. All she knew was that regardless of her choice, that informal meeting would change everything.

"Thank you, Carmindy." Daphne smiled as she gave her coat to her maid and took a seat by her vanity dresser.

"Should I take Drake for a walk by the lake, ma'am?" The maid asked.

"No, it's fine. He had a walk at the palace. I don't want to tire him out."

"Of course." Carmindy then proceeded to organise Daphne's belongings. "Ms. Daly, Ms. Parsons and Mr. Osmanoğlu called while you were in London. They seemed excited about the pictures."

"Pictures?" Daphne held her makeup remover cloth midair and glanced at her maid.

"Yes. The ones posted on the tabloids with the Queen."

Things did start changing."Um... Okay. I guess..." Daphne said and continued to remove her makeup. "Did they say anything else?"

"They're all waiting for you to return the calls. Ms. Daly said you should make a conference call to her and Ms. Parsons first."

"Please tell me she didn't justify it with 'chicks before dicks'." She made a face.

"You asked me not to hide things from you, ma'am." Carmindy fought back a smile.

"Oh, Briar..." Daphne sighed, shaking her head.

"Mr. Osmanoğlu said he knew Ms. Daly would use that excuse and he insisted you should call him first because he has boyfriend privileges and, unlike your friends, he isn't a twenty minutes drive away from you. Also, he said he misses you the most."

Daphne couldn't help but giggle as she stood up. "Thank you, Carmindy. I'll send them a message and call later. Right now, we have to finish packing."

The maid gave her a polite nod. "As you wish, ma'am."

On the opposite side of Edgewater estate, Henrietta glanced out the window, frantically bouncing her left foot as she waited for more details about the visit to the Queen. It was obvious that Daphne didn't simply accompany Lady Dominique on a informal brunch. The Dowager countess and the Queen were old friends and Daphne has always been her favourite grandchild. But above all else, Dominique was a great strategist who wouldn't simply accept defeat.

"Finally!" She exclaimed as Theresa walked into the room.

"Sorry, ma'am. It wasn't easy to hear Lady Dominique's conversation with Lord Vincent. The staff is constantly watching us."

Henrietta's lips twisted in a scowl. The staff in Edgewater hasn't been cooperative with her ever since Daphne's former maid was fired because of her involvement with the scandal. Although no one outside the family knew for sure, most people believed it was the countess's doing, the only member of the Foredales who never had a good relationship with the young viscountess. "What did you find out?"

"As far I know, Daphne hasn’t decided yet," Theresa explained as she sat down. "Lady Dominique said Daphne has the Queen's approval to return to her activities as a noblewoman, but she said Daphne should think about it."

"Did they say why?"

"The earl thinks she is conflicted. It can be about her not wanting to jeopardize her relationship with Harry and Edmund, but he's also not sure she wants to be in the spotlight again."

"Hmm... I guess I underestimated the potential of her bond with my sons..." Henrietta seemed lost in thought for a moment, then spoke again. "What did you hear from Daphne's bedroom?"

"Nothing special. Just that her friends saw the pictures in the tabloids and they wanted to know what happened. She didn't give any details to Carmindy though."

"Of course she didn't. She's not stupid. She no longer fully trusts any of the servants." Henrietta stood up and paced around. "Anything else?"

"No. She's just packing her stuff with Carmindy to travel back to the States."

"I still have to keep an eye on her then. I can't have her changing her mind about it after all I did to give back to my sons what had always been theirs." Henrietta turned to Theresa. "Are your bags packed?"

"No, ma'am. I thought—"

"You thought?!" Henrietta pinched the bridge of her nose and inhaled sharply before she glared at the young woman. "I did not use my connections and made you look vaguely smart to the Dean for you to stay here and do nothing! You'll go back tomorrow in the same flight Daphne will leave."

"But ma'am, Eddie and I—"

"Why are you still questioning me? Go!" Henrietta hissed, pointing to the door.

"Yes, ma'am." Theresa then stood up and quietly left the room.

"Argh!!!" Felicity threw a glass against the wall, making the hair stylist blow drying her long sandy blond hair flinch in response.

"Miss Holloway, please, be calm," begged a servant taking the tablet away from her view.

"Calm?! How can you expect me to be calm when my fiancé dismissed me as if I was nothing?!" She yelled.

"Mr. Sinclaire warned you this would be a busy week for him, miss. And you did tell him that the dinner meeting you went to last night was one of the most boring dinners of your life. Maybe he just doesn't want you to be bored," the servant tried to reason.

"I don't care! He's my fiancé!" Felicity spat. "If I'm not there, people will talk!"

"And given what the tabloids said about Daphne and him..." Donna implied, looking at her friend from the corner of an eye as her finger tapped the phone screen idly.

"Call him again!" Felicity ordered.

The servant pressed a number, put the call on speaker and waited only for them to hear his voice message.

"Miss, Mr. Sinclaire doesn—'"

"I know! I'm not deaf! Keep calling him!" She yelled and closed her eyes, trying to control her anger. "Distract me, Donna. Tell me the hottest gossip on the tabloids today."

Donna looked down at her phone then glanced at her friend as if scared of her reaction.

"What?" Felicity glared at her minion.

"I don't think you want to know about it..."

"Why? What's trending?"

"Um..." Donna scratched the back of her head.

"Oh, for the love of god, just give me that!" She hissed, snatching the mobile away from Donna's hand.

As she read the news on the most popular tabloid of the UK, she scowled. On the main page, a large picture of Daphne with her grandmother and Queen Elizabeth was displayed with the headline 'Back In The Queen's Good Graces'. Inside the post, more pictures showed the viscountess walking beside the queen while they strolled in the lawn with their dogs and even a picture of the queen smiling. On social media, there were several pictures of Daphne's hairstyle, outfit and even makeup tutorials to copy her look.

"Why the hell are there pictures of that loser all over the internet?!" She growled.

"Well, Stella McCartney did post a picture on pictogram where she was adjusting the coat made exclusively for Daphne and Queen Elizabeth was smiling..." Donna tried to explain only to earn a glare from her friend.

"She can't become relevant again. She can't," she mumbled, throwing the phone back to Donna. "Where is Theresa? Did she find anything at the Foredales'?"

"Nothing important. The countess thinks Daphne is trying to become the heir again but right now it's mere speculation."

"After the queen had clearly regretted giving that bastard a title?!"

"Actually, that's a rumor. Daphne is the one who sent a letter to the queen in October asking to step down," Donna corrected.

"It was a rhetorical question, you git⁴." Felicity hissed, shooting daggers at her minion. "What about that gossip blog in Turkey?'

"Nobody knows a thing about Daphne and Hamid."

"Excuse me?! What about the tips we sent?"

"The owner of the blog said there's no real proof they're together and he wasted his time sending that post about Ernest and Daphne to Hamid."

"Excuse me?!"

"Felicity, we can't say he's wrong. If you think about it, Hamid and Daphne are very discreet. They're rarely seen without their friends, they don't go out much, their interactions on social media are friendly and they have never been caught on PDA. They only kissed in public once, but no one has any evidence that ever happened. As far as everybody knows, they're just friends." Donna shrugged.

"What?!" Felicity's head snapped to the side to look at her friend. "But she was in Istanbul with him. Twice!"

"But there's no real evidence. No pictures, no one has seen them together since they flew back to Europe during winter break. Because of her restraining order against the paparazzi, that picture of her at the train station was taken down the next day and no one in Turkey knows who she is. And that means there's no reason why anyone in Turkey would take a picture of her there."

Felicity's brows furrowed in confusion.

"I know, right?" Donna gave her friend a knowing look.

"There's something really strange about all of this. And I won’t rest until I figure it out," she said glaring at the pictures on her phone screen.

____

¹ "Wet burger": burger made with ground beef, garlic and buttery tomato sauce.

² University in Istanbul

³ Dear daddy

⁴ British slur for moron

#choices fanfic #desire and decorum fanfic #prince hamid #hamid x mc #dominique foredale #vincent foredale #lorirwritesfanfic #lorircreates #desire & decorum modern day au #meant to be au

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choicesjanuarychallenge2021 · 3 years

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day eleven: dancing

❄️January Prompt List ☃️

❄️Desire and Decorum☃️

Dancing is, in a way, like a sword fight by @princess-geek

❄️Red Carpet Diaries / Hollywood U☃️

Alex and Thomas Hunt Sketch by @theartoflovingthomashunt

#choices january challenge 2021 #choices monthly challenge #day eleven #dancing #desire and decorum #dominique foredale #beatrice foredale #vincent foredale #red carper diaries #rcd #hollywood u #thomas hunt x mc #thomas hunt rcd #thomas hunt hwu #choices fanfiction #choices fanart

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crazy-loca-blog · 5 years

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Personal thoughts on Desire & Decorum, Book 3, Ch. 2

Note: As the title says, these are just personal opinions on Choices books and chapters. Of course, you may agree or disagree with them, I only use this platform to express my thoughts on what I read every week and what I’d like to see in the next chapters, because none of my friends play Choices so I have no one to comment the books with.

This time, I’d like to make a complaint. Can PB please give Mr. Sinclair a break? Please… stop! It’s way too much!

