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#foreign affairs tatum
ao719 · 3 months
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Vancross
Vancross - Through the Darkness (Chapter 21)
Most of the characters belong to Pixelberry.
Summary: A group of friends embark on their final year at Vancross Institute with the hopes of making it their best year yet. When a new face with a complicated family plagued by secrets and rumors arrives on campus, new friendships are formed, a new relationship blossoms, and threatening challenges arise.  
Title inspiration: Wake Me Up - Tommee Profitt & Fleurie
Main Pairing: Liam x F!OC
A/N: Multiple crossover series. There will be random sprinkles of canon throughout this story, but for the most part, it’s pretty much out the window. Thanks to @burnsoslow for prereading! Please excuse any errors.
A/N 2: Since this is more of a filler/check-in chapter, I made it a submission for @choicesflashfics, using prompt #2. Fair warning, our girl Croía is not doing well 🥲
Rating: M • Warnings: This series will contain nsfw material, language, some alcohol and drug use, and is not suitable for minors. If you read, you acknowledge you are 18+
Word count: 2468
Catch up here
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•Three Weeks Ago•
Standing on the balcony of her room, Croía wiped the tears from her cheeks as she watched the last rays of the sun start to disappear behind the horizon. When she made the choice to come home, being told she was going to be forced to stay was not something she had anticipated. 
Considering the way she’d been treated growing up, Croía thought they’d be happy to be rid of her, but at dinner that night, her mother informed her that she had “more important plans” for her. When she returned to her room, she saw a few stacked boxes at the foot of her bed, and when she opened them, she found all of her belongings from her room at Vancross. She rushed to her nightstand where she’d put her phones, knowing she needed to reach out to someone, but they were gone. 
When her eyes shifted to the waves crashing against the jagged rocks below, Croía searched her muddled mind for some way out, but with no way to contact anyone and knowing there was no way for her to leave, panic clutched her heart. 
Gripping the concrete balustrade, Croía dropped to her knees and a sob escaped her as one thought crossed her mind: Liam. 
•Two Weeks Ago•
After a meeting with her mother to discuss exactly what was expected of her in the coming weeks, Croía was escorted back to her room. The meeting was one she remained completely silent throughout. In the week since being told she would be staying in Drakovia, she remembered why it was better to just keep quiet. 
After being told that she was being named heir and was being forced to take a husband of her mother’s choosing, a husband who would end up with more ruling capacity than her to ensure she couldn’t ruin their plan — a plan she still knew nothing about — Croía became something she’d never been before: defiant. When she was summoned to meet with her mother, she refused to go. Her mother then came to her and an argument ensued, but one forceful backhand across the face that knocked her to the floor was all it took to remind Croía of where she was and exactly who she was dealing with. 
Once at her room, Croía stepped inside as the two guards who’d escorted her took their positions on either side of her door. She was their new assignment. If she left her room, they followed. When she was in her room, they were stationed outside. 
When she shut the door, Croía went to her balcony and finally set free the emotions she’d been holding back for the last hour; shuddered breaths escaped her as did her tears as she leaned against the balustrade. 
At that moment, Croía couldn’t help but think of Liam, not that he was never not on her mind. She wondered what he was doing … what he was thinking. They were back on campus now. Knowing him, she was sure he had tried to reach out, but after a week of silence on her end, did he think she just chose not to return without a word? 
Was he worried? 
Was it possible he reached out to Trystan and Marguerite, and if so, were they trying to figure out what happened to her? 
If they could figure it out, would they find a way to get to her? 
What if she never saw or spoke to any of them again? 
Croía choked on another sob as she tried to take in a breath; she stood upright, wiping the tears from her cheeks only for them to be replaced by more. Her eyes then shifted to the rocks below. 
What if she was stuck here forever? 
No. She couldn’t be … she wouldn’t be. 
Nothing good could come of these plans her mother had, and Croía didn’t want to be a part of whatever they were. As she stared down at those jagged rocks, watching the waves slam against them, she knew that if all else failed … there was, at least, one way out. 
•One Week Ago•
Sitting inside the great room with her parents, Croía stared off, not paying much attention to anything they were saying. She wanted no part in the discussion they were having about the upcoming masquerade ball where her mother planned to choose a suitor for her. Why she was summoned to be there for the discussion was lost on her; she was nothing more than the pawn they were trading off to the highest bidder. She’d been diminished to nothing but an object … a duty … a plan. 
Croía had been in Drakovia for a month and she was losing all sense of herself, becoming a shell of the girl she had been before arriving. She was beginning to lose hope that she’d get out of this, and because of that, she was cold and distant, not that anyone there noticed or cared. And those who she thought would care — Alia, Liam, the other friends she’d made at school — she’d been told to forget them … just as they’d forgotten her. She was told no one had even reached out, and when she shook her head in disbelief, she was shown her phone; there were no missed calls, no messages. There was nothing. She swore her mother took pleasure in delivering those blows to her. 
Yes, Croía knew that her mother could have easily gained access to her phone and erased any truth, but there was an insecure voice in the back of her head that made her question everything, and it only got louder with each passing day. 
Was she right? 
Had they forgotten her? 
Had they come to their own conclusions of what happened and simply carried on? 
All of those thoughts and more kept filling Croía’s head, unable to get that doubt-filled voice to be quiet, and none of it was doing her state of mind any favors. 
Croía was pulled from her daze when her father stood from the sofa and excused himself; she watched him leave the room just as Lydea entered.
“Since you’re both here,” Lydea said to her mother and sister as she approached them, “we should go over some protocol for the night of the ball.”
Croía stood as she let out a breath. “I’m tired. We can do it another day,” she said as she started for the door.
“You’re here now,” Lydea bit out. “So we can do it now.” 
“Another day,” Croía repeated. 
“I wasn’t asking,” Lydea said as she darted toward her, grabbing hold of her wrist. “We will do it now.” 
Croía turned, meeting Lydea’s narrowed gaze. “The last time I checked, you’re the head of the royal guard and I’m the Crown Princess. I don’t take orders from you. You take them from me.” She yanked her wrist free from her sister’s tight grip and turned, disappearing into the hall. 
Lydea’s brows rose in surprise as she turned to her mother. 
Viktoria was smirking at the door, almost impressed by her youngest’s curt attitude. Almost. Croía had a ways to go, but something was finally starting to break inside her, and in order for it to last and for her to become a semblance of what she needed her to be, she would need to continue to push her to that edge. She lifted her cup of tea to her lips, meeting Lydea’s gaze and shrugging as she took a sip. 
•Present•
Standing on the alteration platform inside the palace boutique, Croía stared back at the floor-length mirror, focusing on the reflection of her own ice-blue eyes; she couldn’t help but notice how the light that had been in them the last several months had all but vanished. 
Croía was trying to keep her attention off the gown she wore because every time she glimpsed it in the mirror, her chest tightened, her eyes stung, and her anxiety spiked; with the ball less than a week away, she was more on edge than ever. The gown wasn’t her — black with a barely there illusion neckline and lace appliqués in shimmering gold on the bodice that led into the top of the skirt. Leave it to her mother to want to parade her around in something like this; she felt like a piece of bait. 
“We’ll have to take in the waist again, Your Highness,” the seamstress said as she rose to her feet after checking the hem. Upon hearing what sounded like a hint of worry in her tone, Croía glanced at her in the mirror, watching as she pinched the bit of loose fabric at her sides and gently pulled it against her body. 
The first time Croía tried it on was only a few days after that regretful dinner. She’d taken in the waist two weeks ago by just a small bit, but now it needed to be taken in again. 
Croía only offered a silent nod in response to the woman’s words. The seamstress offered a sad smile in return before turning to her supply table. 
When the door to the boutique opened, Croía stiffened at the sight of her mother and Lydea. She schooled her expression into impassiveness as they approached her, both taking in the details of the gown.
“A little loose, don’t you think?” Lydea asked as she pinched the loose fabric at her sister’s side. 
“I’ll be taking in the waist,” the seamstress replied. “I need to go grab some more pins. I’ll be right back.” 
As the seamstress stepped out, Croía met Lydea’s gaze in the mirror, and she knew she had to be truly losing it when she swore she could have seen a flicker of concern in her eyes. 
“It’ll do,” Viktoria said as she circled her like a vulture. “She’ll at least look presentable, yes?” 
“She’s standing right here,” Lydea gestured to her. “How do you feel about it?” 
