Series Premise: As Riley Brooks journeys through life as a single parent in New York City, an epiphany strikes as she contemplates the future for herself and her two-year-old son.
Turning the Page Series Masterlist
Main Pairing: Liam Rys x F!OC Riley Brooks
All characters belong to Pixelberry Studios, except William Brooks (Rys) and Matteo Magro, who belongs to this series.
Rating: M🔞Warnings - Series will contain crude language, NSFW material – not Beta’d - please excuse all errors.
Words: 2498
Now and Then – 9
Chapter Summary: Riley and William arrive in Cordonia
Title & Music Inspiration:
Now and Then, The Beatles
When You Love Someone, Gretchen Peters, Bryan Adams
Wherever You Will Go, The Calling
A/N1: In this alternate universe, after King Constantine orchestrates two individual scandals to humiliate and entrap Riley Brooks and Olivia Nevrakis in shame, Madeleine Amaranth secures her position as the Queen of Cordonia. Riley, as the King’s mistress and Olivia, in self-imposed exile. Tariq is never found.
A/N2: My submission for @choicesflashfics, Week#67, prompt #1 - “Nothing could ever change how I feel about you.”
A/N3: My submission for @choicesjanuary2024, prompt Day 25 - ‘Remembrance’ #choices monthly challenge @lilyoffandoms #choicesjanuary2024
A/N4: Damien Nazario has been assigned as William’s personal bodyguard.
In Flight, Cordonian Royal Jet, above the Mediterranean Sea
Looking out over the vast expanse of water below her, and under the clear blue skies above the Mediterranean Sea, no clouds were in sight ... not a white cloud, nor a black cloud.
Riley gazed out the large passenger window of the private jet, in solace, with her memories. Everything felt calm; almost too calm. The flight from New York to Cordonia was eight hours in duration, and even though they left early in the morning, they would not arrive at the palace until late in the evening with the change in time zones.
Trying to and not getting any rest, her thoughts returned to the events over the holidays.
...Remembering when Liam arrived at her door, in New York on Christmas Eve, a short week ago. The expression of elation on his face as she opened the door for him...
[‘Hello, my love,’ he tenderly smiled; He was standing there with an exquisite bouquet of long-stemmed red roses, as uniformed delivery drivers from the toy store waited patiently at a distance behind him, as the Royal guard performed a security check.
Liam stepped over the threshold, leaning down to draw her in for a kiss on the cheek, as she accepted his gift. ‘Oh Li, these are gorgeous; thank you so much.’
At Bastien’s prompt, the delivery people entered the brownstone with prewrapped gifts and placed them under the Christmas tree, also filling the extra space in the living room very quickly.
Chuckling, Riley watched as Liam thanked them with a generous tip, as he closed the door after them.
“Our son will be so thrilled at what Santa brought him; wait till he wakes up tomorrow.”
Liam laughed, moving quickly to put his arm around her, pulling her to his side. “Who says all these gifts are just for him? Hmmm?” Riley turned her head towards him, as Liam bent to capture her lips in a passion-fueled kiss.
“Ah yes, your gift is right here.” Liam slipped his hand inside his coat to reveal a small box, wrapped in gold with a red ribbon. “This is for you.”}
Riley breathed out, shaking her head.
...Remembering wanting him so badly that evening ...as he kissed her forehead to say ‘good night’ before turning to the guest room; Leaving her feeling so confused, once again.
...Remembering how excited LiLi was when he saw his father again Christmas morning ... and the look of pure joy in Liam’s expression as he watched his son blissfully playing with his new toys.
...Remembering the look of adoration between Liam and his son; a private and sacred bond established between the two ... a bond only meant for them.
Riley looked down at her phone and smiled fondly at the picture of William. He was proudly standing beside his gingerbread house gift for Liam, alongside Daniel and Matteo, to smile at the camera. Riley marveled at how unequivocally her son loved his father, so quickly. As if two loose puzzle pieces finally clicked into place. There was never a doubt in her mind that William needed to be wherever his father was. The connection between father and son was undeniable.
...and with those thoughts, she agreed to return to Cordonia.
And now, she found herself on the Royal jet headed back, leaving behind her New York world for the place that shattered her ‘happily ever after,’ again.
Liam, being the new, ever-doting father was pointing out to his son the shores of Cordonia through the window. She saw the look of marvel in Liam’s eyes, as he watched his son’s reaction to seeing Cordonia for the very first time. They were sitting in seats across the aisle from her as she glanced over.
Catching Riley’s eye, Liam responded with a wink and a smile.
"Welcome home, love."
Riley smiled in return, as her heart skipped a beat.
Home...
It had been a while since she had felt this way about Cordonia. Another lifetime; so much has changed, and yet remained the same.
***
Damien Nazario, the Interpol agent who was now permanently assigned to be William Rys's personal bodyguard, was reviewing the Crown prince's dossier, and his duties to the Cordonian crown, his new employer. Bastien took a seat beside the young agent to answer any questions he may have, as head of the Royal guard, at the rear of the plane's cabin.
"So, Damien, any questions for me?"
"No, sir. I believe I have a handle on the situation.”
"Good, because you are now the official head of the security detail for Prince William, the future king of Cordonia."
"Understood, sir.” Damien was well aware of the complexity of a constitutional monarchy.
"Now, there's one more thing I need to discuss with you,” Bastien eyed the young agent.
"Yes, sir?"
"Madeleine Amaranth, the former queen of Cordonia. I have forwarded her updated dossier to you."
"Yes, I've read it through.” Damien paused, waiting for more information.
"Good, because she has expressed malicious intent towards Prince William and Lady Riley, should they return to Cordonia."
"Understood. I'll ensure her movements are tracked and reported inside and out of the country, sir."
"Thank you, Damien.”
"My pleasure, sir.”
Bastien, looking pleased, leaned back in his chair, checking the time on his watch, as he felt the plane begin its descent.
Cordonia, Capital
The jet touched down smoothly on the tarmac, as the engines powered down. The cabin door opened, and the stairs were lowered.
Riley could feel the warm breeze blow past her as she stepped off the plane.
Taking a deep breath, Riley looked around. The air was different here. It was fresh and clean. She closed her eyes and let the wind brush her cheeks.
Liam followed, with William sleeping in his arms.
"Is everything alright, love?" Liam’s brows were raised in concern, noticing her hesitation.
"Yes, I'm just taking it all in." Riley, looked down, unable to keep eye contact.
"Are you sure, Riley? You've been very quiet throughout the entire flight home."
"I'm fine, Liam. It is just a lot to process. I'm just a little overwhelmed."
"All right, I understand. Let us get to the palace, so you and William can get settled and rest ... okay?"
"Yes, thank you, Liam."
Liam glanced over at Riley with concern as he personally buckled his son into the car seat. It was quite easy for him to see and feel the apprehension in her mood. She could not hide her emotions from him as well as she always thought she could.
Riley had remained noticeably quiet during the ride to the palace as well, looking out at the passing countryside. Liam could not help but wonder if she was having second thoughts about returning to Cordonia, and/or to him.
As they pulled up to the palace gates, Liam looked over at Riley, noticing a small smile on her face.
"What is it, love?" Liam spoke softly, reaching for her hand.
Riley returned his touch with a squeeze. "This place...it's beautiful."
"Thank you, that, it is. Welcome home."
“William will be so excited when he wakes up.” Riley glanced at a still sleeping William as the SUV slowed to a stop.
"I can't begin to tell you how much it means to me.... to have you both here." Liam confessed.
"You're welcome, Liam. It's the least I can do."
Liam's heart sank at her words. He hated the distance between them. He wanted to take her in his arms and make everything right, but, for right now, he knew that was not the best strategy.
He had to accept that things had changed, and their relationship was different now. He had to be patient and give Riley the space she needed.
But he also had to make her see how important she was to him. He had to show her how much he had missed her ... that he wanted a future with her and William in Cordonia.
As the SUV door opened for her, Riley felt a sense of Deja vu. This was where she had started her journey with Liam in Cordonia all those years ago. And now, here she was, back again.
"Do you want me to take you and William to the guest wing, or do you want to stay in my chambers?"
"I would like to stay with you, if that's okay."
"Of course, Riley. I would love that."
It was surreal for Riley as she walked the pristine palace halls towards the Royal Chambers. Liam carried William, who was fast asleep in his arms beside her.
The memories of the past times she was here flooded her mind and her heart ached as she pushed the painful memories aside. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves.
As they reached the large double doors of the entrance to the Royal east wing, the guards opened the doors for Liam and Riley to enter.
Riley stepped inside; the same chambers where she had spent so much time before. The familiar scent of Liam's cologne filled the air, sending a wave of longing for a past time through her mind.
Walking into her room ... it was exactly as she remembered it. Everything was in its place, from the elegant chandelier hanging above the bed, to the intricate paintings adorning the walls.
Riley took a deep breath and sat down on the edge of the bed. She looked around the room, taking in every detail.
She felt a pang of sadness as she remembered those past times.
After tucking William into his bed in the adjacent room, Liam came in and sat down next to her. He gently placed his hand on hers, and she looked up at him, their eyes meeting.
"What are you thinking about Riley?"
"I'm okay, Liam. I was just thinking about how much things have changed since I was here last."
He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and held her close. "I know it's a lot, but I'm here for you, and I'll help you in any way I can," Liam whispered.
"Thank you, Liam."
He pulled away and cupped her face in his hands, staring into her eyes intently. "You're welcome, Riley. Always. Nothing could ever change how I feel about you.”
He moved in to press his lips to hers, and she melted into his kiss.
It was soft and gentle, and full of longing.
He broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers, breathing heavily. "God, Riley, I've missed you."
"I've missed you, Li."
He leaned down and kissed her again, deeper this time.
His tongue swept across her bottom lip, and she opened her mouth to him.
Their tongues tangled together in a dance that was familiar and yet new.
They were no longer the same people they were when they had last been together. They were both older and wiser, and the passion between them burned even brighter.
Riley pulled away and put her hand on his chest, feeling his heart beating beneath her palm.
"Liam, I..."
"Shhh."
He placed a finger over her lips. "Don't say anything, Riley. Just feel."
His lips found hers again, and the world disappeared. There was nothing but the two of them, lost in each other.
She kissed him back, wrapping her arms around his neck.
She moaned into his mouth as he slid his hands down her back and pulled her closer.
He broke the kiss and buried his face in her neck, inhaling her scent.
"Riley," he breathed. "God, I want you so much."
“Liam, I ...”
Liam pulled back and looked into her eyes, “stay with me tonight.”
Summary: Can Liam and Riley still find their way to each other despite Riley turning down Maxwell's invitation to Cordonia?
Rating: G
Word Count: 1,945
Song Inspiration: Hands Down - Dashboard Confessional
A/N: I am participating in @kingliamappreciationweek Day 5 (Friendships/Relationships/AU, all of which apply to this prologue), as well as @choicesflashfics Week 29, "That's all we/they are now. A memory. A faded picture. A failed potential." It will appear in bold below.
A/N 2: It's been a minute since I've posted anything, let alone started a new series. I've had bits and pieces of this story forever, but could never figure out how to put it all together. Then my aunt died (IYKYK), and I've been working on this ever since.
A/N 3: Thank you to those of you that I have been bombarding with ideas, snippets, and complaints. They're still going to be coming, probably now more than ever. But I appreciate you listening and humoring me. Especially @txemrn for looking over this prologue and making sure it was okay.
Tagging my usuals, if you'd like to be added or removed just let me know!
Liam was in a daze as he returned to his hotel suite, still thinking about her. They had only spent a couple of hours together, but it was all Liam needed to know that he was destined for so much more with Riley Brooks.
He fell back onto the couch and pulled out his phone, texting Maxwell to see if he was still up, and if he would join Liam in his room. He was, and he would.
While he had his phone in his hand, he opened his camera roll and looked fondly at the picture that they had taken together. Liam told her that it was because he wanted to remember his trip to the Statue of Liberty, but more than that, it was because he wanted to remember her. Not that she wasn’t permanently imprinted on his mind the second they locked eyes, but he wanted to have a photo of her, to have tangible proof that she wasn’t a dream.
