#hanalee

[talesfromcordonia]

Here’s the Hana version of the steamy picture.

[cordonian-literature]

The Aftermath - Ch. 1

The Met

Summary: Riley and her husband take a visit to a museum while their kids have lessons

Word Count: ~2.0k 

Warning: Mention of character death

*All characters belong to Pixelberry, except those that are unique to my story (I’ve also used some characters and fictional instances from Donna Tartt’s “The Goldfinch”*

Catch up here!

After giving Eleanor, Gabriel, and Theodore breakfast, Riley made her way to the kitchen of their New York penthouse and began making turkey sandwiches and chocolate chip cookies, for what she hoped could be for a picnic in Central Park in the late afternoon after the kids’ practices. 

The sound of the mixer didn’t allow Riley to hear her husband walk into the kitchen. She feels his stiff arms around her waist and chuckles. 

Kissing the back of her head, Theodore asks, “Making a treat for me?”

Riley laughs, removing herself from his grasp to preheat the oven on the other side of the kitchen. “For the kids.”

Theodore looks into the bowl. “Isn’t it a little early to be making dessert?” 

“Actually,” Riley goes back and stops the mixer. “I thought we could go on a little picnic?” She looks at her husband thoughtfully. Bringing her attention back towards the cookies, she continues, “After Gabe’s soccer practice and Ella’s dance class, of course.” 

“Of course,” he repeats. He watches her put the cookie dough in the fridge. “We should ask the kids.” 

Riley turns, holding a piece of bread in her hands. “Do you think they might not want to go?”

“Nah, I’m sure they do.” He walks up to her and collects her in his arms. “But I had other plans for us today.”

A shy smile spreads across Riley’s face. “Which is?”

“A visit to the Met. They’ve a new exhibit.” 

“With the kids?” she removes herself from his embrace with her free hand and goes back to making sandwiches.

“We can ask them to come with.”

“And if they don’t want to?”

Theodore laughs. Letting go of Riley, he goes into the fridge to grab an apple. “Gabe’s old enough to watch over Ella for a couple hours. We’ll bring them back dinner.” 

Gabriel had just turned ten, and Eleanor was still many weeks away from turning eight. Even though her husband argued that they were old enough to be somewhat self sufficient, Riley still felt nervous leaving them alone. 

Noticing the concern on her face, he suggests, “We could also just go during their practice times if that’ll make you feel better, babe.” 

“Thanks, Theo,” she smiles, eyeing the apple. “I just... get worried sometimes. Especially for Gabe.”

Theo gives an understanding nod and takes a bite into his apple, but not before Riley notices the irritation on his face. After ten years, she no longer let it bother her, unless Theo’s annoyance of her and Liam’s son got excessive. She understood that it was difficult for Theo to raise a child that wasn’t his, especially when his wife made it very clear that she was still in love with the father of that child. 

Even though Theo agreed to parent Gabriel with Riley, he was glad that they had their own daughter, Eleanor, so he could at least be a father to her in the ways that he wasn’t with Gabe. 

“You know I didn’t mean it like that, right?” Riley turns to fully face him, wanting to keep her husband in a good mood, she tries to explain herself. “It’s just that I don’t want them to do anything foolish or—.”

“Riley. Babe,” Theodore looks at his wife, in her old, dark tank top and a worn pair of jeans. “I know. I worry about them, too. I wanna keep them safe, too.” 

Riley smiles and gives her husband a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you,” she whispers. Turning back to the counter, she finishes making the sandwiches as Theo stands behind her, eating his apple. “I’ll leave these for lunch then, if we’re not going on the picnic. We can get Chinese for dinner, and maybe the cookies could be a snack for later today?” She looks at Theo, and he nods in silent agreement.

-------

Ella and I raced down towards the elevator, Mom and Dad trailing far behind us. We hold the “close doors” button and leave them on our floor as the elevator falls towards the lobby. 

