#the royal romance fanfic

[angelasscribbles]

My Lonely Valentine (The Agreement) A One-Shot

Series: The Agreement

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairings: Riley x Liam, Riley x Drake

Rating: NSFW 🍋🍋🍋

Warnings for this chapter: Lemons, or should I say almost lemons? Lemon adjacent?

Word Count: 3,269

A/N: This is a prequel one-shot. Occurs before the events in the main series.

Submission for the @choicesholidays Valentine's Day prompts.

My other stuff: Master List.

Riley walked into the informal dining room of Balymore, her estate in Valtoria, to find the table draped with a red silk cloth, flames flickering from wrought iron candelabras, and gleaming silver cloches gracing the tabletop.

Her mouth fell open and she turned to her husband in name only in astonishment. “What is all this?”

“Oh…ah…” Drake stuttered over his words as his brain spun frantically trying to find the right thing to say that would make his romantic gesture less romantic and not awkward. “I…um…I know you were disappointed that Liam had to cancel your plans for today, so I just wanted to do something to cheer you up.”

Disappointed was an understatement. It was Valentine’s Day and Liam had cancelled their plans. She shouldn’t be surprised. She should be used to it. But it hurt. A good cry and a hot bath had helped, but after a long nap, she’d found herself ravenous. Her quest for food had led her downstairs where she’d followed her nose to find the source of the delicious aroma wafting up to her.

Confusion pinged through her as she took in his demeanor. “What about your plans? Didn’t you have a date?”

“Yeah, well, that fell through.”

“Oh, Drake, I’m so sorry!” Her voice was full of so much sympathy that he felt like an ass for lying.

“It wasn’t anything serious anyway.” The truth was, he had canceled the date when he’d realized Riley would be left home alone. He had only asked the girl out so that he wouldn’t be home when Liam arrived. Not out of jealousy, but fear of discovery. He was sure his best friend could read his love for his supposedly in-name-only wife all over his face.

It was getting harder to fight his feelings for her. The more Liam fucked up and neglected her, the harder it became.

He wasn’t jealous of Liam per se. He loved the guy, and he was fully aware of the myriad web of circumstances that had led to him having to marry for political alliances and not love.

Still.

The effect it had on Riley was the same and it hurt him to watch her suffer. He had agreed to marry her to keep her at court and near Liam. A marriage of convenience. A favor for his friends. An act of service for the two people he loved most in the world.

The problem was that the longer they lived together, the closer they became and the harder he fell. He had tried to fix it, put distance between them, but his stupid, traitorous heart wouldn’t let him move on. And he had tried.

The first year they were together had been so full of turmoil that he had just focused on getting her through it. Once they had moved to Valtoria and she had settled into her new position as Duchess, she had encouraged him to find a relationship of his own.

“You shouldn’t have to suffer just because I am.”

The full truth of the situation was that he had only half-heartedly dated so that she would stop worrying about him and his happiness. Because he would do anything for her. Even date other women. But his heart had never been in it.

Every relationship he had entered had ended before it really began. Two or three dates at most. Several of the women had dumped him citing with confusion that he seemed to actually love his wife.

Everyone on the planet could see that, apparently. Everyone but her.

Because she was too busy letting Liam break her heart over and over.

“Still. I’m sorry your date canceled. I know what that feels like.”

“I’m fine.” He brushed her concern off with a twinge of guilt but telling her that he had been the one to cancel would just open up questions he wasn’t ready to answer. Or more to the point, questions he wasn’t sure she was ready to hear the answers to.

He would confess his feelings right then and there if he thought she returned them. But she was in love with Liam. He knew that.

“Stop worrying about my love life and come eat before it gets cold.”

She inhaled deeply as she stepped toward the table, “It smells so good! What is it?”

“Deep fried chicken and cheese stuffed avocado.” He told her as he pulled her chair out for her.

Her face lit up as she sat. “Really?”

“Yes,” he affirmed as he took his own seat. “I know it’s your favorite.”

“But…how? I gave the kitchen staff the night off!” Neither of them had planned to be home.

“Oh, ah…” a flush spread across his face as he rubbed the back of his neck, “I made it.”

She pulled the cloche off the plate then turned her head to him in bewilderment, “You made this?”

He scoffed while shaking his head. “Don’t act so surprised. I can cook. You know this.”

“I mean yes but this is next level!” The avocados were browned to perfection and served with a beautifully roasted Mediterranean vegetable medley, garlic mashed potatoes, and piping hot Ciabatta bread.

He tried to lighten the mood. “I’m offended that you’re this impressed, Riley. I have mad kitchen skills.”

“I know. I just can’t believe that you did all this for me.” A single tear slid down her cheek.

He leaned forward in concern, wiping the tear away. “Hey, hey, hey! What’s that about?”

“Nothing,” she smiled at him through the wetness pooling in her eyes. “These are happy tears. I didn’t think this day could be salvaged, but you somehow managed it.”

“Yeah, well, what are husbands for?” He gave her a disarming smile as he sat back in his chair and turned his attention to his plate.

She laughed at their shared joke. He always said that when he did something nice for her. It was funny because he wasn’t really her husband.

But he kind of was, wasn’t he?

She dropped her eyes to her plate to cover her sudden flush. He was always doing sweet things like this. He was always there when she needed someone to talk to. Though she would never tell Max or Hana, Drake had become her best friend.

He had left his job as a member of the King’s Guard to move to Valtoria with her. He had been there for her when her grandmother passed away. The last time Liam had stood her up, Drake was ready with her favorite pizza and a movie she’d been wanting to see.

What are husbands for?

It was beginning to feel less and less like a joke because it had become the truth.

How true?

She suspected Drake’s feelings for her. How could she not? She had pushed him to date others. It wasn’t fair to let him waste his life taking care of her when she was in love with another man.

Yet here he was, on Valentine’s Day, taking care of her once again.

She stole a surreptitious glance at him as they ate. Maybe he had deeper feelings for her than she initially suspected.

No, she was imagining things. He was just being a good friend. Because that is what he was. Her friend. And Liam’s.

Liam.

Guilt swirled through her at the thought of her supposed boyfriend. Annoyance followed the guilt. He had stood her up. Again. Why should she feel guilty for anything? He married another woman for the love of God.

Not because he wanted to.

The guilt was back at the reminder of the impossible situation Liam had been placed in, but it was mingled with hurt, embarrassment, and a fair amount of anger.

She knew everyone thought she was an idiot for waiting around on scraps of the king’s time and affection. For uprooting her entire life to chase after him to Cordonia in the first place, for staying even after his rejection, and for continuing to believe that she was a priority to him.

Everyone but Drake.

He never judged her.

She lifted her eyes to his face as he regaled her with tales of Max’s misadventures from when he had tagged along on Drake’s latest fishing trip with Bastien.

“… And then he tripped over the side of the boat and fell in the water!” Drake shook with laughter at the memory.

Riley forced an obligatory smile, but she had missed most of the story, her mind occupied with an entirely new idea.

Her eyes focused on his mouth hoping he didn’t notice the flush on her face as her mind refused to stray away from imagining what his lips would feel like on her neck, on her mouth…other places….

She forced her eyes down to her plate and focused on eating her dinner. The dinner that her husband in allegedly name only had taken the time to prepare with his own two hands.

When the meal was over, she tried to clear the table, but he wouldn’t let her. “No, no, I’ve got this! I’m just going to clear the table and rinse the plates real quick. Why don’t you go pick something to watch? Whatever you want.”

“You sure? You did all this work. The least I can do is let you pick the movie.”

“Nah.” He waved her offer away. “As long as you’re happy, I’m happy.”

A multitude of emotions swirled through her as she watched him walk out of the room with the dishes. If you’re happy, I’m happy. He meant that. He was always saying things like that. He was always going out of his way to do little things to make her happy.

She made her way to the media room and flipped absently through the streaming selections as a million images of Drake fell through her mind. Drake, making her laugh when she was sad. Drake, holding her when she cried. Drake, always keeping himself between her and the reporters. Drake, scrambling eggs in their kitchen at two a.m. because they’d stayed up late watching stand-up comedy specials again.

When had he become such a huge part of her life? Yes, she had married him, but that had been on paper only, so she could stay near Liam.

And yet it was Drake who had attended her grandmother’s funeral with her. It was Drake who had taken care of her when she had the flu last year. And it was always Drake who picked up the pieces after Liam shattered her heart time and time again.

Why was she keeping him at arm’s length?

He showed up in the media room with her favorite blanket, a steaming cup of hot chocolate, and a small box tucked under his arms.

She accepted the cup and the blanket while trying to peer at the box. “What’s that?”

“Oh, this?” He teased, holding it out toward her but up out of her reach.

Her eyes widened as she glimpsed the label. “Are those dark chocolate truffles?”

“Maybe…”

“Drake!” She laughed as she deposited her cup on the end table and made a grab for the promised treat.

He lifted them easily out of her reach with a teasing smile. “What? Did you want these?”

“You know I do!” She tried to pout but the smile tugging her lips upward made that difficult to maintain.

“I don’t know….” He pretended to think deeply about it. “Maybe I should keep these for myself.”

With a joyful laugh, she launched herself off the couch, her fingers touching, but not completely grasping the elusive chocolates. The impact of her body colliding into his, combined with his misstep as he tried to dodge her, sent him toppling backward onto the couch where he landed in a slightly reclined position. Her momentum carried her forward so that she landed on top of him, laying on his chest, looking up into his face.

They were both laughing as their gazes met. A sudden silence descended on them as they stared into each other’s eyes. The smiles faded as lips parted and breath caught.

She moved first, bringing her lips to his. Her kiss was tentative. His response was not.

His arms went around her, the box of truffles dropped and forgotten on the floor. He pulled her tight against him as his tongue deftly took control of her mouth. One hand tangled in her hair as the other slipped under her shirt to caress the smooth skin of her back. A plaintive whimper escaped him as he pressed his rapidly growing hardness up into her.

Riley responded, melting into his embrace, no longer tentative. She pressed herself against him as their kisses became more passionate, almost frantic.

She broke the kiss to gasp for air. “Drake…should we—"

Drake froze for a moment, and then jolted upright, gently moving her off him. “Shit, Riley!” He raked a hand through his hair as he pushed himself back away from her. “I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry!”

“What are you sorry for? I kissed you!”

“It was just the heat of the moment.”

“Is that all it was?” She asked him softly.

“Yeah…” He responded unconvincingly.

“Are you sure it wasn’t more than that?”

“Like what?”

“I don’t know…” her fingers twisted the hem of her shirt nervously. “You made this whole romantic dinner…”

“I wanted to cheer you up. Because we’re friends and—"

“You went out of your way to get me my favorite candy.”

“No, I didn’t. I just….” He closed his eyes with a shuddering sigh before pushing through with the lie. “I was already in the store, and I saw it…”

“You’re a bad liar.”

His eyes flew open, and he fixed her a look that was almost pleading. “What do you want from me, Riley?”

“I think the question is, what do you want from me, Drake?” She scooted closer to him taking in the way he watched her warily. Like a rabbit watching a coyote approach, his face full of fear, longing, and a guarded passion.

He swallowed thickly and tried for a normal tone of voice. “The movie…”

Her hand slid up his thigh to the bulge in his pants. “A movie? Is that really what you want right now?”

“Fuck…” he breathed out in defeat as a shudder ran through his body. He grabbed her wrist to stop her but instead of pushing her away as he had intended, he found himself pulling her into him as he leaned forward, and then they were kissing again.

Lips and hands explored bodies and pulled at clothing. His heart thundered in his chest as a small part of his mind screamed at him to stop, to put the brakes on this.

That part was overruled as she pulled her top off and dropped it on the floor next to them. He stopped breathing for a moment as he drank in her naked form. He yanked his own shirt off and dove back in.

Riley arched her back as she gave herself over to the sensations cascading through her body. Drake’s hands on her bare skin were calloused, rough. The friction was a sharp contrast to the smoothness of her bare flesh. It felt good, forbidden, delicious. She shivered as goosebumps erupted along her spine.

His hot lips on her throat sent ribbons of white-hot desire shooting through her and coiling in her center.

She cried out in protest when he withdrew that touch. “Why are you stopping?”

“I…we shouldn’t…”

“Don’t you want me?”

A self-deprecating laugh slipped out of him. “I want you so fucking bad….you have no idea….. but not like this.”

“Like what?”

“You’re upset…vulnerable...”

“I was upset.” She drew his hand back to her body; he didn’t resist as she placed it so it was cupping a pert breast. “That’s not what I’m feeling right now.”

He was struggling mightily to keep his voice even as he gasped for breath. “…don’t want you to regret…”

“I won’t…”

“You’re in love with Liam…”

“I am…” She dropped her hand and pulled back a little. “We can stop if you want.”

“If I want?” His gaze searched hers, unsure exactly what he was looking for.

“Yes, you. I don’t want to stop.”

“But Liam—”

“I don’t want to think about Liam right now, Drake. I don’t want to think about tomorrow or what any of this means. But…” She moved away from him reluctantly. “I understand if you do.”

He instantly regretted the distance between them.

Before he could decide how to proceed, there was a knock at the door.

Drake’s eyes closed as frustration, relief and a smidge of anger pinged through him.

There was only one person it could be this late.

Talk about timing.

He quickly pulled his shirt back on and tossed her blouse to her. “I’ll go answer the door. You might want to fix your hair, it’s a little mussed.”

“Drake—”

“No, it’s okay,” he told her as he pulled her to him and dropped a quick kiss on the top of her head before pushing her gently away. “Go make yourself presentable. I’ll show Liam in.”

“Right.” She redressed and hurried over to the closest mirror to smooth her hair back into place.

Drake combed his fingers through his own hair on his way to the front door. Pulling it open, he greeted his best friend with, “Thought you couldn’t get away, Your Majesty?”

“Some last-minute things came up, but I finally managed to slip away.”

“It’s a little late. Valentine’s Day is pretty much over.”

Liam glanced at his watch as he stepped through the doorway. “Not really. Where is she? And why are you home? I thought you had a date.”

Drake shrugged. “She canceled on me. Sick pet or something.” He was only a little horrified at how easily the lie rolled off his tongue. “Riley’s in the media room. We were just about to watch a movie.”

Liam started down the hall. Looking over his shoulder, he asked, “Are you coming?”

“No. I’m going to turn in early. You two have fun.”

He needed a shower. A cold one.

He sprinted up the stairs, taking them two at a time. He slammed his bedroom door behind him and then leaned back against it, gently banging his head into it several times before muttering to himself, “The fuck did I just do? Stupid, stupid, stupid!”

He shed his clothes as he walked across to the room and into the ensuite. He needed relief.

The water pounded down on him as he wrapped his hand around himself. His head tipped back and his eyes fell closed as he remembered her half-naked form in front of him, the feel of her skin under his fingers, the taste of her lips…..

He groaned out loud as streams of milky whiteness pulsed out of him and splashed onto the tile. He placed both hands on the wall and leaned forward, letting the water run over the back of his head as he watched the detritus of his desire swirl down the drain.

It wasn’t the first time that his ardor for her had landed him in this position, but he knew it was different this time.

They had crossed a line tonight. A line that couldn’t be uncrossed. Even though they hadn’t done the deed, the genie was out of the bottle-- his feelings for her, their obvious sexual attraction to each other, all of it.

He just had no idea what to do about any of it.