A knock at the door pulled Liam’s attention away from his screen. He stood, returning his phone to his pocket as he answered to find Maxwell grinning on the other side.
“Well well well. Have fun, your highness?” His friends crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the doorframe.
Liam chuckled, he couldn’t help it. “More than you know. Please, come in.” He moved aside and motioned toward the sitting area.
“Soooooo… tell me everything. You seemed pretty smitten, I’ve never seen you like that before!”
“Maxwell, I’ve never felt like that before. She’s incredible. I’ve never felt more carefree, more happy.” Liam sighed at the memories of his evening. “That’s why I need your help.”
Maxwell’s head tilted in confusion. “Me? What can I do?”
“Ramsford doesn’t have a sponsor for the social season, correct?” Maxwell nodded slowly, still not sure where this was going. “I want you to sponsor Riley, to bring her to Cordonia.”
“Liam… are you sure? I mean we’re not prepared for that. We weren’t expecting to sponsor anyone.” Maxwell hesitated. He wanted his friend to be happy, but he also knew his family’s financial state, and he wasn’t sure they would be able to support a sponsee.
“Maxwell, I know your house has been having some… difficulties financially since your father took ill. I would be more than happy to pay for anything she needs. Discreetly, of course.”
Maxwell studied Liam’s expression, he had never seen his friend like this before. The textbook definition of stoicism, the young prince was never one to show his emotions so openly. But now? He could see the desperation, the need clear as day on his friends face.
“You really have it bad for her, don’t you?”
“More than I ever thought possible.” Liam answered.
“I’ll find her tomorrow morning before I head back.” He patted his friend on the shoulder.
***
Liam stood in the receiving line greeting the suitors one by one. It was the first night of his social season, but all he could think about was her. She was all he had been able to think about since the night before.
I hope she had a safe trip.
She’s going to look so beautiful.
I wonder if she’s been thinking of me the way I’ve been thinking of her.
I need to move through this line faster. She’s in it somewhere, I need to see her again.
Before long, the final suitor dipped into a courtesy and made her way back to the party. Liam looked around the room. Perhaps she had just gotten caught up in something and didn’t make it to the receiving line in time.
“Liam? Is everything alright?”
He turned around, to respond. “Yes father, I was just taking everything in.”
Constantine chuckled. “Well, enjoy it son. This is all for you. It’s the beginning of a whole new chapter.”
Liam nodded, looking past his father to the bar where Maxwell was ordering a drink. “Father, if you’ll excuse me for a moment.” He didn’t wait for a response before stepping away.
“Maxwell.” Liam greeted his friend as he stood next to him at the bar.
“Oh, Liam. Hey!” Maxwell shifted uncomfortably on his feet. “Happy social season!” He held up his drink, smiling awkwardly.
“Where is she?” Liam asked, anxious to see her again.
“Riley?” Maxwell asked, trying to buy as much time as he could. Dreading having to deliver the news. “She… well, she’s not here.”
“Why not? It’s the first event of the season, is she running late?” Liam began rambling, a knot forming in the pit of his stomach. “Was there an issue getting her a gown? I could…”
“Liam,” Maxwell interrupted. “She’s not here as in, she’s not in Cordonia. She didn’t come.”
“What… why?”
That Morning
“Riley!” Maxwell jogged up to the familiar figure as she unlocked the door of the bar.
She turned to face him as the door opened. “Oh hey, Maxwell, right? Did you forget something last night?”
“No, I actually had a proposition for you.” Riley furrowed her brows. “Do you have a minute to talk?”
“Sure, come in. We don’t open for another hour, so I can spare a few.” She walked into the building, and he followed behind.
As she approached the bar, she pulled down one of the stools and signaled for him to sit. He took a seat and she stepped behind the bar, grabbing an apron and tying it around her waist.
“So, you and Liam seemed to hit it off last night.” Maxwell said, wanting to gauge Riley’s take on the evening. He wanted to make sure Liam didn’t misinterpret, or misunderstand her side of the outing.
A slow smile spread across Riley’s face, the same one Liam had on his the night before. That’s when he knew the feeling was very mutual.
“We did. I’ve never met anyone like him before. Hell, I didn’t think guys like him existed in real life. I hope whoever wins that social season realizes how lucky they are.” She said wistfully.
Maxwell grinned, this was going better than he had hoped. “What if you were the one to win it?”
“Ha-ha, yeah right.” She replied, shaking her head and turning to empty the dishwasher.
“No, I’m serious.” He assured her. “Each noble house sponsors a suitor. Since we don’t have any sisters we can pick whoever we want. And I pick you!”
Riley froze and turned back around looking at Maxwell with a shocked expression. “You,” she pointed at him. “Want me,” she turned her finger to point at herself. “To come with you to a county I only just found out about like twelve hours ago, to join some fancy royal version of The Bachelor to try to marry a prince?”
“I wasn’t going to word it quite like that, but more or less.” He shrugged.
“But… why me?”
“Riley, Liam couldn’t stop talking about you. He was so happy last night. Happier than I’ve ever seen him, and we’ve known each other forever. His life is full of meetings, and stuffy dinners, and boring things he does because it’s his duty. He gets to break away and have fun sometimes, but those times are getting less and less now that he’s ramping up to become King. He’s such a good person, he puts everyone else ahead of himself. He deserves to be the kind of happy you make him all the time.”
Riley was silent, examining Maxwell’s expression. He seemed to be sincere. “Maxwell, that’s really sweet of you. Liam’s lucky to have a friend like you looking out for him.” She started. “But be realistic, even if I came with you, I’d have to quit both of my jobs and put school on hold. Basically quit my life to travel halfway across the world for the chance to be with Liam. It wouldn’t even be a guarantee.”
“He asked me to sponsor you!” Maxwell blurted out.
Riley’s breath caught in her throat, she hadn’t been expecting that. “But why? He doesn’t even know me.”
“He knows enough to believe that there could be something between you two.”
She blinked back the tears that had started to rise. She felt it too, but it was a major risk. Riley Brooks didn’t take risks. “Yeah, but even if I did come with you, that doesn’t mean anything. He told me about the social season, it’s not like he’s going to be able to just send the other girls home the second he sees me. Everyone gets a say, and I'm a nobody from America. I know nothing about your country. I don’t know about your customs. Hell, I don’t even like fancy foods, I’d probably make a fool of myself and be laughed out of the country at the first dinner.”
“But Riley…”
“Maxwell,” She reached across the bar, placing her hand over his. “You’re such a good friend to come here for him. But my answer is no. Maybe if we were in a different time, or a different place, but we’re here. These are the cards we were dealt, our lives are just too different for it to work.” She swallowed over the lump in her throat. “I need to get things set up to open. Have a safe trip back.” She turned and walked to the back, leaving Maxwell alone.
“I’m so sorry Liam. I tried, I really did.” Maxwell said sympathetically. He could see the pain in his friend’s eyes, despite his attempts to remain composed. “I don’t know if it helps or hurts, but she had the same dreamy look on her face when she talked about you that you had when you talked about her. Everything you felt last night, she felt it too.”
Liam cleared his throat, “Thank you Maxwell. It was a longshot, but I’m very grateful to you for trying. If you’ll excuse me.” He nodded solemnly to his friend before walking away, moving to the double doors that lead to the balcony.
He stepped outside and breathed a sigh of relief that he was alone. He approached the balustrade, leaning his forearms against it as he gazed out to the garden maze. He thought about Riley, what she was doing right now, if she missed him as much as he missed her.
Perhaps he had just gotten caught up in the magic of the evening, he had overromanticized their connection. He took his phone out of his pocket and pulled up their picture. He examined their faces, they both looked so happy. He placed his thumb and index finger on the screen, dragging them apart to zoom in on her face. He was trained to read people, and everything about her, both in that moment, and in the photo, told him that she had been feeling exactly what he had been. Even Maxwell had noticed it the next day when he went to talk to her.
It just hadn’t been enough.
“That's all we are now. A memory. A faded picture. A failed potential.” He lamented as he continued to stare down at the picture, remembering their night together.
“Liam.” His father’s short tone startled him so much that he nearly dropped his phone off of the balcony.
“Father,” he turned, discreetly returning his device to his pocket.
“What are you doing out here by yourself? You should be in there spending time with your suitors. The season is going to go by quickly, you need to take every opportunity to get to know your potential brides.”
“Yes father.” Liam closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to get Riley out of his mind.
I am participating in @choicesflashfics prompt week 28 using: “I saw this and it reminded me of you, and “Sometimes forever doesn’t necessarily mean forever” and past prompt “I don’t regret it... but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a mistake.” All used quotes will be in bold.
I am also participating in @aprilchallenge for the over all theme Just want to be with you.
This is Part 8 of the Cordonian Arrangement.
The Book: TRF
The Series: The Cordonian Arrangement
Pairings: MC is widowed, Past Pairings Riley x Nico (Riley x M!OC) , Past Pairing of Liam x Riley
Word Count: 2232
Warnings and Ratings: Mention of character death, grief. Mention of pregnancy complications, profanity: / Teen
Summary: Riley and Liam try to deal with a very awkward situation.
Original Post 04/14/23 at 2PM EST.
It was barely dawn and the sun was only creeping slightly through the windows. When she moved, his embrace tightened, pulling her back close to him, so that he could lean into her to kiss her neck. He sharply inhaled because her natural scent was so intoxicating to him. He had missed sharing tender moments like this with her.
Riley was still waking from her slumber but to her, it felt like a typical morning, that she had lived every day when waking in his arms was commonplace.
She moaned softly as he continued to gently dot kisses to the sensitive skin of her neck, her body responded naturally to his touch.
“Let’s stay in bed. Don’t go…." she mumbled in her sleep. “Stay with me.”
“Always.”
His voice made her immediately leave that place of pre woke slumber to soberingly wide awake, quickly pulling away from him.
“Liam….”
Fully awake, all the memories of the last few months, and from last night flooded back to her in a wave.
Observing the shock and almost disappointment in her eyes, Liam knew, as she shielded her bare body from him with the bedsheet.
Liam’s voice was heavy with discontentment as he spoke.
“That wasn’t intended for me, was it?” Liam’s gaze was piercing, full of disappointment causing Riley to quickly break eye contact with him. She just couldn’t look him in the face right now, but she wanted to be honest with him; he deserved that.
“No… I’m…. sorry….” She murmured as she turned heading towards the door still draped in the sheet from the bed.
“Riley, we need to talk about this. There’s a reason you came to me last night. It felt right for us to be together that way. We felt like us again!”
“For a brief second, this morning, I forgot the horror that has been my life these last three months. Last night, I was lonely… I wanted to feel…. connected to someone again. I didn’t mean to give you the wrong idea, and for that Liam, I’m truly sorry."
“Do you regret what happened between us last night?”
“No… I don’t regret it… but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t a mistake. It was a mistake Liam. We have way too much history for me to think that you would simply be okay with it. This is all my fault. I should have been clear with you what last night truly was….for me.”
“We made love last night Riley.”
“We… didn’t. It was just sex, Liam. I’m still in love with my husband.” She glanced down at the ring on her finger that she was still wearing. Nico's wedding band dangled from a gold chain around her neck.
“Your husband is dead.”
Riley gasped in shock. Liam immediately wanted to take the words back, but it was too late; the damage was done. Riley shook her head in disbelief.
“Who are you?”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like it came out, Riley. Forgive me, I didn’t mean it Riley. I promise you I didn’t.”
"Yes you did."
"I really didn't…"
“Get out of my house.”
“Riley….No… We’re supposed to take Angelo to the zoo together today.”
“GET OUT OF MY HOUSE NOW!!!!”
"Riley please…."
She adamantly shook her head no.
"Nico was wrong about what you and I could be to each other. I need you to pack your stuff and leave now.."
“Riley, that's not fair for you to say that. We’re still figuring all of this out. This isn’t easy for either of us to navigate.”
“I need you to leave Liam.”
“Not like this. I’m not leaving you like this Riley.”
“Fine, then I’ll leave.”