We tumble out, giggling, but Ella freezes and cries, “I forgot my water!” She starts throwing things out of her bag and onto the lobby floor. When Mom and Dad finally come out of the elevator, Mom starts laughing. 

“Forgot this?” she holds out Ella’s bottle to her and helps her put everything back in her bag.

The four of us walk together towards the waiting limo. Once we’re inside, Mom and Dad turn to us. 

“While you guys are at practice,” Dad begins, “Your mother and I will be seeing a new exhibit at the Met.”

“Ou, take pictures for me, please!” Ella requests.

“We’ll pick you up on time, promise,” Mom reassures, caressing my cheek. “You both have your phones on you, yes?”

Ella and I pat our pockets, signaling where we put our devices. 

We reach the indoor soccer courts first. Mom gives me a quick kiss on my forehead and Dad gives me a pat on the back as I fumble out the door with my large bag. I wish Ella good luck during dance practice and head inside. 

I played until I could barely breath. I skipped some of the water breaks, my body wanting to keep moving, so when everyone was hydrating themselves, I continued to dribble and chase after the ball. During the third water break, coach yells at me to “Sit the hell down!” so I relent and down my water in one breath. My parents are planning a trip to Italy next week, and I wanted to make sure that I wasn’t going to lose that much practice time; I was motivated to work ahead. 

After practice, I wait in the lobby with some of my friends. We talk, but we’re not fully engrossed in the conversation: everyone either has their eyes glued to the doors or to their phones, waiting for their parents to give the signal that it was time to go home. 

I turn on the ringer of my phone and sit back on the bench, waiting for my parents. Dad was usually the punctual one, but since they’d gone to visit a new exhibit, I guessed he wanted to spend a little more time there; Mom and Dad weren’t always free to be able to do things together. 

I take a nap while I wait, but when I wake up, I realize that I’ve been waiting for almost half an hour. Ella’s session would end in a couple minutes, so I shoot her a text hoping that she would see it as soon as she got out. 

Hey.

hi. r u guys on ur way?

No. Mom and Dad haven’t picked me up yet.

rlly? whats taking them so long?????

I’m going to check their location 

She leaves me on read.

It says “loading” but then says unavailable. The Met has wifi right?

weird

Can you check, please?

yessir

After a few moments, she texts me back.

it says the same for me :(( im worried

Don’t worry, I’m sure there’s a reason 

I sit in the lobby, trying to calm down Eleanor through text and wave goodbye to all my friends as their parents pick them up. After another half hour, the next set of lessons start for the older kids. The receptionist steals glances at me before finally saying, “Hey Gabriel, is your mom coming to pick you up today?”

“Um,” I look down at the phone in my hand, contemplating whether I should call one of my parents. “I’m not sure.” 

“What about your dad?” she asks.

“No, they should be in the same place. They usually pick me up by now.” 

“We have your grandmother as an emergency number. Want me to call her up and make sure everything’s alright?” she suggests. I want to say no, that there’s no reason to worry, but the sense of dread in my chest threatens to yield tears. 

“Sure,” I allow. 

My mother’s mother lives in Northern New Jersey and visits often, since it’s not too long of a train ride — she’d drive, but parking was difficult, and our reserved underground parking spots in the building was already filled with Dad’s cars. The receptionist introduces herself, then waves me over to talk on the phone. 

“Hell-o!” Grandma greets. “How was practice? Everything okay?”

“Good. Yeah everything’s fine,” I say. “Practice ended almost an hour ago, but I’m still here. And Ella says that Mom and Dad haven’t picked her up, either.” 

“Uh oh,” she says, and I can hear her face fall. “Do you want me to come pick you up? You both can stay with me tonight. Then we will call Mama and tell her you guys are alright. How does that sound?”

I give a sigh of relief. “Yes, please. I’ll tell Ella.”

“Okay, baby. I’ll get there as soon as I can.”