I still remember when the very first book was released and A LOT of people complained about him being rude to our MC (luckily, I wasn’t one of those people). I wonder if those people have changed their minds after all we’ve seen of him throughout this series, because it doesn’t matter if he’s your LI or not… I think most of us agree that Ernest Sinclaire is one of the characters that has suffered the most in the Choices universe. Not even my beloved Ethan Ramsey has gone through so much as Ernest Sinclaire. So he deserves nothing but LOVE at this point.

Just as a refreshing: he was married… his wife cheated on him with Duke Richards… she got pregnant and Duke Richards dumped her… Ernest accepted her back even when she was pregnant with a baby that wasn’t his… she died during labor (it is assumed the baby died as well). Afterwards, Duke Richards dared to spread rumors about Ernest and his relationships with prostitutes… which in the end turned to be nothing but Mr. Sinclaire taking care of these women and their children. If you’re dating him, not only he misses a chance to marry you because you end up engaged to Duke Richards, he literally took a bullet for you and he has to romance you secretly for a whole book (even though this applies to all LIs). And now Ledford Park (and all his family memories) has been destroyed? Stop… just stop…

I know it’s been only two chapters, but I can already tell I’m loving our MC’s attitude. In my case, she’s engaged to Ernest, so the fact that she was able to be the strong person in the relationship while letting him to be vulnerable after the loss of his house was simply beautiful, because that’s how a team should work… that’s how real couples face problems. But there’s no way the fire was an accident. I’m pretty sure that someone was looking for something at Mr. Sinclaire’s studio and then for some reason they burned the place. And if this place is all about saving memories, I’m pretty sure it must be something important about the Sinclaire’s family past. Maybe that unexpected person that will appear in the story (I mentioned it in the first chapter’s post and now it appears in Chapter 3 summary) is somehow related to it?

Besides Ernest’s issues, our MC has her own load of problems to face. Not only we have to plan a wedding (take some notes Red Carpet Diaries team! That’s how you plan a wedding, with your fiancé right next to you!). We also have to keep dealing with Countess Henrietta (seriously, shipping Mr. Marlcaster and Briar was worth every single diamond if that means that Briar is sitting at the table with me and that Countess Henrietta is annoyed the hell out of her!) and Harry. It’s no secret that Henrietta has probably told him lots and lots of fake things about us already, but I wonder if Harry did some research by himself before returning home. Otherwise, I wouldn’t worry about him making misconceptions. Not only we’re earning relationship points so that means that he’ll become an ally just like Mr. Marlcaster did in the past, but also we have Lady Grandmother’s support (and she knows the MC’s story is real because she was a part of it). And I honestly couldn’t care less about Edgewater… you can take it after my MC gets married, it’s all yours, Harry!

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korgbelmont · 3 years

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Now Added: Dominique Foredale

Dominique Foredale has now been added to the Transparents folder

#choices character transparents #choices transparents #desire and decorum #dominique foredale

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sapphoschoices · 6 months

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Desire & Decorum MC: Bridgette Lawrence

Character Info

Full Name: Bridgette Lawrence

Pronouns: She/Her

Age: 20yo

Height: 5'6"

Ethnicity: Mixed race, African/Caucasian

Orientation: Lesbian

Occupation: Countess of Edgewater

Family: Dominique Foredale (Grandmother), Harry Foredale, Edmund Marlcaster (Brothers), Theresa Sutton, Briar Marlcaster (Sisters-in-law), Bartholomew Chambers (Legal husband), Annabelle Parsons (Not legal wife)

Pets: Hero (Horse), Beauty (Pug), Poppy (Deer)

Love Interest: Annabelle Parsons

Birthday: November 2nd 1795

Hobbies/Skills: Singing, Pianoforte, Horse riding, Embroidery, Dancing, Poetry, Painting

Personality: Forgiving, Family Orientated, Outspoken

#mc: bridgette lawrence

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missameliep · 2 years

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SECOND CHANCES - CHAPTER TWENTY TWO: A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT

Book: Desire and Decorum – Modern AU

Rating: G

Word count: ~7K (huge, i know)

Summary: The weekend at Edgewater reserves many surprises to Elizabeth and her friends, and might turn out to be just what some of them need to speak up about their feelings...

Characters: Elizabeth Foredale (OC); Briar Daly; Edmund Marlcaster, Annabelle Parsons; Prince Hamid; Luke Harper; Dominique Foredale; Vincent Foredale; Mr. Sinclaire.

Notes:

* All characters belong to Pixelberry, except OC.

* I want to thank @princess-geek for being my beta in this chapter and her support to my writing. You're a treasure, my friend! 💝

* This is my awfully late submission to @choicesjanuarychallenge2022: Day 12. stairs

Smiling, Elizabeth sings along in the chorus of another pop song from the playlist she created with Briar and Annabelle, looking out of the window, the countryside slips by. Villages with ancient stone houses come into sight for a moment, disappearing in the next. The further they went North, the less traffic ahead. London has given space to greened hills that were now covered by the blanket of darkness. Though, even before the nightfall, the dark and heavy clouds hanging above barely let any sunlight through.

The weather forecast predicts rain for the weekend; however, this predicament did not reduce Elizabeth’s enthusiasm to see Edgewater, nor her friends’, who are looking forward to spending fun days together.

The car swivels to the left, taking a secondary road. Behind the wheel, Edmund Marlcaster relaxes. The closest red lights flicker many meters away and disappear after the curve. Adjusting the rear-view mirror, he takes a good look at Briar, who was doing a little dance.

“I love that song!” Briar chanted from the backseat.

When another pop song started playing on the radio, she and Elizabeth singalong, ignoring Edmund’s visible annoyance after he pleads to play something else.

“No,” they both reply in chorus, and laugh. However, despite the failed attempt to change the playlist, he smiles softly when his gaze meets Briar’s.

“How long till we get to Edgewater?” Briar asked, trying to keep his attention a moment longer.

“We’re halfway now.”

Elizabeth takes the mobile from her bag and checks the messages.

“Hamid says they are on their way,” Elizabeth announced, and her attention was absorbed by the mobile while she typed the response; meanwhile, Edmund’s eyes found Briar's again on the rear-view mirror. She offered him one of her most flirtatious smiles and a wink, causing him to flush bright red.

“So… Edmund, is your fiancée joining us?”

Edmund coughed a few times, and Elizabeth cast a side glance at him. Clearing his throat, he managed to find his voice.

“No, Theresa is staying at London during the break.”

Averting her eyes, Briar hummed to herself, and a smile curled her lips.

“Doesn’t she mind you going to Edgewater without her?”

“She has her own plans with –” Edmund paused, searching for the appropriate word to not speak ill about the vipers that are Felicity Holloway and Donna Bowman. “Friends. She’ll spend most of her time occupied helping Felicity with her party. By the way, Theresa mentioned your name was on the list, Eliza… Are you going to the party?”

“Absolutely not! I already RSVP’d my ‘no’.”

“Oh,” he sighed, without looking away from the road, “I was hoping you'd keep me company…”

“Sorry. I really need my Felicity free time.”

“I envy you!” he muttered.

“There will be plenty of people to keep you company… Even Hamid is going.”

“You’re letting him?” Briar howled her question from the backseat, startling the other two.

Turning around on her seat to face her, Elizabeth asked, “What do you mean I’m letting him? Briar, he’s a grown man who can go wherever he likes...”

Her words were received with a dramatic eye roll and a disapproving slowly shake of head.

“Unbelievable!”

“Hamid is thrilled to wear his zombie costume... and I’ll help with the makeup.”

“Have you ever heard about that party and what goes on there, Lizzy? There will be a throng of gorgeous girls on the pull and a geezer man like Hamid all by himself...” Briar trailed off, casting a knowing look at her friend. “You know what can happen, right?”

“Well... it’s up to him.”

“Won’t you mind if he meets someone?” Briar insisted, “What if he starts dating? What if he falls in love?”

Elizabeth swallowed the lump on her throat and looked outside. “What if he already did?”

“Oh, my God! Are you talking about yourself? Did he say he love you?”

“What? No; why would he?”

“Must I state the obvious?”

“We’re friends.”

“You’re more than that! You’re more like a real couple than some couples I know.” Briar scoffed, crossing her arms.

“Briar, please,” – Elizabeth turned around again, facing the passenger seat’s window – “I don’t feel like having that conversation again…”

“But, Lizzy, only the truth will set you free!” The seat belt snapped, pulling Briar back when she tried to lunge forward and approach Elizabeth. “You must acknowledge your feelings and speak up! You love him!”

Elizabeth’s head snapped back to face the other. The word love was definitely a stretch, but Briar has no parsimony in using that verb, especially when referring to her relationship with Hamid. Whenever she does, Elizabeth scowls in the most unladylike way imaginable. She does not love Hamid. How could she? They barely know each other. That’s not how this love thing works. Hamid is someone dear to her, someone she cares about and wants to have close. But love? No, she is not in love, but it’s futile to argue with someone who does not listen to reason.

“I beg you stop this nonsense once Hamid gets there,” Elizabeth said softly with pleading eyes, “I don’t want things getting awkward... He told me he likes someone and wanted –”

“What?” Briar cried, eyes open wide and eyebrows shooting up and disappearing underneath the black bangs; the car swivelled slightly with Edmund’s reaction to the high-pitched noise, and Briar apologised.