Riley left his room and locked herself in the master bedroom.
After a few minutes she heard the sound of Liam’s rolling suitcase on the floor, it stopping in front of her bedroom door.
“I’m going to say goodbye to my son before I leave.”
"You should do that."
"For what it's worth Riley, I'm really sorry."
“Goodbye Liam.”
A few minutes later Liam was gone. Riley took a deep breath finally unlocking her door.
Ruby One
“I was sure you said you were here until Monday, how the hell did I fuck that up?” Leo asked when he got on the plane clearly confused and hungover.
“That was the plan.”
“Well what went wrong?”
Liam explained what happened with Riley.
“You’re an absolute fool when it comes to Riley. That woman is a walking red flag right now, and trust me I know a red flag when I see one.”
“What?”
“It’s not her fault though, she lost her husband. You ignored all the signs because you want her back, and Riley’s not there yet. She can't be what you want her to be Liam…at least not right now. You have had a front seat to her grieving Nico.
You know how hard this whole ordeal has been for her. When I saw her last, she was still wearing her wedding ring, and his wedding band. Did she take them off?”
“No.”
“That’s not a woman that’s ready to move on with you, no matter how much you want her to be ready. She’s stuck in that place where she still desperately misses her husband, and wants him back.
She was probably lonely, and let's be honest horny, and you were there, and she sought comfort from you, in that way. You had to know what you were getting into when she showed up at your door last night. Liam, be honest with yourself. It wasn’t the beginning of rekindling of your relationship with her, and you knew that, but you wanted her so much, that you didn’t care. You just wanted her, any way you could have her.”
“You’re right. I love her."
“Liam, you have to give her time. If the two of you are meant to be, she will come back to you. But what you did, didn’t help the situation, you got mad with her and said something incredibly hurtful. It was true, mind you, but hurtful. You do this to her, you know and you need to stop."
"Do what?"
"You impose all these things on her, expecting her to follow them, to be what you what, how you want it, when you want it. Then you get all surprised that she rebelled against you and ran, and put up every wall imaginable to keep you out, this not being the first time she’s reacted this way to you. Does this sound familiar?"
"I'm acting just like father would….."
“You are little brother.”
“Give her some space, and she’ll come back around.”
“If she doesn’t?”
“It was just never meant to be, and if we’re being completely honest here, you lost her over three years ago; it might be time to finally let her go.”
Liam was in a deep state of contemplation the rest of the way back to Cordonia. He decided it was time to listen to his own message that was given to him by the late Nico Karahalios. Liam pulled his own envelopes out of his desk drawer. He had given him two envelopes one said "If it's working" the other one said "If it's not working."
He picked up the "If it's not working" video and began watching.
"Hey Liam. I can honestly say… I’m not surprised.”
Nico smiled. "You thought it was going to be easy, didn't you?"
Nico began to laugh.
"You really did, didn't you?!!"
Nico abruptly stopped laughing. "I'm sorry. This is not helpful.”
"Damn right it's not." Liam thought.
“I’m sure that you were expecting more from me.”
Nico sat silently for a few moments.
"Like what exactly? Did you think this was the part where I am going to tell you how to win my wife's heart back? How to get her to fall in love with you again? I'm not going to do that. I can't do that. She's not going to do anything because you want her to do it. She does things on her own time. That woman has her own mind, and she's not afraid to use it. Liam, she's a different woman than the one that came here a week after you met her in New York. None of the same rules are going to apply. You have to get to know her again as the woman she is now. She’s been a lover and a confidant to me, she’s been a faithful wife, and a beautiful mother. How I won her then, I can’t even take credit for that, I didn't win her, but instead she chose me.
I think she chose me because I was patient with her. I did what I said I was going to do. If I told her, we were meeting at 6PM for dinner, I’d be knocking on her door at 5:50. She could always rely on me being there for her. Comfort and stability allowed her to relax with me, because Riley is not a calm person. Her senses are always heightened, waiting for the other shoe to drop, because of all the hurt and loss she’s experienced in her life. I finally got her to relax with me…and then I died on her. I will never forget the look in her eyes when I told her I was dying. She was completely blindsided. The light after everything she’s endured that you see in her eyes so easily, disappeared. It broke my heart.”
Nico shook his head.
“Our marriage wasn’t perfect. We had our fair share of fights. Our very first year of marriage was particularly tough. We lived with my mother. Can you imagine? Small house, with a newborn, while my cousins helped me build the house we were in now. Our first really huge fight, after we moved in, Riley kicked me out of the house and locked me out.”
Nico laughed.
“From my house. I slept in a tent in the yard for 3 days. My cousins saw me, talked all this macho shit to me, and so I got all ballsy and I went up to MY HOUSE. MY HOUSE THAT I BUILT FOR MY WIFE…And insisted Riley let me back in. You know what happened Liam? Can you guess?”
Nico was silent for a few moments.
“It was the equivalent of upsetting a bee hive. I spent a fourth night out in that damn tent. Day five, I left her alone. Day six, when I woke, she had brought me breakfast, and wanted to talk. Was she still angry with me? Yes, but she had calmed down enough that she could talk to me without shutting down on me. I hope you understand what I’m trying to tell you.
Riley put up with a lot to be in that arrangement with you, that experience changed her. Now, yet again, she will be forever changed from losing me. I don’t know if she’ll come around. I hope she will, because I want her to be happy, Liam. She’s had too much sadness in her life, to not be. I wanted to be her forever, and sometimes, forever doesn’t necessarily mean forever.
So in closing, whatever you did wrong… Make it right Liam.”
Liam decided to take a page from Nico’s book. He gave her space. Finally after the most painful weeks of not speaking to Riley, he decided to send her a text. Riley used to like a good meme in the past, so he decided to send her one.
“I saw this, and it reminded me of you. Just imagine they are butterflies, and I remember how you feel about butterflies.”
Later in the day he noticed she had seen the meme, but she hadn’t responded. He decided not to push and maybe Riley would respond on her own. During the night while Liam was sleeping she sent a meme back to him.
He took it as a sign she was ready to talk.
He immediately called her and once she picked up he started speaking, not even waiting for her to say hello.
“Riley, I completely deserved the way you treated me that day. I’m so sorry for what I said. I never meant it, and I never meant to hurt you. Please forgive me.”
“This isn’t Riley. It’s Athena, we just got Riley to the hospital, she wanted me to call you.”
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s the baby. We’re really concerned.”
“I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
Staff had the Ruby One prepped for departure within the hour. Leo when hearing the news decided to go with him for support. Within three hours they were at the hospital.
"What room is Riley Karahalios in? I need to see her."
"Are you family?" The receptionist questioned, and when he didn't respond she countered with "Only family is allowed back in this wing."
"He is family. He's the baby's father."
"He's right. I am the baby's father.”
She’s in room 224.”
Leo followed as Liam walked briskly down the hall at an accelerated pace.
“She’s going to be fine. Her and the baby are going to be fine. They have to be.”
Athena and Mama K were sitting outside the room when he walked up. Athena immediately stood.
“Athena, what happened to Riley?”
“She was having pains, and there was some bleeding. We were really scared. It’s stopped now. They have her calm and she’s finally resting.”
Liam walked into the room, Riley was snoring, the beeps of the multiple monitors didn’t seem to be bothering her. Taking her hand in her sleep and gently stroking it, Riley still did not wake. So he sat there quietly holding her hand.
He softly whispered to her. “I’m here.”
Riley woke up a short time later.
“What are you doing here Liam?” Her hand tensing slightly under his touch.
“Athena told me you wanted her to call me.”
“No I didn’t….”
“Oh…”
“But I’m glad she did. I told her not to, because, I didn’t want to worry you.”
Riley’s hand relaxed in his again, her free hand rubbing her stomach.
“I thought I lost her, and I can’t lose both of them. I can’t handle that. I’m such a mess right now. I’ve never felt this out of sorts in my life. I’m sorry I got so angry with you. I get that this isn’t an easy situation for you either.”
Liam could almost hear the words of the late Nico Karahalios in his ear. “You have to get to know her as the woman she is now.”
“It’s alright. I know. How about this? Let’s just start over. Let’s forget all the missteps on both our parts, and start at the very beginning. I’m Liam Rys, it’s a pleasure to meet you….”
Summary: Kaycee is eagerly looking forward to picking out their Christmas tree; but Ethan turns it into a night they’ll never forget.
Words: 2487
A/N: And…. they’re engaged. 😊 I did steal one part from one of my all-time favorite movies. Let me know if you spot it. I’m participating in @choicesflashfics weekly prompt event. The prompt is highlighted below. Also in @choicesdecember2022 Day 19 – both Christmas lights and Lover from day 19 are fitting! And lastly, @choicesholidays I'm so glad we found each other.
The beautiful artwork is by the incredible, fabulous, I have no more superlatives to describe how much I adore her @/artbyainna on Instagram.
CHARACTERS BELONG TO PIXELBERRY STUDIOS.
It was a chilly winter day in Boston, and Dr. Ramsey was spending it the second-best way he knew how. Shifting positions underneath his warm, down comforter, a content smile was on his lips – when the alarm clock had to go and ruin it all. After muttering a few select curses under his breath, he hit snooze. That will show who’s boss. Then he turned to hold the person who made Saturday afternoon naps a part of his world… but found her spot vacant.
He sat up with a look of confusion and wiped the sleep from his eyes. An attempt was made to groggily call her name, but when he heard her hair dryer, he knew there was no way she’d hear. He was about to roll over and give the snooze button the respect it deserved when the comforter was yanked away.
“Hey!” he yelled, but his dismay dissipated the moment she replaced it. This was a much better way to keep warm. He smiled as she straddled him, leaning over to pepper him with kisses, but there was a problem with this picture.
“Wait…” he interrupted, “why are you clothed?”
“Because it’s almost five o’clock, mister!” Kaycee teased, “And we have evening plans that require clothing. Now,” she ordered as she jumped off of him. “Get up!”
“I love it when you’re bossy,” he growled as he rolled to his side. “What would it take for me to convince you to come back to bed.”
Kaycee raised her eyebrows in mock-disappointment. “What has happened to you? The Ethan Ramsey I knew and fell in love with would have scoffed at the idea of napping. He would have jumped out of bed, complaining about wasting the afternoon the second the alarm went off.”
“Mmm,” he groaned, “Well, that Ethan Ramsey didn’t have such a wonderful time exhausting himself with you after lunch. Are you sure I can’t convince you to go for round two?”
The pleading in his voice and puppy-dog eyes he offered would have normally had her bouncing back into bed in an instant, but not today.
“Sorry, Ramsey,” she winked. “But our Christmas tree isn’t going to pick itself out.”
She thought back to last year, the first Christmas they spent together. He watched her with horror as she spread lights, tinsel, and garland throughout his condo. Joking that if he sat for too long, she’d likely decorate him too. Her response? A large bow slapped on the center of his forehead.
But this year so much had changed. It was their condo now, and he was the one who suggested they shop for a tree today. He may not have known it, but seeing him embracing the joy of the season meant more to Kaycee than any gift that would appear on Christmas day.
“Oh, that’s right. We have a Christmas tree shopping date,” he grinned, “Don’t we.”
“Yes!” She beamed, jumping up and down with the excitement of a child. He couldn’t help but smile. Whenever he thought she couldn’t be more endearing, she went and proved him wrong.
A half-hour later, they sat hand in hand in the front seat of his car as he started the ignition.
“I’m really shocked you didn’t make me wear those reindeer ears, or at least a Santa tonight.”
“I considered it,” she smiled. “But relationships are about compromise, right? I’m just happy you wanted to get a tree without my asking… I wasn’t about to push my luck.”
Ethan let out a little chuckle. Didn’t she know? She could get him to do just about anything.
“So there are at least a dozen Christmas tree lots throughout the City. Do you know which one you want to go to?”
“Yes, the one by the old firehouse. First, all proceeds go to charity, and second” her eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands, “they give you hot chocolate after you pick your tree!”
“Well, then that’s a done deal, isn’t it?”
“You better believe it!”