I fill in my sister, but she doesn’t reply to my texts.

Twenty minutes later, I throw my bag into the trunk of Grandma’s Buick and slide into the back seat next to Ella. She stares at her lap, and I know she’s feeling the same amount of worry and confusion that I am. 

When we reach Grandma’s small town, she asks us if we want dinner. When both of us say we’re not hungry, she still grabs us McDonald’s. 

Mom and Dad don’t answer our calls. We even call Dad’s assistant, but she also says that she hasn’t heard from him.

We eat dinner quietly, with Grandma giving us encouraging kisses and pep talks while we talk about our practices. Afterwards, we go into the living room to quietly watch some Netflix while Grandma makes some apple pie. The smell of it baking in the oven makes me nostalgic for something unknown, and it reminds me of the cookies that Mom was making earlier today. I hear Ella sniffle, and turn to see her silently crying. 

After desert, Grandma gives us some of Mom’s old baggy clothes to sleep in. Ella gets to sleep in Mom’s old room while I sleep in the guest room. My eyes burn from the amount of tears I held back today, and its almost painful to close them. 

...

I wake to the smell of pancakes and a familiar rumble in the pit of my stomach. I brush my teeth, but don’t bother to fix my hair. Ella eats quietly on the island in the kitchen. I slide onto the seat next to her and watch Grandma start making another pancake.

“Good morning!” she says to me. “Could one of you please turn on the news in the living room?”

I allow Ella to keep eating and walk towards the little doorway that separates the living room from the kitchen. Turning on the news, I increase the volume. The image of police cars, ambulances, and firetrucks from a helicopter view flash on the screen while a female reporter narrates the incident. 

“On the evening of May seventeenth, the Metropolitan Museum of Art was bombed by an unidentified group. Investigations are underway and the city has been closed off, including trains and bus routes into and out of the city, along with roads and bridges. 

“Many dead bodies have been found, and many others are severely injured. CEO of Blaise Enterprises, Mister Theodore Blaise, has been found dead. The whereabouts of his wife, Riley Brooks, are unknown. Senator Nicolae Adebayo sustained serious injuries, as did many other persons.”

Ella’s screams drown out the sound of my heart thundering in my ears. Grandma rushes towards her and collects her off of the floor and into her arms. I stare at them, the reporters’ voices and the smell of the pancake burning melt into the background as I take a shaky breath and allow my tears to fall. 

[cavillkingdom]

So, you're telling me that we endured the whole "Bertrand's wedding" plot and at the end our baby wasn't even born yet???

I mean... Jesus...

[msjr0119]

Forgive me

Epilogue- Part 1

Series includes suicide and abuse.

Based on true events but using TRR characters who are owned by Pixelberry.

Warnings: Slight swearing, fluff 🥰

@annekebbphotography @burnsoslow @drakesensworld @ladyangel70 @kingliam2019 @bbrandy2002 @butindeed @bascmve01 @drakewalker04 @pedudley @captain-kingliamsqueen @duchessemersynwalker @insideamirage @of-course-i-went-to-hartfeld @kozabaji @texaskitten30 @ibldw-main @kimmiedoo5 @nikkis1983 @dangerouseggseagleartisan @gnatbrain @walker7519 @lodberg @cmestrella @hopefulmoonobject @addictedtodrakefanfic @angi15h @liamxs-world @rafasgirl23415 @notoriouscs @yukinagato2012 @dcbbw @qammh-blog @nz1091 @beardedoafdonutwagon @cordonianroyalty @custaroonie @lauradowning29 @jared2612

This is part 1 to the epilogue of this series, it was far too long for one chapter. Part 2 will posted this time tomorrow. This series was based a few things on the unexpected death of not only my colleague but my friend. We didn’t realise that he had taken his own life until three months after his passing- we wouldn’t have known today- we only knew as our colleague attended a conference and they did a memorial service for him. He was homosexual- only his brother, close friends and colleagues knew. He lived two lives, one with his partner and their pet huskies, and the other with his ‘fake’ wife and daughter (for appearances) RIP Shabs 🥰