#the royal romance #trr #trr fanfic #drake walker #riley brooks #drake x mc #angelasscribbles #the royal romance fanfic #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week #choices stories you play #choicesholidays #valentinesday2024

[angelasreblogs]

Just for Fun

Tagging under the cut

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#tumblr polls #trr fanfic #trr #the royal romance #trr au #the royal romance fanfic #trr poly #angelasreblogs #angelasscribbles

[choicesficwriterscreations]

TRR F/AotW - Dec 10-16, 2023

✒️= Fanfic | 📱= Text Fics/Edits | 🎨= Fanart Ⓜ️ = Mature Content 18+ | 🔥 = Explicit/NSFW 18+ 🏳️‍🌈 = LGBTQIA | 🌟= Holidays 2023

DRAKE WALKER

All I Want for Christmas - Part 2 ✒️🏳️‍🌈🌟| Drake Walker x MC, Liam Rys x Maxwell Beaumont - @angelasscribbles Chapter 7: Questions

The Best Mistake He Never Had - Part 2✒️| Drake Walker x MC - @camillemontespan

The Dark Kingdom (Series) ✒️ Ⓜ️| Liam Rys x MC, Drake Walker x MC - @angelasscribbles Chapter 7: Questions Chapter 8: Man on a Mission

LEO RYS

Midnights Like This (Series) ✒️| Leo Rys x OC, Liam Rys x OC - @queenrileyrose Part Thirteen: What if We Ruin it All

LIAM RYS

Dashing Through the Snow ✒️🌟| Liam Rys x F!OC - @kristinamae093

Forevermore (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️| King Marquise (Liam Rys) x MC - @khoicesbyk Chapter 3: Ties That Bind

Midnights Like This (Series) ✒️| Leo Rys x OC, Liam Rys x OC - @queenrileyrose Part Thirteen: What if We Ruin it All

Side by Side (Series) ✒️| Liam Rys x MC - @ownworldresident Chapter 1: Not a Fairy Tale

Sometimes Not (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️| Liam Rys x MC - @ao719 Part 12: It's Always Been You

The Dark Kingdom (Series) ✒️ Ⓜ️| Liam Rys x MC, Drake Walker x MC - @angelasscribbles Chapter 7: Questions Chapter 8: Man on a Mission

Unexpected (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️| Liam Rys x MC, Maxwell Beaumont x MC - @angelasscribbles Chapter 9: Uncertainty

MAXWELL BEAUMONT

Snowed In ✒️🌟| Olivia Nevrakis x Maxwell Beaumont - @alj4890

Unexpected (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️| Liam Rys x MC, Maxwell Beaumont x MC - @angelasscribbles Chapter 9: Uncertainty

OLIVIA NEVRAKIS

Snowed In ✒️🌟| Olivia Nevrakis x Maxwell Beaumont - @alj4890

Main CFWC F/AotW | BOLAS F/AotW OPEN HEART F/AotW

#choices fanfic #the royal romance fanfic #the royal romance #drake walker #leo rys #liam rys #maxwell beaumont #olivia nevrakis #choices fic writers creations #playchoices #choices stories you play #playchoices fanfic

[sincerelyella]

Last Minute Plans

Book: The Royal Romance (AU)

Pairings: Liam x MC (Ella)

Characters belong to Pixelberry: Ella Brooks belongs to me.

Please note that my stories are not to be stolen or reposted on any other site. Reblogs and notes are welcome and much appreciated.

Summary: An AU based on the show New Girl (my favorite can you tell??) Just a collection of one-shots and shenanigans that allude to the show. This will NOT be canon, that means this won’t be in Cordonia and Liam isn’t a King. If you have watched the show before, you know they are in Los Angeles, California. Catch up on The Loft here

A/N: Finally posting something for @choicesflashfics​ this week and it’s my favorite AU that I’ve written so far. Prompt will be in bold. 

A/N 2: It’s been a very long time since I’ve written anything - mostly because work has been crazy and studying related to work has also taken up a lot of my time. My taglist is very old so feel free to ignore should you not want to read this mess lol

Thank you @deb-1106 for reading through this a bit, I love you!

Ratings/Warnings: M - mature content; adult language; sexual innuendos; some overall inappropriateness because it’s the Loft 🤷🏽‍♀️

Words: 1215

Liam paced back and forth as Drake, Max and Leo followed him, all of their heads going right to left and right to left, and back again.

Leo broke the silence. “Bro, what’s wrong with you?”

Liam stopped and gave his friends and brother a confused look. “When did you guys get here?”

“Are you serious right now?” Drake stood and walked towards his best friend. “Li, why are you pacing the floor?”

“Oh, I …” he looked at the floor and then back up at Drake. “I want to propose to Ella.”

Everyone gasped, while Leo and Max stood from the couch.

Maxwell clapped his hands in excitement. “You are?!”

“How? Where’s the ring? When is this happening?!” Leo yelled as he hopped up and down.

“Relax, relax,” Drake hollered over everyone’s voices as he turned to his best friend. “Do you need help with anything?”

“I got her a ring already,” Liam pulled a black velvet box out of his pocket and opened it. “I’m just not sure when or how to do it. Maybe tomorrow?”

Leo snatched the box out of his brother’s hand. “Whoaaaa, this thing is fat!”

“Real helpful, Leo,” Drake mumbled. “You know Ella is crazy about you. Any way you ask her she’s going to cry.”

Liam ran his hands through his thick blonde hair nervously. “You think?”

“Good tears!” Max interrupted.

Drake nodded. “Really good tears.”

“Remember when we didn’t even think this whole Liam and Ella thing was going to happen?” Leo elbowed Max’s side.

“Yeah, we had our doubts.”

“Wait, what?” Liam’s eyes narrowed.

“You guys just kept breaking up and getting back together!” Max shrugged and looked to Leo for backup.

“I mean, there was the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre-”

“No, no,” Max shook his head. “I think it was the Comic-con Dump-A-Thon.”

“You have names for our breakups?” Liam retorted in annoyance.

Leo nodded. “It would really all blur together if we didn’t.”

A year and a half earlier

“You are so annoying in those little sexy shorts you wear! Just shut up!”

Ella’s hands were on his hips yanking him close to her. “You shut up!”

They began to kiss again, tongues tangling and curling together for a few moments until Liam pulled away. “Shut up and take off your clothes,” he pointed at her. “I mean it, Ella, shut up and take off your clothes right now,” he demanded as he pulled his own shirt off, kicked off his shoes and unbuckled his belt.

She huffed and began to pull off her jacket in purposeful motions. “Why are you so ridiculous and chaotic? You can’t even tell me how you feel!”

Liam’s eyes darkened with desire. “I’ll tell you how I feel right now. I want you,” his mouth collided with hers as he swallowed her moans. “I’ve wanted you from the moment you walked into this loft. Now take off your clothes, Ella.”

Max strolled down the hall eating a banana and stopped short when he saw Liam and Ella getting lost in each other in the living room. Drake, who was walking right behind him, bumped into his back and dropped his phone onto the floor with a clang. “Beaumont!”

“Shhh!” Max flailed his arms and pushed his friend back, shushing him as he went.

“I want my bagel, Beaumont! It just popped up from the toaster and if I wait too long it gets too hard,” Drake whined.

“Drake! It’s 10 at night and you’re eating a bagel?” Max shook his head and pushed him into his bedroom. “Don’t answer that,” he huffed and stuck his ear against the door. “Did you see Liam and Ella?! They were finally getting it on!”

Drake smacked Maxwell in the back of the head. “You’re listening to them fucking? And why are they fucking in our living room?!”

Present day

“Okay, we did not have sex in the living room!”

Drake rolled his eyes. “Well we didn’t know that, Li!”

“You two just went back and forth, kissing and then yelling at each other,” Max casually walked into the kitchen to grab an apple. “Like the time we all went to that speed dating event.”

A year ago

“Why did you bring me here?” Drake hissed as his eyes darted around the room. “I knew this was shady as fuck!”

“Shut up, Walker, all we said was there would be good whiskey and you got in the car,” Leo snickered.

“I need new friends,” Drake mumbled as he wandered off in search of said whiskey.

Max surveyed the room. “Where are Ella and Hana?”

Leo shrugged. “No idea but that blonde over there has me written all over her.”

“That’s not how speed dating works, Leo!” Max grabbed his friend’s arm to keep him in place. “Where did Liam and Ella go?”

Leo turned his head and jutted his chin out. “They’re over there bickering by the entrance.”

Maxwell’s eyes widened. “Shit. If looks could kill-”

“They’d both be dead,” Leo finished as they both made their way to the doors to hear better.

Liam and Ella stood with their arms crossed as they faced each other.

“El, you liked kissing me. It’s totally fine to say that,” Liam whisper yelled. “I’m not on my knees asking you to marry me for God’s sake! It was a nice kiss.”

Ella’s eyes were like daggers as she stared at him. ”You were like a dog and my mouth was full of dog … milk. Don’t start with me William!”

The fact that she said his full name made him snap and forget about the people around them. “It was like a damn fairy tale okay?!” He bellowed. “It was the best kiss of your life! You have to take some responsibility, tarting around in those short shorts!”

Leo and Max snorted.

“Wait a second. Pause and rewind … what did you just say?”

Liam’s nostrils flares. “I am a man, Ella! Short shorts are my catnip.”

Present day

“You heard that?” Liam asked with wide eyes. “So much for privacy,” he grumbled. “It was a frustrating time for me okay?”

“It really doesn’t matter,” Leo waved his hand in the air. “You guys have been strong together and now you want to marry her,” he slapped his hands over his heart. “The real question is … who is going to be your best man?”

“That would be me,” Drake slid his eyes to Liam for confirmation.

“Well I-“

Leo cleared his throat loudly. “Excuse me, but I think it would be me, Walker Whiny Pants. I’m his brother.”

Drake’s face turned slightly red in aggravation at the nickname. “You’re out of your fucking mind, Rys Potato Chips!”

“What’s with the nicknames?” Max piped up from his seat on the couch.

Liam waved his arms in the air. “We have digressed so far down the rabbit hole. I just want to plan how I’m going to propose! Can any of you buffoons help me with that without arguing?”

“Alright, alright,” Leo yanked a large whiteboard out from behind the tv along with a stand and dry erase markers.

Drake’s eyes widened. “Have those been back there the whole time?”

“My room was full,” Leo explained with a large grin. “Let’s plan this shit!”

#The Loft #Liam x Ella #trr #trr fanfic #trr fandom #the royal romance #the royal romance fanfic #the royal romance fanfiction #Liam x MC #choices trr #pixelberry #choices #choices the royal romance

[tessa-liam]

Marabelle

Marabelle

🔻 Prologue: 

The Royal Romance, an AU series 

Series premise: An American teenager from New York city is introduced to the world of a small European country and its society of royalty, nobles, and commoners. How will her life story be transformed? Will this new adventure bring her happiness...or regret? 

Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!OC (Sophia) 

Other Pairing: Maxwell Beaumont x M!OC (Daniel)  

All characters belong to Pixelberry, except Sophia Taylor and Bethany Beaumont. 

Rating: M *Warnings: this series will have NSFW material, crude language. Please excuse all errors.

Category: Alternate Universe/on-going series/angst/fluff 

Words: 874, Read: 4 minutes 

Music Inspiration: Everybody Hurts by Tina Arena 

A/N: My submission for @choicesflashfics Week #17, Prompt # 2 “Does it ever stop hurting?” - “No, you just make room for it.” @choicesficwriterscreations 

A/N2: Bethany Beaumont, Maxwell’s mother, is originally from the US; is Barthelemy Beaumont’s 2nd wife. Annabelle Beaumont (deceased) was Bertrand’s mother. 

A/N3: My submission for Maxwell Beaumont Appreciation Week @maxwell-beaumont-appreciation 

Marabelle 

Prologue: 

Sophie Taylor was excited but also nervous about this new adventure. Stepping out of the airport terminal, she breathed in the warm, fragrant air of her new home. 

She never imagined that she would ever be living in a different country, across the Atlantic Ocean; let alone starting her first year of studies at the University of Cordonia in the Fall. 

Graduating from high school two weeks ago, she was leaving behind everything she ever knew about life.  

But ever since her mother was diagnosed with cancer last Christmas, Sophie knew that her mother would start planning for her to live with her aunt in Cordonia when she passes. It was just a matter of time. 

Her father had died tragically, four years before, while on the job as a firefighter. Having no siblings, or other relatives living in the U.S., she would be all alone if she stayed in her home. 

Interrupting her thoughts, she heard her name being called. Sophie turned to see a familiar face in the crowd gathering at the luggage carousel, waving at her frantically. 

“Sophie!” Maxwell cried out as he ran up to her. 

“Max, it is so good to see you!” She dropped her luggage and allowed her cousin to fiercely hug her as she hugged him back in return. 

Like Sophie, Max would be attending U of C, in the Fall. Even though he was in his fourth year master's program, Sophie welcomed the fact that she would know at least one other person on campus. 

Her cousin Bertrand stepped up next to greet Sophie. Always the nobleman, he lifted her hand to place a kiss. 

“It’s so good to see you. I hope your flight was comfortable.” 

“It’s great to see you again, Bertrand.” 

Her older cousin was the Duke of Ramsford, who in effect had assumed the responsibilities of his father as the patriarch of Duchy Ramsford. Her Uncle Barthelemy was currently in a coma with his health in decline. His doctor forbade his current wife, and his sons, from visiting him at the personal care home in Vallenheim, claiming that it was a directive given to him by Barthelemy himself. 

Inside the town car, travelling through the Cordonian countryside to the Beaumont estate, Sophie and Max were deep in discussion getting re-acquainted after not seeing each other for a couple of years in person. 

“Are you excited about starting classes in the Fall? I know you will love it there...I have so many things to show you!” 

Starting her MBA at the University of Stormholt in the Fall, 17-year-old Sophie was anxious about having to adjust to not only losing her mom, but also navigating a new school environment. 

“I am so grateful that you will be there. I feel like a ‘fish out of water’ in so many ways.” Sophie’s lip quivered and her hands started to tremble. 

“Gosh Soph, I am so, so sorry for rambling on. I cannot even imagine the level of stress you are under.” 

Maxwell wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her in for a hug. 

“What about you, Max? 

Uncle Barthelemy won’t let you visit him in the hospital. That must be so hard to deal with for you and Bertrand. 

Does it ever stop hurting?” Sophie asks.

“Well, no, you just make room for it.” Maxwell sighs. 

“It is what it is, Maxwell. There is no point dwelling on it.” 

Changing the subject, Bertrand asks, 

“Sophia, I know that you love horses. How would you like to adopt a horse for your very own?”  

Bertrand had information on a retired derby racer that needed a new home. House Beaumont had a horse stable and was considering adding more horses. 

“Really? That would be wonderful...but, I do not want to be a bother.” 

“Nonsense! Consider it done!” Bertrand smiled. 

“Welcome to House Beaumont, Sophie!”, Maxwell announced, as the town car slowed to turn down the long drive of the duchy. 

Looking at the beautiful estate owned by her Uncle Barthelemy and Auntie Beth, Sophie appreciated how far away from her hometown of New York City she really was. 

“Yes, welcome home,” Bertrand smiles fondly. 

Tagging tumblrs showing interest for this fic from Sunday Six. Please let me know if you want to be added or removed⚘️@angelasscribbles @kyra75 @mom2000aggie @ao719 @writing-not @busywoman @703cowbarn @princess-geek @kingliam2019 @txemrn @harleybeaumont

#maxwell beaumont #maxwell beaumont appreciation #the royal romance #liam rys #trr #the royal romance fanfic #choices flashfics #cfwc fics of the week #prince liam #trr liam x oc

[lawsend]

Murder at Vista Heights Extras

Thanks to @secretaryunpaid for these graphics, which are amazing as always!! These go with chapter five, when Riley and the gang gather at the local hangout for off-duty law enforcement officers, a bar called The Beat.