It was still early in the month, so the selection was plentiful, and the crowd was thin. Kaycee walked from tree to tree, examining its branches, smiling as if she were greeting an old friend. Ethan’s mind returned to last year when they performed the same task at another lot closer to his home. While it was a lovely memory, he knew he wasn’t the most pleasant company.
She insisted he needed a tree. He informed her that he had survived over a decade without one, and he'd visit her apartment if he really needed to see one. After all, she and Sienna had converted it into a virtual winter wonderland. But Kaycee said it wouldn’t do. Begrudgingly, he tagged along, insisting every tree was too big, too grand. But Kaycee carried on undeterred.
“You’re not getting a Charlie Brown tree, Dr. Ramsey! So I suggest you lose the Scrooge act and get with the holiday spirit! Otherwise, I’m not pulling out that sexy holiday lingerie later.”
“Oh, you’re resorting to bribery?”
“I like to call it creative encouragement,” she winked just before they returned to his condo with the second-largest tree on the lot.
But this year was different. He suggested Christmas tree shopping a few days before over breakfast, trying to convince himself it was inevitable. He may as well beat her to the punch. But the truth was, he was looking forward to it. He even measured a space in the living room to see how big a tree could fit; he was sure they could outdo last year’s.
He turned around and found Kaycee, her eyes aglow and her cheeks rosy red as she danced around under the twinkling lights. She knew the words to every holiday song that blared over the scratchy speaker. Though her singing was out of tune, he was sure he had never heard, nor seen, anything more beautiful.
She had brought Christmas back into his life. Something he had scarcely acknowledged since his Mother left home. Even when he had celebrated, it felt contrived; something he did to please others but never for himself. But it was different now. He hadn’t told her yet, but he picked up his old train set from Alan’s last week. He thought they could set it up to circle underneath the tree, just like he had as a child. It only dawned on him as he was standing there, but that memory had vanished and only came back for one reason, and that was her.
A young couple in gauche Christmas sweaters awash in tinsel and jingle bells sauntered by, pulling him from his thoughts. He went to Kaycee’s side and smirked as he pulled her near. “See,” he whispered. “That’s what I thought you’d have me wearing tonight.”
“Ethan,” she giggled. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
“What,” he half smiled, “You wouldn’t do it?”
“Of course, I would! But I know it’s not your thing!” She wrapped her arms around his neck and stood on her toes to kiss him. “I want you to be you. But I’d still appreciate it if you put on those antlers in the bedroom,” she winked. “Now, come with me. I think I found our tree.”
Grabbing his hand, she pulled him across the lot and stood before a respectable tree. Not the biggest nor the grandest on the lot, but she looked at it as if she had found the most amazing tree in the history of trees.
“What do you think?” She breathed, gently touching the branches. “I think this would be perfect in the spot we had ours in last year.”
But he couldn’t hear her. Staring at her in complete wonderment, their story flashed before his eyes. The naïve rookie assisting him over a patient not ten minutes into her first day. Sitting by his side and comforting him the entire night after Dolores died. Helping him treat Naveen. The kiss on the balcony, then in the opera box. Him pushing her away time and again, the sadness in her eyes growing more profound each time, but her resilience growing along with it. The night he held her in his arms, fearing it might be her last. When he realized living without her wouldn’t be living at all. Their smiles when they finally confessed what they felt and committed to being together. The first night she stayed at his condo, moving in one article of clothing at a time. Then she was there for good and, at long last, a place to live had finally become a home. Before she came into it, he had lived a good, full, and successful life. But it took this stubborn, brilliant, beautiful woman with a heart of gold to make him see he was living, but he wasn’t alive.
“Ethan? Did you hear me?” He shook his head as he came back to the present. “What do you think? Will this one do?”
Sometimes in life, decisions require a lot of thought. They need research, planning, and lists of pros and cons. The most important choices in his life always did, and he thought that’s how it should be. But standing there tonight, surrounded by Christmas trees, under a canopy of twinkling lights as Silver Bells filled the air… Frank Capra couldn’t have directed a better scene, and he knew what he needed to do; nothing had ever been crystal clear. Nothing had ever felt more natural.
“Ethan?” She waved her hand in front of him, “If you don’t like it, we can pick another….”
“I’m sorry,” he said with a shake of his head, “it’s just….”
“Just what?”
“You… you really deserve so much better than this, Kaycee. But it can’t wait….”
“What? The tree?” she asked, facing it and fluffing its already full branches. “I mean, maybe a little primping wouldn’t hurt, but it’s a lovely tree. I don’t think that I need any more. Why do you….”
The world seemed to stop when she turned to him. Covering her mouth, she let out a gasp when she found him on one knee.
“Ethan, what are you….”
“Kaycee,” he said, taking her hand with a gentle smile, “I probably should have done this better. I see what people do these days, and this… well, I didn’t do any planning at all. No friends will pop out from behind the trees. I don’t have a custom-made ornament, not even a photographer to catch it all….”
“Ethan?”
“I hope that’s all right with you because all I know is I have to do this, and I have to do it right now. It can’t wait.”
“What? What can’t wait?”
“Sometimes I wonder why you put up with me for so long. I didn’t make it easy, but you never gave up. You knew we were meant to be from the start, and so did I, but without you… we may have never seen it through. What a tragedy that would have been because my life would have never been whole without you in it.”
“OK, Ethan,” she asked with a quivering voice, “what are you saying?”
“What I’m saying is I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I don’t want a day to go by without you in it, and I hope you feel the same. There could never be anyone else for me, and there never has been anyone else for me… it’s you, Kaycee… and if you’ll have me, I want you to be my wife.”
“You… you what?”
“I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me, Kaycee?”
She tilted her head in confusion. “But, but you don’t believe in marriage… right? I thought that’s what you said, and….”
“I didn’t believe in it, but I believe in you. I believe in us, and I think we could show the others how it should be done.”
She covered her mouth and chuckled while choking back tears. “So it’s educational. We’d be doing everyone a favor. Right?” she laughed, then she turned serious again. “You want to marry me?”
“More than anything. So, are you going to say yes?”
He’d never forget that moment, the look on Kaycee’s face as she stood trembling before him. The moment her shock turned into pure joy. She later told him it was then she realized it wasn’t a dream.
“Yes! Yes,” she beamed through tears. “I will marry you. I would be so happy to be your wife.”
Ethan’s eyes went wide as genuine surprise registered on his face; for a second, she worried he had changed his mind. “You’re, you’re serious. You’re saying yes?”
“I mean, unless you don’t want me to,” she laughed.
“No! I want you to. So,” a smile lit up his face as he gasped. “You’ll marry me?”
“Well, we have to show people how it’s done.”
Before she had finished, Ethan sprang to his feet and took her in his arms. Her laughter filled the air as he spun her around to the spontaneous applause of the onlookers they hadn’t noticed until now.
“You had us worried there a moment, lady,” an elderly man yelled.
“I’m sorry,” Kaycee giggled.
A little girl peeked out from behind her father's leg, “I think you’re supposed to kiss him now.”
“We can arrange that,” Ethan grinned as his lips met hers.
“Not to sully the mood,” the old man’s wife hollered, “but don’t you have a ring?”
Ethan’s eyes went wide with horror… “No, I… I don’t… this wasn’t exactly planned…I just knew I couldn’t wait anymore and…” he nervously turned to Kaycee. “But I’ll get you a ring. I’ll get you any ring you want. We can go shopping tomorrow….”
“It’s OK, Ethan,” she beamed. “That’s not important.”
“What do you mean not important?” The old man yelled. “When a man proposes marriage, he should offer a ring.”
“He’s right,” Ethan said, looking down at his hand. He took off the gold signet ring Alan had given him at his medical school graduation. “He’s absolutely right.”
Dropping to his knee once more, he held up the ring for Kaycee to see. “Will you accept this… as a holder… until we can get a ring worthy of you tomorrow?”
“I’d be happy to,” she smiled as the crowd clapped again, including the old man.
Kaycee looked at the ring on her finger and beamed as her new fiance hugged her from behind.
“I don’t know what I thought was going to happen tonight,” she smiled, “ but this was definitely not it.”
“But are you happy?” He asked.
“I’ve never been happier. I love you, Ethan.”
“I love you. So, should we buy this tree to get you your hot chocolate? I want it to be a perfect night for you.”
“You know what, I think you already have that covered. But yeah, we’re definitely getting this tree!”
Hey There! I saw this, and I couldn't agree more! Nothing says I love you more than "I'm willing to try this for you." And this works for all kinds of relationships: romance, friends, and family, too.
Would you be able to create something showing this for one of your characters or pairings? It could be a drabble, fic, edit, art - anything at all!
NO PRESSURE AT ALL - only if you want to, but I'd love to see what you could come up with!
A Winter in Wyoming (F!MC×Nik)
F!Main Character: Alex
Pairing: F!MC × Nik Ryder (Nightbound)
Summary: Alex and Nik were invited to visit Jacqueline in Wyoming, Alex's mom. Will Nik be able to impress his girlfriend's mother?
Warnings: family problems, light and less detailed smut, parental problems, mention of death & unwanted pregnancy
Author's note: The funny childhood memories weren't made up... It was naughty me 🤭🤭 Also yes, I canon Nik's birthday beeing in winter... I decided to give him my birthday, January 23rd (01/23/??). Since according the Nightbound book, the Main Character's birthday takes place around Mardi Gras.
-> -> -> Full Masterlist here <- <- <-
Thank you so much to anyone who takes the time to read, like, comment, or reblog my stories/fanfics. It means so much to me! Please inform me if you would like to be added/removed from my new Tag List.
Prompt #1: "I'll try that, for you. I may not like it, but I'll try it."
Prompt #2: "I'm thankful for you" for @choicesholidays
Prompt #3: Winter, Family gathering, Pre-Christmas time, Old Memories, Christmas memories for CFWC Holiday Event on @choicesficwriterscreations
Prompt #4: "Now, I’m really nervous to meet your family." for @choicesflashfics
Prompt #5: "I made you two some hot chocolate too." for @choicesflashfics
On a cold winter day in Wyoming, the young couple in their formal business wears stepped inside the elevator, pressed the button to reach the highest floor of the crystalline building. They're soon to meet and enter the office of Jacqueline Fontaine, mother of Alex Clarissa Fontaine.
"Looking handsome today, Nik. Like a real business man.", she praised Nik's new outfit. Both of them carried their wet winter coats in their arms.
"Have to look great if I want to impress your mom, right? And you look like a real business woman, rook.", he confessed to Alex who wore a light blouse, a black skirt and matching heeled boots.
"Thanks, Nik. My mother is a businesswoman, so why not show some respect, huh? She likes a formal dress code. Besides, don't forget to behave yourself too. The look isn't the only thing that matters."
"I always behave myself, rook. You sayin' this to me?? I'm a total gentleman. No big deal, relax. Let's just quickly make out a bit in the elevator before someone else enters it. Besides, it'll take time till we reach the top of the building. So why not enjoy a bit and loosen ourselves?"
"Niiiiiiik, behave. Not in my mom's office.", she rolled her eyes and he chuckled as she delivered a soft, playful punch on his shoulder
"Just kiddin', rook. Don't worry. But... You look so damn hot today that I would like to. Not my fault that you're ruining the gentleman inside me.", he mischievously smiled at her.
As the two reached the highest floor, they left the elevator and walked hand in hand towards the dark, wooden door with a metallic name plate on it. It said: Jacqueline Fontaine's Office (Accountant & CEO). (-> Pinterest moodboard here)
"We're here. You nervous?", she asked him and knocked lightly at the door.
"Maybe a little. Damn, she's a successful business woman. She must have high standards and I... Now, I’m really nervous to meet your family. What did you tell your mom about me?"
"Uhhh, that you're a hot police officer. I mean... I couldn't tell her that you're a nighthunter, right? The supernatural world must be a secret for the safety of both worlds. And umm, a police officer seemed to be the closest related to your job, right?"
"Guess so. Hey, why isn't your mom opening?"
"Hmmm, guess I didn't knock loud enough or she isn't here.", Alex wondered and decided to open the door herself.