Even Edmund, who abstained himself from joining the conversation this far, looked gobsmacked. “He actually told you that, Eliza?”

“Yeah. Last time we met… He asked me advice on the matter… Why would he do that unless we are only friends?”

“That’s impossible!” Briar exclaimed, “What were his words exactly?”

Burying herself further into the seat, she rested her hands on her lap, and reminisced for a moment. “Suffice to say he asked me advice on how to talk to this woman, because he gets speechless around her.”

“Speechless? Hamid?” Briar snorted. “Are we talking about the same guy who never shuts up?”

Edmund cast a sideway glance at his stepsister. “This woman must be really extraordinary to leave someone as eloquent as Hamid tongue-tied.”

“Probably. And I’m not ready to hear about her. Or them. I need time to process this and whatever it means to our friendship... so please, let us all have a quiet weekend.”

“I cannot promise quiet. I cannot promise I won’t try to set you two up either. Or lock you in a room together. With only one bed and –”

“Briar!” Elizabeth squealed, and Edmund snorted with laughter.

“You are my friend, Lizzy. I will not lie to you.”

“Welcome to Edgewater,” Edmund announced when the manor comes unmistakably into sight after a curve, the façade illuminated by a soft yellow glow, and recited the same words one can read in the brochures about the estate. Elizabeth knows it is a show for Briar, however, her very own heart races at the sight.

“Quite impressive,” Briar sighs, nose a hairsbreadth to the window. “Can you imagine all the secret romances, intrigues and betrayals that have happened there over the years?”

Elizabeth and Edmund shared a knowing look. “Yes, we can.”

After crossing the gate, the car followed the path through a manicured lawn with statues illuminated by yellowish lights. Everything looks so quiet, but Elizabeth knows how deceiving that is. Similar to other manor’s this size, Edgewater has an army of employees working from dawn to dusk and beyond; and depending on who is staying at the house, gossip is served 24/7.

When they pulled over, members of the staff were already waiting. While one took their luggage, another guided the trio inside, where Lady Dominique waited to offer a proper welcome. No sign of the countess, despite the news she would be staying at the manor until the end of the following week. Maybe she was avoiding Elizabeth, and she would not complain if she did this the entire weekend.

“Where’s the wicked witch?” Briar whispered into Elizabeth’s ear, acknowledging the absence too.

Holding a chuckle, she forced a polite smile to greet her grandmother.

After the proper greetings, Lady Dominique asked about the rest of the party, and Elizabeth explained they were coming with Annabelle.

“Annabelle is such a talented young lady. Did she tell you how she used to come here often and play the piano for us?” Elizabeth nodded, and Lady Dominique smiled wistfully. “It will be delightful to have her here again.” After a pause, certainly reminiscing about her grandson Harry, the woman collected herself, and her gaze focused on the present.

“Now, you should go upstairs and get ready. Flora is waiting for you, and I asked Joanne to assist Miss Daly. I will guarantee the others are welcomed and escorted to their respective rooms.”

With a polite smile, Elizabeth thanked her grandmother. Despite her disagreements, she admires the way she manages to run things at the house so smoothly. There is usually not a situation unforeseen. The moment she learned about the plans to the weekend, she was extremely zealous and helpful; even if Elizabeth suspects it is another attempt to earn her forgiveness after the incident with Felicity, she thanks her again for everything.

Accompanying the trio out of the parlour, Lady Dominique was amused by Briar’s wonder.

“This is all so fancy! It looks like a museum. But in a good way, of course.”

Lady Dominique expressed her gratitude, without hiding the pride in being the major responsible for the current decoration and pointed at some esteemed items. After speaking to one of the employees, Lady Dominique proceeded to tell them about the accommodations, and soon Elizabeth, Edmund and Briar were on their way to the stairs.

“I thought we were all staying together in one giant room, and have a big slumber party.”

“Maybe some other time.” Elizabeth smiled.

“Don’t ever expect Lady Dominique to allow single young ladies to share accommodations with male guests, unless they are in some sort of extremely official commitment,” Edmund explained, following her dangerously close upstairs, delighting on the sweet smell of her shampoo.

“I have a feeling my mother would get along well with Lady Dominique…” Briar snorted.

“Briar, your room is in the family wing, next to mine,” Elizabeth said when they reached the second floor. “Annabelle’s too.”

The news she would have a room for herself and a bathtub in the en-suite made Briar squeal, and both Edmund and Elizabeth were amused by her reaction.

When the door from Elizabeth’s room closed, Briar mused for a second, biting on her lower lip. Lingering by the door of the assigned room, she looked over her shoulder at Edmund who was debating with himself on what to do next.

“And where’s your room, Eddie?” Briar asked and her voice was barely above a whisper.

“Mine?” he gasped, then pointed at a door across the hallway.

“Good to know.”

“It is?”

“Of course.” Briar grinned. “I need to know where to find you to hold you to your word.” His eyebrows shoot up and almost disappeared beneath the ash blond hair. When there was only confusion in his eyes, she teased, “Your promise; or have you forgotten the reason you’ve invited me to Edgewater?”

“Lady Clara’s journal! Of course. I will definitely take you to the library… and we can look at the journals together… if you wish…”

“I expect you to fill me in all the gossip about Lizzy’s great-great-grandmother.”

“Absolutely.”

“Alright then. See you later.” With those words, she waved and closed the door. The man couldn’t hide his smile.

Elizabeth picked the mobile from the vanity and checked the messages. She could hardly wait to see her friends’ reaction to the surprise. Annabelle and Hamid have been present to the historical re-enactments at Edgewater, but Briar and Luke have never seen them personally. What would they think about being part of one? Judging by the pictures in the group chat and Pictagram, at least Briar was enjoying the look. There was no text from the others, which increased her fear that Hamid could be offended.

“Your hair is done, ma’am,” said the woman standing behind Elizabeth, observing her expectantly.

“Thank you, Flora.” Elizabeth smiled at her reflection, her curly brown hair was deftly pulled up in a bun with braids at the top of the head. “It’s perfect,” she said softly at the woman.

“Can I assist you with anything else?”

“I’m fine,” Elizabeth said, and her words were the queue to Flora collect and organize whatever was used to do the hair and were occupying almost every free space over the antique vanity. Quietly, the woman excused herself, leaving the young Viscountess alone in her room to finish getting ready for dinner.

After putting on the earrings and necklace, Elizabeth got up, smoothed the skirt of the dress, and took another look at her reflection, still debating on how she felt about the Empire-waisted ivory dress with a bodice with golden embroidery, puff sleeves, an embroidered fine sheer silk that covered the long skirt. An unexpected look even to someone used to gala dresses. Swaying in front of the mirror, the golden details sparkled under the light, projecting little diamond shapes in the floor, and she smiled.

The sound of someone knocking at the door rapid and strong, startled her. Her mind pictured the only person she wished would come knock on her door, and her heart accelerated at the thought. In the blink of an eye, her hand reached the doorknob. The sight of Briar standing in the hallway, was not what she desired. Though, the other was too overjoyed to notice the disappointment in her face.

“Lizzy, I’m never ever taking this off my body!” Her friend’s excitement could not be contained in her tiny body, and it overflowed in her eyes, smile, and voice. Like a ballerina, she twirled in her long purple and golden dress also with the same kind of high waistline and embroideries, black hair pulled up in an elaborated bun, with a few loose strands framing her smiling face.

Another door clicked open, and Annabelle came out in a long satin ruby red gown with a richly ornamented bodice. “Why are you being so loud?” she teased Briar, brandishing a mascara brush, “I almost poked my eye!”

“How are you not screaming, Ann?”

“I don’t know about you, but I can’t do my makeup while screaming…”

“Hush! I love this dress! And I love the corset! My spine has never been straighter and look!” – she exaggeratedly pointed both hands at her breasts – “I look like a C cup now!”

The others laughed, and Briar pulled them to a photo. After complimenting each other’s looks some more and a little demonstration from Elizabeth on how to hold the skirts to go down the stairs, the three were ready to make their appearance. However, footsteps coming from the other wing caused them to halt.

“And look who else has outdone himself,” Briar nudged Elizabeth, pointing at Hamid sporting the Ottoman attire Elizabeth had picked for him.

Bowing with an exaggerated flourish, Hamid addressed them in his most charming tone and flashed an equally charming grin, “Good evening, ladies!”

While Hamid kissed the hand Briar held out to him, she theatrically fanned herself with an invisible fan. However, quickly, Hamid’s gaze found Elizabeth’s, and she returned his smile, pleased to see his choice of outfit and no visible sign of annoyance.

“This outfit is amazing!” Annabelle said, and Hamid opened his arms to let her inspect the details in the golden embroideries in his long teal kaftan, that was an accurate reproduction like the dresses the trio was sporting. “Now I wish I could paint portraits of all of you!” she sighed disappointed.

“If our host allow us the use of futuristic technology, we could take pictures,” Hamid suggested looking at Elizabeth, who giggled.

“Pictures? Do tell us more about that...”

“A wonderful invention, my lady, that shall make painters jobless!”

Slipping out of character, Annabelle feigned offense, “I resent that, Hamid.”