#trr au #the royal romance #trr #choices #angelasscribbles #choices stories you play #the royal romance fanfic #cordonia city #crime drama #law's end #graphics #riley brooks #liam rys #maxwell beaumont #leo rys

[mariemarieohcontrary]

Tagpuan (Rendezvous)

Book: The Royal Romance, Book 1

Pairing: Liam Rys/Evangeline Lakandula (MC)

Chapter Rating: T

Chapter Warnings:

A kind of panic attack at the start of the chapter

Brief mention of sexual harassment

Chapter: Prologue - The Night Shift

Word Count: 692 

Summary: Evangeline Lakandula was just a waitress in The Trinket Bar in the Philippine province, trying to survive and get by when a group of foreigners on a bachelor party came crashing in. Unable to deny her younger colleague, Evangeline agrees to serve the bachelor party while hoping she could find a way to make her evening a bit better.

(Next Chapter)

'Di ko na alam ang aking gagawin pa Ako'y kuntento na basta alam kong tayo'y humihinga pa Sa dami ng pinagdaanan ay hindi ko na Alam kung paano pa ba ako magiging masaya - Nyebe, SB19

TRANSLATION

I don't know what else to do I'm content just knowing that we're still breathing After all I've been through I no longer Know how to be happy

Evangeline just needed a bit of time.

It was practically a pre-shift ritual for her already.

Clock in, get changed into the shabby uniform that she's sure hadn't been cleaned save for the one time she took it home then go through the back of the bar and curl up between the cooler and the drum filled with rice to cry as quietly as she could.

So she does exactly that the moment she had everything handled.

The floor was awful, the scent of the kitchen was overwhelming and she was alone since she was always so goddamn early.

Pressing the heels of her hands to her eyes, she could feel the tightness in her throat and her breath begin to become shaky.

A whimper leaves her lips.

She's been doing this job for four years now and it never got easier for her. It started out fine enough. Sure she didn't like drinking alcohol ever. And loud noises actually overwhelm her. And drunk men could be awful and rude and just—

Okay it was pretty bad even from the start.

But she managed kinda fine back then, right?

She could feel the burning of tears in her eyes.

Letting out a choked sob, Evangeline tried to muffle her noises by curling in on herself further.

Right?

She remembered managing to plaster on a smile easier, waving off drunk men's crass words and flighty hands, standing through both the verbal abuse hurled at her by angry diners and by her boss any time something displeases him.

But now?

Now she felt like she was stretched thin. Like her body was heavy with weariness and every bike ride to The Trinket was a never-ending journey.

The saltiness of the tears that had managed to stream down to her lips was a testament to her psyche.

The fact that she'd need to even have a breakdown in the kitchen before her shift just to function like a normal person shows how she had crumbled.

She didn't want to do this anymore.

You're weak.

But with how hard it was to get a job after not even finishing college?

She was stuck.

The realisation was enough to make her feel ill.

"Ate Angeline?" Daniel's hesitant voice broke through her sniffling.

Shit.

Wiping away any tears that might have still been streaming down her face with shaking hands and sniffled breaths, Evangeline rose up from the spot she'd curled up to cry while keeping her face turned away from her eighteen-year-old workmate.

When she managed to get herself under control, a smile came to her lips.

Tight, false, too wrong, too normal, too closed.

Customer service smile. That's what people called it.

Makes sense too.

She was formerly a call centre agent.

"What is it, Niel?" She asked the younger server, her tone gentling further when she noticed his hands fidgeting.

Daniel looked down, his usually messy hair looking neatly brushed for once but he looked nervous despite how put together he looked that evening.

"I was just wondering," Daniel started haltingly, "if you could– that is if you're willing, of course–!"

Evangeline sighed and reached up to wipe away any more tear stains left on her face. When she was sure she looked the smallest bit composed, she rested a hand on Daniel's shoulder and nodded for him to speak.

"I don't bite, Niel," she reassured him, "what do you need me to do?"

Daniel looked unsure as he looked at Evangeline and the spot he found her curled up in.

Evangeline shook her head.

"It was only this once," she lied, "you know how messy life gets."

"If you say so," Daniel mumbled.

"I do," Evangeline replied, her tone becoming insistent.

"There's a bachelor party that just came in," Daniel explained, his eyes never leaving Evangeline's for a moment.

She didn’t need to hear the rest of what he wanted to say.

"You want me to wait their table," She finished.

"If you're okay with it!" Daniel threw in, waving his hands as if to wave away his words.

Evangeline smiled and shook her head.

"I am," she told the young man firmly.

"Okay."

TRANSLATIONS

Bathala - The Tagalog pantheon's supreme god who created all things. (Think Zeus and Odin levels of importance.)

Ate - Tagalog word for Big Sister

#choices the royal romance #choices trr #the royal romance #trr fandom #choices fandom #choices game #play choices #playchoices #mariemarieohcontrary #trr riley #trr: evangeline lakandula #king liam #trr liam #liam rys #trr fanfic #the royal romance fanfic #choices fanfic #fic: tagpuan

[lorirwritesfanfic]

Bedroom Warfare

Book: The Royal Heir Pairing: Liam Rys x MC (Jade) Rating: E Word count: 1117 Reading time: ~4min Summary: Jade will have to face a tough opponent to get what she wants.

Author's note:

Jade Bourbon-Rys is a creation of this author. The others are owned by Pixelberry Studios;

 I got an ask from my dear friend @missameliep​ about which one of my OTPs made it to Santa’s nice and naughty lists and it got me thinking about Jade and Liam. One would assume Liam be on the nice list. And yeah... He could be. If it wasn’t for his wife... 😂

Jade scratched her dogs' fur one more time and stood up to leave the room. Once she stepped into the hallway, her eyes darted to the door of the Royal Apartment, where Liam's security detail took their positions at last. With a smile, the queen began to whistle a Christmas Carol and ambled to her private chambers. Although she no longer argued with her husband about his tendency to work overtime, it didn't mean she gladly endure the long hours of waiting for him to come back.

"Your Majesty," Bastien bowed and the other guards followed suit.

"Hello, everyone." She then turned to Bastien. "Bas, did my ears deceive me or were Liam and the guys rehearsing to sing at Christmas brunch to cheer up Elise and Leo's twins?"

"I cannot confirm nor deny that information, ma'am."

She narrowed her eyes jokingly. "Really?"

The guard looked ahead, barely blinking.

"If it's a surprise, it's okay. I promise I won't tell or try to record it again. I just need to know when to ensure Elise will be awake to see it. The chickenpox leaves her a bit tired."

"I have no information of when it will happen, ma'am."

"So it is true."

"That's classified, ma'am."

"Okay..." Jade grinned. "Will you please remind my husband to include Silver Bells in the repertoire? It's very soothing and one of Elise's favorites lately."

Bastien glanced at the queen from the corner of an eye and nodded in response.

After giving the guard a gentle pat on his shoulder and biding everyone good night, Jade walked into the apartment made her way to the ensuite.

"Finally!" She said, shutting the door behind her. "I thought you'd never—"

Her eyes narrowed at her husband reading what looked like official documents as a pile of paperwork rested on his bare stomach.

"You've got to be kidding me..." She grumbled.

"Is everything alright, my love?"

"That depends... Are you going to ditch me for work again?"

"I'm afraid these documents can't wait," he apologized.

Huffing, she kicked off her shoes and stormed into the room, heading towards the walk-in closet.

"Jade, you weren't here when I arrived."

"Because I just put Elise to bed and took Bowie and Shirley for their night walk!" The queen shouted while she pressed a roll-on serum under her eyes and began to massage them with her fingers. Maybe that would help her relax.

"I assumed you were working late too. Your schedule is always busy in December."

"I think you're missing the fact that I have bigger priorities than planning fancy parties and socializing with nobility nowadays, Liam," she implied, leaning against the threshold.

His eyes widened. "What is it? Is Elise okay?"

"She's fine."

"Well, if Elise is okay, then what do you mean?"

The queen folded her arms and glared at him.

After a few seconds of silence, it finally hit him. "Oh..."

"Are you still going to keep working?"

"Five more pages to go."

"It's almost midnight, Liam. The kingdom can wait until you get to the office tomorrow."

"My love, I have to review next year's budget for each duchy before the holiday festivities."

Jade closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. From the very beginning, she knew marrying a dutiful man would be no walk in the park. Yet, she didn't think she would miss battles against paperwork so often.

"Fine. Next time anyone asks me again why I'm taking so long to get pregnant again, I'll tell them to ask you," she said, marching back to the closet.

"Oh, come on! You know if we have sex now, I'll crash right after," Liam shouted.

"Face it, Rys. You're getting old," she joked.

"Hey!"

She giggled.

"Besides, we can't conceive a child the way we've been doing lately."

"Funny..." She then strolled back to the bedroom. "I don't recall any complaints from you whenever I'm on my knees giving you head. Plus, you always seem to have extra energy at the slightest hint of lube, toys, anal..."

Liam heaved a sigh. "I know what you're doing and why you're doing it. But I need you to be a bit more patient while I finish these. Please."

Jade huffed and sat down on the plush chair next to the bed. Dr. Ramirez did mention the hormones would increase her libido. She never said anything about getting impatient. Was it included in the mood swings package? Hm...

She looked back at the bed, where Liam calmly read the documents. This was so unfair. How come she was there, half naked, so needy and he was still looking into documents? How dare he?!

Just then, she stood up and went to the walk-in closet once more, returning with a strawberry and vanilla body butter in one hand.

"I'll be damned if I go down without a fight..." she murmured.

Sitting back on the chair, Jade pushed her robe aside to reveal her legs and lack of underwear. With a nice portion of the butter in her palm, she warmed it between her hands and then massaged her leg on the ottoman with firm strokes.

As she switched legs, a gentle shift on the mattress caught her attention. Pretending not to notice it, Jade proceeded to warm the thick cream between her hands and apply it to her leg. Her hands ran up and down her thighs when his physical closeness became more evident.

"Aren't you supposed to be looking into finance budgets, Your Majesty?"

"There is an urgent matter I must attend to now. Otherwise, it will be too late."

"Too late?" She arched an eyebrow. "What could be so important right now?

"Well..." Liam kneeled before her, placed some of the body butter in his palm and reached for her foot. "You've been forgetting to massage your feet, my queen," he said as his hands kneaded the sole of her foot.

"Have I?"

Her gaze followed the path his hands made on her left foot and ankle.

"You spend all day walking around in high heels. Even though all shoes are custom-made for you, I believe your feet still need proper care," he whispered.

A mischievous grin spread on her lips as the king lifted her foot to kiss its bridge and switched to the other foot.

"I do forget to moisturize them sometimes..."

"We can't have that, Your Majesty."

"We certainly can't."

As his lips brushed over her ankle and trailed upwards, her breath quickened.

"Is it okay if I take care of your legs as well?" His eyes darkened as he waited for her answer.

"I guess there are other parts of my body that require your attention, my king," she murmured, spreading her legs.

"Let's see what I can do about them."

With her head lolled back while his tongue lapped on her center, a satisfied grin formed on her lips. Jade (plus vanilla-scented butter): 1 x Paperwork: 0. Victory had never been so sweet.

#choices fanfic #the royal romance fanfic #the royal heir fanfic #liam rys #liam x mc #lorirwritesfanfic #lorircreates #n*fw

[camillemontespan]

forever and eternity [drake x camille AU] [chapter three: 1928]

Chapter Two 

@karahalloway @twinkleallnight @sophxwithers @katedrakeohd @angelasscribbles tw: there is a mention of a suicide attempt but it is only hinted at, no details. 

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

Drake, Camille and Leo sat down at booth at the back of the bar, a bottle of whisky on the centre of the table and three glasses.

Drake poured each of them a sizeable measure of whisky and, in silence, the three of them quickly drank.

As the amber liquid burned their throats, Leo cleared his and turned to look at Camille.

He could see that Drake was struggling to comprehend seeing his lost love again. He could also see that Camille felt guilty.

So he was going to manage this discussion.

'So, Camille,' Leo began, his green eyes focusing on her. 'You're like us. How long have you known you're immortal?'

Drake poured himself another whisky before topping up Camille and Leo's glasses.

Camille tossed the drink down her throat before answering.

'Since 1700.'

Drake choked on the whisky.

Leo nodded. 'When were you born?'

Camille swallowed. '1640.'

Leo let out a whistle. 'You're a few decades older than me, then,' he said. 'Love a cougar.'

'Leo!' Drake hissed. 'Do you mind not flirting with my ex right in front of me?' 

Camille's face was red from whisky and embarrassment. Leo chuckled and held up his hands. 'Dude, I'm trying to lighten the mood.'

'Well stop it,' Drake muttered. 'You're being an asshole.' 

Leo shrugged then turned his attention back to Camille. 

'How did you find out what you were?'

Camille pressed her lips together as she thought of a way to explain herself. 'I.. I was 60 years old,' she said quietly, 'and I looked in the mirror and could see my 27 year old face looking back at me. I know that sounds ridiculous, surely I should have realised years before that I wasn't aging but my mother looked young too. I assumed it was hereditary, looking youthful when you are not.'

Drake frowned. 'You decided you were immortal just going on that line of thinking?'

Camille sighed. 'It was the 1700s, people believed any old crap without rational thinking.'

Leo let out a laugh. 'True that,' he said. 'At least you were right though.'

Camille fixed her eyes on the table. 'Ten years later, still looking 27.. I was sick of it. I felt like a freak. So I tried… I tried to end it.'

A silence fell over the table. Drake's fists were clenched in his lap. He couldn't bear the idea of Camille trying to hurt herself.

Leo sipped more of his whisky. 'So Drake and I found out we were immortal when we realised we couldn't be killed on the battlefield. You found out, officially, when you tried… okay, so it seems the only way to confirm this thing is to die.'

Camille blinked. 'You don't know much about this either?'

Leo stared at her. 'Fuck no! Camille, we have no idea why we're like this. As far as I know, you're only the second person I've met in my very long life to have this condition.'

Drake looked at Camille. Since sitting down with her, gone was his anger, just.. confusion left in its place. He wanted to ask her why she had left him but he knew he couldn't ask her that in front of Leo. That was a private conversation.

'Since 1928, I've gone through life like a karate kid,' Camille whispered, her voice cracking with emotion.  'Fighting to stay alive but to keep a low profile-’

'Fighting to stay alive?' Leo interrupted.  'Camille, we can't die.'

Drake's mind could only focus on the beginning of her words. 

Since 1928.

That was the year after Drake and Camille had met. 

Camille poured another glass of whisky and downed it. 

'Now that I know that you guys are like me,' she said, her voice fierce, 'you have to know what's out there.'

Drake felt himself tense. 'Camille, what are you talking about?' 

Camille poured them another whisky.

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

Olivia Nevrakis started every morning by waking at 5am. 

She would get up as soon as the alarm rang, throw on workout clothes and head to the gym. On Fridays, she went to a 6am boxing class.  

Afterwards, she would head home to shower, have breakfast and dress for work. 

Her life was one of solitude. She didn't have friends. She didn't really have family. She lived alone. 

But she preferred it that way. 

Her job was one that required strict confidentiality. She worked for a special branch of government and her job title was 'Acquisitions Officer.' 

She had been working in this role for two years and it was clear that Olivia was good at her job.