With Nik close behind her, she stepped inside the office where her mother was sitting at her large desk, but she wasn't alone. In front of her were her clients who were probably discussing a business matter with her. Alex's mother was surprised when she suddenly saw her daughter in front of her. The mother wore a light blouse and a short, black skirt. Earrings were hidden behind her black, shoulder-length hair. Her fair skin was covered with make-up. For her age, the woman has definitely held herself good.
"Alex??! Dear, what are you doing here all of a sudden? I'm having a very important business meeting. Very important, dear.", she signaled to leave.
"But... But you wanted to meet us and..."
"Later, darling. Later, not now. Wait in the hall for me. And next time, you better knock before entering.", she stood up and ushered her and Nik outside of the room to leave. The door got closed in front of the two.
"Damn, that was... rude. Rook, didn't you inform your mom that we were coming? Was there an exact time planned or..."
"Shut up, Nik!!! Quiet!!! I'm super annoyed and disappointed right now!!! And of course, I informed her!!! The fact that she's the one who invited us.", she faced him with anger which made Nik worry.
Of course, she wasn't mad at him, but somehow he felt hurt by her harsh words like shutting him up. They rarely had a fight and if they were arguing, then it was often how overprotective Nik was or how Alex put herself into danger again.
"I... I'm sorry, rook.", he looked away and both took a seat on a nearby couch in the waiting area. For a few minutes, it was total silence between the couple. Nik waiting for Alex would calm herself down. When he finally looked at her, he saw her wrapping her arms around herself and rubbing them against her body while closing her eyes.
"Rook, are you okay?", he got worried and moved closer for a hug.
"It's cold. I hate winter."
"I was born in winter."
"I hate the winter, not you. I'm sorry how I yelled at you. Now please, take me home."
"But we just arrived in Wyoming, rookie. The flight took five hours and... Who told you to wear a skirt? Suffering for fashion."
"I know, I know, I regret that too. Let's... let's go to my home in Wyoming. My mom's home. Let's take our luggage back from the reception downstairs and go.", she finally opened her chocolate-brown eyes to meet his.
After the young couple in their winter coats collected their luggage from the receptionist who was so kind to take care of it, so they didn't have to carry or roll it around. She also handed Alex a mysterious envelope and gave directions to the nearest bus stop.
Both put on their winter gloves while they waited for the bus outside in the cold until it arrived. It was already full of passengers, so they had to stand and hold on tight. The gloved hands tightly wrapped around the holding loops as their bodies were pressed at each other's.
"Why's the bus so full?", Alex got upset.
"Hey, cheer up. At least you're stuck here with me.", he tried to lighten up her mood, and removed his hand from the holding loop to hold her which made her smile.
After a short drive, Nik and Alex arrived in front of a nice family house. It was a sturdy two-story residence designed with a wide garden, large balconies, a screened-front porch, and a free-standing garage. A few CCTV cameras guarded the property, but that wouldn't stop Alex from entering her own mother's home where she spent most of her childhood.
"Nice place, rookie", he let a low whistle out while he inspected the property.
"Oh yeah? Wait till you see the penthouse my adoptive father gifted my mom on their anniversary. Now would you come over here and give me a lift?", she requested while trying to reach the nearest window of the house.
"Uhhh, where are the keys?"
"I don't have the keys, Nik. I gave them back to my mom after I decided to move out, silly.", she giggled and desperately tried to reach the open window but failed. Instead, her heeled winter boots made her slip, but Nik quickly managed to catch her and prevent her from falling.
"But Alex, we can't just break in like this. That's illegal and right now your mom might be seeing us through these cameras she has placed around the house while sitting in her office. And the neighbors..."
"The neighbors know me unless they're new. Besides I'm Jacqueline's daughter, so everything that belongs to her belongs to me. Well, maybe not everything, I think. But don't worry if the cops arrive, I'll talk to them. So could you just real quick climb through the window, enter the house, and open the front door, please? I'm freezing."
"But your mom wouldn't be impressed by me. She'll hate me. I want to show her my best side, rook. I can be a true gentleman too."
"Would a true gentleman let a lady freeze in the cold outside?"
"Okay, fiiiine. I'll try that, for you. I may not like it, but I'll try it."
And with that Nik began to climb a tree near the building and slipped through the nearest open window inside Jacqueline's house. It would have been much easier if he wasn't wearing the nice, formal clothes and the new winter coat that Alex bought him for this trip. When he finally landed on stable ground, he searched for the light switch in a dark room. When he found it, he turned on the light and discovered that he was standing in a kitchen.
"Guess Jacqueline is expecting guests today.", he wondered as he saw preperations for food and beautiful table decorations on the table.
Without losing any time he began heading towards the front door of the house to quickly let Alex inside. Poor girl must be already freezing outside. As he moved his hand towards the handle to finally open the door, he froze. He heard a clicking sound appearing from outside and the door lock began to move.
"Damn, someone's opening the door. Alex's mom is here!!! I'm doomed. I'm soooo doomed. Worse gentleman ever. She caught us and she'll..."
"Who caught us?"
"Alex?!!! How did you?", he couldn't believe his eyes that the one who was opening the door was Alex. She's alone. Nobody was standing behind her and she was holding the keys of the house in her hand.
"Nik, I just remembered. Mom did give me the keys to her house!! Remember the receptionist? Mom delivered her second key through the receptionist to me. That's what was inside this envelope the whole time. Mom just texted me, she'll stop here by later.", she victoriously smiled while holding the key in front of Nik's face.
"I can't believe you, rookie. You're full of surprises.", Nik akwardly ran his hand over his hair, took the luggage from her and carried it inside as she closed the door from behind. Both rub the dirt away from their boots on the rug, get off their winter gloves and hang their coats on an empty standing clothes rack.
"Yup, sorry that you had to climb. Now we're inside, so we can relax a bit. I'll show you the house."
"I already saw the kitchen. What I'm interested to see is your room? I bet it's upstairs.", he grinned, left the luggage in the hall and already sprinted upstairs.
"Don't you dare, Nik!!!", she quickly followed behind him to catch him.
"Stop me if you can, rook!!"
"Holy light... So much... pink?", his eyes got wider as he stood inside Alex's childhood room and analyzed his surroundings.
The children's room was still in good condition and looked very cozy. The pink-painted walls were decorated with pictures and posters of flowers and majestic horses. Even the blankets, pillows, and sheets on the bed were pink. Almost everything was pink, white, and lavender colored. Soft plush animals were lined up on the bed. A white plush kitty, a pink plush bunny, and more little cuddly friends.
Nik moved closer to a book shelf, bending a little down to inspect the books. Children's books about princesses, fairies, unicorns, and other fairytales.
"I always dreamed to be a fairy, talk to animals and save the world.", Alex leaned against the doorframe and explained. Her eyes shimmered with happiness as she got reunited with her past and the beautiful, old memories she had as a little girl.
"Well, your dream came true. You're partly fae. Royalty and with your powers you can do anything. Even save the world."
"Yeah, somehow you're right. Just the fairy wings are missing. I wish I could fly."
"But you get to fly on a dragon in the fae realm."
"Hmm... Well... I also dreamed of a prince. My dream prince, a prince charming who will take care of me, make me happy and shower me with love. Just like Prince Phillip and Princess Aurora from Sleeping Beauty. But instead, I got the Prince of Swords. I got you, Nik. And I wouldn't trade it for anything because I love you just the way you are.", she happily confessed, moved closer to him, and rested her arms around his shoulders while he pulled her even closer till their lips were about to meet.
"You're truly a beauty, Alex. I love you too and I'm glad you came into my life. You're... you're so damn perfect. You're gorgeously beautiful, my princess. No, you're my Queen.", he got closer and moved his arms around her waist. His cheeks leaned to hers as he planted a kiss.
"Oh, Nik...", she leaned closer to him and grabbed the black tie he was wearing. Nik Ryder looked like a handsome gentleman today. Since she saw him in this formal suit. Well groomed and the masculine smell of his long-lasting perfume which she couldn't resist, so she started kissing him.
"Careful, I don't want to be covered with red lipstick marks. Your mom wouldn't...", he tried to warn her, but didn't pull away. He couldn't resist her either. He wanted more and closed the distance between them. He is all over her. His arms are around her and his lips seeking her's. She couldn't resist and he couldn't resist. The two of them are locked in a passionate embrace, feeling the hot closeness of their bodies, and enjoying the sensations the other evokes. Lost in that moment.
Yet it’s not enough, and Nik was feeling it too. He eventually broke away from her and looked deep into her chocolate-brown eyes.
"I don’t want to talk anymore," he confessed intensely and led her to the bed. "I want you, Alex. I wanted you before too. Now. Here. With me."
Soon enough, both tumbled onto the bed and proceeded to explore one another, discovering which touches were the most pleasing. Nik was everything she fantasized he would be and equally committed to giving pleasure as receiving it. Alex didn't care anymore that she was lying with Nik on her large childhood bed. And surprisingly it was enough space for both of them.
Together they stoked the fires of desire until neither of them could bear it anymore. They came together again and again. The feeling of being as one is all-consuming and they almost lost track of all time.
In the end, both let the waves of pleasure cascade over each other and then collapsed into one another’s waiting arms.
Nik looked into her face, his eyes slightly wide and an expression of almost awe on his face. "You're so… incredible."
"So are you, Nik."
After an intimate moment and some kisses, they finally pulled away from each other and headed back downstairs.
"Alex, you're so smokin' hot. I want you to seduce me. Let's... let's... let's continue this later.", he whispered.
"Nik, you're being so naughty right now. In my mom's house? Where is your gentleman's behavior now?", she giggled and gave his shoulder a soft punch.
"I have fallen under your spell, my beautiful Queen."
"Yes, my King."
After Alex showed Nik the rest of the house. Both entered the living room at last where they were greeted with a small hiss. On a nearby shelf, there was a small, green snake in a terrarium watching them which made Nik a little nervous. Jacqueline's pet snake, Slitter.
"Guess, it doesn't like us. Very typical. Slitter only likes my mom and nobody else. Still wishing it was a cuddly kitten or bunny instead of a snake."
But Nik got busy admiring the family photos hanging on the wall. The young people in the picture were looking so happy. A happy family. A family he also wanted to have and share his childhood and memories with, but unfortunately he lost his parents when he was way too young. Then, his eyes fell on the tiny, silver-haired girl in the picture smiling.
"Rook, you look cute. And your silvery hair...?"
"Yup, that's me standing with my mom and my adoptive father in front of the Christmas tree. We celebrated Christmas every year together here and I got a lot of presents. I miss those times because now we barely have time for each other. Always busy with business and work. And, yes, my silvery hair... Nobody believed me that it was my natural hair color. That I was born with it.", she answered while trying not to get too emotional in the sudden flow of memories.
"Silver. You got the black hair from your mother and the silvery-white from..."
"My dad, Elric. Yes. Yes, I figured it out too. Later when I found out about the existence of my father. I... I still can't believe how my mom hid this from me. She told me that after my birth my father died and...", she almost cried and felt Nik's arms around her body trying to comfort her.
"Shhh, I'm here Alex."
"Oh, Nik... I..."
"Alex, my dear.", a sudden voice appeared which made Alex and Nik turn around to see.
"Mom??!! You're here??!! Since when? We didn't hear you coming.", Alex panicked just as Nik and both separated from each other's embrace. Nik's cheeks turned softly red out of embarrassment and secretly hoped that Jacqueline didn't find out about his and Alex's doings upstairs.
"Misses Fontaine, it's a pleasure to finally..."
"Alex, I just entered the house and I already heard everything I needed to know. So you found out about the secret of your biological father? Oh, of course, you would one day, especially when you decide to stay in crazy New Orleans.", she interrupted Nik to explain herself.
"Mom, why?"
"To protect you. That's all, to protect you!! New Orleans, is that crazy place... Kristin and you just had to go there to celebrate your 25th birthday. Dear, you have no idea what I have been through all. Nothing is as it seems there. It's dangerous and New York isn't safe anymore either."
"Mom, you know... about the supernatural world?"