Croía dropped her eyes to the floor, focusing on the hem of the gown in the mirror. 
“Well?” Viktoria asked as she came in front of her and crossed her arms. “You can be honest. What do you think?” 
Croía lifted her eyes to her mother’s. She knew it was a rhetorical question; she could hear the threat in her tone and see it in her body language. But if she was giving her an opening for honesty, she was going to take it. 
“I think I don’t want to do this,” Croía said just above a whisper as she held her mother’s stare. “Any of it.” 
“You’ll be securing a husband and, eventually, the crown,” Viktoria scoffed. “What’s not to want?” 
Croía softly shook her head. “I don’t want either,” her voice cracked, shattering her impassive mask.
A smirk tugged at the corner of Viktoria’s painted red lips. “Oh, darling, I hope you’re not still holding onto any hope for you and Liam.” Viktoria moved to her back, meeting her gaze in the mirror as she leaned closer to her ear. “There is nothing more painful than watching the person you love give up on you, is there?”
Croía’s lip imperceptibly trembled as she stared at her mother’s reflection through her blurring vision. 
Did he really give up? Possibly. 
Could she blame him if he had? … No. 
“He’s probably moved on from whatever insignificant thing you two had,” Viktoria said as she stepped back. “Because that’s how he sees you … insignificant. I suggest you do the same and let it go.” She turned and strode out of the room. 
Lydea stared at her sister for a moment, watching her fight to keep her composure before she turned and followed her mother. 
Once alone, Croía bowed her head as a quiet sob escaped her. 
****
That evening, Croía stood on the balcony of her room with her vacant eyes fixated on the rocks below. It would be so easy, she thought. As a fresh tear slid down her cheek, her hands curled tighter around the balustrade as she leaned forward, really taking in the drop below. 
It was beginning to feel like the only way to out. 
Maybe it was. 
A knock on her door startled Croía back, and she let out a shuddered breath as she snapped back to reality. She wiped her cheeks as she turned and stepped inside, headed for her door.
When she opened it, Lydea stood on the other side, having momentarily dismissed the two guards who were usually there. 
“What?” Croía asked tersely.
“I wanted to check on you,” Lydea said.
Croía’s brow knit before a derisive laugh bubbled out of her. “I’m sure.” 
“I’m serious.” 
“Don’t pretend to give a damn.” 
When she attempted to close the door in her face, Lydea stuck her polished boot in the threshold, and Croía pulled the door back and met her gaze. “Do you think I like seeing you like this? Do you think I find enjoyment in your misery? I don’t.” She stepped into the room and shut the door behind her. “I know this isn’t what you want. I know you don’t want the crown or this arrangement, but it’s nothing more than a game of politics.”
“My life is not a game,” Croía bit out. “And I’m not suited for this. For any of it. She doesn’t even believe I am and she never has. She’s made that perfectly clear over the years. I’m only here because I’m her last chance because there is no one else. I’m just a pawn in whatever game this is that she’s playing and I want no part of it.” 
“Croía—”
“If you meant what you said, then get me out,” Croía interrupted, and Lydea took in a breath as she stared back at her. “Please, Lydea,” she whispered in a plea as her eyes filled with tears. “I can’t … I can’t do this. I don’t want to do this. I’ve never asked you for anything before … but I’m begging you now … get me out.” 
Lydea continued to stare at her, and when Croía sensed her hesitation, she felt a spark of hope … but then she shook her head. “I can’t do that,” Lydea said. “They’re our monarchs above all else, and as their head guard, I swore an oath to them, Croía. I have a duty to uphold.” Croía deflated as she dropped her gaze; she should have known better. “I … I’m sorry.” With that, she turned and opened the door, shutting it behind her as she disappeared into the hallway. 
Croía went to her bed and laid down, curling into herself at the center. Fisting the duvet in her hand, her tears began to fall again as Liam’s face flashed through her mind. 
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roseythorne · 3 months
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TATUM MENDOZA EVERYONE 👏👏👏
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Sent by anonymous
‘Even though Blaine was the ‘main’ LI, I think Tatum had the more emotional route in Foreign Affairs’
POST/CONFESSIONS DO NOT REFLECT THE MOD’S PERSONAL OPINIONS!
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zoeywades-spouse · 4 months
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Me after watching a bodyguard romance on Netflix: *sighs* time to replay Foreign Affairs again
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bodyguardbracket · 7 months
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Round 1: Tatum Mendoza (Foreign Affairs) vs Wen Ning (The Untamed/MDZS)
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[Propaganda Under Cut]
Tatum Mendoza: because. he is very cute LMAO. okay no, listen up, he's one of the romance options in this game and he is your character's childhood best friend who has been away for years, and it's the first time you're seeing him in years, and he is employed as your new body guard and he is so adamant in making sure you're okay that he's constantly surveying the surroundings for threats and checking the perimeter to make sure nothing gets past him. the first thing he does when a door slams open is jump in front of you, ready to protect you or possibly even take the brunt of whatever's coming. he's on alert for you and dedicated to keeping you safe whether you romance him or not, although if you do it's a very sweet slowburn, because he's dedicated to keeping you safe and scared that your relationship could be a security risk if he lets his guard down. but he's not a total square, you can tease some banter out of him and get him to loosen up once in a while. the first thing he does after an attack was pulled on another bodyguards shift is run to you and check you're okay, bring you to a safehouse and check you over and then he drives you back on a motorbike and stays by your side the whole night making sure you not only are safe but feel safe, too. he comes running when you need him and he teaches you self defense and he is so sweet and great lol.
Wen Ning: Powerful, undead, unfailingly loyal, shy little guy
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nmvord · 1 year
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After all this time, they're still together.
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obsessedwithstabi · 6 months
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🍁🍂
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gaiuskamilah · 7 months
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where is your title and the quote from your bio from? been curious about it and it seems kinda random for a choices blog
LOL yeah i understand why they seem kind of random but they're actually choices quotes
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i love mfs with martyr complexes, so devoted to what they love and what they believe in that it consumes them and makes them who they are and they feel so much that it's bordering on obsession. like normal people :)
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sarahinara · 2 years
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I know I'm late to foreign affairs but I loved this dialogue with tatum too much not to draw it
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shreyamistry · 7 months
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they’re so gay and in love i will cry 😭
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Replaying Foreign Affairs and I feel like this shouldn’t have been a diamond scene
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ao719 · 6 months
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Vancross
Vancross - Reaching In The Darkness (Chapter 18)
Most of the characters belong to Pixelberry.
Summary: A group of friends embark on their final year at Vancross Institute with the hopes of making it their best year yet. When a new face with a complicated family plagued by secrets and rumors arrives on campus, new friendships are formed, a new relationship blossoms, and threatening challenges arise.  
Title inspiration: Somewhere There’s A Light On - Ross Copperman
Main Pairing: Liam x F!OC
A/N: Multiple crossover series. There will be random sprinkles of canon throughout this story, but for the most part, it’s pretty much out the window. Thank you to @burnsoslow for prereading! Please excuse any errors.
Rating: M • Warnings: This series will contain nsfw material, language, some alcohol and drug use, and is not suitable for minors. If you read, you acknowledge you are 18+
Catch up here
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Sitting on the Cordonian royal family’s private jet, bound for New York, Croía stared out the window at the passing clouds. Between the attack at Camp Eirene, her night with Liam in the safe house, Trystan showing up, Vancross canceling exams to focus on the investigation, and her invitation to spend their now extended break in Cordonia paired with the impromptu stopover they were making on the way, the last 24 hours had been a bit of a whirlwind, to say the least. 
Croía slowly shifted her gaze from the picturesque view outside her window to her brother. Trystan sat on the opposite end of the jet’s cabin with Liam’s parents and their head guard; the four of them spoke in hushed voices too quiet for her or anyone else to hear, and they all wore earnest expressions. 
“You ok?”
The voice along with the gentle squeeze of his hand that was curled around hers pulled Croía’s attention; she glanced over, offering Liam a smile. “Yeah,” she replied with a nod. He lifted their intertwined hands to his lips, kissing the back of hers. “What do you think they’re talking about?” she asked, gesturing toward the other side of the cabin. 
Liam glanced over to where his parents were speaking to her brother and Jackson. “Not sure,” he shrugged. “Why?”
“I don’t know,” Croía answered as she nestled closer to him. “They just look … really serious.” 