The way she was as a person made her the ideal candidate for the role. She was cold. Unlikely to form attachments. Willing to get a job done regardless of the cost. Never regretting anything. Believing the job was the most important thing in the world. 

A well adjusted person would say that Olivia Nevrakis had been brainwashed. 

She would call that person weak.

This morning at work was the same as every morning. She and her team of twelve colleagues would pour through the files, searching archives and confidential records. 

When she first started working in this job, she felt like it was a dead end. All the work she did produced no results. She began to feel like she was being duped. That this wasn't a real job. That her superiors were delusional.

She said so herself in a meeting with her manager a year ago, not long after she first started. 

Her mind was changed when he took out a file dated 1928 and proceeded to show her its contents. 

Since that meeting, for the past year, Olivia believed in the company.  

On this particular morning, she woke up feeling ready to take on the day. She went to the gym, came home and had breakfast, dressed in her red power suit paired with black stiletto heels and took a cab to work. 

Sitting down at her desk, she trawled through the usual database, searching and comparing, her eyes narrowed for any detail that could show her something new. 

Her eyes scanned the screen, reading through every possible name, trying to find a name and picture match. ‘Where are you, you freak bitch?’ she muttered. 

All she had was the file dated 1928. Inside it were black and white photos, all of the same person, all taken through different years. That would have been fine, normal in fact, if it weren’t for the fact that these photos were taken from 1840 onwards. All of the same person.  

A well adjusted person would decide it was simply strong genetics. 

Olivia and her superiors would say that that person wasn’t open minded enough. 

Reading through the records, they had found her at the beginning of 1928. They had been working on this case for only six months when they found out where she was. But she had escaped and ever since then, Olivia’s predecessors had been trying to find her all over again. 

No more photographs. 

Camille Montespan was hiding. And Olivia was going to find her. 

#drake walker #trr drake #the royal romance fanfic #trr fanfic

[angelasscribbles]

Daylight

Series: None, this is a one-shot and you can find those here.

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Riley x Readers Choice

Rating: MA

Warnings for this chapter: Infidelity. Angst.

Word Count: 547

A/N: This is for the @choicesprompts Song Rewrite Challenge. My song is Daylight by David Kushner. I heard this song and I knew I had to write something with it! I have left it up to the reader which man is which.

My other stuff: Master List.

I dress hurriedly in the darkening of my room, not bothering to turn on a light as the sun dips below the horizon. I’m late because I almost didn’t go. But my position rather requires it so here I am.

I turn and look back at my rumpled bed. Still warm from earlier. Her scent still lingers in the air. I shake my head and force myself to step through the doorway.

Another interminable ball. I’m going because I must. But she will be there.

As I leave my room and stride down the hall, I tell myself that it won’t matter. I’ll ignore her. It won’t happen again.

But I know it’s a lie.

I can't even look my best friend in the eye anymore. He’s like a brother to me, he’s the one person who has always been there for me. And I’m sleeping with his wife.

Guilt claws through me as I enter the room and he greets me as he always does. Genuinely, warmly. He trusts me and that trust sends shame twisting through my chest.

Every time I swear it's the last time but then I see her, and I'm lost again. Drowning in desire and despair.

I've tried to end it. I have fought myself so long and so hard. I’m exhausted, defeated. Then there she is. It always ends the same. Me looking down at her. Her looking up at me with those bright eyes, total surrender written all over her face.

I hate myself for what I’m doing to him. To her. She drowns in guilt too, yet it doesn’t end.

I’ve tried to move on but there is no one else. Not for me. And not for him.

I slap my best friend on the back, avoiding eye contact as I struggle not to look for her….and fail.

She smiles that smile that I know is only for me and all my resistance falls away. I smile back. This thing between us. I love it and I hate it at the same time.

I love her. I hate myself.

I beg God for forgiveness every night. But I know I would resist it if an out was actually presented to me. I don’t want out. Not really.

I just want her. But not like this. I’d ask her to leave him, but I know she won’t. And I don’t really want her to. Because as fucked up as it sounds, we both love him. Which is why he can never know. Which is why it has to stop.

But as I take her in my arms on the dance floor, I know it will never stop. Because I’m weak when it comes to her.

This is how I know God has forsaken me. I love them both, but to give one what they need is to betray the other. So I persist in this state of sin from which I can never atone.

I dip her low on the dancefloor and whisper in her ear, “It’s over.”

She agrees.

But we both know it’s only a matter of time until the next time. I sigh as I pull her back up, hug her close to my body, and let myself believe the lie, just for tonight.

It’s over.

#the royal romance fanfic #the royal romance #trr #trr fanfic #drake walker #liam rys #riley brooks #angelasscribbles #choices #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week

[angelasreblogs]

New Blogs

@angelasscribbles here. It's been over a month and Tumblr seems to be doing fuck all about fixing my blog issues. Every time I log in the first thing I see is the Tumblr-supported porn on the Tumblr live icons, yet my blog continues to be marked as explicit. Makes so much sense.

I have read horror stories from others that took months or years to get unblocked. Some never have. I really did consider just leaving. But honestly, I don't want to. If I'm done posting fanfiction for the friends and supporters I've met here, then I'm just done posting fanfiction. I do have my original work to get back to. Some day. But probably not this day lol.

The thought of moving two years worth of content is daunting. And likely the moment I finish such a huge project, they'll fix it. So I'm not sure I'm ready to give up all hope just yet. However, I did decide to go ahead and move some of my smaller series and most of my newer ones over.

At the very least I can post the new stuff from the new blogs without it being blocked. And I had fun creating them and reorganizing my stuff.

There's not a lot on them yet, but I will be posting from these blogs moving forward:

Tagging my permas under the cut.

@karahalloway @harleybeaumont @nestledonthaveone @alj4890 @aussiegurl1234 @walkerdrakewalker @kingliam2019 @twinkleallnight @lovingchoices14 @tinkie1973 @secretaryunpaid 

@queen-arabella-of-cordonia  @kristinamae093 @tessa-liam

@differenttyphoonwerewolf @queenmiarys @emersyn-in-cordonia

 @bascmve01 @twinkle-320 @mattiematt1234

@dcbbw  @amandablink @indiacater @bebepac

@lunaseasblog @belencha77  @gabesmommie1130

@jared2612 @hollygirl1269 @mainstreetreader

@ladyangel70 @ohmyeightpastlives  @gardeningourmet

@sillydg @phoenixrising0308

@3pawandme @21-wishes @73geenalove @jennieausten

@princessleac1 @kachrisberry @tornbetween2loves

@fangirling12566  @pinklipsandmasonjars @savannahdix

#angelasscribbles #the royal romance #trr au #trr #trr fanfic #the royal romance fanfic

[choicesficwriterscreations]

TRR F/AotW - Sep 24-30, 2023

✒️= Fanfic | 📱= Text Fics/Edits | 🎨= Fanart Ⓜ️ = Mature Content 18+ | 🔥 = Explicit/NSFW 18+ 🦄= Bisexuality Awareness Week | 🏳️‍🌈= LGBTQIA

Birthday Waltz ✒️Ⓜ️| Constantine x Regina - @dcbbw

Bringing Sexy Back ✒️Ⓜ️🔥| Liam Rys x MC - @dcbbw

Can't Take My Eyes Off of You ✒️Ⓜ️🔥| Maxwell Beaumont x Olivia Nevrakis - @alj4890

Cinderfella's Adventures in Cordonia (Series) ✒️🏳️‍🌈🦄| Liam Rys x M!MC - @justcallmefox89 Chapter 18

The Crown & The Shield (Series) ✒️🏳️‍🌈🦄| Constantine x Jackson - @angelasscribbles Chapter 6: Let's Be Happy

The Dark Kingdom (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️| Liam Rys x MC, Drake Walker x MC - @angelasscribbles Chapter 6: Bonded

Marabelle (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️🏳️‍🌈🦄| Liam Rys x F!OC, Maxwell Beaumont x M!OC - @tessa-liam Chapter 7: It's a Dream Come True

Thro(n)es of Passion: A Bad Romance One Shot ✒️🎨Ⓜ️🔥🏳️‍🌈🦄 | Liam Rys x MC x Maxwell Beaumont, Drake Walker x MC) - art by @rosefuckinggenius fic by @angelasscribbles

The Pricess's Secret (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️| Drake Walker x MC - @liamsqueen1984 Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5

The Proposal ✒️Ⓜ️🔥| Multiple Pairings - @aussiegurl1234

Queen of Hearts (Series)✒️ Ⓜ️🔥| Liam Rys x MC - @angelasscribbles Chapter 1: Let the Games Begin Chapter 2: Negotiations

Royal Love (Series) ✒️| Eleanor x M!OC - @eadanga Part 15

Savage Love (Series)✒️Ⓜ️🔥| Liam Rys x MC, Drake Walker x MC - @angelasscribbles Chapter 35: Some Answers, More Questions

Sometimes Not... (Series) ✒️| Liam Rys x F!MC - @ao719 Part 10: Love is Ruthless

Vancross (Series) ✒️Ⓜ️ | Liam Rys x F!OC - @ao719 Chapter 18: Reaching the Darkness

Main CFWC F/AotW List

Open Heart F/AotW List

#the royal romance #the royal romance fanfic #trr fanfic #choices fanfic #playchoices fanfic #liam rys #drake walker #maxwell beaumont #olivia nevrakis #choices fic writers creations #cfwc fics of the week #cfwc art of the week #playchoices #choices the stories you play

[twinkle-320]

Hold On

“Quote Me on This” Prompt Challenge:  I was given the quote “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other”.  It appears in the mood board below and will be bolded in the story.

Fandom: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Riley & Drake, Liam & Olivia

Rating: MA

Warnings: Grief, mentions of death, mildly graphic details of injuries

Disclaimer:  I am not a healthcare professional, all details of medical care and injuries are fictional dramatizations for the purposes of this story and I do not proclaim them to be accurate in real life.

Word Count:  3796 (sorry!)

A/N:  After receiving multiple requests for a follow up to my Choices Prompt Challenge submission ‘Promise Me’ (read here), I decided to use this challenge to answer the call.  If you haven’t read that one, this one won’t make much sense.  There is a time jump between that story and this one, and this is long so I could wrap this up without turning it into a mini-series :)

A/N 2:  I kept this in the first person from Riley’s POV in keeping with the style of ‘Promise Me’ but it does jump between present and past tense with Riley thinking back on the time between where that story ended and where she is now.  Please forgive any errors in grammar or tense, as this is not my usual style.

Quote Me on This Challenge Tags: @dcbbw @debramcg1106 @burnsoslow @twinkleallnight @argylemnwrites @yourquietarioso @bebepac @peonierose @leelee10898 @riseandshinelittleblossom @angelasscribbles @harleybeaumont

Taglist: @ladyangel70 @gkittylove99 @lovingchoices14 @petiteboheme @kingliam2019 @differenttyphoonwerewolf @walkerdrakewalker @alyshak92

“I’m sorry, Lucas. I really am, but I can’t come back yet…”  I nod as if I’m on a video chat, but I know my boss can’t see me.  “No, no…it’s fine.  I understand and I appreciate you accommodating me as long as you have.  I’ve loved my time with the firm and I’m grateful for the opportunity you gave me…Yes, thank you Lucas…you too.”  When the line goes dead, my body shakes with the sob I’ve been holding in.

Outside it’s a rainy day but there is just enough light from the setting sun to allow me to catch my reflection in the window.  In the mirrored image, the tears running down my cheeks blend with the raindrops on the window.  Just beyond the glass, life goes on and the world moves forward, but inside these walls, I feel like time is standing still.

It’s been seven months since I returned to Cordonia and I’ve been trying to balance life back home with my need to be here.  To say it isn’t going well would be an understatement.

For the first time in my life, I was just fired from a job or, ‘let go’, as Lucas had delicately put it.  It should feel crushing to lose my dream job but honestly, I can’t blame them.  My clients need and deserve an attorney and agent that can give them undivided attention and I can’t do that right now.  I’ve been working remotely, filing motions, writing briefs, and negotiating contracts but I can’t provide that personal touch from thousands of miles away and when you’re dealing with athletes and actors like I am, that personal touch means everything.

I feel myself on the edge of a breakdown and I can’t allow myself to lose my shit right now; not here. Mere feet from where I stand, watching the sky weep with me, the man I love is lying in a bed, still fighting for his life.  Machines beep as they monitor every aspect of his body and vitals, and the spikes on the brainwave monitor are all the proof I need that he can hear me, so losing it in front of him is not an option.

Moving to the far side of his bed, away from the monitors, I brush his chestnut brown hair away from his eyes and place a gentle kiss on his forehead. “You are in desperate need of a haircut, my love,” I whisper. “I love you. I’ll be right back.”

Across from me, the monitor beeps, registering another spike. It always does after I tell him I love him. While I long for nothing more than to hear his voice, I’ve started to think of the beeps as him saying ‘I love you too’.

Unable to fight the tears any longer I rush from the room, and head for my suite right next door.  Most people would exploit their friendship with a king by asking for political favors or seeking personal gain but all I want is permission to stay here around the clock.  Of course, I have a room at the palace too for those days where Liam insists that I need a break which was initially once a week but he has become more insistent more often recently.

My visits to the palace are bittersweet.  I love spending time with Olivia and the kids but…I hate myself for the resentment I feel.  I never let it show, it wouldn’t be fair to Liv. She is carrying around a hefty dose of survivors’ guilt as it is but…I can’t stop myself from thinking it.

Five minutes after I curl up on the bed and fall apart, my breakdown is interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Excuse me, Riley?” Dr. Hastings says, peeking his head in.  I’m not pleased with the intrusion but I’m glad I’ve finally broken him of calling me Ms. Nevin.

“Hi Dr. Hastings,” I say, sitting up and wiping away my tears.

“Shift change is coming up, I just thought I’d give you a run-down of today’s tests and vitals.”

All I can do is nod my head and prepare myself to hear more of the same.  I used to hold onto hope for each update but now that the physical wounds have healed and the threat of infection is gone, the updates are nothing more than a recitation of fluctuating brain activity and stable vitals.

I nod along, glassy-eyed as Dr. Hastings goes over the usual.

“I’m sorry, Riley. I know you’re hoping for big changes and progress,” he says, registering my disappointment. “But I continue to be encouraged by Drake’s brain activity.  His mind is reacting to stimuli with more frequency.”

“Then why hasn’t he woken up?” I cry.

“I wish I had an answer for that,” he replied sadly.  “All we can do is continue to push his body to respond in the same way his brain does.  We’ve been seeing results.  If you’d like to stay for tomorrow’s tests, you can see for yourself.

“No,” I shake my head, “I…I can’t.”

I used to stay for the tests but it’s terrifying and heartbreaking.  The tests consist of weaning Drake off the ventilator gradually.  His lungs do respond, and he attempts to breath on his own which I know is encouraging, but every so often he makes sounds like he’s choking or struggling, and I can’t handle it.

“I understand,” Dr. Hastings nods. “I hope you get some rest; I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Just as he turns to go, we are both surprised to see Liam entering my room.

“Riley, Dr. Hastings…good evening,” the king says. “Did I miss today’s update?”

Dr. Hastings bows.  Though he finally uses my first name, he refuses to break protocol when it comes to royalty.  “I’d be happy to go over it again, Your Majesty.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Liam replies.  “I’m sure Riley can give me a run down.”

I nod, knowing that Liam can already tell by looking at me that nothing’s changed.  With a final bow, Dr. Hastings departs and Liam takes a seat beside me on the bed.