"Don't say anything more. I don't want to think or talk about this matter right now. You're the only person I care about and have left in this world now with the recent death of your adoptive father. I love you and I don't want to lose you too."
"Not when she has me.", Nik confidently stepped closer to Alex and embraced her and gave Jacqueline a reassuring smile. Alex's mother easily forgot her worry and smiled at the man.
"You must be Nik, my daughter's boyfriend? You seem aware of this world too. I hope you will keep my child safe."
"Of course, I'll take care of Alex. I'll protect her and always be by her side. Nothing will harm her on my watch, I swear. And yeah, I am aware of the World of Night. I lost my parents at the hands of monsters. They got killed in front of me when I was a child. I was the only one who survived.", he felt to explain his matter towards Jacqueline even though it hurt to bring back old memories.
"Oh, I didn't know. Poor Nik child, I'm so sorry to hear. Alex and I will be your family from now on. Besides, we're not actually here to remember the past. Let's focus on the future. I'm Jacqueline Fontaine, the beautiful mother of my beautiful Alex. Please, take a seat on the couch in the living room, I'll bring something to eat. I made you two some hot chocolate too."
"No need for that, we'll have together dinner anyway. Thanks for this invitation, Misses..."
"Just Jacqueline would be fine. Please note these formalities with me even though I am a successful businesswoman and accountant. Such a gentleman you are, Nik. We're family and with Christmas just around the corner, I'd love it if the two would stay longer with me till the holidays end. I never thought I would feel so lonely.", she confessed which surprised Alex.
"What if you get busy with work again?", Alex asked.
"Dear, family comes first and I should have realized that years ago. I'm sorry what happened today in my office, but my client... well... he wasn't easy to handle. But I feel so ashamed that I couldn't give you the time and attention you deserved since you were a child. That your adoptive father had to look over you because I couldn't. You're my everything and the only thing I have left now. I might have not liked suddenly being pregnant and I wasn't happy, but your adoptive father supported me. He helped me by giving you a chance and I don't regret it. I love you, Alex. I love you so much, darling. You remind me of your father, Elric. I still love him and I hope he hasn't forgotten me."
"Oh Mom, love you too. I thought... I always thought I'm not good enough for you.", Alex crashed into her mother for a hug while tears welled up in her eyes.
"Shhh, my darling. Quiet. You're here now with me and I'm glad Nik brought you to me. I'm thankful for you. I'm thankful for having you with me, sweety.", Jacqueline whispered and moved her eyes towards Nik. The man was silently standing in front of them and then left to give mother and daughter some privacy.
"Mom, there's one thing you should know... I personally met my father, Lord Elric in Lamrian.", she confessed which surprised Jacqueline because she would never have expected that.
"How did you find him so easily? Or how did he recognize you? Is he okay?"
"He... He... He died, mom. I just found him and then I lost him. We only shared a few hours, but they were beautiful ones. Truly the best.", she sniffed.
"No!! No... It can't be... How could this happen? He... I still love him and I can't believe he's gone. I should have visited him, but I was such a coward to face New Orleans again. Poor Thalissa.", she deeply regretted and wiped her tears away.
"Mom, Elric sacrificed his life to save mine from a bloodwraith. If it wasn't for him, I... I would probably be dead already."
"A bloodwraith? That's impossible!! How? Don't return there any..."
"That's okay, mom. The bloodwraith got defeated and everyone is safe now. It's safe now. And Elric still loved you and shared beautiful stories and compliments about with me you. He still remembers you.", she reported which gave Jacqueline a positive and warm feeling. That the kindest man who ruled over her heart still loved her, even though she already moved on with someone else.
But there was also more to share. That Jacqueline's daughter, Alex was not only a half-fae but also the next heir of Lamrian and that she unlocked her magic powers with the help of Lord Elric. She can do magic. Maybe she'll tell this Jacqueline another time and not everything at once. Besides, it was time to let her mother explain how she got plunged into the supernatural world. What's her story?
When she asked, Jacqueline's expression turned bitter and she decided to tell this another time. Not now. Now it was time for joy, to have a great family bonding time, and get to know her daughter's boyfriend better. She called Nik back and all three were seated on a fluffy sofa in the living room, having hot chocolate to drink and stories to tell. Jacqueline excitedly showed Nik her family album and pointed at the pictures.
Photos: Christian Fairchild, Jacqueline Fontaine & Baby Alexis Clarissa Fontaine
"These are cute memories. The photos on the next pages were taken by Alex's adoptive father, Christian after Alex was born in the hospital. The nurses were so amazed that she had so much hair already. Ooooh, look how cute my baby looks wearing a gown and crawling on the grass in that picture. Like a mini-princess.", she enjoyed Nik's company.
"She was a cute child indeed and she's still beautiful."
"Thanks to my fae genes.", Alex added.
"Right, that's my baby girl. The prettiest baby of all. Such a natural beauty. When she sleeps, she's basically a Sleeping Beauty. Oh, have I told you the story where we were traveling to Dubai and how she played with her mouth out of boredom because we had to wait? I don't know if it was Dubai, but definitely somewhere in that region. She made that weird noise which made the police officers laugh and then, they let us enter first. Ha! Or the story where she was wearing squeaky shoes in the supermarket which irritated the customers who were trying to find the source of that noise? Ooooh, I have another story where little Alex stole a high heel from a shoe shop."
"Mooooommm??!! I was sitting in a baby stroller. It happened by mistake.", Alex freaked out a little which made Nik laugh.
"A high-heel for a baby??!! Hahahaha!!! Didn't know you were a huge troublemaker since childhood, rook? Jacqueline, Alex hasn't changed a bit. Still the same cute and naughty girl. A total trouble-maker."
"Nik!!! Very funny. Laugh how much you want. Mom, tell him the whole story like you told it to me. I picked up the high-heel to play with it in my baby stroller. You didn't notice till we got home and went back to return it.", she explained.
But Jacqueline was too excited and continued with Alex's childhood stories and showed several pictures. Baby pictures, pictures when her daughter was a toddler, and school pictures till teenage life.
"Nik, isn't my Alex so beautiful? I hope my grandchildren will also be lovely babies like Alex.", she said which made Nik and Alex turn red. Nik immediately tried to change the topic and pointed at another picture.
"Uhhh, well... I... Oh wow, Alex was a cheerleader at high school? How athletic. That might explain some of the moves she got."
"I was doing martial arts as well, Nik. When I was a child before joining high school.", Alex proudly added.
"Hey, did you make that weird noise with your mouth again? The one you did in front of the cops? Could you show me that, please?", he smirked which made Alex a bit angry.
"Nik, you...", she hissed as he made fun of her.
"Alex, behave yourself!! Nik was just being friendly. He's my guest. Be nice to him.", Jacqueline wished.
"Sorry, Alex. I was just enjoying your childhood stories."
"Wait till I ask anyone about your own embarrassing childhood stories, Nik. Or anything spicy."
"Who will you ask?", he raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, I'll figure it out somehow.", she confidently smirked at him and winked. Sweet revenge as they say.
After an eventful evening, the three had a delicious dinner together in the dining hall. Nik already knew secretly what food Jacqueline cooked for them since he was the one who climbed up the window which led him to the kitchen.
As the cold winter night descended, they were all getting ready for bed. Jacqueline requested Alex to sleep in her childhood room and Nik in the guest room before she went to bed. The young couple kissed to have a good night to each other before heading towards their rooms. After all, they agreed to stay with Jacqueline till Christmas to make the lonely woman happy.
"You know Nik, when my mother said that you're our family now... I think she already accepts you as her son-in-law.", she giggled, ran away and left him alone, wide-eyed with an open mouth.
"Alex! Hey, come back here. Youuuu... Wait till I find you under a mistletoe, you little troublemaker."
After Christmas...
"Oh Tonya, my friend, this year I had a wonderful Christmas. I celebrated with my daughter who I hadn't seen for so long. Today she's leaving with her boyfriend, but she promised to visit again and call me more often. And I will definitely visit her too and perhaps stop by to see you too, my friend. I'm just so glad to be united with her again. All our misunderstandings are gone now. How were your holidays, Tonya?", Jacqueline was talking with an old friend from New Orleans on the phone while admiring the decorated page her child created for the photo album with the title "Alex's Winter in Wyoming with Nik."
In the meantime, Alex and Nik were outside to enjoy the winter weather. Both were standing in their ice skates on a frozen lake and holding each other's hands, as Alex was trying to teach Nik how to ice skate. She was an excellent skater and wanted Nik to have some winter fun and try something new.
"Nik, you're doing great. Try to hold... Woaah!!", she fell on Nik as he suddenly lost his balance and crashed with her on the ice. Their faces were near as Alex was lying on Nik.
"Sorry rook, I..."
"Shhh...", she got closer to him until their lips met each other's to a passionate kiss.
For this little drabble we are taking it back to the beginning. It is a what if they didn't find Tariq and Riley left. I used the prompt 'thats the way the story goes' for @choicesflashfics .
If you'd like to be added to tags, let me know.
Book: TRR; Liam x Riley
Warnings: none. Sad fluff
Word count: 874
Liam stood in the back of the crowded ballroom, a scotch in his hand as he watched the attendees of this year's UN Gala. Of course, it had to be held in New York City, the place he loved and hated equally the same. Hated may be too strong a word for the city that never sleeps, suffering may be a better fit and Liam was suffering. It had been a year since the social season and his entire world came crashing down around him. The scandal, the engagement to Madeline, her name being drug through the mud, and she handled it all with her head held high. But the one thing that stood in his way of true happiness was Tariq, who eventually was found, six months after he needed to be found. He gave his statement, clearing her name but it was too late, Riley was gone.
He watched as a couple stole a quiet moment off to the side of the room and he felt the chains on his heart tighten. It was time to go. Quickly crossing the room, he set his empty glass on the table and stepped out into the night air. "Would you like me to call the car around, your majesty?" Fredrick, one of the royal guards asked.
"No. I think a nice walk is needed. Thank you, Fredrick."
Fredrick nodded and fell a few paces back as Liam maneuvered the bustling streets. He thought about the last time he was in the City. Riley, Drake, and Maxwell had flown to Los Angeles to find Tariq, but only when they arrived they found the apartment he had been staying in, just no sign of Tariq, he was long gone, and no forwarding address. The decision for Riley to leave was her own, even though they both knew she didn't want to deep down. Liam tried to beg her to stay. They would keep looking, and even if he was never found they could find a way to make it work. Riley knew the toll the press and surrounding countries would take on Liam, she read tabloids, the press would constantly question everything, Riley would be cheating on Liam at every turn according to them and then the country would look unstable, ultimately with a tear-filled goodbye, she left, changing her number and address.
Liam knew he could never marry Madeline, he loved Riley and that was more than enough to end the engagement for him. He knew that Riley loved him and more than anything he wanted to believe that fate would bring them back together just as it had before. A few drops of water splashed across his face as he kept his pace.
Liam walked a few more blocks, the rain began to fall heavier, he quickly ducked into a pasty shop in hopes the rain would soon subside.
"Can I help you with anything?" The woman behind the counter questioned.
Liam approached the counter as his eyes swept the glass "Cronuts," a nostalgic smile spread across his face. "Please."
Liam thought back to the night Riley took them all on a late-night cronut run. She raved about this delectable confection that hailed from the USA and was both a croissant and a donut combined. He thought it too good to be true, that maybe Riley was wrong about something but that first bite only proved that the woman just like the pastry was more than what meets the eye.
"You look about a million miles away." The sales clerk's voice pulled him from his thoughts. "Must be a hell of a thought. " She smiled.
"It was." Liam smiled again, "Boy meets girl, girl travels halfway around the world to try and win the hand of said boy. Boy and girl fall madly in love and then disaster tears them apart. Or that's the way the story goes."
"That sounds like quite the fairy tale. Here, hun, it's on the house." The woman offered him a smile as she slid the bag across the glass. Liam thanked her and dropped a large bill into the tip jar.