After an effusive apology to the artist of the group, more banter ensued before the four huddled with Hamid in the middle. Following Briar’s directions, a few selfies were taken, and once Briar was satisfied, she posted the best two to Pictagram.

“Brilliant! And look at you!” Briar cried, turning the screen to Elizabeth’s face, “You look like those portraits at the museum!”

Embarrassed, Elizabeth blushed and looked away. “We all look lovely.”

Annabelle and Briar did not ignore the way Hamid contemplated the young Viscountess, studying her as if she were indeed a portrait from a Renaissance master; sharing knowing looks, they excuse themselves to find Luke downstairs, and deliberately left him alone with Elizabeth.

The man did not waste the opportunity and stepped closer. His intoxicating perfume filled the air around them, and in such proximity his eyes sparkled more than the silver medallion hanging from his neck or all the golden in his outfit.

“She is right,” Hamid whispered. Taking her hand, he kissed it unhurriedly, lingering on her knuckles while never tearing his gaze from her face. “Tonight, you look like you stepped out of a painting,” he explained still holding her hand, “The most exquisite masterpiece, I must add.”

Heat creeped up her neck, straight to her face, tinting her cheeks in a darker pink hue, and she wished he would not notice. However, judging by his grin, she could never dissimulate how he affects her.

Clearing her throat, Elizabeth changed the subject, “I see you picked the Ottoman attire.”

“How could I choose anything else? It is gorgeous, and it suits me to be a prince for the evening, don’t you think?” he asked, straightening his posture.

She nodded, averting her gaze. “I was afraid you could think it was offensive.”

“I figured by the two-page note where you apologised several times in case it was discriminatory or distasteful, and suggested I could wear that boring British suit, or my own suit or whatever I felt like… I must say this last part actually let me a bit confused about the dress code, and I considered coming in my pyjamas, but I don’t think my charm would be enough to prevent Lady Dominique from sending me immediately back to London …”

“Don’t mock me…”

“I would never. I was just remarking the comical aspects...” He smiled fondly and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “I appreciate your concern. But you should not have worried so much. I know you, and your heart.”

“My heart?” she scoffed. If you knew my heart, you would never ask me advice about someone else! “Isn’t this a little presumptuous?”

He chuckled and pressed her hand against his chest, and she looked up at his face, his smile almost reaching his ears, dimpling his cheeks and crinkling the corners of his eyes. “I am not humble when it comes to my skills,” he said, and his words still carried the lilt of his laugh, “and you, Lady Elizabeth, have a heart of gold and only a fool would mistake your actions like that... And I am no fool, yes?”

Tilting his head, he gazed at her face. His heart drummed beneath her palm in a steady cadence. She could not resist staring at his shapely lips curled into a wide grin. For a second, she almost forgot herself and where they were; at least, until the indistinct sounds from the conversation Annabelle, Briar and Luke were engrossed at the ground floor reached her ears.

“Hamid,” she breathed his name.

“People expect us… May I escort you downstairs, my lady?”

She acquiesced, and he placed her hand in the crook of his elbow. In that moment, she was no longer Elizabeth, but the protagonist of a period drama, and Hamid was the charming love interest, who could inspire anyone to defy the entire society for their love.

“According to your note, my outfit was inspired by one that belonged to the Imperial prince who married the countess. What about your stunning dress? Was it by any chance inspired by one of hers?”

“Yes!” she replied, excited at the chance of talking about the subject. “Actually, mine and Briar's were inspired by her outfits. This one was modelled after one of Countess Clara's portraits. It’s said it was a gift from her father, and the one chosen when she presented herself before Queen Charlotte for the first time. Lady Grandmother showed me this reproduction of a note that a London newspaper wrote about her elegance at the time. They praised her as the most beautiful debutante in the Season.”

“I can imagine. And you are doing justice to her elegance, Lady Elizabeth, and dare I say, you outshined her beauty.”

“Have you even seen her portraits?”

“I don’t have to,” he said in a serious tone, and gazed with adoration. Elizabeth’s heart threatened to escape, pounding against its cage with unprecedent impetus.

When they reached the ground floor, despite the indiscrete stares of their friends, he kissed her hand again.

“Thank you for allowing me the pleasure of your company, Lady Elizabeth. Or should I call you Lady Clara for the evening?”

“If it is important to your commitment to your character, you can. And perhaps I will call you Your Highness for the rest of the evening as well.”

“Nothing would please me more, my lady,” he said in the most pompous tone he could impersonate and enveloped her hand with both of his, his thumb gently drawing circles in her skin. “Now, since we are impersonating them, does this mean I get to escort you the whole evening?” he asked inching closer. The intensity of his gaze burned her skin, but she did not avert her gaze this time, and her lips parted to answer.

However, instead of Elizabeth, it was someone behind them who replied.

“Actually, according to proper etiquette, if you were a true Regency couple you would spend most of the evening apart, focusing your attention on the enjoyment of your guests,” Lady Dominique said in her grave voice.

“How does she do that?” Briar mouthed to Annabelle, uttering the surprise etched in her and Luke’s faces watching the elderly woman approach them barely making a sound. Annabelle shrugged, then offered a warm smile at the elderly woman, who patted her arm fondly.

“However, this evening Lady Elizabeth will be hosting us, and a much less formal setting has been chosen. One more suitable for a night amongst friends in the twenty-first century.”

The elderly woman’s fingers encircled the delicate pendant hanging from Elizabeth’s necklace and she simply smiled. The gesture probably a pretence to address her granddaughter.

“You look absolutely stunning, my dear. You would make this house proud in any century.”

Elizabeth thanked her and returned the smile.

“And you look extraordinarily elegant, Lady Dominique.” Hamid bowed and kissed her hand, and she thanked him, taking the opportunity to contemplate everyone dressed in Regency Era fashion.

“Don’t you all look lovely?” she said. “However, I believe the foyer is not the place any of us was supposed to be right now.”

“Of course. Follow me,” Elizabeth said, leading the group to the drawing room.

When Elizabeth entered the room, her jaw almost fell. Sitting with her father was Mr. Sinclaire. Both dressed in contemporary suits and engaged in a serious conversation that had creased their brows. Seeing the group, her father grinned, stood up and walked in their direction; Mr. Sinclaire followed him close, hands behind his back and uneasiness in his eyes.

“Welcome to Edgewater. We are content to host Eliza’s friends this weekend. I hope you all have a pleasant stay.”

Her father kissed her cheek, and she hugged his waist with one arm. Leaning closer, he spoke softly, “I am awfully sorry, my dear, for not wearing the ensemble. You know how thrilled with the idea I was, but our meeting got delayed…”

“I understand, dad.”

“I hope you don’t mind the intrusion, Miss Foredale, but your father extended me an invitation.”

“I do not mind at all, Mr. Sinclaire. You’re a friend of the family and you’re always welcome at Edgewater.”

Mr. Sinclaire bowed, and a hint of a smile curled his lips.

Working with him this past month and having his company at events was important to get to know him a little better. They have become friendlier, but not exactly friends. Either way, it’s a remarkable progress considering how reserved Mr. Sinclaire is, and they feel less awkward around the other.

Earl Vincent excused himself to make rounds, leaving Elizabeth and Mr. Sinclaire alone. Somehow, Briar and Edmund managed to sit together at the furthest corner possible and whatever they were talking about was more appealing than anyone or anything else, including the food.

Holding a tray with hors d’oeuvres, a member of the staff dressed in a uniform that resembled the ones used in the manor in the 1800s approached Elizabeth and Mr. Sinclaire, who picked one tartlet.

“Was that the secret meeting?” she asked Mr. Sinclaire who had taken a nibble at the tartlet.

“I never said it was secret,” he replied. “The client requested discretion and I complied. Like we ought to.”

“I am your assistant and the client’s daughter.”

“Therefore, I assume you will not feel discouraged to ask your father details about the meeting.”

Elizabeth cast a sideway glance at the man; he is smirking, knowing she won’t interrogate her father about any subject they discussed.

“Maybe I will...”

Ending their conversation, she waltzed to where her friends were engrossed in an animated conversation with her father, standing close to Luke.

“This is amazing. I lack the talent to play any instrument, however I can still appreciate –” Earl Vincent interrupts himself when Elizabeth approaches the group. “Eliza, did you know your friend can play the violin?”

“Yes, father, I am aware.”

“If only we still had one... Luke could delight us with a performance.”

Elizabeth glanced at Luke, eager to apologise for any annoyance in advance, but he offered a content smile to her and her father.

“It would be my pleasure, sir.”

The Earl of Edgewater smiled fondly, certainly delighted with the breath of fresh air the lively group brought to the manor.

“We may not have a violin; however, we have a piano that has been neglected these past several months and dearly misses to be played.”

Understanding the hint, Annabelle laughed. “Why, we cannot have that, can we, sir? Perhaps I should play it later.”

“You read my mind, my dear,” Earl Vincent joked, earning a few chuckles from Hamid. “And to make the night absolutely perfect, perhaps Eliza could join you for a duet...”

Elizabeth visibly cringed and tried to disguise it by taking the glass of wine to her lips.

Annabelle sought to sort that out with the Earl and Lady Dominique, both already excited with the prospect of a soirée overflowing with music and laugh, and suggesting songs for the repertory.