“Rough day?”

“You have no idea,” I sigh.

“Why don’t you fill me in?”

“Well…for starters, I lost my job…”

“Oh, Riley…I’m so sorry.”

I shake my head.  “Don’t be…I knew it was coming eventually.  I’m surprised they worked with me this long.  But, without an income, I’m going to have to put my condo on the market.”

“No, don’t do that. I can assist you in holding onto it.”

“I can’t take money from you Liam…”

“You wouldn’t be.  Rashad is quite busy with Sloane Enterprises these days.  I could use another contract attorney on my legal team to pick up the overflow work.”

“Liam…I’d be happy to help but I’m still selling the condo.  There’s no reason to keep it and I can’t keep asking my dad to make the drive to Tampa to check on things for me.  For now…my home is wherever Drake is,” I say, feeling the crushing weight of sadness again.

“I got the sense that Dr. Hastings didn’t have good news.”

I shrug.  “It was the same as any other day, no better, no worse.

“This is to be expected when dealing with traumatic brain injury.”

“All the imaging shows his brain is healing,” I protest.

“Yes,” Liam nods, “which is all the more reason to be hopeful. You know how extensive his injuries were. I truly believe this coma is his body’s way of taking all the time it needs to heal. He’s been beating the odds since you got here.”

Logically, I know Liam is right.  Drake’s body went through hell and on the night I arrived seven months ago, they didn’t expect him to make it beyond another twenty-four hours.  The first time I walked into that room, Liam had to keep me on my feet; I could barely tell it was Drake in the bed.

On our flight from Philly to Cordonia, Liam had tried to tell me what to expect but it was a difficult conversation to get through and quite honestly nothing could have prepared me.  I was shocked to learn that Drake had joined the guard.  Liam had tried to convince him to finish his veterinary degree and refused to appointment him to the guard, but Drake didn’t want an appointment handed to him anyway.  He earned his way in by joining the military; after two years of exemplary service, he earned the Cordonia Medal of Honor and his commanding officer recommended him for the guard.  Drake was immediately assigned to head of Olivia’s detail.  In true Olivia fashion, she had scared off all her previous guards and they hoped Drake could put up with her.  I still can’t believe that those two managed to coexist as long as they did but Liam assures me they had become quite close.

I learned all about the Sons of the Earth and their leader, my former press secretary, Justin, AKA Anton Severus…his secret marriage to Olivia, his plots to kill Liam and take the throne, his death, and the rebel factions that carried on his evil legacy.  Olivia had been relatively safe when he was alive because he needed her for his plan, but once he was gone and she was married to Liam, she became a target of the rebels.

Two days before Liam came to Hill Heights, a rebel uprising attacked Olivia’s motorcade on their way out of Lythikos and isolated the lead SUV.  On a hunch, Drake had anticipated a possible attack and ordered Liv into one of the secondary vehicles with a whole team of guards while he rode lead with a decoy.  A rendezvous point had been established as a contingency if the motorcade got separated.  Off their plotted course, the lead car encountered a roadside bomb which flipped the car and sent it up in flames and the rebels riddled it with bullets before taking off.  By all rights, no one should have survived but the driver managed to free himself and pull Drake out just before the car fully exploded and succumbing to his own injuries.

When they failed to arrive at the rendezvous point, Liv ordered all but the six men guarding her back to look for them. That’s when they found Drake and the driver on the side of the road, unconscious with life-threatening injuries, and the other two guards in the car, dead.  Both men were airlifted to the Capitol where the race to save their life began.  Drake had suffered a head injury from the blast and multiple gunshot wounds from the rebels’ indiscriminate firing spree.  Two bullets struck major organs.  Hours of surgery were required, and it was touch and go.

I can’t try to explain the extent of the injuries or even all that went into attempting to save him, but I do know he looked like he’d been to a war zone when I saw him.  His skull was open to relieve the pressure on his brain, vacuum drains were attached to multiple wounds where they had opened him up to repair internal damage and remove bullet fragments, and his left leg was in a cast, suspended by a sling above the bed.  Looking at him now, you’d never know any of that.  There is a thin scar on his head where hair still won’t grow but it’s hidden by his full head of hair around it, and he of course has scars from the bullet wounds, but they are hidden by his clothes.  Just looking into his room, aside from the ventilator, you might think he’s just asleep, but…he’s not waking up.

“Are you headed back over to sit with him?” Liam asks, pulling me back to the present.

“In a few minutes,” I sigh. “I came here to have my daily breakdown. Ever since the nurse told me he shows signs of distress when he hears me cry, I try not to do it in front of him.”

Liam takes my hand giving it a reassuring squeeze.  “You must try to focus on the positive, Riley…he hears you.”

“How are you so optimistic after all this time?”

“A well-crafted facade, I assure you. I have breakdowns too, but I try to be strong…for you, for Liv…”

“How is she?” I ask.

“You should ask her yourself, she’s right next door.”

I gasp in surprise.  “She’s here?”  Olivia hasn’t come to the hospital since Emily was born.  Of course, having a baby keeps her busy, but Liam and I know it goes beyond that. Liv feels responsible for what happened and the guilt that she carries makes seeing Drake difficult for her.

“Yes, she asked to come.  I decided to give her some time with him by coming in to check on you.  Fabian and Emily are across the hall in the family suite with the nanny if you wish to pop in to see them.  I’m going to go sit with Olivia, join us whenever you are ready.”

Visits with Fabian and Emily always bring a smile to my face, even on hard days…especially on hard days. I pop in for hugs and snuggles before joining Liam and Olivia.

“Riley,” Olivia exclaims.  Rising from her seat she pulls me into a hug.  I’m still trying to get used to an Olivia who hugs.

“Hi Liv, it’s good to see you.”

“Of course it is,” she quips.  Motherhood has softened her, but she hasn’t lost her wit.  “So, tell me…what updates did this inept medical staff have to share today?” she asks.

“Not much,” I sigh, “small progress like every other day.”

“What more can we do?” she says, turning to Liam. “We need to bring in a new medical team, the best of the best.”

“My Queen, I assure you, Drake’s team is the best Cordonia has to offer.”

“Then look outside Cordonia,” she snaps.

I can hear the anxiety in her voice.  She’s here but she’s still struggling and taking charge is her coping mechanism.

“Liv, I am more than willing to bring in more doctors, I’d scour the globe for the best but…his care is not up to me.  Any decision to change doctors has to come from Savannah or Bianca.”

“They’re both twits,” Olivia retorts.  “Bianca can’t even be bothered to come here.”

“After what happened to Jackson, can you blame her?”

“You’re damn right I can! That’s no excuse not to be at your son’s side…your child! But what would she know about that…she abandoned them.”

Drake’s monitor starts to beep, and my eyes jump to the screen.  I know what to look for and his elevated blood pressure is a sure sign that our conversation is affecting him.  “Liv…we should take this somewhere else.”

Olivia frowns and I see the tears welling in her eyes.  “I’m sorry…I’m…”  Going to Drake’s side, she takes his hand and leans down to his ear.  “I’m sorry…I’ll stop.  Please calm down…I just want you to get better.”

I’ve never heard her speak in such a calming tone and to my surprise, Drake’s vitals slowly return to normal levels.

Liam looks at me with hopeful eyes. “That’s a direct response to stimuli if I ever saw one!”

I nod, unable to speak as I fight back tears. Liam comes to my side and pulls me into an embrace. “I’ll speak to Savannah but in the meantime, we will leave you two in peace.”

Olivia gives me another hug before they leave the room hand in hand.

Taking the seat beside Drake, I wrap my hand around his, rest my head on his shoulder, and settle in for our nightly talk.  Having a one-sided conversation felt awkward at first.  In the early days I did little more than tell him I love him and beg him to hold on.  I’ve gotten used to it now and talk as much as I can, hoping my voice will pull him from whatever darkness he’s trapped in.

“Everyone wants you to get better, but no one more than me.  I’m trying to be patient but it’s so hard, baby,” I cry.  “Every minute of those four years without you, I felt like I wasn’t really living…I built a life and moved forward but something was always missing…you.  And now I’ve been by your side for seven months, which is where I belong but…I still feel that void because you won’t wake up.  We’ve lost so much time already…I’m…I’m so sorry I left.  Even when you said you couldn’t be with me, I should have stayed…I should have fought for us.  Going our separate ways was never the answer, Drake.  We held onto the guilt we felt over falling in love, we held onto the pain we had cause Liam, we held onto all our own insecurities, and we let it drive us apart.  By holding onto the bad, we missed the bigger picture, we failed to see that the best thing to hold onto in life is each other.  I’m holding on now, Drake…I’m here and I am in this for good.  I love you with every fiber of my being and I can’t…I won’t…live a life without you in it.  I need you to come back to me baby.”  As my tears fall against the soft fabric of his hospital gown, I hear that beep and feel a mild sense of peace as I doze off at his side.

I wake in the morning to the blazing sun shining on my face and the sound of voices carrying into the room from the hall.  In a normal hospital, it wouldn’t be unusual, but in the private royal wing where Drake is the only patient, it’s not something I’m used to hearing.  Rising from my chair, I decide to go investigate, surprised to see Liam and Savannah having a passionate conversation as Dr. Hastings and the head nurse, Holly, look on.

“Savannah, you must see reason…I have complete faith in Dr. Hastings, but a second opinion could make all the difference.  I have a world-renowned neurological team on standby, ready to come to Cordonia.  You haven’t been here, you haven’t seen his progress.”

“Liam, you have to understand how hard it is for me to see my brother like that!  Being here everyday would be torture; I don’t know how you and Riley do it.  But I have been in constant contact with Dr. Hastings and I get the same updates you do. I understand the small progress gives you hope but that’s all it is…small progress.  I can’t just go on blind faith, Liam, I have to do what’s best for my brother…for all of us, and allowing him to hang in a medical limbo is not a life.”

I see the tears falling from Liam’s eyes, he makes no effort to hide them.  “What are you saying, Savannah?”

“I’m saying…I’m saying I think it’s time we let him go,” Savannah replies, breaking down in sobs.

“NO,” I scream, charging toward her filled with anguish and rage.  Liam wraps me in his arms to keep me from reaching her.  “You can’t do that!  I won’t let you do that.”

“It’s not your decision to make, Riley.  I’m sorry.”

“You’re sorry?  That’s all you can say?” I yell, giving into my rage. Savannah looks terrified of me, and she should be.  I sob, struggling against Liam’s hold on me, barely registering the sound of machines over my own yelling.  “You ran away and left him to worry about you for over a year, but he never stopped looking for you.  He never gave up!  How the hell can you justify giving up on him now?”

“It’s not giving up, it’s mercy,” she cries.

“No, please, no Savannah, don’t do this…don’t do this, please,” I wail as my knees give out.

“Look what this is doing to her…to me…” Liam cries as he struggles to hold me up.  “Look what it will do to everyone that loves him…Savannah, please…”

“Do you think this is easy for me?” she cries.  “I love him too.”

“Then give him more time, that’s all I ask.  Let me bring in another medical team. Don’t do this…”

 “Liam, I have t…”

“LET ME GO, I HAVE SOMEWHERE TO BE!”

My heart feels like it is going to beat out of my chest the moment the shouted words echo through the corridor, drowning out our own voices and cries.  I know that voice, I’d know it anywhere.  Looking around I finally see Dr. Hastings and Holly are gone.  Ripping at Liam’s hands, I free myself from his hold and race back to Drake’s room.

“I have somewhere to be, you have to let me go…I have somewhere to be!”

“Drake?” I gasp, paralyzed and frozen in place from shock.  I watch as Dr. Hastings, Holly, and two other nurses struggle to restrain Drake and I can’t tell if it’s real or just my mind’s trauma response to my fight with Savannah.

“He was awake when we responded to the alarms,” Dr. Hastings explains.  “We managed to get him extubated, but he’s agitated and disoriented.”

I try to make sense of what I’m hearing but I feel like I am in a daze.  “Drake?” I cry again.

“Nevin?  Nevin!” Drake shouts, ripping at his IV’s and fighting against the doctors’ hold.

The sound of my name from his lips breaks me from my trance.  “No, no, no,” I rush forward, full of longing to touch him and convince myself this is real.

“If he can’t calm down, we’ll need to sedate him,” Dr. Hastings says.

“No, No,” I shake my head, sitting down on Drake’s bed.  Clutching his hands in one of mine, I bring my other hand to his cheek.  “Calm down…you have to calm down.”

Drake shakes his head, disoriented and trying to talk between coughing fits.  “I needed to get to you…to the cemetery…I needed…”

I wrap my arms around him, and I feel the tension roll off his body as he relaxes into me.  “I’m here, I’m here…” I soothe, running my fingers through his hair.

“How?  When?” he asks as his body starts to shake with sobs.  “What happened?”

I pull back and cup his cheeks.  “Don’t worry about that right now,” I whisper, placing a gentle kiss on his lips. “I’m here, and I love you, and right now, you just need to stay calm and let the doctors check you out.”

Drake returns my kiss fervently before feathering kisses all over my face and pulling me desperately into his arms.  “Hold on to me…hold on to me…” he mutters as he cries.

“I will, Drake…I will…and I promise, I’m never letting go.”

#quote me on this challenge #choices fic writers creations #writing prompt #trr #trr drake x mc #trr drake #trr mc #trr fanfic #the royal romance #the royal romance fanfic #drake walker

[tessa-liam]

Christmas Traditions 2: A Winter Festival

Christmas Traditions 2: A Winter Festival 

Book: TRF AU  

Summary: It’s the annual holiday festival in Lythikos and Olivia is hosting members of the Royal court at her keep. New relationships are nurtured; family and friendships are celebrated. 

Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!MC Riley Brooks-Rys, OTP LiRi 

Secondary Pairings: Drake Walker x F!OC Delaney Leigh, Leo Rys x Amalas (past pairing Leo Rys x Olivia Nevrakis) 

All characters belong to Pixelberry, except Delaney Leigh 

A/N1: This is the 4th chapter in my TRF AU Masterlist  

A/N2: My submission for @choicesflashfics Week #12, prompt #1 - “You’re lucky you’re cute.” and my submission for @choicesflashfics, Choices Flashfics Holiday prompt#83, “Well done. You just ruined Christmas,” prompt#58, ‘Lift me up so I can put the star on the tree.” 

Song Inspiration: Jingle Bell Rock Hall & Oates 

Rating: M, adult conversations 

Word Count: 1951, Read Time: 8 min

       

Winter Festival, Lythikos, Cordonia 

Wearing his aviator shades, Leo looked out across the crowd of festival goers gathering and waiting for the King’s press conference to begin. Standing near the stage, his plan was to join in with the festival celebrations later, but now he was waiting for Amalas to come down from the estate to join him. Together, they wanted to show their support for his brother’s official kick-off to the festival and then spend some time together away from court. 

Leo would have preferred to have come down as a couple, but he no longer felt comfortable in Olivia’s home, since she now knew that Amalas was ending her romantic fling with her. Leo was one of the reasons why Amalas was distracted. He decided to pack up with plans to return to the Capital with his brother later this evening. He thought it would be best to not cross Olivia’s path and not provoke an argument.  

 Earlier today, in search of a cup of coffee, Leo stood frozen outside the dining room entrance after overhearing Amalas and Olivia in a heated conversation. He did not want to eavesdrop, but when his name was mentioned, he was curious about the direction it would go. 

“Why did you bother to come here? To humiliate me?” Olivia angrily spats. 