Liam lifted his arm, allowing her to settle in the crook of it as he wrapped it around her. “They’re probably just going over what they know about the investigation,” he suggested before kissing the top of her head. 
“Probably …” Croía couldn’t shake the feeling that it was something more.
Trystan had been acting oddly since Croía and Liam were informed they were all going to New York. Not only did he seem more serious than usual, but when she was packing her bag at the lodge, she grabbed her phone, suggesting that maybe she should let their parents know about exams being canceled and the plan for her to spend the break in Cordonia. She was unsure if they were expecting her home, not that she thought they actually were; it was more because she wanted to see if they even cared about what happened since they hadn’t even bothered to call. Trystan, however, grabbed her phone from her and told her not to. He said to let Jonas handle speaking to them, that he’d already instructed her guard that he was to stay with her during her break and to not tell her parents — if they called at all — where she really was. When she looked at him questioningly, he said it would just be easier, that she could enjoy her break without worrying about anything, especially their mother. 
Croía had also caught Trystan a few times, like now, in what appeared to be deep conversations with Constantine and Eleanor. They were clearly conversations that she and Liam weren’t meant to be privy to, but her brother being involved made her feel like there was something else going on.
“Are you excited about going to New York?” Liam asked, pulling her from her thoughts. 
“Yeah,” Croía smiled. “I can’t wait to see Mags, and to see Trystan’s place, and maybe even meet his girlfriend,” she chuckled. She tilted her head up to look at him. “What about you?”
“Yeah,” Liam nodded. “I was actually supposed to come for the long weekend before exams to visit Drake and Max, but we all got busy and never finalized the plans.”
“Did you tell them you were coming?”
“No, but I’m pretty sure they know,” Liam replied as he gestured across the cabin to Jackson. “He told me he called to let them know what happened, so I’m sure he’s been in touch with them since with updates.” 
****
After the long flight, Liam and Croía entered the junior suite on the 19th floor of the Plaza Hotel; Constantine, Eleanor, and Leo were staying in the Grand Penthouse suite above them. 
While Liam took their bags to the bedroom, Croía went to the window, looking out at the snow-covered city streets and the view of Central Park in the distance. It had been six years since she had last been there, and she didn’t remember much from that trip other than her visit with Trystan when he’d snuck over to see her after Marguerite lured their father out. She hadn’t been allowed to leave the hotel, so the only bit of New York she saw was on the drive to and from the airport. 
When Liam wrapped his arms around her, she leaned back against his chest. “What do you think?” 
“It’s beautiful,” Croía smiled. 
Seeing her fight back a yawn, Liam leaned down, nuzzling her neck. “Tired?”
Croía smiled sheepishly; it was only a little after four in the afternoon there, but her mind and body hadn’t begun to adjust to the time difference. “Flying backward in time has thrown me off,” she chuckled.
“You can lay down if you want,” Liam said. 
“I’ll never sleep tonight if I do that.” 
“Well, I’m assuming we’re going to do something with my parents and Leo for dinner, but …” Liam began peppering her neck with soft kisses. “We have some time to kill before then …” 
Croía bit her lip through a smile at the suggestion in both his words and tone, and her stomach swirled with butterflies as flashes from the night before filled her thoughts. She tilted her head toward his, and he brushed a hand across her cheek, guiding her mouth to his. She turned in his arms, and he tightened his hold around her as he deepened the kiss. Her hands slid up his chest to cup his neck as he carefully started to walk backward, guiding her toward the king-size bed that was nestled behind the partition wall. Once at the bedroom, he pressed her body against the frame of the wall as his hands began to gently wander; she closed her eyes, sliding her hand into his hair and tilting her head back to allow him better access as his lips trailed down her neck, feeling that familiar aching need for more start to unfurl inside her.  
Suddenly, they both froze when a knock came on the door of the suite. Liam slowly lifted his head from her neck, brushing his nose against her cheek as his lips sought hers again, willing whoever was at the door to go away. Just as he kissed her again, another knock came, and he pulled back with a sigh. “Hold that thought.” 
Liam walked to the door and opened it, seeing Jackson standing on the other side. “Your Highness,” he bowed. 
“Hey,” Liam smiled as he moved aside to let him in. “Everything ok?”
“Yes,” Jackson nodded as he stepped inside; he smiled at Croía before looking back at Liam. “Your parents are just going to relax here for the evening and plan to just order room service for dinner. Your mother wanted me to let you know because she thought perhaps you’d like to go over and see Drake and Maxwell.”
“They know we’re here, I take it?” Liam asked, despite already knowing the answer.
“They do,” Jackson nodded. “I messaged Drake when we landed. If you’d like to go over, I can take you. Leo said he’d tag along if you decided to go.” 
Liam glanced at Croía with an apologetic yet questioning smile; she returned her own with a nod, knowing he wanted to see them. “Sounds good,” Liam said, looking back at Jackson. 
“Alright,” Jackson nodded. “Grab your coats.”
Jackson shot a message to Leo while Croía and Liam slipped on their jackets. A few moments later, they exited their suite and headed for the elevator; when the doors slid open, Leo was waiting inside. 
As the elevator began its descent to the lobby, Liam glanced over at Jackson. “Does Drake know we’re coming?” 
“Since he knows you’re here, I’m sure he was already expecting you to make your way there eventually once you were settled,” Jackson replied. “He and Max don’t have to work tonight, so they’ll be home.” 
When the elevator came to a stop and the doors slid open, the four of them stepped out and made their way across the lobby. They exited the hotel and Jackson gestured toward the waiting SUV; as the three royals slid inside, they didn’t see the imperceptible nod the guard gave to the town car parked behind them as he made his way to the driver’s side. 
When the SUV pulled away from the curb and into the heavy city traffic, the back door of the parked town car flung open, and a pair of booted heels hit the pavement. A woman stood and made her way inside the hotel. Once in the lobby, she spotted a suited man waiting near the elevator, just where she was told he’d be; she approached with a tentative smile. “I take it you’re Jonas?” 
“Yes, ma’am,” the guard nodded. “If you’ll follow me,” he gestured to the elevator.
Once inside the car, she watched the guard hit the button to the penthouse. As they ascended to the top floor, she glanced over at the man. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Good things I hope?” Jonas smiled. 
“Of course,” she nodded. “I know he wouldn’t trust just anyone with what he’s asked of you.” 
“I can say the same for you and what he’s asking now,” Jonas replied, referring to the reason she had come there. The woman offered a subtle smile just as the elevator came to a stop and the doors slid open. “Follow me.” 
They stepped out of the elevator into a small entryway and headed for the only door; the man knocked twice, paused, and knocked once more. A moment later, the door opened and he dipped his head in a bow before stepping aside.
Trystan smiled. “You’re a sight for sore eyes.” 
The woman rolled her eyes with a good-natured grin as Trystan approached; he leaned down and kissed her cheek. When he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into an embrace, she could feel how tense he was, but as he buried his face in her neck, the tension slowly melted away. “You ok?” 
“I am now,” Trystan whispered. 
When he drew back, she looked up at him. “You really think they might be right?”
Trystan nodded somberly. “I had my suspicions already, but hearing their own among the other things they had to say … I think they’re onto something.” He smiled ruefully at her. “Thanks for being willing to help me on this.” 
“Don’t thank me yet. I don’t know how much help I’ll really be.” 
“Come on,” Trystan said as he took her hand. “They’re inside … they can tell you everything they know.” 
When Trystan rounded the corner into the living area of the suite, Constantine and Eleanor rose from their places on the sofa. He smiled at the woman beside him. “This is King Constantine and Queen Eleanor of Cordonia. Your Majesties, this is my girlfriend, Detective Cameron Rose.”
The monarchs stepped forward and extended their hands to the woman. “It’s nice to meet you, Miss Rose,” Constantine greeted her.
“Please, just Cameron is fine,” she smiled. “And it’s nice to meet you as well, though I wish it was under better circumstances.” She glanced over, spotting Jonas and another suited man standing next to him.
Eleanor saw her wary expression. “That’s one of our guards, Anthony,” she explained.
“I saw the other one on his way out with your boys and Croía,” Cameron said. “Trystan told me you wanted to wait until they were gone for me to come up.” 
“Yes,” Constantine nodded. “Eleanor and I don’t want Liam knowing anything just yet …”
“And I don’t want Croía to know anything until we have proof,” Trystan added.  