“I will have someone bring the songbooks.”

“Did you hear that?” Elizabeth asked. “We’re been summoned to dinner.”

“I did not hear a thing.” Lady Dominique looked at the doorway where someone from the staff was supposed to ring the bells like it used to be done in the past. “Are you certain?”

“Absolutely.”

“I heard it too,” Hamid avowed. “My mouth already waters in anticipation of the delicacies the cook has chosen to surprise us, my lady.”

“Indeed, I believe it will not disappoint. The menu is suitable for a special evening, Mr. Osmanoğlu.”

Hamid placed a hand on Elizabeth’s back, and she breathed relieved watching Lady Dominique inviting the group to place their mobiles in a wooden box before going to the dining room.

“Thanks.”

“Will you allow me the pleasure to escort the most beautiful heiress to the dining room?”

“Well, you’ll have to ask her yourself...” Elizabeth joked, and Hamid nudged her side.

“I am asking her!”

Smiling shyly, she offered her hand, which he promptly placed in the crook of his elbow, and they handed their mobiles to be stored before walking together to the dining room. From the corridor, they still could overhear Briar’s opposing the idea.

“What if we want to take photos?”

“The meals are made to be enjoyed, not photographed,” Lady Dominique insisted, and Briar hesitated. “You will have your mobile back after dinner.”

The two giggled, and Hamid leaned to speak closer to Elizabeth.

“Will you really deny us the joy to hear you play?”

“I do not perform in public anymore.”

“Public?” he asked with an offended pout. “We’re your friends. And fans.”

“Fans? None of you ever saw me perform.”

“Are you sure about that?” he teased, “I know people too.”

“You wouldn’t...”

“You went after my childhood pictures… maybe I have videos of your recitals, Miss Foredale.”

“Correction. Your sisters came to my DMs. Then two of your cousins. And your aunt. It would be rude to tell them not to send your pictures and videos.”

“Videos? Which videos?”

“Which ones do you not want me to see?”

“You’re bluffing...” He narrowed his eyes at her.

“Maybe... or maybe not.” Elizabeth giggled and pulled him. “Now, come. We must find our seats...”

The illumination of the immense room had been dimmed, and flameless led candles created an intimate atmosphere at the long wooden table covered with a white tablecloth where elegant dining utensils were neatly arranged to accommodate the party. Beautiful floral arrangements made the dining room look even more beautiful than she remembered.

Elizabeth’s lips curled into a wide smile. “Isn’t it beautiful?” she uttered the words with sheer amazement.

“Stunningly beautiful,” he replied, eyes fixed on her face, and she pretended not understanding what he implied.

Chatter increased around them, when everyone was gathered at the room, and Briar still lamented parting from her mobile.

Gentlemanly, the Earl helped Lady Dominique, then occupied the seat at the head of the table. His daughter’s name was written in a beautiful cursive font on the card on his other side. Due to the countess still unexplained absence and to accommodate Mr. Sinclaire, the sitting chart had been reorganized. For instance, Elizabeth noticed how Hamid's name had been moved from the place beside her to give room to Mr. Sinclaire. Considering it was a small gathering and people would still be able to enjoy themselves despite the minor changes, she held her tongue. Whatever else were her grandmother’s intentions behind the new arranges, she wouldn’t let it get under her skin.

“I suppose we part here,” Hamid said with a smile, oblivious to the changes, and pulled the chair to help Elizabeth sit, a gesture that earned teasing remarks from their friends. “But our conversation is not over,” he whispered so only she could hear and moved to the other side, to take his seat beside Annabelle.

While enjoying the delicious courses and the conversations – which navigated from political topics and the latest news to art and even a little bit of gossip to Briar’s utter pleasure –, Elizabeth and Hamid stole glances at each other from time to time, like true characters of a Regency novel. Both smiling at the wordless jokes exchanged in their meaningful looks, anticipating what the other might say.

To everyone’s amusement, Hamid delighted them with the many stories of his travels and funny diplomatic incidents. Even Mr. Sinclaire chuckled at the retell of one of his gaffes at Russia.

“Why did no one warn you?” Luke asked, wiping a tear escaping from his eye, after all the laughing.

“Who knows?” Hamid's shoulders raised almost touching his ears and he grinned. “However, afterwards the Minister bent over laughing. Actually, he cackled. Loudly. Many people never saw him smile before that evening!”

The presents laughed almost as much as the Russian Minister from the tale, only stopping when a new course arrived. Desserts were served after the fourth course, and then it was time to return to the drawing room. It didn’t take long until the first plea to Annabelle play be heard, and she obliged after finishing the brandy in her glass.

Standing beside Edmund, who smiled against the scotch tumbler while admiring Briar dancing in Hamid’s company, Elizabeth also observed the pair. Her mind, however, was on a complete opposite setting from her step-brother’s.

“Can I ask you a question?” Elizabeth’s soft voice broke the spell, and her step-brother’s gaze teared from the couple dancing. “How can one know if a flirty guy is flirting with you because he likes you, or if he’s just charming you like he does to anyone else?”

Edmund’s eyes squinted in thought before addressing her. “Is this you asking romantic advice from me? In a room where every single person is more qualified than myself?” She nodded and he downed the remaining of the liquid in the tumbler in one gulp. “Why don’t you ask the guy?”

“I’m not doing that.”

“Then the only other option is mind reading, and I cannot help with that.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “I’m serious!”

“Are you talking about him?” Edmund tilted his head to the spot Hamid was having a blast following Briar’s directions to what seemed some sort of ballroom dance probably inspired by one of the scenes from the 2005 version of Pride & Prejudice. “I am no expert, but... when he flirts, does he look at anyone else the way he looks at you?”

Elizabeth's head jerked up and she stared at him. “What do you mean? How does he look at me?”

“If you have to ask, I believe you haven’t been paying enough attention...”

Silently, she observed Hamid and Briar. Edmund smiled when the man’s gaze found Elizabeth and his grin widened, confirming what he suspects.

“I’ll get another drink. Do you want one, Eliza?”

“No, thank you,” she said and returned to the settee where Luke was enjoying the music by himself.

When the second song was over, Briar and Hamid finished their impromptu waltz in a fit of giggles; and Lady Dominique suggested, “Elizabeth, my dear, you should join Annabelle and delight us with your angelic voice.”

The attention focused on the young woman.

“I don’t know...” she said wringing her hands. “It is awfully late, and we have plenty planned for tomorrow...”

“It’s not even midnight!” her father remarked. “I believe your friends wouldn’t mind losing a bit of sleep in exchange of listening to you. I know I wouldn’t.”

“I second that,” Hamid said, joining the chorus who begged her to play.

“Play with me!” Annabelle invited, patting the empty space beside her with the most impressive performance of the puppy eyes to this day. “Please! It’ll be fun!”

Briar plopped beside her, “You better accept it already, Lizzy! We can be very persuasive.”

“You mean terribly insistent?”

“No, I do not. And Edmund said you loved playing.”

“Loved. Past tense.”

“Seriously, what’s the worst that could happen if you’d give it a try, Liz?” Luke asked and she considered which would be the worst possible scenarios.

Disappointing her father would be almost impossible at this point. If she sits right in the bench and not falls off, he’ll possibly cheer her for that. Another possibility is embarrassing herself in front of Mr. Sinclaire. Though, he wouldn’t be her boss for long, and whatever critics about her skills couldn’t possibly be worse than her own judgement.

As if listening to her thoughts, Luke added, “Even if you make mistakes, your audience is maybe a little too tipsy to notice…”

Besides being the only sober and able to discern if she sucked at the piano, Hamid was too kind to criticise her and would certainly find something positive to say about her horrible performance.

With a resigned sigh, she got up and marched to the piano, sitting with Annabelle.

“We need an easy one… I’m a little rusty,” Elizabeth confided.

Amongst giggles and whispered words, the two went through the songbooks Lady Dominique had someone bring earlier. Finally, they picked a music to play together: Pachelbel’s “Canon in D major” to help Elizabeth warm up. Frustrated, she puffed whenever her fingers slipped and missed a key or she messed with the tempo.

“Don’t overthink,” Annabelle reassured her, “You’re doing fine.”

Next, Annabelle picked a Broadway songbook, one of Lady Dominique’s favourites, and they perused the sheets and deliberated about the songs.

“Seasons of Love”?

“I don’t know that one…”

Briar approached the piano and whispered a little too loud, “Beauty and the Beast”. Her suggestion was accepted, and both played and sang the lyrics to everyone utter enjoyment.

Their third song was “I dreamed a dream”. More confident, Elizabeth sang, while Annabelle played. Her angelic voice filled the room, who went completely silent. All eyes on her. Overjoyed, Earl Vincent stood up and clapped when they finished, and she could swear a tear escaped his eye.

Lastly, it was an improvised version of “Make you feel my love” to keep the Glee vibe and prompted Briar to stand closer to the piano and sing every word with them, despite being off key. At that point, Elizabeth couldn’t even remember why she was so worried about playing for them. Forty minutes after she sat at the bench, she was breathless and thirsty, but smiling. Annabelle didn’t miss the glint in her eyes.

“It wasn’t that dreadful, was it?” she asked with a knowing smirk.