“What would you have done if I did not? We need to talk about this. You make me feel like your dirty little secret! I need more; I am not afraid to go public.”Amalas countered. 

“So, you want to go public with Leo? What about me? What about all that we have shared?” Olivia exclaims. with frustration and hurt. 

“Will you openly have a relationship with me? In front of the court? Will you?” Amalas was intransigent. “What message would I be giving my daughter by hiding the truth of our relationship?” 

Olivia gave Amalas an angry look. “I cannot. I will not!” 

“Then, I have my answer!” Amalas turned on her heel and went upstairs to her stateroom, fuming. 

Olivia looked at the decorations in the dining room, mumbling loudly to herself, “Well done. You just ruined Christmas.” 

Sighing, Leo messaged Amalas to let her know that he would wait for her to come down and where at the festival to meet him. He waited till Olivia left the dining room and then went quickly out to an SUV waiting outside the front door of the estate. 

♥ 

After applying her lipstick and gloss, Riley turned sideways in front of the long mirror in her dressing room giving herself a last check over her appearance. Wearing a red, long sleeved midi dress, the fabric hugged her curves and she realized that her baby bump was prominent. Placing a hand on her bump, she knew that it wasn’t her imagination. She was gaining weight more quickly this time around and made a mental note to mention this to Dr. Ramirez at her upcoming 10-week prenatal check-up. 

Liam, sauntering up to wrap his arms around her waist from behind, places his hand over hers. He gazes at her reflection in the mirror, resting his chin on her shoulder. 

“You are glowing this morning, my love.” Riley leans back and nestles against his chest. 

“How are you two today? We should go down to get a bite to eat before we leave.”  

Turning towards him still in his embrace, Riley cups his cheek and kisses his lips flirtatiously, “That is a great plan – we are starving! Let me get Ellie dressed and we can go down.”  

Liam smirked, shaking his head. “And so, it begins,” he laughs when Riley swats him playfully for his teasing, turning to her daughter’s room. The pregnancy cravings had not started yet but she definitely had an appetite this morning. 

♥ 

“What are you doing to me, Laney?” Drake bent down to lace her skates, chuckling at her expression. Drake and Delaney decided to go for a skate early that morning. 

“I will wear you down Mr. Walker. You love it, just admit it.” 

Drake was coming to terms with having a girlfriend and was adamant that he would try new things for Delaney. 

He wanted to make sure that she knew how much he cared for her. Scratch that, he was infatuated with her. 

When he asked his friend for advice, Liam did not hold anything back. He knew that his friend needed honest advice on how to build a romantic relationship, especially because Drake was still in denial of what was happening. 

“Drake do not take anything for granted. Make it your mission to be open to new possibilities. Be attentive. Sweep her off her feet. Let her know; show her that you want a future with her.” 

Taking his friend’s advice to try new things, he accepted her idea to go skating, putting the plan into action.  

Delaney was delighted and honestly surprised that he would agree. Like Drake, she was falling – falling hard and fast. 

Rising, Drake took her hands in his and lifted her up to stand. He pulled her towards him, planting a heated kiss on her lips.  

“Let’s do this; I will prove to you that I can skate. We have to make this quick though, Liam will be making his opening speech for the festival soon.” Delaney could not stop the smile on her face. 

As Drake and Delaney stepped onto the ice of the festival skating rink, the beginning notes of ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ blasted from the speakers. 

“Oh great; that’s just perfect.” Drake bemoaned as Delaney laughed gliding him to join the other skaters. 

“You’re lucky you’re cute.” Drake winked, as they skated hand in hand to the music. 

 Drake had to admit to himself that he was having fun. Laughing and talking together, Delaney regarded her handsome boyfriend. Her feelings were getting stronger the more time they spent together. 

“No way!” Drake comes to a stop, dropping her hand as he studies the face of the brunette skating towards him. “It can’t be!” 

Delaney looks up and watches his face light up. Furrowing her brows, Delaney gets his attention. 

“Drake, who are you looking at?”  

She stopped and watched as the petite woman started to recognize her friend.

“Hana, it’s so great to see you!” Drake grabs Delaney’s hand again, leading her forward to his friend. 

“Oh, my goodness, It’s really you! ...and you are skating!” Hana pulls Drake towards her for a hug, smiling up to him. 

“Yeah, get your jabs in now,” Drake laughs. 

“Hana, I would like to introduce you to Delaney. Delaney, Hana is an old friend of mine.” 

“You’re lucky you’re cute,” Delaney admonishes Drake for his ‘old’ comment, “Hi Hana, Merry Christmas!” 

Smiling, Hana extends her arm to shake Delaney's hand. “It is so nice to meet you. It looks like you have your work cut out for you.” 

The girls had a laugh, at Drake’s expense, as the bells rang out to signal the start of the opening ceremony. 

“Oh, would you look at that! Saved by the bell,” Drake turns to leave, shaking his head. 

Hana and Delaney giggled together as they follow him off the ice. 

♥ 

Liam and Riley watched Eleanor excitedly peer outside the window of the SUV as they arrived at the center stage of the holiday festival. 

“Look, look at all the people!” Ellie had no fear of crowds and was a social butterfly with the public. Like her parents, she captured the hearts of everyone she met. 

So much so, that the princess always was surrounded by the royal guard. That was always a given. 

Crowds of festival goers were surrounding the staging area, waiting patiently for the event to begin. Also, many journalists from neighboring countries were vying for the best location to lodge questions at the King and Queen. Broadcasting vans and equipment were set up to capture the King’s press conference with his family. 

The SUV rolled to a stop and as Bastien opened the door, members of the royal guard went into position around the SUV and stage. 

“Your majesties, please follow me.” Bastien greeted them. 

As they exited the vehicle, the crowd went wild, with loud cheering for their King and Queen, with their princess. Journalists with camera flashes and microphones, being kept at bay by the royal guard, did not bother Ellie.  

“Oh Daddy, the Christmas star fell off the tree!” Ellie pointed to a shimmering gold tree topper by the edge of the walkway. 

Liam noticed the decoration wedged in the snow and bent down to pick it up for Ellie. 

“Lift me up so I can put the star on the tree.”  

“Pleeease, Daddy?” 

The crowd went into a frenzy when Liam scooped Ellie into his arms and hoisted her up so that she was at the right height to place the star. 

Standing on the stage, Leo greeted Riley with a kiss on the cheek. Liam set Ellie down by her mother as he walked and took his place behind the lectern at center stage. 

Liam raises his hand to signal the start of the ceremony,

“Welcome everyone to the Lythikos Winter Festival.” 

After the applause subsides, he officially starts the festivities with thanking Olivia and the people of Lythikos, and all the visiting Cordonian citizens for attending the event. 

After Liam delivers his Christmas wishes, he ends with, 

“It’s the time of year to celebrate family.” 

Turning to Riley, Liam invites her to join him center stage along with Ellie. Holding hands, the queen and princess walk towards Liam and wave to the crowd. 

Upon reaching the podium, Liam once again picks up Ellie and places her on top of the lectern. 

“As this year comes to a close, I am looking toward the new year when a new adventure will begin for my family. Princess Eleanor will have new princess duties, right Ellie?” 

Giggling, she looks up to her father. 

“Daddy, I am a big sister now!” 

As realization sets in with the crowd, the crowd erupts in cheers and applause. Liam raises Riley’s hand, placing a soft kiss on her knuckles. 

Liam continues, “we are over the moon to announce that our family is growing! 

More news to come! Enjoy the Festival!” 

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

♥ 

After finishing numerous interviews with the press, Liam and Riley walked with Ellie over to meet with their close friends to enjoy the festival and start celebrating.

Standing beside a satellite truck at the back of the crowd, a lone figure watches with interest.

@txemrn @bebepac @ao719 @peonierose @phoenixrising0308 @queenrileyrose @queenmiarys @703cowbarn @mom2000aggie @malblk21 @indiana-jr @winkyluxhumanoid @rubiwalker @harleybeaumont @kingliam2019 @marietrinmimi @imashybish @angelasscribbles @isha26 @sfb123 @cordonianredruby @hopelessromanticmonie @tinkie1973 @belencha77 @honey358luv @jared2612 @urfaveaesthetic101 @xpandass420x @kyra75 @late-to-the-fandom @sammiiieeevaaans @lsvdw-blog @blueaster-blog1 @imjusthereforliam

Leo & Amalas:

@twinkleallnight

Please let me know if you want to be added or removed from future stories.

#the royal romance #trr liam x mc #always liam and riley #liam rys #riley brooks #trf au #trr #trr fanfic #the royal romance fanfic #choicesflashfics #leo rys #drake walker #olivia nevrakis #king liam

[dcbbw]

Sunday Snippets!

Happy Sunday, folks! I hope you all had a restful weekend, and if you had to work may your upcoming days off be relaxing.

I am still woefully behind with deadlines (across all platforms: work, home, tumblr) but I am making progress; if the stars align and my motivation stays high, I will be spamming your dashes soon.

Below are snippets from three of four fics I am working on to post by September 30th.

You know the drill by now: everything is in flux, roughly drafted, and final versions are subject to change.

It’s all below the cut. Enjoy!

The Price of Everything (Platinum AU chapter update):

The Beaumont Bash was in full swing; once the doors had closed behind King Constantine and Queen Regina, and Maxwell had sliced open the champagne bottles, everyone let loose. Even the Crown Prince shrugged out of his tuxedo jacket and unbuttoned the first three buttons of his white oxford shirt before swaying his body to the blaring music.

Young Lord Beaumont was circulating amongst the crowd with a silver tray; on it were water glasses filled to the brim with a bluish-colored liquid. When he reached Prince Liam and Lady Riley who were engaged in conversation, he insisted they each take a glass.

“What is this, Lord Maxwell?” Liam asked as he suspiciously eyed the proffered glass.

Riley accepted her glass and sipped. Her mouth puckered; her eyes squinted. But she took another swallow.

“I call it Cowbell!” Max replied proudly, his words slurring ever so slightly.

“Well, I need more cowbell!” Riley announced before falling into a fit of giggles.

The Prince and The Lord looked at her, and then at each other, wondering what was so funny. Their attention was caught by the sight of Bertrand riding into the entry hall on a horse; he led two more behind him.

“RILEY! You MUST ride one of the horses! It’s tradition that all members of House Beaumont do so!” Maxwell yelled excitedly as he shoved the tray of drinks into Liam’s unprepared hands. “You’re an honorary Beaumont!”

Riley grinned and clapped her hands in glee before looking down at her ball gown. It was gorgeous, tight, and long. No way could she mount the horse, let alone ride it in her current outfit. She looked around the hall, peering into what she could see of the rooms occupying the wing.

People were drinking, dancing, playing card games, making out, and overall ignoring her.

“Fuck it,” she thought as she kicked off her shoes and began stripping out of the dress.

Liam was so busy lustily admiring his lover’s nude form appear before him, it took him a moment too long to register the fact she was in a very public venue with nearly all of Court present.

In their drunken states, Maxwell and Bertrand paid Riley’s nudity no attention.

By the time Liam had managed to set the tray of drinks down, Riley was on the horse yelling, “LADY GODIVA RIDES AGAIN!”

Muttering curses beneath his breath, the future King managed his way out of his shirt, tossed it over his shoulder, and ran after the thoroughbred; he caught up with both animal and rider after a few sprints and mounted the still-moving steed, pressing his bare chest against Riley’s nude back. He awkwardly threw the shirt around her shoulders, before splaying his palms against her breasts to cover her nipples.

Riley looked at him over her shoulder, her smile wide and eyes sparkling. “This is AMAZING, Liam!”

The royal shook his head as he failed to hold back his laughter. He nuzzled the side of her neck. “I love you so much, Riley Brooks. So, so much.”

To Have and To Hold (Commoner’s Wife one-shot):

A knock on the open door barely registered in his brain, so absorbed was he in graphs, charts, and updating the timeline and rosters. After they knocked a second time, he bade the person entry, his attention still fixed on the spreadsheet titled Walker Wedding.

His eyes flicked up briefly before performing a double take.

It was the bride-to-be herself, Riley Brooks. She looked anything but the subject of a celebrity wedding; her hair was tousled, her expression harried. She wore an oversized graphic tee-shirt, baggy sweatpants, and flip-flops. Guilt infused her expression upon seeing Liam.

“Your Majesty,” she greeted in a stiff tone.

“Your Grace,” he returned curtly, his eyes again intent upon the spreadsheet. “How may I help you?”

“I was told to meet Madeleine and Bastien to pick up the jewelry for tomorrow.”

“The Countess and my Head Guard are waiting for you in the East Wing library. I’m happy to inform them you’ve arrived.”

“Oh, for Chrissakes, Liam! You aren’t my assistant. I’ll text them and let them know I’m here.”

“The ceremony rehearsal will begin promptly at 4pm, followed by dinner.” Liam’s face remained hidden behind the computer monitors.

Riley looked his way curiously before flopping into a club chair made of butter-soft leather. She let her tote bag slide from her shoulder and fall to the floor. She exhaled a small sigh as her fingers raked through her hair.

“You still can’t look at me,” she said softly.

Liam rose from his seat, ostensibly to stretch his legs, but really it was to move closer to the Duchess.

“And you still can’t tell me. I go to help Lady Hana bake brownies and return to you and Drake telling EVERYONE ELSE you’re engaged!”

“As if you told me ANYTHING Coronation night or any day after that!” Riley spat, glaring up at Liam’s tall, muscular frame.

Liam rolled his shirtsleeves up to his elbows, his eyes fixed on Riley, before striding to the bar cart to pour himself a scotch and soda on the rocks. He did not offer Riley any.

“I have apologized constantly since that … fiasco, Lady Riley. I have begged your forgiveness daily. I have cried to you and cried over you. But you refuse to see beyond your hurt, failing to realize I hurt as well. You doubt my love for you, yet I am the one planning your wedding, I am the one paying for your wedding.”

“This is more than hurt, Liam! It’s pain, it’s damage … that you inflicted. As for MY wedding, it’s merely Crown money protecting the Crown’s image!” Riley yelled at Liam’s back as she stood from her seat.

Liam slowly turned to face the Duchess, hurt emanating from his very body. “Is that how you feel?”

Riley was hoisting her bag over her shoulder; she glanced at him quickly before slightly nodding her head.

Liam turned away again. He set his tumbler on the bar cart before rubbing the pads of his fingers against his temples, attempting to ward off a vague headache. “I trust you can find your way to the East Wing.”

Plus One Triangle (tentative title):

“This isn’t working for me anymore.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me.”

“This was the agreement. This has always been the agreement. Or have you forgotten?”

“I’ve forgotten nothing. But everything is different now.”

The King of Cordonia threw a brief glance to his fiancée as he crossed his massive bedroom to the walk-in closet to grab his shirt and tie. He wore tan-colored linen slacks; his belt, neatly looped around the waist of his pants, was unbuckled. Cognac-colored fisherman sandals covered his feet.

“What exactly has changed, Madeleine? There will be no wedding until the American is found.”

“And they haven’t been seen in four months!” the Queen-to-be hissed. “We move forward with the wedding planning TODAY!”

The monarch gave a mirthless chuckle. “Or what? You leave me?”

“You will break it off with that …  tart, remove her from the Crown’s property, and wed me … or I go to the press.”

The King was fastening his belt; at Madeleine’s words, his head snapped up. “Don’t make idle threats. You are still my subject, Countess,” he warned in a soft, silky whisper.

“Remove her from Court and Crown, or I will! I have nothing to lose.”

Madeleine turned on her heel, and stalked from the bedroom, slamming the door behind her.