Cameron glanced at him with a sympathetic smile. “Hopefully I’ll finally get to meet her,” she said, trying to lighten his mood if only momentarily. 
“You will,” Trystan smiled as he kissed her forehead. “Promise.” 
Cameron sat on the loveseat Trystan gestured to as he sat next to her; Constantine and Eleanor lowered themselves back down onto the larger sofa. “Thank you for agreeing to try and help us,” Eleanor smiled.
“I’ll see what I can do,” Cameron said, “but I don’t want to make any promises.” 
“Trystan said you’re one of the best at what you do,” Constantine added. 
“He’s definitely biased,” Cameron quipped. 
“Nonsense,” Trystan grinned.
“So,” Cameron began. “Trystan told me you think your son was the target of the attack that happened during this ski trip …” 
“We do,” Eleanor nodded morosely. “Based on what we know so far …” 
Eleanor glanced over at Anthony, and he stepped forward as Cameron looked at him expectantly. “The chopper … when it first appeared, the way it was edging up and down along the slopes, it was almost as if they were searching for something … or someone. Based on the shell casings found in that area, the shots they fired there seemed to be random, probably to scatter the students. The guards that had assembled and started after the chopper said they noticed that when they came across the area of the flat trails where Prince Liam and Princess Croía were … its focus seemed to set solely on them. And those shots … they weren’t random.” He shook his head. “Jonas and I had to take Interpol agents back to where we found them this morning. That area where the chopper had been hovering, across from the treeline where they were hiding … it was littered with casings, and they found multiple bullet fragments in the trunk of one tree in particular and more in the snow around it.” 
Sensing him tense beside her at hearing the details again, Cameron mindlessly slipped her hand into Trystan’s as she glanced back at the Cordonian monarchs. “And you have reason to believe that Drakovia … that Queen Viktoria is behind the attack?” 
Constantine slid a folder across the coffee table that sat between them. “We do …” 
****
After the 30-minute drive through city traffic, Liam, Croía, Leo, and Jackson exited the stairwell inside Drake and Maxwell’s apartment building; they walked down the hall to their door, and Liam lifted his hand and knocked. 
A moment later, the door opened, and Maxwell beamed. “Liam!” He wrapped his arms around him in a bear hug. “You’re alive!” 
“We knew he was alive, Beaumont,” Drake chided as he came up behind him. 
Liam chuckled as he ruffled Maxwell’s hair before stepping inside. He met Drake’s gaze, able to see both worry and relief fill his best friend’s expression; he stared at him as though he was assessing whether he was really ok. A moment later, Drake let out a breath as he shook his head and stepped forward, pulling him into a crushing embrace. 
Drake broke the silence. “When my dad called …” 
Liam clapped his back, dropping his voice so only Drake could hear. “I’m ok.”
“I was going to fly out,” Drake said quietly. 
“No need,” Liam replied as he took a step back; he looked over as Croía stepped up next to him. “You remember Croía.”
“Of course,” Drake nodded with a smile before hugging her. “How are you holding up?” he asked as he stepped back. 
“I’m ok,” Croía nodded. 
Drake looked at Liam. “Well … I know this probably isn’t the trip to New York you intended, but I’m glad you’re here,” he chuckled. Suddenly, Jackson stepped up in front of him, and the two men shared matching grins. “Hey, Pop.”
Jackson pulled him into an embrace. “It’s good to see you, son,” he said as he clapped his back. 
“You too,” Drake replied as he stepped back. “Leo,” he nodded to him before shaking his hand. “Looks like the gang’s all here.”
“No,” Liam said, glancing around. “Where’s Riley?”
“She had an event she was working tonight that she couldn’t get out of,” Drake answered. “She’s hoping she’ll get to see you guys tomorrow. For tonight …” He glanced at his watch before looking back up at the others. “How about we just hang out here with some pizza and beers?”
“Sounds good to me,” Liam nodded. 
****
After spending more than an hour looking over the stacks of documents that were inside the folder Constantine had given her — and listening to more of what he and Eleanor had to say regarding their suspicions — Cameron rubbed her chin in thought. “I mean … this is all a start and gives us a lot to look into, but we’re going to need more. Much more. Nothing here is concrete and is all based on speculation.” 
“That’s where we were hoping you would come in,” Constantine said. “We know it may seem odd to you that we couldn’t or wouldn’t use other resources available to us that most don’t have … but we need to keep this completely quiet. When Trystan said he could speak with you … it seemed like our best option to keep it discreet. If we’re right and any of those speculations are true … we don’t want to draw attention to what we’re looking into. They’ll be keeping us on their radar while watching the bigger investigation into the attack and the information that brings out. They would never suspect us running our own investigation with some PI from across the pond.”
“I get it,” Cameron nodded. “And I appreciate the faith in me, even though I’m sure Trystan oversold my abilities to you,” she chuckled. She looked back at the papers in her hand, tapping her finger against her lips. “With your permission, I’d like to enlist some help of my own. Luke Watanabe is a colleague of mine; he’s a genius hacker. He could be of assistance getting us some information we’d otherwise not get our hands on.” Constantine and Eleanor nodded tentatively. “Also, there’s another detective I’d like to reach out to …” 
Trystan furrowed his brows. “Did Mafalda hire someone new?”
“No,” Cameron shook her head, glancing back at Constantine and Eleanor. “They’re an old friend of mine and they’ve helped me with a couple of cases in the past. They have a lot of connections that I don’t, one in particular that could really help with this,” she held up the folder. “And they’re right here in the city. I could call … see if they’d be willing to meet tomorrow if you’re ok with it.” 
Constantine and Eleanor shared a look, having a silent conversation before glancing back at her. “And you trust them? To be discreet?” Constantine questioned. 
“Wholeheartedly,” Cameron nodded. “They’re one of the best people I know and one of the best in this field.”   
The King and Queen shared another look, holding another silent conversation. When they met Cameron’s gaze again, Constantine nodded. “Make the call.” 
****
Sitting in the living room with three boxes of pizza on the table they surrounded, Liam, Croía, and Leo caught up with Drake and Maxwell; Jackson sat off to the side, drinking water in place of the beer they were drinking, chiming into the conversation every now and then. 
Liam looked at Drake. “Have you decided what you’re doing after graduation yet?” 
“No,” Drake shook his head. “Still playing it by ear for now … but Riley and I have talked a little about it and should things keep going the way they are with us, she said she wouldn’t be opposed to moving since she doesn’t have anyone or anything else keeping her here.”  
“Don’t tell your mother that unless you’re absolutely certain it’s happening,” Jackson said. “She’ll never stop hounding you about it.” 
“Oh, she already brings it up every time we talk,” Drake chuckled. “But I won’t say anything until I know what I’m doing.” 
“What about you, Max?” Leo asked.
“I’ll be heading back to Cordonia to help Bertrand, but I told him there would be ground rules,” Maxwell nodded sternly, and Leo gave him a look. “If he wants me to come home to help him, then he’s going to have to cut me some slack and not be such a stiff ass,” he shrugged.
“I wanna see you say that to his face,” Leo chuckled. 
“What about you guys?” Drake asked, looking at Liam and Croía. “I mean, obviously Liam has to go back to Cordonia … but what about you, Croía? Would you go back to Drakovia?”
“Oh, I …” Croía looked from Drake to Liam. “I don’t know. I haven’t really thought about it much … and we haven’t talked about it.” 
Liam smiled at her. “We’ll figure it out, I’m sure.” As she said, they hadn’t talked about it, but despite knowing what he hoped would happen, he didn’t want to make her feel put on the spot. 
“Would you be expected to go back?” Maxwell asked.
Liam stared at her, hoping she wasn’t uncomfortable; he hadn’t told Drake or Maxwell about her family or her relationships with them. “I wouldn’t think so,” Croía answered. “And I doubt I’d be missed if I didn’t.” She smiled, but Liam knew she truly believed those words. 
****
Cameron slipped her phone back into her pocket as she returned to the living area, looking at Constantine and Eleanor. “They’re available to meet tomorrow afternoon. They said they can’t guarantee anything, but they’ll hear you out and look over what you have and go from there.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Constantine nodded. “But we’ll have to get Croía and Liam out of the hotel so we don’t draw any suspicion from them.” 
“I’m sure Liam will have plans to see Drake and Maxwell again at some point,” Eleanor said. 