Liam grabbed the bag about to make his way to a table to wait out the rain when the door jingled as it opened. "the usual Rose," the woman's voice came from behind and he stopped dead in his tracks. That voice, the same one that plagued his thoughts, his dreams. The one who whispered his name so tenderly, the voice that could bring him to his knees in an instant. There was no way it was her, in a city so big what were the odds?
Slowly he turned, his palms sweaty, every nerve ending buzzing with pent-up hope and want."Riley." He whispered. She stood there completely still, unshed tears threatening to spill over. He shook himself out of his daze, willing his feet to move as he crossed the space between them.
"Li- Liam? Is it really you? Are you really here?" She reached out for him only to hesitate unsure if she should. Liam took notice of her hesitation, reaching out for her hand. "It's me Riley, I'm here fate has brought us back together and this time I'm never letting you go."
Song Inspo: "Keep Your Head Up, Princess" - Anson Seabra
Warning: fairly fluffy (no one dies!); tiny sprinkles of angst, mentions of bullying
A/N: I am participating in week 21 of @choicesflashfics prompt challenge! I chose prompt #2: "I look at you and my heart breaks because all I see is loneliness.” The prompt will be in bold.
A/N 2: Most of the characters and some of the plot points belong to our friends at Pixelberry. Please excuse my errors! Also, if you are curious about Royal Roulette: it's a fun little challenge you can do anytime for yourself! Take your music and hit mix! Take the first song that pops up, and use it as a muse for a fic! No need to credit me, but do tag me if you do it because I LOVE reading other RR!
~🖤~
"Where is she?" Liam grits his teeth, frantically glancing around the ballroom before turning back to his head guards. A strangled-growl drips from his words, a crimson hue coating his vision. "Can anyone tell me where the hell she went?"
Not waiting for an answer, he pushes open the heavy, ornate double doors to exit the ballroom before bounding down the side corridor that leads to the grand staircase. Each step he takes becomes quicker, angrier, and despite being in full regalia, his walk becomes a run. Once he reaches the living quarters of the palace, he takes the stairs two at a time until he reaches her room. And he knocks softly.
When she doesn't answer, he raps against the polished wood once more. "Love?" But again, she doesn't answer.
He sighs, his jaw ticking, knowing that he needs to speak with her. To hug her. To hold her.
To tell her that he loves her.
He turns the doorknob, inviting himself into her room; but upon entry, he notices the darkened room is empty. Her bed is still made, her belongings untouched.
He lets out a heavy sigh, turning on his heel to search elsewhere– that is until he hears the soft rustle of taffeta from the large, oak wardrobe on the far end of the room.
A smirk grows across his face as he saunters to the closet. Of course, she would pick this as her hiding place. Her favorite book was The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe from C. S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia. Staying quiet, he cautiously approaches, leaning in closely, just to verify he heard correctly.
And suddenly, a breath hitches as a quiet, almost inaudible sob continues.
And the fibers of his heart begin to splinter, shattering into a million shards on the ground.
He thought he could protect her and shield her from the snide comments and hateful glares. The judgment from the public was bad enough, but the turned up noses and undercut statements made by nobles could be relentless. Seeing her bright light and contagious laughter stolen at the ruthless words of bullies seeped a new level of sadness into his heart.
He gently taps on the door of the wardrobe. And instantly, the movement stops, retreating back into hiding. "It's me," he softly whispers, "Daddy."
After a brief, silent pause, the hatch unlocks, the door swinging open to reveal six-year-old Eleanor tucked in the corner underneath her winter coats. Her pink ball gown is scrunched up around her body as she hugs her knees, her trusty stuffed lion Fabian under her arm for cuddles. Her freckled, cherub face is swollen and blotchy, wet from her tears. Her hair remains in a blonde French braid with pink jeweled barrettes, fixed by her mother for the evening.
"Eleanor?" Liam quietly crawls onto the floor, pulling his ankle under his knee to crisscross his long legs. He takes a deep breath, his crystal gaze matching hers as she coyly watches him like a frightened animal. "What's wrong, Squirt?"
A large tear slopes down her nose as she tucks her head lower into her arms. She remains silent.
Liam gently clears his throat. "Why aren't you down at the Baron's ball?" Again, the young princess remains quiet except for her rhythmic sniffles.
He turns his attention to her feet, noticing her beloved pair of black Converse high tops. And he can't help but smile. Gosh, he loves his girl.
Eleanor has always marched to the beat of her own drum. She showed interest in so many different things, playing with both dolls and toy cars, eager to play soccer and climb trees while also hosting tea parties and playing in her mom's makeup. She was rough and tumble, but loved glitz and glam. She wasn't too fond of wearing heavy, itchy ball gowns, but when Riley suggested she wear her Chuck Taylors like a comfort item, their daughter couldn't wait for the next royal function.
That event was tonight.
"Princess," he sighs, "I look at you and it breaks my heart because all I see is loneliness. I want to make whatever this is better, but I can't unless you talk to me." When she doesn't budge, Liam glances back to her high-tops, and remembers she was debuting them tonight. He taps on them. "Did you show your friends your cool sneakers?"
Eleanor looks up with a scowl before putting her head back down. "They're not cool," she cries.
Liam's eyebrows furrow with curiosity. "What do you mean they're not cool?" He reaches over and grabs her foot, playfully inspecting the shoe. "These look pretty cool to me, but then again–" he tickles her knee, "--I think the person wearing them makes them the coolest shoe ever."
Eleanor looks up with a pitiful smile, wiping at her face with her arm. Her brilliant blue eyes match her father's, more ablaze from being red with irritation. She quickly climbs out of her corner, and reaches for her dad; but before her arms could reach him, he was already pulling her into his own embrace. She clings tightly to his neck as his large hands rub endearing circles on her back.
"They said they were stupid."
"What?" Liam looks down as his daughter readjusts to sit in his lap. "Who said your shoes were stupid?"
"The other girls," she holds out her feet, knocking the toes of her shoes together. "They said that real princesses don't wear boy shoes."
"And how would they know? You're the only princess in that ball." He boops her nose causing her face to scrunch with a genuine smile. "Uh, Squirt, where are your glasses?"
Her elation died at her dad's words. "I don't want to wear 'em, Daddy."
Liam extends his arm into the wardrobe, pulling out the purple bifocals, holding them out in his hands. "Why not?"
"'Cause…" she fidgets with her skirt, "I'm not pretty with them on."
"Squirt," he places his finger under her chin, lifting her gaze to his. "It's impossible for you to not be pretty. In fact," he smooths out her dress before pushing back a gold wisp of hair. "You are the prettiest girl I know."
"Daddy," she bashfully singsongs.
"What?" He sits up a little taller. "I know these things. I am a king." He chuckles. "Now, about these glasses–"
"--I don't want to wear them."
"But they look so pretty on you, Eleanor," he unfolds the glasses, offering them to her.
"They give me four eyes. And-and I don't want four eyes, Daddy! What if they turn into five… or six?" She drags her fingers down her cheeks.
Liam titters to himself. "Who told you glasses give you 'four eyes'?"
She crosses her arms. "Stupid boys."
"Eleanor," Liam warns, "you know we don't say words like that about others."
She pouts harder, slumping in her father's lap.
"Let me show you something," Liam points to her eyes. "You have one… two eyes right here, but you need glasses to help you see, right?" She nods. "These," he looks at the eyewear in his hands, "are like having another set of eyes. See?" He points to each lens, "three... Four."
"Oh!" A wave of understanding crawls across Eleanor’s face. "Four eyes!"
"Right," Liam snickers, placing an endearing hand around her back. "People say it to try to be rude, but honestly, all they're pointing out is that you wear glasses. That's it."
"Oh," Eleanor considers her father's words before continuing. "But they said I was ugly in them. And I don't want to be ugly, Daddy."
"Hrmmm," Liam thoughtfully looks at her glasses, and then slips the small pair on his face. Clearly made for a child, the eyewear pinches tightly at his nose and across his temples. "Am I ugly?"
"No," Eleanor giggles, holding a hand over her mouth.
"But, I thought these glasses make people ugly–"
"Daddy!" She squeals, "you're being silly!"
Liam chuckles, hearing her laugh again. He takes off the glasses, cleaning them off against his shirt. "Eleanor, do you know why princesses wear crowns?"
"Because they're princesses," she answers proudly. "And crowns are pretty."
Liam reaches over to a wooden chest next to the wardrobe that is filled with costumes, play clothes and accessories. He pulls out a plastic, gold crown with bright pink jewels glued around the band.
"Crowns," he continues, holding the toy crown in his hand, "help princesses keep their heads up."
"Nuh-uh!"
"Yeah, huh!" Liam jovially retorts. "See, some people can be very mean. And because you are a princess, you're an easy target for people to be mean. But do you know why they're mean?"
Eleanor innocently shakes her head, her attention glued to her father's words.
"They're mean because they're jealous."
"Jealous?"
"That's right," Liam nods. "You have something they don't have. It can be a pretty dress or a pretty smile," he pinches her cheek. "Sometimes it's simply because someone else hurt their feelings, and they want someone else to hurt, too. They're jealous of your happiness. They think that if they're mean, it will make them feel better."
Liam takes the toy crown and fixes it to her head. "Being part of the royal family means you have a lot more things, that you are given a lot more opportunities than people not born into nobility--which, you should never, ever be ashamed of. But we live our lives in the public eye, so people from around the world know how privileged we are."
Eleanor taps her finger on her lips, knitting her brows together. "So… they get jealous?"
"That's right, Squirt," his lips slowly curl. "They can."
"But, Daddy? It… it still hurts my feelings."
"I know it does, baby," he pulls her in close to his chest, "I know it does. But just remember: those mean words are not true." Liam looks up at the gaudy crown on his daughter's head. "So, that's why princesses wear crowns. That's why you wear a crown, Squirt. It's there to remind you that when people say mean, untrue things about you, keep your head up. Don't listen to them. You don't want your crown to–"
There's a sudden thud on the ground.
"Oops!" Eleanor’s hands fly up over her mouth as she looks at the plastic crown that slipped off her head, crashing to the floor.
Liam rolls his eyes before offering a kind expression towards his daughter. "Come here, Squirt." He wraps his arms around her, placing tender kisses in her hairline.
"Daddy?" She slides on her glasses. "Is it too late to go back to the ball?"
"Ehh," Liam shakes his wrist, his watch turning for him to read. "It looks like the night is over."
"Aww rats," Eleanor deflates, "Uncle Maxwell was going to play Baby Shark for us to dance to."
"Well," Liam stops, glancing down at his daughter. "Do you still want to dance?"
Eleanor’s eyes light up as she eagerly nods her head. She grabs her father's finger, guiding him to an open area of the room. "What should we do for music?"
"I've got an idea." Liam bends over, holding out his hands, curling his fingers into a C-shape with his thumb. "Ba…by… shark! Do-do-do-do!"
Eleanor squeals, joining in with her father singing and doing the hand motions. They both dance around the room, creating their own dance party they both would never forget.
------
Baron's Ball 10 Years Later…
The rubber soles of her Converse high-tops tap hypnotically against the polished ballroom floor. She anxiously chews on her nails as she watches the other noble children laugh and dance amongst the parents.
She had spent the better part of a day getting ready for the annual event: hair curled, pinned and hair-sprayed into place; make-up carefully fixed to the features of her classic beauty; her baby blue ball gown perfectly tailored to her budding womanly curves. But even though she felt beautiful, she remained nervous of facing the other kids, and she knew she would probably be left alone, no one wanting to dance with her.
Life for Eleanor didn't get easier at royal functions. The bullying and backhanded comments continued over the years. It hurt, but the desire to hide and cry became weaker and weaker as she remembered her father's words so long ago.
Keep your head up…
"May I have this dance?"
Eleanor’s pedal pink lips curl into a bright smile as she turns towards the familiar baritone voice. "Daddy, you said you were going to stay in the–"
"And miss the chance to dance with my beautiful daughter?" He beams.
A soft blush crawls across her cheeks as she takes his hand, following his lead to the dance floor. After a cordial bow, they begin to waltz, their feet gliding across the floor with ease.
"Thank you, Daddy."
"Oh, Squirt," he nervously titters, "someday you'll be queen, and these dances with you… well, they'll just be an old man's precious memory."