Elizabeth snorted with laughter and said, “Who knew not playing to impress a lot of stiff nobles could be this fun?”

“Me! And I have been telling you this the entire time!” Annabelle nudged Elizabeth’s rib playfully, who giggled.

“Even if it had been dreadful,” Elizabeth said in an even lower tone, “seeing that look on his face would have been worth the trouble...”

Annabelle glanced at the spot the other was staring at and saw the Earl. His smile glowing with a mix of joy and pride.

“I haven’t seen him this happy in years,” Annabelle remarked, and Elizabeth’s eyes lingered on him. Unable to forget his earlier troubled expression and the meeting with Sinclaire, she wondered if he was truly happy or hiding something from her.

Noticing the attention of the young ladies on him, Earl Vincent smiled. “Are the artists still taking requests?”

“From you, sir, always,” Annabelle replied. “But first the artists need a break and refreshments.”

The two moved away from the piano, and Annabelle whispered, “I thought you decided to play for a different reason…”

“What do you mean?”

With a meaningful look, she signalled at Hamid, who was sitting with Mr. Sinclaire, but his gaze would often search Elizabeth. “I saw him begging you to play…” Annabelle said in a conspiratorial tone, while pouring water into two glasses.

“He encouraged me, of course, and so did Luke and Briar, but…” Elizabeth picked one of the glasses and stared at it for a moment. “That was not the reason why I played… I… I did it for myself. I haven’t played like this in so long… because I disliked what it meant: being the centre of attention, having people singling me out, judging me… and I forgot how music is something I truly love… my mom’s gift to me… and I should not let anyone stop me from enjoying it...”

“I’m truly happy you remembered that.” Annabelle raised her glass and they clincked.

“Thanks for helping me.”

Annabelle’s free arm pulled her to a hug.

After complimenting the pair for their performance, Lady Dominique retired to her room. Instead of following her example, the five friends decided it was time to join around the piano to sing improvised versions of old and new hits from the charts, butchering them in the most terrible and democratic fashion; however, no one complained. Not even Mr. Sinclaire, who cradled a whiskey tumbler, sitting in an armchair in one corner of the room with Edmund. The man smiled when Earl Vincent succumbed to the appeals and joined them for an extremely off key version of “Satisfaction”.

Later that same night

Elizabeth had changed to her pyjamas and was brushing her teeth when one sharp knock on the door interrupted the rituals before bed.

Again, her heart betrays her, wishing Hamid was on the other side. An idea that both excites and terrifies her. Why couldn’t she stop thinking about him like that? Especially now that there might be someone else in his life?

Once more, when she opens the door, wearing a black jumper and leggings instead of a dress is Briar. This time, she is not smiling either. The tip of her bright pink fluffy slipper scuffs the carpet in the hallway, while her lips turn into an exaggerated pout.

“I know it is late, but can we talk for a minute?”

Elizabeth nodded and ushered her inside.

“Did something happen?”

Briar plopped on the bed and sighed.

“Has your heart ever betrayed you, Lizzy?”

“What do you mean?”

“Arthur is the sweetest man I’ve ever met. He never ghosts me and texts every single day… He actually planted the flowers of that bouquet he gave me!”

“That’s lovely!” Elizabeth remarked, without knowing exactly where this conversation is going.

“It is… He would be the most perfect boyfriend; someone I could introduce to my mum… maybe even plan a future with…”

“That’s something good, right? May I ask why you look so upset?”

“Because my heart is bloody stupid! Or my cupid is testing me!” she growled, “I cannot stop thinking about someone else. Some stupid random mate I met. Well, he is not actually stupid. Or random. The other mate is quite dreamy too. A bit awkward. And nerdy. But we have meaningful conversations. And I think he sees me. Really sees me, you know?”

A knot settled on Elizabeth’s stomach when realisation dawned upon her. She knew exactly who this was about. Taking a deep breath, she asked the question that was merely rhetorical, “You are talking about Edmund, right?”

Briar growled again and let her body fall back. “He is not free to date me. I should be running the other way. But I don’t want to…” Her stare fixes at the ceiling and Elizabeth sits beside her, patting her arm.

“I thought it was just harmless flirtation… like you said…”

“I thought so too…” Briar’s hands covered her face, and what Elizabeth assumes is a string of curse words is muffled by her palms.

“You shouldn’t be embarrassed… I guess we don’t choose who we become fond of…”

“This is all so… Complicated... Once, he called me by mistake. At least that’s what he said… but he stuttered, you know, in that way the words tumble over when he cannot say what he means…” Elizabeth nodded, and she continued, “But I didn’t mind. Even if it was a little lie and he was not going to admit he wished to talk to me… I just asked him about his day. And we spent an hour talking about nothing and everything… we just talked. He’d call me every now and then ever since that evening… And now we don’t know what to do with these feelings.”

“We?”

“That engagement means nothing to him…”

“He told you that?”

“He’s not happy.”

“But he’s still engaged. And knowing Henrietta… well… she would never approve him breaking up the engagement unless the woman was wealthier and had better connections –”

“He’s an adult, Lizzy. He can make his own choices,” Briar’s words were firm, no sign of the usual warmth and sweetness, and Elizabeth suspected it was herself who needed to hear that, to believe in that.

Lying down, Elizabeth held her hand and offered an encouraging smile.

“Can I do anything to make you feel better?”

“You did. I just needed to talk to someone…” Briar smiled. “But I wouldn’t mind some distraction... maybe you can tell me nasty things about his fiancée, so I won’t feel like a terrible person...”

“You probably already know more about her than I do... And you’re not a terrible person.”

After a few moments of silence, Elizabeth peeked at Briar, eyes open wide and unusual pensiveness creasing her forehead.

“The answer is yes. My heart betrayed me too.”

“Are you admitting you love Hamid?”

“I do not love him. But I kinda like him. And I can’t stop thinking about him. And maybe I want to be with him. If he wants to be with me of course and not –”

“Ohmygod!” Briar squealed and threw herself at Elizabeth. “Finally!”

#desire and decorum fanfic #desire and decorum #choices fanfic #prince hamid #playchoices #playchoices fanfic #desire & decorum #oc: elizabeth foredale #briar daly #edmund marlcaster #earl of edgewater #dominique foredale #luke harper #mr. sinclaire #annabelle parsons

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choicesjanuarychallenge2022 · 2 years

Text

Edits

Open Heart

Dolphin Adventures | OpH F!MC (Cassie Valentine), Sienna Trinh, M!OC (Max Valentine) - @liaromancewriter

Red Carpet Diaries

Bogart Hunt on social media - @theartoflovingthomashunt

Edit+Fanfiction

Open Heart

Let Them Eat…Healthy? | Bryce Lahela, F!MC (Luna Auclair), Keiki Lahela, OC (Maxine), OC (Dylan Yu) - @peonierose

Queen Of The Slopes | Bryce Lahela x F!MC (Olivia Hadley) - @storyofmychoices

Fanfiction

Desire & Decorum

A Beautiful Night (Chapter 22 of Second Chances) | F!OC (Elizabeth Foredale) Briar Daly, Edmund Marlcaster, Annabelle Parsons, Hamid, Luke Harper, Dominique Foredale, Vincent Foredale, Mr. Sinclaire - @missameliep

A Night Of Firsts Times (Chapter 25 of Meant To Be) | Hamid x MC (Daphne Wang) - @lorirwritesfanfic

Mother Of The Year

No Matter The Distance | Levi Schuler x MC (Laura Day) - @storyofmychoices

Open Heart

The Cost Of Living | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Kate Oppenheimer) - @starfurylord

The Interview | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Kate Oppenheimer) - @starfurylord

Long Stories | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Kate Oppenheimer) - @starfurylord

Love I Found In You | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Cassie Valentine) - @liaromancewriter

Next Step | Ethan Ramsey x M!MC (Sydney Valentine) - @peonyblossom

Open Doors (What If?) | Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Kate Oppenheimer) - @starfurylord

Red Carpet Diaries

Feel Better | Thomas Hunt x F!OC (Alex Spencer) - @theartoflovingthomashunt

For The Love Of Coffee | Thomas Hunt x MC (Alex Spencer), Addison Sinclair, Chris Winters - @theartoflovingthomashunt

The Royal Romance

The Secrets We Keep (Chapter 1 of You Make Me Whole Again) | Drake Walker x Liam Rys - @sillydg

Moodboards

The Crown & The Flame

Dominic Hunter moodboard - @lorirwritesfanfic

Desire & Decorum

Drake the pug - @lorirwritesfanfic

Jaskier, the cat - @noesapphic

Sunny, the pug - @princess-geek

Open Heart

Pet - @choicesfanaf

The Ramseys and their fur babies - @genevievemd

Other

Choices game: Tag your OC - @storyofmychoices

#choices fanfic #choices edits #choices moodboards #the crown and the flame #desire and decorum #mother of the year #open heart #red carpet diaries #choicesjanuary2022

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squid-princess-teach-swallow · 2 years

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Ew ew no not him anyone but him 😭

Welllll, considering you were engaged to him and he almost killed your husband you should know him

#edgewaterbookclub #choices #choices stories you play #playchoices #choicesgame #choices stories you play fandom #choices desire and decorum #desire & decorum #desire and decorum #dominique foredale #dowager countess #d&d mc #mc: emma spencer

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lorirwritesfanfic · 3 years

Text

What’s Left Unsaid

Author's note: I'm soooo in the mood for drama lately 😈 [Leading characters are owned by Pixelberry Studios and original characters are creations of the author]

Book: Desire & Decorum (modern day AU) Characters: MC (Daphne), Ernest Sinclaire, Briar Daly, Harry Foredale, Dominique Foredale, F!OC (Alisha) Pairings: Ernest Sinclaire x MC (Daphne), Prince Hamid x MC (Daphne) Rating: T Word count: 3507 Summary: Hours before travelling to spend a week with Hamid, Daphne receives an odd invitation from Ernest. Yet, neither of them is ready to handle the inevitable conversation. Based on the music prompt: How Do We Make It?