“And Marguerite wants to see Croía,” Cameron added. “I’m sure she’ll be able to keep her more than occupied.”
“Perhaps,” Trystan nodded. “But I don’t want Marguerite knowing anything about this,” he gestured to the four of them. “She’s a Drakovian ambassador. I don’t want her getting involved and being put into a bad spot.” 
Cameron arched her brow. “She’s going to kill you if she finds out you kept her in the dark about this.”
“As an ambassador, she is bound to the crown, and going against her duty in any way, including knowing and keeping information about an investigation into the country she’s supposed to serve, would be seen as nothing short of treason in my mother’s eyes,” Trystan replied. “Right now, this is a strictly need-to-know kind of thing, and she doesn’t need to know. Not yet.”
Cameron tentatively nodded. She was told how protective Marguerite was of Croía, but she knew how protective Trystan was of both his younger sisters; in his eyes, they were the only family he had. And this was his family, so she would follow his lead on how to handle it. 
“Jackson just sent me a message,” Constantine said. “They’re getting ready to head back to the hotel now.” 
Cameron knew that was her cue. She looked at Trystan. “I’ll meet up with you back at your place?”
“I’ll come with you,” Trystan replied. “I’m sure Croía is going to crash once she gets back from the jetlag and time difference. I’ll shoot her a text and tell her we’ll meet up tomorrow sometime.” 
“We’ll let you know when they’re gone tomorrow,” Eleanor said as she rose from the sofa. Trystan kissed her cheek before shaking Constantine’s hand as she turned to Cameron. “Thank you again …”
Cameron nodded. “We’ll see you tomorrow.” 
*******
Late the following morning, Croía stirred awake inside the suite of the hotel; she raised her arms stretching the sleep from her body before turning to find Liam, but his side of the bed was empty. She lifted her head from the pillow just as he stepped out of the bathroom after a shower, securing a clean bandage on his arm.
“Morning.”
Croía smiled sleepily as she laid her head back down. “Morning. How long have you been up?”
“A little while,” Liam answered. A subtle smirk curled on his lips when he saw her eyes travel down the length of his body, stopping where the towel was wrapped around his waist. He moved to the bed and leaned down, pressing his lips to hers. “I didn’t want to wake you.” 
“Well, I’m awake now,” Croía whispered.
Liam chuckled at the hint of playfulness in her tone as he lay next to her on the bed. “Yeah?” 
“Mmhmm,” Croía nodded. She could just make out his smile before he kissed her again. 
Liam slipped his hand beneath the comforter, brushing his fingers against the soft skin of her thigh as the kiss deepened. Since their night in the safe house, despite the events that occurred and the whirlwind the past couple of days had been, he’d be lying if he said the flashes of that night and the thought of having her again hadn’t consumed him. When they arrived back at the hotel after visiting with Drake and Maxwell, they both crashed, too tired to do anything else.
But they had today … right now. 
The kiss turned more passionate as Liam’s hand moved over the waistband of her shorts and slid beneath the hem of her shirt. A sound rumbled from deep in his chest when his hand brushed against the side of her bare breast and she unwittingly arched into him. 
Suddenly, a knock came on the door of their suite, causing Liam to break the kiss and freeze. After a silent moment, he started to lean in again, but another knock came. “Go away!” he shouted, earning a giggle from Croía as she tucked herself into his chest. 
“Prince Liam,” Jackson called out through a laugh on the other side of the door. 
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Liam grumbled as he stood from the bed and readjusted the towel around his waist; Croía bit her lip to stifle her laugh at his irritation. 
When the door flung open, Jackson tucked his lips between his teeth to hide his knowing smile. “I apologize, sir.” 
“Mhm,” Liam hummed tightly in annoyance.
“Your mother and father wanted you and Croía to join them and Leo for breakfast.” 
Liam inhaled deeply and slowly let it out as he closed his eyes and nodded. “Ok.”
“I’ll let them know you’ll be up shortly,” Jackson smiled. 
“Thanks,” Liam bit out. Jackson nodded as he fought back another laugh and turned, heading back to the elevator as Liam shut the door. He walked back toward the bedroom and stopped in the doorway, leaning against the frame. “My parents have requested our presence for breakfast.” 
Croía giggled as she sat up in bed. “Ok.” 
“I’m sorry.” 
“It’s ok,” Croía said. “I’m sure we’ll have time for … other activities later.” 
Liam laughed, shaking his head at her teasing smile as he approached her. He leaned down, pressing his fists into the mattress on either side of her as he brushed his lips against hers. “How are you feeling from said ‘activities’ the other night?”
“I’m fine,” Croía smiled before pressing her lips to his. She drew back and met his gaze, but only for a moment before she kissed him again. 
Liam quietly groaned into the kiss when her tongue met his, and he lifted a hand, tangling it in her hair. He drew back a moment later, resting his forehead against hers. “I’m not going to be able to sit at a table with my mother if you keep it up.”  
Croía laughed, feeling her cheeks burn. “Sorry.” 
“Don’t be,” Liam smirked before kissing her again.
****
As she buttered her morning roll, Eleanor glanced up at Liam across from her. “How was your visit with Drake and Maxwell last night?” 
“Good,” Liam nodded. “We just hung out and caught up over some pizza. They’re doing good.”
“That’s good to hear,” Eleanor smiled. “Any plans today?” 
“Drake said he’d be around if we wanted to do something later,” Liam replied.  
“Oh,” Eleanor looked at him. “I thought you’d take the whole day with them.”   
Liam chuckled. “Trying to get me out of the hotel?” 
Eleanor fought back the heat rising to her cheeks. “Not at all,” she lied, hating every word of it. “I just thought with being in the city you might do some exploring.” 
“I’ve explored it plenty of times before,” Liam said.
“What about you, Croía?” Constantine chimed in. “Have you explored much with Trystan being here?”
“Oh, uh … no,” Croía answered sheepishly. “I’ve only been here once … six years ago. And I didn’t get to see anything outside my hotel room.”
“Liam, you should take her around,” Eleanor casually suggested. “There’s so much to see.” 
Liam glanced at Croía. “I’m sorry,” he frowned. “I knew you’d been here, but I’d forgotten that you hadn’t actually seen the city.” 
“You have nothing to be sorry for,” Croía chuckled. 
“So, how about it?” Liam smiled. “A tour, I mean.” 
“Yeah,” Croía nodded with a grin. “Maybe Trystan can come. And Mags.”
“And I’ll call Max and Drake,” Liam added.
“Leo, why don’t you join, too?” Constantine said.
Leo glanced at his father then Liam, and shrugged. “Ok.” 
Eleanor smiled before dropping her gaze back to the fruit on her plate. She hated keeping things from Liam, but for now, it was for his own good. She knew how protective he had become of Croía over the months they’d been together, and she loved that he loved Croía so fiercely, but it was why she, Constantine, and Trystan needed to tread carefully with their suspicions. She didn’t need or want him to do anything rash that would jeopardize their investigation … or himself. 
“What do you and dad have going on today?” Liam asked.
Eleanor looked up at him; they’d told them they were coming there because they had business in New York. “Nothing you need to concern yourself with,” she smiled. “Just some meetings.” It wasn’t technically a lie. 
Liam stared at his mother for a moment. Something felt off. He’d felt that way since his parents showed up at the lodge, watching them have hushed conversations with Jackson, Anthony, and Trystan. At first, he tried not to think much of it, but then yesterday, his mother was the one who suggested they go see Drake and Maxwell. Today, she suggested that he take Croía around the city, and his father urged Leo to tag along. Sure, they could just want them to take advantage of their short couple of days there, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that they were trying to clear them from the hotel for some other reason. 
Racking his brain, Liam thought that perhaps it had something to do with the attack and investigation; his parents wouldn’t see it necessary to fill him in on every detail unless they felt he needed to know because they wouldn’t want him to dwell on what he’d been through. He also knew there was no point in questioning it, either. If there was something they were keeping, they were doing so for a reason. 
****
“Did Croía call you?” Eleanor asked Trystan, who was sitting across from her in the living area of the suite; he and Cameron had arrived an hour after Liam, Croía, and Leo left to look over some things while they waited for Cameron’s contact. 
“About sightseeing?” Trystan smiled. “Yeah,” he nodded. “I told her I was working on something with Cameron, but that I’d call later so we could meet up. They should be arriving at Marguerite’s office shortly; she’s going to take them all out to a late lunch.” 