The King stared thoughtfully at the closed door before striding to his bedside table where his cellphone lay charging. He quickly dialed a number, waiting for the other person to answer. When they did, the ruler spoke rapidly and urgently in Cordonia, hanging up once he finished his one-sided conversation.

Madeleine was pushing her luck; she was about to fuck around and find herself in either a cell or a grave. It didn’t much matter to him which it was.

Tagging:  @jared2612​ @ao719​ @burnsoslow​ @marietrinmimi​ @merridithsmiscellany-blog​ @queenjilian​ @indiacater​ @kingliam2019​ @bebepac​ @liamxs-world​ @mom2000aggie​ @cmestrella​ @liamrhysstalker2020​  @neotericthemis​ @twinkleallnight​ @umccall71​ @superharriet​  @busywoman​ @gabesmommie1130​ @tessa-liam​ @phoenixrising308​ @beezm​ @gardeningourmet​ @lovingchoices14​ @foreverethereal123​ @mainstreetreader​ @angelasscribbles​ @lady-calypso​ @emkay512​ @jovialyouthmusic​ @21-wishes​ @princessleac1​ @charlotteg234​ @queenrileyrose​ @alj4890​ @yourfavaquarius111​ @motorcitymademadame​ @choicesficwriterscreations​​

#dcbbw writes #wips #they're coming #the royal romance fanfic #total aus

[mariemarieohcontrary]

Tagpuan (Rendezvous) - Chapter One

Book: The Royal Romance, Book 1

Pairing: Liam Rys/Evangeline Lakandula (MC)

Taglist: @ao719 @tessa-liam @nestledonthaveone @malblk21 @twinkleallnight

Chapter Rating: T

Chapter Warnings:

Sexual Harassment (Starts at "Evangeline ignored their leering smiles...", Ends in “Just let me work, sir!”)

Verbal Abuse/Workplace Abuse (Starts at "What the hell, Lakandula!", Ends in "What do you have to say for yourself?")

Chapter: I - The Trinket Bar

Word Count: 5500+ (im so sorry omg)

Summary: A normal night in The Trinket. (As normal as can be, at least.) A first meeting. Concern. An invitation.

Author's Notes: So while the dialogue is in English save for some words, just understand that dialogues with Filipino characters like the staff and patrons are in Tagalog while the ones with Drake, Maxwell, Tariq and James are in English.

Also uhhhh you'll get to completely enjoy Liam and the others in Chapter 2. For now, it's still setting the scene! I really hope you guys like how this turned out.

Feel free to listen to and loop the songs I set up while reading! I could even provide fully translated lyrics if asked!

If you want to be in the taglist, just tell me! ❤️

(Previous Chapter) | (Next Chapter)

Nalulunod sa pangangamba Puno na ang baga, pasuko ka na Sa'n ka kakapit kung malalim na? Ang sabi ay "Arte lang 'yan" -Lunod, Ben&Ben

TRANSLATION

Drowning in anxiety Lungs are full, you’re giving up Where do you hold onto when you’re falling in deep They say you’re just acting out

"What can I get for you, gentlemen?"

Three pairs of eyes turned to her and Evangeline had to stamp down the desire to balk and run away.

The table she agreed to serve was just as Daniel described. A disgruntled rugged man with hair that was kind of long, a hyperactive man with short brown hair who was fiddling with the karaoke machine (god, please don't break it, Stanley will blame her and it'll come out of her pay—) and one who was wearing an overly expensive suit trying to lounge on a very un-loungable and rickety bench.

And they're all staring at her.

Despite the ill feeling she felt at the pit of her stomach, she just plastered on her Customer Service Smile, and looked at them expectantly.

It was the hyper one who broke the awkward silence,

"Oh, hi!" He greeted, bounding up to her and away from the karaoke machine. "Are you our waiter? I thought our server was the other one."

Evangeline hadn't met a foreign motormouth before.

"Daniel and I swapped," Evangeline said honestly as she reached over to the bench, nudging a tupperware cover she'd been using to balance out the bench to straighten it, "his mother's coming back overseas so he needs an easy shift tonight."

"Ah, from where?" The man in the expensive suit asked, his interest piqued.

Evangeline shook her head.

"It's not for me to say, po," she replied, "only that she'd been away for a year and he's been missing her."

"I'm sure it was a good vacation." the man replied.

Evangeline stilled.

They don't know.

Of course they don't.

What was a fact of life here was barely consequential in other countries.

He looked earnest enough in a carefree way. He definitely meant it as something positive. The hyper man seemed to not have noticed. But the rugged man was frowning.

"Tariq—"" the rugged man started with what was clearly a reprimand.

But it was Evangeline who finished it.

"Daniel's mother is an Overseas Filipino Worker," she explained, her tone quiet as she said it, "she wasn't away on vacation."

The man in the expensive suit, Tariq, looked surprised. Then he looked like he didn't know what to say.

Evangeline figured as much so she took a deep breath and nodded at the three men.

"I'm–" Tariq faltered before he looked down, "I'm sorry, I thought—"

"We got derailed," she cut him off and smiled, it no longer stretched wide enough and didn't even reach her eyes no matter how fake it was, "what can I get for you?"

Tariq was quiet for a moment before clearing his throat.

"Yes, ah, I would like a Macallan Red with filet mignon and bearnaise sauce."

"Steak for me, thanks!" The hyper man added before he ran back to the karaoke machine.

The way they spoke made Evangeline remember the posh students in her high school and college. Speaking a language Evangeline never did and eventually wrinkling their noses when they realise Evangeline wasn't on the same standing as them.

It made the feeling of unease return in her but she only shook her head and gave what she hoped was an apologetic smile.

"Sorry, sirs," she gestured to the front of the establishment where a giant chalkboard filled with their menu items was placed, "we only have beer, some wine and a few other selections."

"In that case, I think I'm fine with whatever!" The hyper man shouted while pressing in numbers for a song.

Surprise was the first to cross Tariq's face. Then disappointment.

"And the filet mignon?"

Evangeline shook her head. "We have different foodstuffs available that pair well with alcohol, but no steak."

The rugged man sighed.

"Just get us normal whiskey or beer and uh, what would be your suggestion for food?"

Evangeline looked at the menu and tried to remember the usual dishes her grandfather had for pulutan.

A conspiratorial smile.

A mischievous twinkle in eyes that had beheld the world far longer than her father had.

"Sisig," she finally said, her gaze landing on the item in the menu, "and lechon kawali."

Aged hands pulled her forward to give her a small plate of lechon kawali and sisig.

Don't tell your mother I let you have some this late at night.

"They both pair well with beer," she paused, trying to remember the brand her grandfather drank, "Particularly, Red Horse."

The rugged man nodded.

"Sounds good," he said, "get us four bottles of beer and four plates of each of those dishes."

Four?

"Four, sir?" Evangeline asked. "Are you one man short?"

"Yeah," the rugged man replied, "he's just handling some things then he'll come here."

Odd to do at a bachelor party.

Then again, The Trinket wasn't even meant to be bachelor party material. She barely even considered it a bar and more like a carinderia. Who brings their family to a bar of all places?

Shaking her head, Evangeline went to the kitchen to hand the cook the order.

By the time she returned with the bachelor party's beers, their mystery companion had yet to arrive.

No matter, that wasn't her concern. It's their bachelor party and Evangeline is just the server.

"Your drinks," she announced, setting each bottle near each of the men present, "your meals are almost done and I'll be back shortly with them."

"Thanks." Was the reply she got from the rugged man.

Turning away, Evangeline pretended not to hear the hyper man begin singing My Way.

Her grandfather would be rolling in his grave if he were here.

Her grandmother would simply be laughing as she tended to do with offkey singing.

Her mother—

Evangeline pushed the curtain to the kitchen aside.

"Ate Alice, are the dishes for my table done?" she asked the moment she entered the kitchen.

Alice, a wiry thirty-something woman with bleached hair kept in a high bun turned to look at her, holding up her spatula and waving it towards the table at the corner as an answer.

"Want me to call Niel over here?" Alice asked, eyeing Evangeline.

Evangeline shook her head as she began trying to fit all the dishes Alice cooked onto one tray.

"I've managed to do this a couple times,” Evangeline replied, “I think I could handle walking to my table without breaking any of them.”

Alice shook her head.

“Just watch out,” Alice warned her, “you know the later the night gets the livelier the customers could be.”

The local drunks.

They'd be coming around this time.

“I will.”

The bar was indeed lively by the time she emerged from the kitchen.

Already, a queue had formed for the karaoke and rowdy patrons had come streaming in. They seemed to be playing nice with the hyper man from the bachelor party but aside from that, they were keeping to themselves and their groups.

Already someone had ordered twelve bottles of beer and was starting to get unbearably loud.

It was normal.

But Evangeline didn’t have to like this type of normal.

Drunk men with their breaths filled with alcohol.

Inhibitions loosed and their demons unleashed.

Fury and folly all gathered under one roof.

It wasn’t comfortable.

From a distance, she could hear some drunk locals talking about the foreigners.

“Shit, are those Americans?”

“They really decided to come here in an expensive suit, huh.”

“Maybe they’re looking for an easy lay!”

Evangeline ignored some of the men's leering smiles. Whenever she ran across them while they were sober, she wasn’t something they’d pay attention to or look twice at. But this happened always anytime they’ve consumed too much alcohol.

She kept her gaze forward and her expression as blank as possible.

“Vangie,” one of the drunks called out, his hands reaching out to pull at her apron, “look, a bunch of foreigners are there!”

His drinking buddy snickered. “You might finally land your shot since you mostly speak English!” He taunted.

Evangeline felt her face burn in embarrassment while she tried to pull herself away.

“S-sir, please don’t call me that,” Evangeline stuttered as she tried to keep a steady hold of her tray while pulling herself away from the drunk patron, “and I really have to get to work—”

“Don’t be such a prude!” The patron retorted. "You're barely even beautiful and you have the nerve to be this picky!"

The uproarious laughter from nearby tables made Evangeline feel ill as her attempts to move away from the man grew in desperation.

"Come on, Vangie!" Another man from two tables near the back shouted. "We're bored! Give us a show! You could dance, right?"

"Please just let me work," Evangeline begged, her voice breaking, "I don't want to be fired!"

"I'll let you go," the man acquiesced, a sharp smile gracing his lips, "for a kiss!"

The man then tried to start pulling Evangeline closer to him and Evangeline could feel her heart beating faster.

She hated working here.

She hated these people.

Her throat grew tight, a burning feeling making itself known in her eyes.

“Just leave me alone!” Evangeline shouted, her voice rising slightly as she managed to jerk herself away from the man’s grasp.

Evangeline felt her feet trip over each other the moment she stumbled away from the drunk.

Her heart stuttered in fear when she realised she was falling.

The tray slipped from her hold.

The plates fell to the ground in a crash that made her ears ring.

"Watch out!"

Warm hands touched her back as she was steadied.

Before Evangeline could process everything, she came face to face with a man of East Asian descent. His eyes were wide with concern.

"Miss," his voice was quiet, gentle, "are you alright?"

Evangeline wanted to cry.

Are you alright?

A customer asked a question just for her.

Asking about her.

A customer who saw her.

Her throat tightened.

She took a deep breath and pressed her lips together before nodding.

"I'm so sorry for the disturbance," she met the customer's eyes and mustered up a smile, "I'll just go fetch replacements for those gentlemen's meals and then I'll have someone tend to you." She promised.

He seemed like an easy enough customer. Daniel should handle him.

The man shook his head. "My friends could wait a bit longer," he said firmly, "they waited this long for me without food, they could wait a bit more."

Friends?

Ah.

Evangeline blinked and then looked down, taking in one deep breath after another.

Letting out a slow exhale, Evangeline looked at the man carefully.

He was dressed like no local, his clothes were of fine quality and looked out of place in the province and though she knew a fair amount of fellow Filipinos who spoke English flawlessly, there was a hint of an accent in his but not in the way that Filipino accents tended to drip into their voices revealing their province.

"You're the fourth member?" She asked instead.

"I am," he confirmed. "I'm James."

Just as the fourth member came, she really ended up ruining their evening.

Wonderful.

"Alright, Sir James, let me get you replacements for your meals."

James only stopped her again, his brows knitting together.

"Are you alright, Miss?" He repeated.

Evangeline's smile returned.

Placating and as true as she could make it.

"I'm fine," she promised, "it's just a normal night here in The Trinket."

James still looked worried.

She would worry about that later. She has a job to do and broken dishes to sweep up.

Turning away from James, she swallowed past the tightness in her throat and entered the kitchen.

"Was that you?" Alice asked from over the stove the moment she came in.

"Just the drunks," Evangeline replied, her voice quiet, "they got too rowdy."

"Is that all?"

"Yeah. You know how it is."

Alice was silent as she plated whatever it was she was cooking.

Evangeline didn't have to ask if Alice believed her or not.

"Take these to your table," Alice finally told her, "your plates were the only ones likely to fall."

Evangeline looked at what was plated and she felt her throat close up again.

Four new servings each of sisig and lechon kawali.

"I called Niel in to get the broken plates swept," Alice added, "he can handle sweeping duty."

Evangeline took a step forward.

Halted.

Then threw herself against the older woman, her arms wrapping tightly around the cook who dropped her spatula in shock.

"Angeline, what—" Despite her surprise, Alice hugged her back just as tightly.

"Thank you, Ate Alice," Evangeline whispered.

"I do what I can," Alice replied, "even if it's just from this shitty kitchen, I'll keep trying."

"And it's more than enough," Evangeline assured, pulling away.

With hands she pretended were steady, Evangeline began putting the plates on her tray again.

"Be careful, Angeline," Alice called out to her as Evangeline hefted the tray on her shoulder again.

"I promise, Ate." She smiled at Alice before stepping back out of the kitchen.

She ran into Daniel who looked at her worriedly. His neatly combed hair was now ruffled, his round face had gone a bit red from running back and forth and sweat was beading his brow.

Evangeline felt guilt claw its way to her throat.

"Niel, I'm so sorry—"

Daniel shook his head.

"Ma will be more disappointed in me if I let one of my friends suffer just because I want to look nice," Daniel explained. "I want her to come home tonight and know I did good. That I could make her proud she raised me good."

Evangeline hadn't spoken with Daniel's mother much save for a few times.

She was a sweet-faced, plump woman who had a tendency to comment on Evangeline's thin frame and eating pattern with excessive concern.

Of course, what followed was her being given food and told to stay for dinner during those three meetings she had with Daniel's mother.

His mother gave tight hugs and beso-besos that are filled with affection for someone she had only met.

Evangeline smiled and bumped her hip lightly against Daniel's.

"Your mother should always be proud of you, Niel," she told the young man, "she raised you well. Far better than most would have."

A home brimming with love.

Kisses every meeting.

Surprise tickle fights—

A lullaby goodnight—

"I want to keep my mom proud of me no matter what." Daniel said decisively.

She had no doubt that he will.

This time, she kept her gaze solely on the drunks who were likely to grab at her. She could feel her body tensing and her breath stopping whenever one of them got too close to her.

The walk to the bachelor party's table felt like an eternity.

The sound of the hyper man's singing sounded like cacophonous noise to her ears.

Still, she made it and she placed the plates carefully on the table, smiling to herself when she managed to do it without making too much of her panic known.

"Thank you," James said, beaming at her.

Evangeline can't help but hesitantly smile back. "I'm sorry for ruining your food the first go, though."

He shook his head. "It wasn't your fault."