Eleanor scoffs. "I will always save a dance for you."
Liam laughs. "You might want to take that up with your husband. If he knows how much of treasure you are, he'll never let go–"
"Excuse me, your majesty?"
Liam and Eleanor stop at the timid voice, turning to see Bartie Beaumont mid-bow.
"Son?" Liam gives a curious, yet humored glare.
"I was wondering, that is, if it's okay with you… oh! And if it's okay with your daughter… um…" clearly nervous, the young man takes a cleansing breath as he wipes his palms against his slacks. "May I have this dance?"
Liam turns to his daughter, noticing her eye's brightening by the moment with anticipation. And he smiles. He takes her hand, guiding her closer for Bartie to take it. As they begin to bow, Liam clears his throat, making both Bartie and Eleanor freeze.
"I'm watching you, Beaumont."
"Y-yes, sir," Bartie swallows thickly.
"Daddy," Eleanor growls.
Liam takes his cue and begins to walk away–that is, until he turns around again. "And leave some room in between–"
"Daddy!"
~🖤~
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Special thank you @lizzybeth1986 for brainstorming and the valuable inputs.
The warm sun rays of spring, sieved through the white clouds on the Castelsarreillan abode that nested the Theron family.
A pleasant breeze traversed through the windows of the library to flutter the pages of “Geetanjali” by Rabindranath Tagore, a book the youngest Theron, Kiara, was engrossed into.
As if just on cue, her phone chimed to distract her further. Her brown eyes fell on the known name flashing on the screen, bringing a smile on her face. She pushed her owl-shaped bookmark on the page she was reading and swiped the green button on her phone.
“Bonjour!” she chirped.
“Hello and sorry to disturb your reading hours.” The sultry male voice replied.
“How do you know that I am reading?”
“A little bird gave away your secrets to me.”
“Have you been spying on me?” Kiara questioned.
“Nah, just been observing you. What are you reading?”
“Geetanjali.”
“Oooh! You seem to be inclined to the east.”
“Since our last discussion. You have piqued my interest in that culture.” Kiara confessed honestly.
“And here I thought the interest was in a handsome brainy guy.”
Kiara giggled, “Someone has too many wrong notions about himself.”
“I guess I can challenge the smart lady of Castelsarreillan.”
“Bet!” she almost jumped in excitement.
“Okay. Accepted. Open the doors then.”
Kiara looked at the closed ornate doors of the library in surprise. She rushed to open the doors and found Rashad beaming at her, phone still against his ear.
“Bonne soirée ma dame!” he flashed the widest smile.
“Aadaab!” She cupped her hand raising it to her forehead to greet him.
“Your way or my way, it’s a lovely evening.”
“It surely is. Please come in.” She walked him in. “What brings you here, today?”
“I am here to meet your mother on my father’s behalf. I dropped in a bit early to catch up with you.”
“I am glad you did.”
He saw the book she was reading, “How are you finding this one?”
“It’s a unique experience. I haven’t read much of your culture before this.”
“This is just a part of my culture, you may say. Every time I visited India with Ma, I discovered a new treasure chest.”
“Like?” she raised her brows. Rashad loved this particular expression of hers. It made her eyes look like two big brown balls shining, bewildered.
He bit on his lip to hide his emotions and then continued, “English, French, Swiss, German etcetera. They all collectively form the European culture. Similarly, there are regional divisions that come under the roof of Indian culture.”
“Does Tagore come from your region?”
Rashad shook his head. “No, he is from the neighbouring land of Bengal. He was a Nobel laureate. Ma introduced his poems to me. She had a Pandora box of stories.”
“I love listening to those tales. I wish I could have met her in person.” Kiara expressed sincerely.
Rashad pursed his lips at the mention of his mother but then quickly changed the topic. “I would love nothing more than to spoil you with attention, but it’s going to have to wait until later. How about you come along with me for my meeting with your mother?”
“That sounds good. Just give me a moment.”
Kiara picked her book and neatly arranged it in a stack on the right. Rashad made a quick note of the titles she had placed on that rack. He knew she had a habit of arranging her “to read” books there. And he didn’t want to miss the opportunity to discuss and debate the reviews with her. He enjoyed following what she read and the talks that followed. Sometimes he quietly would push a book to her to gain her views about it. He was in awe of her intellectual prowess of varied subjects.
***************”*
Duchess Joelle Theron’s studio
“What do you think? Is this, okay? Am I looking good?” Rashad whispered while adjusting his tie maybe the tenth time.
Kiara swatted at his hand. “Stop fidgeting.”
Rashad’s eyes widened at her gesture.
Kiara gave a playful smile to lighten his mood, “You look handsome. As always.” She pinched his cheek and pulled it.
Rashad squealed, “Ouch.” And started rubbing on his stubble where she had pulled so hard.
Kiara covered her mouth with her hand to hide her laughter.
Rashad cleared his throat and adjusted his pose when he heard his two workmen lumbering down the hall with a heavy life-size painting in their hands.
“What is this?” Kiara gasped.
“You will see.” Rashad swelled up his chest with pride. “A small gift from the duchy of Domavallier for Castelsarreillan.” He guided the men to place the painting against a wall.
Just then Joelle, Kiara’s mother walked in
“Good evening, Lord Rashad.”
“Good evening, your grace. Please call me Rashad.”
“Rashad.” She smiled. Rashad looked from her to Kiara in amazement.
“What’s wrong?” Her brows furrowed.
“Oh, it’s nothing, your grace. Just that I realised where Lady Kiara’s bright smile comes from.”
Joelle narrowed her eyes, “I don’t know whether I should be flattered by your compliment to me or worry about your keen interest in my daughter’s smile.”
Rashad lowered his eyes to the floor. “My apologies.”
Joelle laughed, making Kiara jump with surprise. “Do you think these old bones can’t do some teasing?”
Rashad rubbed the back of his neck nervously. ‘This isn’t going well,’ he thought.
“So, what have we got here?” She pointed at the covered painting.
Rashad quickly stepped forward to unveil his gift, “It’s a small token from us on occasion of the upcoming flower festival in your duchy.”
He lifted the covers and Kiara drew in a breath. “Its Raja Ravi Varma’s painting!” She exclaimed.
It depicted a lady standing against a pillar plucking a lone flower in her hand. It looked like words were frozen on her lips. She was standing in anticipation. Her other hand caressed the tender petals of the pink flower while a man quietly stared at her from the other side of the pillar. He seemed to be mesmerized by her beauty. His expressions showed as if he was waiting for a reply from her.
Joelle gave her an astonished look. “You know about this famous Indian artist?”
“Of course, Maman. Raja Ravi Varma remains the most renowned painter of the 19th century from Travancore, India.”
Joelle addressed Rashad. “You must be knowing that He was a royal.”
“Yes,” he momentarily looked at Kiara, “Raja means King.” Giving the polyglot feed for the day, he shifted back to Joelle, “he belonged to a kingdom that interestingly followed the matrilineal system.”
Kiara pitched in, “They still follow matriarchy in few of those regions.”
Joelle nodded, a small smile on her lips. “What do you know about this painting, dear?”
“Maman, this painting is titled ‘The stolen interview’ a hushed moment between two lovers. Varma was famous for combining European techniques and Indian style in his work.
Joelle raised her chin, “I am impressed Kiki. When and where did you collect all that knowledge of Indian art?”
“Ummm, Rashad mentioned it from one of his tours to India.” She sheepishly looked at Rashad while he tried to hide the blush in vain.
Joelle gave Rashad an approving nod. “Rashad, please convey my regards to your father. This is the most beautiful and unexpected gift. I will treasure it for my lifetime.”
“The pleasure is all mine.” Rashad bowed his head with respect.
“Hakim will be here in an hour. Kiki, why don’t you give Rashad a tour of our vineyard in the meanwhile?”
“Sure, Maman.”
“See you soon, your grace.” Rashad scurried behind Kiara.
Joelle nodded; her eyes fixed on the painting.
Kiara guided Rashad out of the hall. Joelle turned to look at their receding figures. Her lips curled up in a knowing smile.
“Phew!” Rashad released a breath that he unknowingly was holding back. He loosened the knot of his tie and wiped the sweat beads from his forehead.
Kiara gave him a questioning look.
“How did that go?” He had his hands on his hips.
“What?” Kiara asked, confused.
“Nothing,” he waved off his hand. “You won’t understand.”
Kiara shrugged her shoulders and started walking.
Rashad matched her steps. “By the way I had just mentioned the art of Raja Ravi Varma. You went into the depth of the subject.”
“And I have you to thank for all that detailed study.”
“Me? How?”
“I picked up the book about the artist co-authored by Eric and Christian from your study.” She revealed.
Rashad stopped in his tracks and turned to her, his jaw hanging open.
“What is it?” Kiara gazed into his dark eyes.
“Lady! You never cease to amaze me.”
“I can’t help when someone raises my curiosity like that. So, I read all about his life, his work, his lithography.”
Rashad shook his head, smiling, “Did someone ever tell you that you are a walking encyclopaedia?”
Kiara strutted ahead proudly, “I like that Nickname.”
“Look at you gloating now! Are you going to fill me up with details about the vineyards too?”
“Now that you asked for it, I may.” She stretched out her hand, “This way my Lord.”
Rashad dramatically bowed, “After you milady.”
They both laughed at their silly act and walked down to the vineyards.
Joelle stood in the window watching them tread away. Hakim joined her, “Sorry, I am late. What are you looking at Jo.” He followed her gaze. “Is that Lord Rashad with Kiara?”
Joelle smiled and nodded. “Our daughter seems to be making some smart choices.”
*******************
In the vineyards
Kiara was busy explaining the quality of the fruit, the terroir, the production and storage process while Rashad heard out keenly. He plucked a few tiny flowers that grew on the winding path.
“They are like rose pearls, embedded into the green gown of the landscape.”
“What a poetic way of defining it. Here.” He handed out a flower to her.
“Thank you.” She gladly accepted it.
They came across a clearing that looked upon the valley.
“And this,” Kiara stretched out her arms, “is my favorite place.”
They both stood looking at the serenity before them. The soft breeze brought waft of the fresh crop every now and then.
After sometime Rashad turned to look at Kiara. She was still holding the flower he gave her. Her other hand caressing the petals while she kept looking in the distance.
“The stolen interview.” He said softly.
“What?” She shifted her focus to him.
He pointed at the flower in her hand. “The way you are holding and touching it, reminded me of the lady in the painting.”
Kiara shook her head, making light of it.
“Kiara?”
She searched his eyes in anticipation.
“I don’t want to stand on the other side of the pillar and keep stealing moments to watch you. I want to be on your side of the pillar.”
Kiara looked out at the valley again.
“Rashad, can you see the end of the land from here?” She questioned him, instead of replying to his words.
Rashad turned his attention to the valley too. He knew this was not going to be an easy conversation. “It’s a breath-taking beauty. What a vast expanse, as if it’s never ending.”
“That’s what attracts me the most. I want my life to be just like that. I want to keep exploring, learning, growing, crossing new horizons every passing year. I…I don’t know if …you….”
“I would love to be a part of such a journey.” Rashad stretched out his hand, palm opening to her.
Kiara looked at his inviting hand. She reflected on the time since she had known him. He encouraged her, he competed with her. He challenged her, he channelled her. His patience around difficult situations, his maturity in dealing with matters of state and his witty replies.
She turned to look at the valley again. He clearly gave her every chance to learn, explore and grow. She didn’t realize when she had grown fond of his company.
Rashad’s heart was pounding hard. Had he hurried through it all? In an attempt to strengthen the bonds, was he going to lose a good friend? She had turned to look away from him. She was now looking at the valley. That’s it. That’s the end. He closed his eyes, finding it difficult to face the truth. He slowly retrieved his hand….when he felt her slender fingers. His eyes snapped open.
Kiara had discreetly slipped her hand in his, though she was still gauzing the skies above the valley.
Rashad held her hand and matched her gaze. A subtle smile played on his lips. They both stood facing the valley silently, in their own moment of a stolen interview.