“What time is your contact arriving?” Constantine asked.
“They had a lunch meeting and said they’d come straight from there,” Cameron answered, glancing down at her watch. “They should be here any minute.” A knock on the door pulled their attention. “Speak of the devil,” she smiled. She rose from her seat and walked to the door, peering through the peephole before opening it. 
“The Grand Penthouse suite at the Plaza, huh? Swanky shit, Rose.”
Cameron chuckled. “It’s good to see you.” 
“Likewise,” they smirked.
Cameron stepped aside to allow them entry. “Come on in.” She walked back to the living area with the other trailing behind her; when they entered the room, the other three rose to their feet. “This is the King and Queen of Cordonia, and this is—”
“Prince Trystan of Drakovia,” they said, nodding to him as they extended their hand. “I recognize you from the coverage of the Hand of Mahara case.” They turned and offered their hand to Constantine and Eleanor next, giving them each a firm shake before stepping back. 
“This is Damien Nazario,” Cameron said. “He’s another PI here in the City.” 
“It’s nice to meet you,” Eleanor smiled, and Constantine nodded in agreement. 
“You as well,” Damien replied. 
“Damien here has experience working for foreign royals in the past,” Cameron explained. 
“That’s the connection he has that you mentioned?” Trystan asked. “I mean, no offense to you, good sir—” he looked at Cameron again, gesturing to himself with a sarcastic sweep of his hand “—but hello?” 
“No, smartass,” Cameron playfully scoffed before giving Eleanor and Constantine an abashed glance. “Sorry.” They both smiled, unfazed. “The connection I mentioned is that Damien here used to work for Interpol.”
“Oh?” Constantine questioned, arching his brow with intrigue.
“That’s right,” Damien nodded. “Cameron gave me a brief run down when we spoke yesterday, and mentioned the attack at the lodge. After I got off the phone, I did a little digging to see who was working it. I happen to be very good friends with the lead investigator …” 
“Have you spoken with them?” Eleanor questioned.
“No,” Damien shook his head. “I figured I’d wait to do that until I met with you to see what you have. I may not have to contact her at all.”
“I mean no disrespect,” Constantine said, “but it’s imperative that we keep this little covert investigation as discreet as possible. This friend of yours … are they trustworthy?” 
“She is,” Damien nodded. “Plus, she owes me a favor anyway. You have my word that should I feel the need to call her for any information, it will not go beyond her.”
Eleanor and Constantine shared a look before glancing back at Damien and nodding; Constantine gestured to the folder on the table in front of them.
****
After a day of walking and being shuttled around the city, Liam leaned against the balustrade at Battery Park, taking in the view of the Statue of Liberty as the sun began to set. 
A moment later, Drake came beside him, resting his arms on the railing. “Whatcha thinking about?” he playfully crooned, earning a laugh from him.
“Nothing,” Liam shook his head. “Just taking a breather.” he glanced around, furrowing his brows. “Where’s Max?” 
“He’s on the phone with Bertrand,” Drake replied. “We just talked to my dad, and since you all are already here, we’re going to fly back with you guys for the holiday break. So Max called to let him know.” 
“Is Riley coming, too?”
“Yeah,” Drake nodded, glancing over his shoulder at her while she talked with Croía. “They seem to get along well,” he noted, gesturing his head towards the two women.
Liam smiled. “Croía can get along with just about anyone once she gets comfortable enough.” 
“How’s things between you two going?” 
“Good,” Liam nodded, unable to contain his grin. “Really good.” 
“Is she going to be in Cordonia for the break?”
“Yeah,” Liam answered. “My mom invited her to stay with us.” He glanced at Drake as a thought that had been looming over him since that morning crept back up. “Hey … has your dad seemed … off to you at all in the last couple of days?” 
“Off as in …?”
“Like … almost secretive in a way?”
Drake thought for a moment. “Not really. But I haven’t been paying close attention either. Why, what’s going on?”
“I don’t know,” Liam shook his head. “At the lodge, I saw him having hushed conversations with my parents and Trystan, which I assumed was just about what happened and the investigation. Then, my parents said we were coming here, but wouldn’t say exactly for what, just that they had business. Since we arrived, it seems like they’re trying to keep us out of the hotel. It could be nothing … but I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something they’re not telling me.” 
“I wouldn’t think too much about it,” Drake said. “After what you went through — and I don’t mean this in a bad way — it’s not really a surprise that you might be on edge and feeling a little paranoid. Like you said, they were probably just talking about what happened and the investigation and didn’t involve you and Croía because they don’t want you guys to have to talk about it unless necessary.”
Liam shrugged. “Yeah … maybe.” Just then, he felt a pair of arms wrap around his waist; he glanced down and smiled at Croía, whose cheeks were tinged pink from the cold. “What do you think?” he asked, gesturing toward the famed monument before kissing the top of her head.
“It’s amazing,” Croía smiled before looking up at him. “Trystan just called. He’s done with whatever he’s been working on today and invited all of us to his place for dinner with him, Mags, and Cameron.” 
“I’m in,” Leo spoke up from behind. “I need to meet the woman who puts up with your brother,” he chuckled. 
“I’m excited to finally meet her,” Croía smiled.
“Hopefully you’ll go easier on her than your brother has on me,” Liam quipped. 
Croía chuckled and shook her head before looking at Drake, Riley, and Maxwell. “He invited you three to come too.” 
Drake slung an arm over Riley’s shoulders as Maxwell nodded. “We’re in.” 
****
When the elevator doors slid open to the entryway of the penthouse, the group was met by a grinning Trystan. “Welcome to my abode.” Croía smiled as she stepped out of the car and wrapped her arms around him. “Did you have fun today, kid?”
“Yeah,” Croía said as she stepped back. “Minus the temp dropping 15 degrees in the last hour,” she chuckled. She turned to the group behind her. “You know these two,” she gestured to Liam and Leo. “And this is Maxwell, Drake, and his girlfriend Riley,” she pointed to each of them. “Guys, this is my brother Trystan.” 
“Nice to meet you,” Trystan nodded, shaking each of their hands, and they each smiled in response.
“Come on, Sweets! I made some mulled wine!” Marguerite called out from somewhere. 
Trystan gestured his head for them to follow and turned, walking further into the penthouse. Liam slipped his hand into Croía’s as they all trailed behind him. 
When they stepped into the living area from the entryway, Leo let out a low whistle at not only the sheer size of the place but the modern elegance as well. “Exiled but still living like a fucking King.” 
Trystan laughed, flipping him off over his shoulder just as Marguerite came into view from the kitchen. “Hello, all,” Marguerite greeted everyone at once as she slid mugs of mulled wine across the counter for them. “Nice to see you again.” 
Hearing footsteps behind them, Croía turned to see a petite brunette making her way down the hall; the woman paused when she glanced up to see six pairs of unfamiliar eyes staring at her. “Hello,” she smiled tentatively.
Trystan came beside her a moment later, and Croía couldn’t help but notice the unmistakable grin her brother wore as he looked down at her with adoration shining in his eyes. He looked up and gestured toward Croía, and she stepped forward. “This is my girlfriend Cameron. Cam, this is my sister Croía.”
“It’s nice to finally meet you, Croía,” Cameron smiled as she extended her hand. 
“You as well,” Croía grinned, shaking her hand.
Cameron’s eyes flickered up to the others, stopping on one. “You must be Liam.” He nodded with a smile, extending his hand to shake hers. “I’ve heard a lot about you.” 
“Probably a lot of grumbling and yelling, yeah?” Leo chuckled, earning a look from both his brother and Trystan as Croía’s cheeks flushed. 
“That’s Leo, Liam’s older brother, and my old suitemate at Uni,” Trystan said. “And these are Liam’s friends, Drake, Maxwell, and Riley.” 
“Nice to meet you all,” Cameron smiled. 
“The point of mulled wine is to drink it while it’s hot, people!” Marguerite chided from the kitchen. Everyone turned and started toward her, each taking one of the mugs she prepared. “Trystan left dinner up to me, so I ordered Chinese. Hope everyone’s ok with that. If not … starve, I guess.” 
Leo chuckled. “I like her.”
“Don’t even think about it,” Trystan grumbled beside him, low enough so only he could hear. “One Rys is enough.” 