I went rogue with this series as it was very emotional writing parts that never got published due to me going rogue. Thank you to everyone who has liked this series as a Drake Stan it’s always hard doing Riam - love you all 😘

*****

After their first night as a newly engaged couple- the king and new Queen to be of Cordonia, Riley slowly fluttered her baby blues open and immediately scrutinised the room for Liam- but he was nowhere to be seen. Assuming he was in the bathroom, she took a moment to admire the diamond on the ring finger on her left hand. Reality hadn’t really sunk in. Hearing the door open, she quickly pulled up the silk bedding to cover up her naked body.

“Morning love. How are you?”

“Where have you been?” Not meaning to sound rude, but she would have appreciated a wake up call from her fiancée before he decided to go awol.

“I thought I’d leave you to have a lie in, I picked Lucas up. I thought before we return to Cordonia, we could do something just the three of us?” Liam slipped into bed with her, as the both of them snuggled into her embrace.

“What do you want to do?”

“Museum of Natural History?” Riley nodded, she wasn’t that interested in museums or any sightseeing in New York as she had lived there her whole life- but she knew that she couldn’t refuse a King’s suggestion of a family day out.

*****

A month after their engagement and their return to Cordonia, the weeks were hectic and busy to say the least. The press and the people were thrilled that their king was finally marrying- and had all accepted the that their new Queen was the crown princes mother. Over the last few weeks, Olivia and Hana had grown close to Riley. Riley was nervous spending time with Olivia especially- considering the last encounter that they had in the bar.

“Good morning. How’s the blushing bride?” Riley stared at her reflection vacantly, she knew that this day was coming- but nerves were kicking in. Olivia had kept her make up to a minimal, she knew that there would be tears -so didn’t want to have to redo it all. Hana had delicately placed her brown natural curly locks neatly into chignon with loose curls hanging at either side. Natural instinct was to feel the ivory lace dress that featured off-shoulder sleeves and a subtle neckline. The dress was accompanied by a short train - which was unusual for royal dresses. In her own trace, she heard Drake in the background but didn’t acknowledge him.

“Earth to Riley.” Drake shouted, attempting to gain her attention. Shaking her head, that was all she needed to snap out of her distant mind.

“Sorry Drake.”

“Don’t tell me that you are nervous? You are getting the second chance at being royal- pretty selfish I’d say.” Drake said in a sarcastic manner whilst winking, Riley laughed at her closest friend attempting to cheer up.

“Can you keep a secret? Unless Ella has already told you that is, I know how you tell each other everything.”

“She hasn’t told me anything. What’s up?”

“If I tell you, you can’t tell Liam. I need to tell him before we say I do.”

*****

Drake met Liam at the Cathedral, giving a slight nod to all the guests that he passed. The King was pacing up and down, but still was able to use his stoic expression. Drake pulled out his hip flask, providing his best friend with that smirk along with the knowing look- Liam was grateful and sneakily took a swig.

“Liam, she looks beautiful. You lucky son of a bitch. Don’t screw anything up. She’s nervous too.”

“That’s why I’m nervous. What if she thinks this is a big mistake? She hasn’t chosen anyone to walk her down the aisle- Maxwell had offered but she refused.”

“She’s a strong independent woman, she’s got El, Liv and Hana with her. They even offered to walk her down. Don’t worry.” Placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, Liam pulled Drake in for a ‘bromance’ hug- thank you Drake.

*****

The bridal party, were ready to leave in the carriage- Riley had photos taken of her and Lucas. As well as photos with her bridesmaids. She had decided to go against traditional protocol and had decided to walk down the aisle with her son.