"All set?" Briar asked before she took a malteser to her mouth.

"Yep. Everything is packed," the lady answered, closing her toiletry bag and putting it over her suitcase.

Leaning back on the plush couch, Briar ate more of the round biscuits coated with chocolate and frowned at her friend's luggage. "I understand you want to spend as much time as you can with Hamid. Believe me, I totally get it and support it. But why do you have to leave so soon?"

"You make it sound like we won't be living together for the most part of the next three and a half years."

"But you're leaving me again during this sensitive period I'm going through," Briar whined.

"It's just a week. You can survive without me for the time being."

"What if I need help? I can't call you anytime I want. I don't want to cockblock you and Hamid now that I know you’ll be on a dry spell until the end of March."

“It’ll be a little longer than that. Ramadan starts a few days before he returns to Cornell and he’ll have to abstain from anything that incites impure thoughts, but that’s beside the point. Just call Annabelle."

"Really? Ooof…” Briar made a face.

“Briar!” The lady glared at her friend.

“Sorry…” Briar smiled sheepishly. “But back to my problem, I don’t know. Annabelle's idea of tough love may be a little too tough for me." Briar's nose wrinkled in annoyance.

"Maybe it's just what you need." Daphne gave her friends a knowing look, who replied with a scowl. "You could also become friends with Alisha. She's really sweet."

"We barely know each other. I can't exactly call her in the middle of the night and ask her to help me not to send dirty texts to Ed."

"Well, I don't think you should call his step sister to talk about that, but it never stopped you before," Daphne joked.

"Hey!" Briar grabbed a pillow and threw it at the lady, making her laugh.

The two of them continued to tease each other when the viscountess's mobile got a notification.

Briar smiled slyly as her friend reached for the cellphone. "Aw, you smitten kitten…"

"Shut up…" Daphne scoffed as she tapped the screen when she read the message.

"Gee, did somebody die?"

Daphne eyed her friend confused. "Huh?"

"Your face doesn't scream boyfriend-girlfriend cute texts. It looks more like you just got 'we need to talk' text."

"Well, that's exactly what it is. Except it was Ernest." Daphne explained, placing the mobile in the pocket of her trousers.

"Oh…” Briar frowned. “Is his mother okay?"

"I don't know. He just said he wants to meet me tonight to talk."

"Sounds serious."

"It feels like it is..."

"Hey, maybe you two could meet at mum's? It's on the way to the train station and you can have tea and sweets to make the conversation less intense."

Daphne sat on her bed and considered the suggestion. "That's not a bad idea. I'll text him."

"Great. And when you're there, can you do me a favour?"

"Sure. What is it?"

"Speak louder. I want to hear the details when mum makes me wash the dishes in the kitchen." Briar's lips curled up.

Daphne narrowed her eyes playfully. But before she could retort, a door knock called their attention.

"Come in," Daphne said. A combination of surprise and nervousness took over her when the door opened. "Lady grandmother!"

"Hello, Daphne," Dominique said as she strolled in. "Briar, can you give me a moment with my granddaughter?"

"Certainly, ma'am," Briar bowed politely and left the room.

The dowager countess took a seat on the plush chair near the bed and looked at her granddaughter. "I heard you're travelling to Turkiye again."

"Yes. It's my last opportunity to spend time with Hamid before I go back to Cornell."

"Isn't he returning next month?"

"He can't travel by plane for the next three months without the risk of suffering an embolism."

"I see." Dominique nodded. "Are you returning to America from there?"

"No. I'll come back for three days to pack everything and take Drake with me."

"Good. I was hoping you could join me for tea in London with the Queen."

The young lady pressed her lips together and heaved a sigh. “Lady grandmother, please…”

"It's a mere informal gathering with an old friend of your grandmother, Daphne.”

"Who happens to be the Queen of England..."

The flat yet mocking tone in the young lady’s voice didn’t go unnoticed. Yet, the dowager countess chose to not reprimand her granddaughter. "I still believe you made a mistake, but I assure you it's not an audience. She is a wise old friend you could learn a lot from. Spending time with her is a privilege only a few people in the Commonwealth have."

Daphne pondered about it carefully. There wasn't a single time in her life she has ever joined her grandmother on something that didn't have a purpose. However, of all the times they have argued, this was the first one Lady Dominique has ever made the first step. Even if it wasn't an explicit apology, it felt like something similar to it.

"When will it happen?"

"January 10th."

"Okay. I'll see what I can find to dress for the occasion."

"I already made an appointment for you at the boutiques you like."

"Of course you did…"

The two shared rare friendly smiles.

"What time are you leaving?"

"Five thirty. I'm meeting Ernest at six."

"Oh…" Worry clouded Dominique's features. "Is Lydia alright?"

"I've been asking myself the same question."

"I'll make sure to pay her a visit later. But whenever you have time, join me at the lounge. I'd like to see the drawings you've been working on lately. Miss Parsons can join us as well," Dominique said as she stood up.

"I'll text Ann."

"Excellent. I'll see you downstairs."

"Yes, ma'am."

The sound of luggage wheels running on the wooden tiles followed Daphne down the stairs as she descended carrying her suitcase.

"Do you need anything else, ma'am?" Her maid asked.

"No, thank you. You've done enough…" The lady looked around the room, brows knitted together in a frown. "Hey, Carmindy. Do you know if Drake returned from his daily walk?"

"Yep, he has." Harry sauntered over with Lord Vincent, who held the dog's leash. "I hope you've been waiting for us. It'd be very rude of you not to say goodbye to us, sis," he teased.

"I wasn't going to do that. I already talked to Ed and grandmother," she said, swatting her brother’s arm. She then turned to her father and the dog. "Thank you for taking a walk with him. Bye, dad."

"Of course, dear. Have a safe trip." The lord cupped one side of her face and kissed her forehead.

"Thank you." Daphne beamed and crouched down to pet her dog. "Bye, sweetie! Be a good boy to everyone."

The dog replied by licking her hand.

"Are you ready to go?" Harry asked.

"Yes," Daphne replied. After waving to her father, her dog, and the staff nearby, she headed to the door carrying her luggage.

Inside the car, the lady gazed out the window as droplets of rain softly blurred the view. Despite the music playing in the background being one of her brother's favourites, he wasn't singing along or humming the melody as usual. Harry was quiet, serious, eyes focused on the road and the traffic as he drove towards the city.

"Thank you again for taking me. You didn't have to," she said.

"Don't worry about it. It's our driver's week off. Why would I let you waste money taking a taxi when you can buy me cheesecake?" He looked at her from a corner of an eye and smirked.

"Good point." Daphne nodded with a smile, glad to see her younger brother in his laid back demeanour again.

"So… When am I going to meet your new boyfriend?"

"I don't know. I haven't thought about it."

"Ouch…" Harry clutched a hand in his chest, pretending to be wounded.

"Don't be silly…" She scoffed. "I meant to say I haven't talked about it with him because we're taking things slow. It's not like we have everything figured out."

"Excuse me?" He gave his sister a look before turning his attention to the road once again. "You left home in August with all your four years of uni planned. And before that, you had most part of your life sorted out."

"Well, after everything I went through this year, I realised planning too much isn't going to do me any good. I'll just take my time and see how it goes."

"Huh…" Harry glanced at her with a curious look. "When dad and Ed returned from Ithaca after your birthday, they said you changed. But I didn't know what to think."

"Were you worried?"

"Honestly? Who wasn't? The only reason the family council agreed with you moving back to America was knowing that Briar and Annabelle would be with you."

"What?!" Her brows rose. "When did that happen?"

"Right after you said you'd choose Cornell over Sorbonne and Cambridge. Anyway, now I understand why they said you're changing. You're healing. And you're slowly finding your way to be your best self. That's brilliant, sis."

"Thank you." Her eyebrows rose as amusement played on her lips. "Look at you so perceptive and wise."

"It's a blessing and a curse."

The two of them chuckled.

But as their laughter died down, Daphne cast her glance to the window again. "I just wish I didn't have scars..."

"All great fighters have scars, Daph. I know whatever you have to face in the future, you'll keep your head high and do your best."

"Are you trying to psych me up to the meeting I have with Ernest, Harry?"

"No…"

She arched an eyebrow.

"Maybe…"

The lady shook her head with a smile.

"I know you're dating Hamid and I can see you care about him, but the whole situation with Ernest broke you. I don’t want to see you going through anything like that again."