“I mean, it’s not like you don’t have plenty of sisters to go around.” Leo tossed his head back with a laugh at the look his words earned from Trystan. 
****
After dinner, the group sat in the living area, talking over more drinks. Trystan watched Croía and Cameron as they sat in the corner of the sectional and chatted. By the way they would glance at him now and then while laughing, he had no doubt they were exchanging stories about him. He smiled at how easily they seemed to get along, not that he expected anything less. 
Trystan’s eyes flickered to Liam, who was sitting on the other end of the sectional with his friends, talking with Marguerite. After his meetings with Liam’s parents and learning more about what happened at the lodge, there was something Trystan wanted to speak to him about privately, if he found the time to do so. 
As if reading his mind, Marguerite stood from the sofa. “I can’t believe you haven’t offered to give them a tour of the place.”
“It’s an apartment,” Trystan scoffed.
“Our apartment in the Bronx could fit inside your kitchen,” Drake chuckled. 
“And still leave room,” Maxwell added.
“Come. I’ll show you around,” Marguerite said. “Cam, come on, you can be my assistant.”
“Lucky me,” Cameron teased as she and Croía stood to join them. 
As they started to file down the hallway, Trystan stopped Liam. “Can I talk to you for a second?”
Liam swallowed thickly, unsure of what this was about, but the look on Trystan’s face when he walked into that safe house flashed in his mind. “Sure.” 
Trystan moved to the floor-to-ceiling windows in the living area, waiting until the voices of the others faded before looking at Liam. “I wanted to thank you …”
Liam’s brows furrowed. “For what?”
“I heard about what you did during the attack … throwing yourself in front of Croía …” 
“It was nothing,” Liam said. 
“Don’t downplay what you did, Liam. There’s a good chance that it saved her life. And I will forever be grateful to you for that.” 
Liam could see the genuine sincerity in his eyes and hear it in his tone. “Really, you don’t have to thank me.” 
“Stop being so humble and accept my damn gratitude.”
Liam chuckled with a conceding nod. “You’re welcome.” 
“Listen … I know I haven’t given you the easiest time and I’m sorry for that … but it wasn’t because of you, per se.” Trystan glanced out the window. “I struggled with the idea of Croía being in a relationship with anyone at all. And not because she’s my baby sister and I wanted to play the role of protective big brother for the fun of scaring potential suitors off but because I know what she’s been through.” He looked back at him. “She’s dealt with constant letdowns and heartbreak all her life at the hands of people who were supposed to love her most. She was treated like and told she was nothing more than a mistake and disappointment, made to believe that she wasn’t worthy of attention or affection from her own parents let alone anyone else. Knowing she’d never had a relationship, I worried about her … about her falling and then dealing with that kind of heartbreak … of it happening and it making her believe those things she was told about herself growing up.” 
“I would never hurt her, Trystan,” Liam said. “I love her.” 
“I know you do,” Trystan nodded with a small smile. “And I can see that she loves you. You make her happy … happier than I have ever seen her. All of you do … you and the friends that she’s made. I’m glad she has you in her life.” 
“She’s pretty special to all of us,” Liam smiled. 
“She is special,” Trystan nodded in agreement. “I can’t help but look at her and think that underneath that shy and naive exterior … there’s something big she’s destined to do. I don’t know what that is yet, and neither does she … but I think being with you is going to help bring it out of her.” Liam chewed the inside of his cheek, letting his words sink in as a silence settled between them. After a few moments, Trystan cleared his throat. “Alright, that got way too serious for my liking.” He turned and walked across the living area. “Just know that if you do ever hurt her … I will find you.” He stopped near an empty wall and turned to Liam again. “I may be exiled, but I still have diplomatic immunity. And I can turn this penthouse into a torture chamber with a push of a button.” 
When Liam laughed off his words, he saw Trystan arch a brow as he reached over and pushed a small button. His eyes widened when the wall slid open, revealing an extensive knife collection that would put the one in Lythikos to shame. “Holy shit.” 
Trystan plucked a dagger from its holding place and expertly twirled it in his hands as he met his gaze. “As I said …” 
Liam stiffened. “Got it. Loud and clear.” 
****
After leaving the penthouse, Drake, Maxwell, and Riley headed back to their apartment to pack their bags; Eleanor sent Liam a message that they would be leaving tomorrow morning. They said their goodbyes to Trystan, Cameron, and Marguerite, and Trystan promised Croia he’d see her soon. 
Once back at the hotel, Liam and Croía checked in with his parents to let them know they returned before going to their suite. They stepped inside and headed to the bedroom to change.
“I forgot to ask,” Croía said as she slipped off her shoes and undid her pants. “Why did you miss the penthouse tour?” 
“Your brother wanted to talk to me,” Liam replied as he pulled off his shirt.
“Oh god … about what?” 
“Nothing bad,” Liam chuckled, stripping off his pants. “He thanked me … after hearing what I did at the lodge. I’m assuming Jonas or Anthony told him.”
“What else?” Croía asked, able to tell by his expression that wasn’t all. 
Liam turned and smiled as he moved to stand in front of her; she was now clad in only an oversized t-shirt that hung just low enough to conceal the lace underneath. “He apologized for not going easy on me and said it was because he didn’t want to see you hurt. I told him that I wouldn’t ever hurt you …” He leaned down and pressed his lips to hers “… because I love you,” he whispered. 
Croía stared up at him and smiled softly. “I love you, too.” She caught a glimpse of his smile in the dim light just as she drew his lips back to hers. 
Liam’s hand tangled in her hair as the kiss deepened, and he felt that longing and need for her return and erupt to the surface. He shifted his lips to her neck, and when he kissed the spot just below her ear, she let out a soft breath. “Are we picking up where we left off this morning?”
“Please,” Croía whispered before guiding his mouth back to hers, kissing him more intently. 
Pulling back for a breath a moment later, Liam brushed his thumb against her full bottom lip as he met her gaze. “Are you sure?” 
“I’m sure,” Croía whispered. 
Liam turned and sat on the edge of the bed, bringing Croía to stand in front of him. His gaze met and held hers as he smoothed his hands up her thighs, stopping when they reached her hips; his fingers hooked through her lace underwear and tugged them down her legs. When they hit the floor, he gently pulled her to him to straddle his lap. As he captured her lips again, his hands slowly slid up her bare back underneath her t-shirt, pushing the fabric up; they broke the kiss just before he pulled it over her head and dropped it to the floor. 
Liam’s eyes scanned over her bare body as his hands carefully began to wander. “Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?” 
Croía’s cheeks slightly flushed with a smile before she leaned in to kiss him again, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. As their tongues curled together, he slipped his hand between their bodies, slowly stroking her; he groaned against her lips, feeling her coat his fingers. 
Apparently, he wasn’t alone in his longing and need. 
A delicate moan came from Croía as she drew back from his lips and arched against him. “Liam …” 
Liam couldn’t draw this out like he typically would; he didn’t have that much restraint at the moment. “What do you want?” he asked as his lips whispered kisses along her jaw and his fingers continued to tease her.
“You,” Croía said. “You … like this.”
Liam leaned back to look at her, biting his lip through a smile. “You want to be on top?” Croía smiled coyly and nodded. 
After maneuvering out of his boxers, Liam shifted further back on the bed, holding her against him. She closed her eyes, feeling him rub against her, momentarily quelling the ache between her thighs. When she felt his lips on hers again, she eagerly returned the kiss. 
“It’s going to feel … different,” Liam whispered against her lips when they parted. “So just go slow, ok?” 
Croía nodded before he shifted her hips so he could position himself beneath her. With her arms wrapped around him and his hands gripping her waist to help guide her, she slowly began to sink down on him; when he started to fill her, she closed her eyes, letting out a rush of breath mingled with a moan. After pausing a moment to let herself adjust, she continued inching down little by little until her hips were slotted against his with him buried to the hilt. 
“You ok?” Liam asked in a gruff voice, struggling to rein in the neediness of his tone from the feeling of her wrapped around him. 
Croía promptly nodded as she bit her lip. “Mmm-hmm.” 
Drawing her mouth to his, Liam kissed her slow and deep as his hands gave a gentle nudge. He felt her tremble above him as she began to slowly rock her hips, letting out a groan against her lips that blended with her own moan. When her hands moved to grip his shoulders, he drew back from the kiss, holding her gaze as he laid back. 