"James told us what happened," The rugged man said, his brows furrowing, "are you okay?"

Evangeline nodded.

"Yes sir."

"Drake." He corrected.

"Sir Drake." She amended.

Drake grimaced and he shook his head. "Just-just Drake or even Walker is fine," He insisted. "I'm not some fussy noble or anything."

Impolite.

Have you been taught to be disrespectful?

Evangeline shook her head, her brows knitting together minutely. "I'm sorry, I'd rather call you with the proper respect for customers."

Drake looked like he wanted to protest still but James shook his head.

"She said she'd prefer it that way, Drake," James explained, "let's let her go with what's comfortable for her."

Despite looking like he'd rather not, Drake just sighed.

"Sorry we didn't step in," Drake said in a tone she cant read, "we didn't really know what was going on and we didn't really know if it was something normal or not."

Evangeline remained quiet, uncertain how to respond to his words.

"Thank you for the concern," she said at last, "but it's nothing I can't handle."

Lies.

James smiled at her with that same warm smile. "Of course," he agreed, "but please know you could ask us for assistance if you really need it."

Considerate.

Too considerate. To a server.

She stayed in their presence long enough.

"Excuse me, sirs, I need to handle the other tables."

The rest of her shift went by without further incident, thank the stars.

Aside from disgruntled drunks that were being handled by Daniel who got hauled out of the bar for trying to start a fight with Drake, it went by as Evangeline had been used to.

By the end of her shift, Evangeline just wanted to lie down on the floor of her bedroom and forget the world for a few hours.

Maybe watch something nostalgic (not Cinderella) to unwind.

Call Kuya Ethan even.

Something to quiet her mind.

"Lakandula!" Stanley's voice made itself known in the bar.

There, at the front of the room, with his arms crossed and a scowl on his face was her boss.

"Kitchen. Now." Stanley grit out.

And it took all Evangeline's willpower not to want to run.

With a practised ease, she piled all of the plates and cups onto her tray, her head bowing automatically.

She ignored the bachelor party's table. She could feel four pairs of eyes on her and she didn't need them to know that this is her life when they were clearly just here for leisure. This isn't their issue to handle.

When she entered the kitchen, she noted neither Alice nor Daniel were there resting like they usually did.

Instead, Stanley was the only one there. His tall, sturdy frame was in a threatening stance, his face twisted in unbridled fury, his body was practically vibrating in rage.

"What the hell, Lakandula!" Were the first words that left Stanley's mouth the moment Evangeline entered the kitchen.

She felt suffocated the moment Stanley marched up to her face, his face growing blotchy and reddish in his anger.

Taking a few stumbling steps back, Evangeline scrambled for a thought to stick. For her to figure out how to appease her angry boss.

But static was the only thing that came to her thoughts and her hearing.

"W-What did I do wrong, Sir?" She asked, trying to keep her tone as quiet as she can.

"What did you do wrong," Stanley echoed mockingly. "How about pissing off one of our loyal patrons just to suck up to those foreigners!"

"I wasn't—"

"Do you know who's more important to the business, Lakandula?" Stanley asked, his voice rising. "Our local patrons! But you chose to ignore that just to flirt with some foreigners like youre some pokpok on the streets!"

She wanted to say something. To stand up for herself and point out that those drunks were horrible and groped around where they weren't wanted. She wanted to slap Stanley for each time he shamed her or shouted at her or forced Daniel to stay late hours or make Alice stay trapped in the kitchen. She wanted to shout and scream and rant at him over how shitty of a boss he was.

She wanted—

"What do you have to say for yourself?" Stanley asked, his voice dropping low.

"I'm sorry, Sir," she mumbled, her throat closing up, "I will make amends with the customer tomorrow."

"Your pay will cover the damages to my plates and the ruined meals you let fall." Stanley added, his tone harsh.

What else could she do?

What options did she have?

"Yes sir."

Her answer must have satisfied Stanley because he made a satisfied grunt before making to leave the kitchen.

"Lakandula."

"Yes, sir?"

"Make sure to wash the dishes."

"Yes, sir."

She only knew Stanley was gone by the rustling of the curtain.

But even when she was alone, Evangeline still didn't move from her spot. She didn't know how long she stayed rooted there like a statue but the confrontation with Stanley had left her struggling to breathe.

Her throat felt like it was closing in on her.

Her nose and eyes were burning with tears that have yet to spill.

Her chest felt tight but she hoped it was only in panic and not her asthma acting up.

She just wanted to go home.

Time stopped meaning anything to her mind when she finally made a move to do as Stanley instructed her to do. With steps that were unsteady and unsure, Evangeline made her way to the sink. There was a muffled feeling in her mind and a numbness to her movements as she turned on the tap and reached for the sponge.

She lost further track of time as she kept washing the dishes.

No one came to the kitchen in the time she spent finishing three tables' worth.

She was sure she was the only one left among the staff this night which would mean she'll be the one to lock the bar.

Somehow the thought of it terrified her.

Biting her bottom lip, Evangeline kept a death grip on the sponge and continued scrubbing the plate she was holding.

Distantly, she was aware of the curtain parting again.

She didn't want to know who came in. If it was Stanley, she didn't want to see his face if he was just gonna shout at her over something she did. She was tired. She's had enough.

"Angeline?"

It was Alice.

"Why are you doing the dishes?" Alice asked.

Evangeline didn't reply, the tightness in her throat closing in further.

Calloused hands covered hers, firmly stopping her from washing.

Her vision blurred as hot tears ran finally slipped down her cheeks.

She choked on a whimper, trying to breathe psst the growing tightness that now reached her chest.

"Angeline?" Alice pressed. "What are you doing here? Your shift is over."

"Sir Stanley said I needed to wash the dishes."

"Don't."

It was Alice's firm tone that brought Evangeline out of the muffled world she had fallen into.

"W-what?" She asked, her voice small.

There was resolution in Alice's eyes as she repeated her earlier words.

"Don't." Alice spoke with such a firmness that lacked the heat and anger others tended to have. "Stanley enjoys his power trips, don't let him have that."

Carefully, Alice pried the sponge and plate out of Evangeline's hold and nudged her away.

"You've had a long shift," Alice told her, "you deserve to just have a night to yourself, don't you think?"

"But what about you?" For all her desire to just go home and rest, Evangeline never liked that Alice would often stay in the bar later than others just cause Stanley said so.

Alice snorted.

"I'm going home too," the older woman assured her, "Stanley could wash the dishes himself if he wants them cleaned so badly. Power tripping asshole."

Taking hold of her hands, Alice began manoeuvring Evangeline to the small shelf where the staff keeps their bags.

A part of Evangeline wanted to protest and to struggle.

Another part wanted to give in.

To go home and pretend this night didn't happen.

"Come on, let's get home! "

There was an earnestness in Alice's eyes and Evangeline missed being held onto that tightly like she mattered.

The older woman smiled coaxingly at her and Evangeline felt some of the tightness she was feeling melt away a bit.

After all, who was she to deny a friend?

Snatching her backpack from its shelf, Evangeline pulled out her casual wear and hurriedly changed back into her leggings and her short, white dress. Turning to look at Alice, Evangeline offered her a smile.

"Let's go?" She asked, offering her arm to Alice.

Without hesitation, Alice looped her arm with Evangeline's and the two made their way out of the bar.

After locking the bar, Evangeline saw Alice off at the tricycle terminal near The Trinket, waving goodbye to her as she drove away. When she was certain that Alice was well on her way home, Evangeline jogged over to the parking area where she'd chained her bike at the rack in front of the establishment.

Mounting the bike, Evangeline turned on her bike light and let out a slow breath. She'd gotten used to biking in the past four years but even then, she'd feel this thundering panic in her chest everytime she had to go to busy streets.

Pushing off, she began cycling towards her lodging.

The first twenty minutes was quiet for her. Taking a turn here and there, stopping by a sari-sari store to buy a small bottle of iced tea and then continuing the ride home.

It was in the twenty-fourth minute when she came across a car that she ignored easily enough. It was just another black car with tinting, a bit too nice for this neighbourhood but she gave up figuring things like cars out.

She cycled past it.

"Miss?" A familiar voice reached her ears and Evangeline frowned as she tried to recall who had that voice.

"Miss, wait!" The voice grew louder as the sound of a car door opening and closing followed.

That's when it hit her.

Warm hands.

Kind eyes.

Miss, are you alright?

Hurriedly braking the bike, Evangeline almost toppled over if her feet hadn't gotten off the pedals to anchor themselves to the ground.

She could hear footsteps fast approaching.

Dismounting, Evangeline turned around and sure enough, it was James who had called out to her and was now running towards her.

Deciding to meet him halfway, Evangeline jogged towards him. The moment the two came face to face, James smiled at her.

"Hey."

"Hello, sir." Evangeline greeted him.

"I didn't think I'd see you after dinner," James said, after a short silence.

Evangeline didn't know what to tell him.

"Why would that matter?" She asked, her brows furrowing lightly.

"I just wanted to thank you for handling our table despite everything that happened," James told her "I wouldn't have blamed you if you didn't want to keep working that night."

Evangeline shrugged and looked down. "It's not really like I could stop working even if I wanted to." She told him.

There was a silence and Evangeline tried not to panic. Did she say the wrong thing? Did she upset him?

"I'm sorry this night wasn't a good one for you," James said at last, his voice was still gentle with no hint of anger, "my friends and I— we, we heard yelling before we left."

Evangeline stilled.

They should have left around that time.

"That was just my boss" She mumbled. "He gets angry quickly."

"That's not right."

Don't waste their time.

Evangeline took in a steadying breath, counted to three and looked at James. She was surprised she saw concern there in his eyes and she tried not to be overtaken by emotion again.

"Even if it's not right," she said carefully trying to sound unbothered, "it's just a part of my life."

James frowned. "Even...the drunks?"

Evangeline looked away. "Even those."

"I'm sorry."

To hear someone apologise for her life. For something they didn't do was....jarring for her.

Returning her attention to James, she hesitantly reached up and placed her hand on his shoulder and mustered up a smile.

"It's not your fault," she assured him, "your table at least was easier to handle than the others'."

James looked surprised by the contact she made with him and she was about to pull her hand away when he rested his own on hers.

"I—" he faltered for a moment as a look of uncertainty flickered on his face, "I hope it won't be presumptuous of me but, will you let me make up for your night?"

The way he said it was rushed and eager, his eyes shining under the streetlamp's light. And like Alice, there was earnestness.

Earnestness.

Twice in one night.

Kindness, more than that.

"You don't have to do that," she assured him, "you should enjoy the night with your friends."

And she should go home and assure herself that her day ended well at least. That some people didn't leave her behind or wanted to make her night better. Whether it was leaving work earlier than usual or whatever James planned, they were kindnesses she had missed.

And she didn't want to intrude on them anymore.

"What if I told you my friends and I don't know our way around here?" James asked.

Evangeline smiled at the thought.

"Then I'll wonder why you would go here of all places," she told him, "why not go to Makati or Taguig or BGC? Why the province?"

James shrugged.

"I heard the Philippine countryside was quieter and my friends didn't want any fuss." He explained.

There was something more hanging from his tone. The way he drifted off at the end made Evangeline tilt her head in curiosity.

"But also?" She pried as gently as she could.

James looked surprised that she sounded like she knew that there was more and he took in a breath.

"I also heard some provinces had interesting histories, I just thought we'd be able to learn them even without a tour guide," He said sheepishly. "Ask local people and whatnot, learn different perspectives."

History.

He wanted to hear about history and learn it.

Her country's history.

"Is that what you'd want to do tonight?" She asked carefully.

James was silent, his expression was one Evangeline would call awe but it can't be because she didn't do anything big. Still, he looked like she'd offered him gold and she didn't know what to do with that knowledge.

"I—" James faltered, "my friends wanted to keep drinking."

He wanted to learn. His friends wanted to party.

Evangeline sympathised with him but she decided against telling him. Instead she smiled and took out her phone and began tapping out different bars and nightclubs that would be more high-end and open at this time.

Showing him her phone, she nodded for him to read it.

"Your friends might like these options," she told him, "they have more choices, air-conditioned, dancing, usually the upper class goes there so it's more enjoyable for you gentlemen, I'm sure."

Watching James' expression as he read over the names, his lips slowly sounding out the words as if he wanted to say the name right. Evangeline knew which one he found.

"Tagpuan is good," She assured him. "I haven't been in personally but I know some people who did and they rave about it a lot."

How could she not know when her family always tagged her in their photos.

Whether as a way to include her or to insult her she wasn't sure anymore.

"What does it mean, Tagpuan?" James asked, his enunciation was good but he said it so slowly like he wanted every syllable to be correct.

"Rendezvous point," Evangeline smiled when she saw him nod determinedly like he wanted to ingrain it in his memory. "It's much more poetic in Tagalog though."

James repeated the word silently and he smiled as if discovering something. He nodded.

"I have to agree," he sounded genuinely happy to learn this one word and it made Evangeline feel lighter to see someone hungry for knowledge the way he was, "there's something about the word that makes it feel more than just a rendezvous point."

"The wonders of my mother tongue," She remarked, her smile growing. "I hope you enjoy the night there, and have a safe trip."

Turning away, she made to return to her bike when she felt James reach out for her, his hold on her wrist wasn't tight and she could easily shake him off and she didn't feel like it would tighten.

Still, she stopped.

"Wait," James sounded...desperate? No desperate was stronger. But he still sounded like he really wanted her to wait.

Turning around to face him, her breath got caught in her throat when she saw how close the two of them were.

"What?" She asked, her voice coming out quiet as she can't help but look in his eyes.

Earnest. Too earnest.

How had he survived this world as long as he had with eyes so open?

"I," for once, James looked like he was lost for words, his eyes met hers and it looked like he was trying to find the right words to tell her, to read her like she's read him, "my friends, we-we don't know the way to Tagpuan."

Evangeline knew what he was getting at.

"And I...please let me make up for the night you had," He wasn't pleading and Evangeline heard an option to deny his request but there was no malice in his voice, "you'd be helping us out and if you want to go home, you could."

She shouldn't be contemplating this. She shouldn't be entertaining the thought of letting him make her night better on the condition she gets to tell him of history even in the walls of the nightclub that held little to none. She shouldn't—

"I don't think I could leave my bike here," she tried one last protest.

James smiled. "We'll drop by your house so you could leave it there." He offered.

What the hell.

"Okay." She told him, a small, hesitant smile gracing her lips.

The delight in James' eyes was worth it.

TRANSLATIONS

Po - a form that indicates respect or politeness, could be used sarcastically as well.

Pulutan - Pulutan is the general term used to refer to small plates or snacks served over drinks. These range from those that sizzle over the classic metal plates, like sisig or pusit, to grilled meats like barbecue and isaw, to even bite-sized food like kropek.

Sisig - Sisig is a Filipino dish made from pork jowl and ears, pork belly, and chicken liver which is usually seasoned with calamansi, onions, and chilli peppers.

Lechon Kawali - also known as lechon de carajay or litsong kawali in Tagalog, is a Filipino recipe consisting of pork belly slabs deep-fried in a pan or wok.

Carinderia - a food stall with a small seating area, typically in a market or at a roadside.

Beso-Beso - cheek-to-cheek kiss.

Kuya - Tagalog for Big Brother.

Pokpok - a term for prostitute.

Sari-Sari Store - a convenience store found in the Philippines. The word sari-sari is Tagalog meaning "variety" or "sundry". Such stores occupy an important economic and social location in a Filipino community and are ubiquitous in neighborhoods and along streets.

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