"It's sweet of you to worry about me because I've been talking to him again, but I'll be fine. This is no big deal. He probably needs advice with something related to Mrs. Sinclaire's treatment."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. If he says anything I can't handle, don’t worry. I'll strangle him myself," she joked, making her brother laugh just a few blocks away from the bakery.

Once Daphne greeted the staff of Mrs Daly's bakery, she took a seat on one of the stools by the counter, where her childhood friend and the newest cook of the shop stood by.

"So you're meeting your ex-fiancé a few hours before you take a train to spend a week with your new boyfriend," Alisha concluded, but it was clear she was still trying to absorb the information.

"Yes," Daphne affirmed.

"And your new boyfriend is okay with it?"

"So weird, right?" Briar mumbled.

Daphne narrowed her eyes at her friend then turned to the cook. "Hamid knows I wouldn't do this if I didn't think it's important to support Ernest right now."

"You're lucky. Not all men are so understanding. By the way, that's one of the few contexts I'll ever start a sentence with 'not all men'," Alisha stated.

The three of them giggled.

"But seriously, are you okay with it?" The cook asked.

"Yes, I'm fine. But thank you for asking."

"We can bring you an extra dessert and a tea for you afterwards if you need comfort. On the house." Briar grabbed her friend's hand.

"I'm fine." Daphne insisted. "This is not the first time I’ll talk to him after we broke up."

Just then, the bell chimed as the front door opened. Placing his coat on the rack nearby, Ernest Sinclaire walked into the shop, nodded politely to the staff, chose a table, and waited for Daphne to follow.

"Call us if you need anything." Alisha gave her a sympathetic smile.

"Thank you." Daphne smiled.

"And if he needs a beating, I'm calling Ann," Briar warned.

Daphne pursed her lips at her friend. "I'm going to join Ernest at the table. Excuse me," she said standing up and walking towards the corner table, where her ex sat looking at the rain quietly drumming on the glass windows. "Good evening."

"Good evening," he replied calmly. "Did I make you wait for too long?"

"Not at all. I was just chatting with Briar and Alisha, the new cook here," Daphne explained as she sat down. "How are you and Mrs. Sinclaire?"

"We're fine. Thank you for asking."

Her eyebrows went up in surprise. "Really?"

A corner of his mouth lifted upwards discreetly. "Were you not expecting me to say that?"

"Um… No?" Her nose wrinkled. "I'm sorry. It's hard to figure out the tone of a sentence through texts. I didn't know what to expect."

"It's all right, Daphne. This is precisely why I don't like texting."

"You could add a few 'lols', 'jk' and emojis here and there…" She hinted.

"I'm not even going to entertain that idea."

As a giggle escaped Daphne's lips, Briar approached the table.

"Good evening! I'll be your waiter tonight. May I take your order?"

Daphne arched an eyebrow. "Oh, are you now?"

"Yes," Briar plastered a fake grin that purposely faded when she turned to Ernest.

"Miss Daly," he nodded politely and looked at the menu.

"Sinclaire," Briar hissed.

Noticing her friend's deadly stare, Daphne spoke up. "Anyway, I'm in the mood for mille-feuille, chamomile tea, and a box of macarons to go. How about you, Ernest?"

"I see the new cook added some new desserts to the menu. I'll have profiteroles and English tea."

"I'll be right back with your orders."

The two of them thanked Briar, who stepped away, still glaring at Ernest.

"I see she still hates me," he avowed.

"You are in a relationship with our secondary school nemesis."

He shifted in his seat and gazed at the woman before him. "Do you hate me as well?"

"I did." She confessed, staring back at him. "But that's water under the bridge now."

Despite the somewhat awkward start, the conversation flew easily after. Between bites of their desserts, the two kept everything friendly.

"Your French has certainly improved," Ernest praised.

"Thank you. It's nice to get feedback from a real person. I only get feedback from Duolingo, but I think the app is being nice to me on purpose."

"Doesn't Harry help you with that?"

"Sure… Because that's something siblings love to do: help each other."

He chuckled.

"So…" She placed her cup of tea down and looked at him. "You haven't told me why we're meeting here."

"All right." He cleared his throat. “First of all, I want to apologise for that awkward situation at the Christmas feast.”

“It wasn’t your fault.”

“I didn’t say a thing. Couldn’t that be interpreted as if I agreed with what Felicity said?”

“It could have been. But if I know you well, you didn’t say anything because you didn’t even want to be there in the first place. Besides, engaging in any frivolous topics of conversations isn't your cup of tea.”

“You do know me well.” A ghost of a smile played on his lips. “But I want to apologise anyway.”

“Thank you.”

"The other subject I want to talk about is my mother. She made a decision about her treatment."

"Oh?"

"Her doctors said they have great chances to stabilize the tumor and remove it through surgery if she keeps receiving chemotherapy and radiation. She said yes." At last, a broad smile lit up his features.

"Oh my God, that's fantastic news, Ernest!" Daphne beamed.

"I think so too."

"And you're moving back to UK soon, right?"

"Yes, I'll be back next month."

"This is really great, Ernest. I'm happy for both of you."

"Thank you. I knew you would be."

Daphne then glanced at her wristwatch. "Well, this has been such a pleasant evening, but I have a train to catch."

"Of course, I'll get the check."

After a brief moment, Briar returned with their separate bills and two boxes with pastries. "The second one is baklava for Hamid." The young woman gave her friend a knowing look.

"He's going to eat most of my macarons, but whatever. Thanks." Daphne replied and gave her credit card.

Ernest remained in silence for a moment, watching the two friends talk. Once the bill was paid, they stood up, thanked everyone, and headed to the door, where they got their coats, and Daphne's received her luggage that Briar kept in the storage room.

From the back of the counter, Briar and Alisha waved at the viscountess and her former fiancé leaving.

"Well, for two people who had their break up headlining all gossip blogs and tabloids in UK, they seem very friendly," Alisha commented as she arranged a few pastries inside the bakery display.

"Yeah…" Briar narrowed her eyes, not knowing what to make of her friend's behaviour near her ex.

"It's easy to make things look perfect for everyone else when you're just sweeping dirt under the rug instead of actually cleaning the house." Mrs. Daly chimed into the conversation as she passed by the two young women. "That has always been their biggest problem."

As they stepped outside, he gazed at Daphne tapping her screen of her mobile. "If you need a ride, I can take you to the train station."

"No, thank you. I'm calling an Uber."

"It's not that far from here."

"But you'd be driving in the opposite direction. I don't have to go through all that trouble…"

"Daphne," he called, placing a hand on her arm. "It's a fifteen minutes detour I'll gladly make for you. Please."

The lady considered the offer carefully. She wasn't eager to be seen in public with Ernest, especially given how much the tabloids used to follow both of them throughout their relationship. Yet, the paparazzi have stopped following her and the driver she called was over seven kilometers away. Perhaps this wasn't such a bad idea.

"Fine…" She acquiesced and watched him promptly open the door of his car then put her luggage in the backseat.

The moment Daphne buckled the seat belt, a message pinged on her mobile:

"I heard your boyfriend suffered an accident. Is he all right?"

Daphne's cheeks flushed crimson as her former fiancé's voice pulled her back to reality. "Yes, he's getting better. Thank you for asking."

"Is that why you’re returning so soon?"

"Among other reasons..."

The lady looked ahead, unsure where this conversation was going, but hoping her destination wasn't so far.

"Is it serious?"

"Excuse me?"

"Your new relationship: do you see yourself with him in the future?" He insisted.

"It's too soon to say."

"You've been seen with him since late October."

"I started dating him officially three weeks ago."

"But you were here three weeks ago. Did it start as a long-distance relationship?"

"Yeah, you could say that."

"How is that working out for you two?"

"It's too soon to say."

He glanced at her quickly, but didn't say a word. Yet, his expression said more than he wanted her to see.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"I didn't say anything," Ernest scoffed.

"Funny... You look like you have a lot to say about that," she replied, trying to suppress her annoyance.

He huffed. Somehow, this odd conversation felt awfully familiar. Ernest jumping to conclusions too quickly, Daphne annoyed with his judgemental demeanour. It was a clear sign that some things would most likely never change between them.

"Why would you care if my relationship is going to last?"

"Because I care about anything related to you!" He snapped as the car abruptly stopped right in front of the train station, pushing both of their bodies forward, only to be held back by the seat belt.

"Oh, sure! You did seem like you cared about me when you began your relationship with a girl that made me and my friends miserable in secondary school three weeks after we broke up."

"It wasn’t like that. I did care! I still do!"

"That was one hell of a way of showing it, Sinclaire!" She bellowed.

Honks startled them, breaking the tension between them. And as words sunk in, the only sentiment they shared at the moment was regret. Unbuckling her seat belt, Daphne reached for the door handle when he spoke up again.

"Did you ever love me?"

A moment of silence settled inside the car. Although she wished she could just leave, she knew this couldn’t be left unsaid. "I thought I did." Her eyes welled up as she mulled over her own words. "Now I don't know..."

Ernest inhaled sharply. Did he expect another answer? Or did he know it all along? "Perhaps it's for the best that we never said those words to each other."

Daphne swallowed hard and nodded. "Thank you for the ride." She uttered then opened the door, picked up the luggage from the backseat, and left without looking back.

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