Liam gently rolled his hips as he held hers, drawing a gasp from her as he urged her to find her own rhythm. She splayed her hands on his chest as he helped guide her until she fell into a pace comfortable for her. She sat up, sweeping her long hair away from her face as she continued to ride him.
Liam’s cock twitched at the sight of her working herself above him, watching her lips part with a moan as her expression twisted with pleasure. “Fuck, Croía,” he groaned.  
Keeping one hand on her hip, Liam let his other wander, gliding up her stomach to caress her chest. She unwittingly arched into his touch with a moan, and with her back slightly curved, he smirked as his hand dropped back down to where they connected, sliding his thumb against her. 
“Liam,” Croía’s breath hitched at the surge of pleasure from the new sensation.
“Don’t stop moving,” Liam whispered as he continued to slowly circle his thumb against her as his other hand guided her forward, coaxing her to continue to chase her release. “Keep going.” He thrust in time with each roll of her hips as she gingerly picked up her pace. “That’s it.” Her breaths mingled with whimpers and she worked in time with the movement of his thumb; soon, he could feel her fluttering around him. “Come for me, Croía.”
A moment later, when Liam pressed against her just right with a simultaneous buck of his hips, Croía arched on top of him with a moan; she instinctively gripped the wrist of the hand that his thumb was circling her with as he drew out her release. He slowed his movements, feeling her quiver against him as she dropped forward with a gasp, bracing herself against his chest. He combed her hair away from her face and drew her down to him, capturing her lips in his; he moaned into the kiss, feeling her continue to clench around him. 
In a quick motion and without breaking the kiss, Liam flipped them so he was on top. He drew back, shifting his lips to her neck, trailing kisses up to her ear. “Wrap your legs around me,” he whispered as he smoothed a hand down one of her thighs and lifted it to his waist. She did as he said, pressing her heels to the small of his back. He rolled his hips, thrusting back into her and drawing a moan from both of them. “God, you feel so fucking good,” he groaned.
Croía clung to him, and he still gauged her for any signs of discomfort as she moved with him; he drew out the moment, letting her savor each stroke — each roll of his hips, each deep push into her. Nearing his own release and sensing hers start to crest again, evident from the sounds she made and the way she started to tense around him, he upped his pace. 
“Liam, I-I’m—” Croía’s words trailed off into a moan.
“I know,” Liam rasped. “I’m right here. Let go and come with me.” 
Liam thrust once, twice, three times before Croía’s back bowed off the bed with a rapture-filled moan at the same moment he met his own shuddering release. His body went taut, a gravelly groan ripping from his throat as he held himself deep inside her, feeling her tremble beneath him. She still clung to his body, now slick with a sheen of sweat as was her own as he rested his head in the crook of her neck, both trying to catch their breath. 
Lifting his head, Liam pressed a lingering kiss to the hollow of her throat, then another against her pulse point before bringing his lips to her ear. “Are you alright?” When she nodded, he drew back just enough to look at her. “Are you sure?”
Croía opened her eyes to meet his gaze, smiling as her chest rose and fell. “I’m sure.” She lifted her hands, combing her fingers through his hair before pulling him down and capturing his lips in hers in a deep kiss as they continued to come down from their high. 
When they drew apart for a breath, Liam’s nose brushed against hers. “I love you,” he whispered.
“I love you, too.” Croía could just make out his smile before he kissed her again.
*******
A tangle of hands reached across the kitchen counter inside Liam’s wing of the palace, each grabbing different toppings for the sundaes they were putting together. 
Leo tipped his head back, filling his mouth with whipped cream before swirling it onto his ice cream. 
Drake covered his chocolate ice cream in chocolate syrup and chocolate chips while Riley did the same beside him. 
Maxwell tossed a handful of gummy bears on top of his before burying them beneath a mountain of whipped cream. 
Croía drizzled melted peanut butter onto hers before topping it with a couple of cherries. 
They all glanced over at Liam, who topped his plain vanilla ice cream with a single cherry and nothing else.
Drake’s brows furrowed. “Dude …” 
“That’s it?” Maxwell chuckled.  
“What?” Liam scoffed. “Vanilla is fine by itself.”
Leo looked from the bowl to his brother. “That is the saddest fucking sundae I’ve ever seen.”
Everyone laughed as Liam shook his head with a grin before bringing a large spoonful of very plain ice cream to his mouth. 
It had been two weeks since everyone returned to Cordonia from New York. After spending the holidays in Valtoria, they arrived back at the palace to enjoy the rest of their break. Drake, Maxwell, and Riley were heading back to New York tomorrow, and Liam and Croía would be returning to Vancross the day after. 
While heading to the living room to watch the movie they had picked out, Liam’s phone rang; he slipped his hand into his pocket and pulled it out. “Hey, Mom,” he answered. He paused, holding his sundae in one hand and the phone to his ear in the other as he glanced at Croía, who stopped to look at him. “Ok, we’ll be right there.” 
“What’s wrong?” Croía asked when he slipped the phone back into his pocket.
“My parents want to talk to you and me in my dad’s study.” 
Croía knitted her brows. “About what?” 
“Don’t know,” Liam shrugged. “She didn’t say.” They set their bowls down while the others got settled around the television. “Go ahead and start. We’ll be back.” 
Liam and Croía walked hand-in-hand through the corridors from his wing towards the King’s study, chatting quietly. The two weeks Croía had spent in Cordonia were a far cry from what her time in Drakovia would have been had she gone home for the break. She had yet to hear from her parents, but she hadn’t reached out to them either; before they left New York, Trystan told her to just enjoy her time in Cordonia and not worry about anything or anyone back home. 
When they approached the study, Liam knocked on the door, and Constantine called for them to enter. They stepped inside and were greeted by his parents. “We’re sorry to have interrupted your movie night,” Eleanor smiled ruefully as she gestured to the sofa across from them.
“It’s fine,” Liam said as they sat down. “Is everything ok?”
“Yes,” Eleanor nodded. “We called you both here to let you know … we received a call from Dean Lundqvist. You two won’t be going back to Vancross just yet …” 
“Why?” Liam asked.
“They’ve been getting a lot of pushback from the board and parents — rightfully so — about students returning while still not knowing who was behind the attack or why it happened,” Constantine explained. “Vancross is shutting down temporarily and all of your classes will be virtual until further notice …”
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roseythorne · 3 months
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as much as i love blaine! tatums route was so cute and sweet and i just. ugh ive never spent so many diamonds on a single LI before LFMAOAKMS
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misadrawss · 1 year
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Hello everyone!
Commissions are open! Commission me please 😍
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brycesgirl · 1 year
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I think the answer to that is yes haha
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bodyguardbracket · 7 months
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Redemption Round 1: Tatum Mendoza (Foreign Affairs) vs Horace Knightley (Ace Attorney Investigations 2)
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[Propaganda Under Cut]
Tatum Mendoza: because. he is very cute LMAO. okay no, listen up, he's one of the romance options in this game and he is your character's childhood best friend who has been away for years, and it's the first time you're seeing him in years, and he is employed as your new body guard and he is so adamant in making sure you're okay that he's constantly surveying the surroundings for threats and checking the perimeter to make sure nothing gets past him. the first thing he does when a door slams open is jump in front of you, ready to protect you or possibly even take the brunt of whatever's coming. he's on alert for you and dedicated to keeping you safe whether you romance him or not, although if you do it's a very sweet slowburn, because he's dedicated to keeping you safe and scared that your relationship could be a security risk if he lets his guard down. but he's not a total square, you can tease some banter out of him and get him to loosen up once in a while. the first thing he does after an attack was pulled on another bodyguards shift is run to you and check you're okay, bring you to a safehouse and check you over and then he drives you back on a motorbike and stays by your side the whole night making sure you not only are safe but feel safe, too. he comes running when you need him and he teaches you self defense and he is so sweet and great lol.
Horace Knightley: He’s actually the worst. He killed his coworker on impulse because that guy was way better at his job and he was jealous. Also he’s terrible at not acting suspicious, he carries a revolver and spins it around like Revolver Ocelot and points it at innocent people. He’s the only person more annoying and pretentious about chess than Miles Edgeworth himself. Like come on his tie has a checkerboard pattern and he thinks of every social interaction like chess hes insane. He definitely says “this is just like chess” to everything. Also his clown boyfriend hates and wants to kill him so so bad and he has no idea he thinks theyre best friends. I am so passionate about his ugly ass
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