The three women made it to the end of the aisle, Liam had wondered where Lucas was- then realisation hit as to why Riley refused to have anyone ‘give her away’. “Lucas, she’s walking down the aisle with him.” He whispered to his best man- Drake smirked, already knowing but he wasn’t going to say anything. Regina was preparing herself to officiate the marriage- still feeling guilt ridden from the past actions made by her deceased husband, she knew that Liam was the only family she had now, along with Madeleine and Adelaide. Quickly leaving her position she knew she had a few moments before Riley was due to walk in.

“Liam, are you ready?”

“Yes, thank you Regina.” Holding him close to her, she smiled softly.

“Your bride is ready, but I just wanted to be quick and explain how proud I am of the man you have become Liam, your father truly did regret how he treat Leo and Riley. He would have loved to make amends properly and be here today, I hope you can forgive him. Also before I return, I was hoping to have a word with the two of you.”

“Regina, I will forgive him. But can you please just get me married. What is up? Why do you need to speak to myself and Drake? Can it not wait?” Drake had an inkling regarding what Regina was about to say- he couldn’t be bothered waiting for Regina to pussy foot around the situation so interrupted rather abruptly. He knew that Liam was just eager to marry the love of his life.

“Regina, I already know about what you are going to tell us, my mom explained everything.” Liam looked at Drake confused, his eyes pleaded with the two of them to quickly tell him what they was hiding from him.

“Li, there were rumours.... speculations about the possibility that Constantine could be my father also. My mom and him had an affair, whilst my father and Eleanor were suspected of having an affair as they were ‘sneaking around’. The reason I didn’t tell you, is because none of it matters- I am Jackson Walkers son I’m not a noble and I wouldn’t have wanted to be. Forget about it. Let’s get you married!”

Liam was about to respond, to this new bombshell, however the music began to play- Regina resumed her position as the guests stood from their seats slowly- awaiting for a glimpse of their new Queen.

*****

Riley took a deep breath, bending down to Lucas’s level- she kissed him on the forehead and gave him a big tight squeeze.

“Just you and I my little prince. You are so handsome like your two daddies.”

“You look breathtaking, and you’re right there- he’s going to be a heartbreaker.” Riley smiled as she realised she wasn’t alone with Lucas, slowly standing up- she turned around to where the voice was coming from.

“What are you doing here?”

“You can’t walk down the aisle on your own with just Lucas. I’d be honoured if you’d allow me to walk you both down- to give you both away.”

“I’d love you to.”

“Come on then, let’s make you the Queen that Liam and Cordonia deserve.” Riley stood at the left side of Lucas, holding his hand- whilst he stood at the other side taking the young princes other hand.

Slowly walking down the aisle, everyone smiled fondly at Riley and believed that Lucas was adorable.

“Keep looking forward. I see two very handsome men at the end of the ‘path’. I bet you never believed this would happen.”

“No, I was just a waitress in a dive bar in a different country. Fairytales really do happen- when you believe.”

“Look at Madeleine’s and Adelaide’s fake smiles. Hypocrites. They’ll be so jealous, karma for them really.” He snarled as Riley held in the laugher. Drake stepped forward as Liam’s best man, offering her a wink and smile.

“Hello Mr Walker! Are you sure you want to marry Liam?” Riley’s eyebrows shot up- in shock about what had just been said- before finally fixing her face into a smile for Drake. “I’m only joking! No need to look like that, I’m so proud of you, you are the strongest and most selfless person I’ve ever met Riley Brooks. You are going to make the most perfect Queen, wife and mother. I believe my time is up. I love you and Lucas with all of my heart- Liam will protect you both, I’ll pop in every so often to check on you all. It’s not a goodbye it’s a see you soon.” Riley felt the coldness, kiss her on the cheek.

“Continue making me proud, don’t either of you forget about me. By the way, I overheard your conversation with Mr hotness- your secrets safe with me. Now I’m going to take a seat next to Rob- can spirits cry? At least you’ve not been drinking before this wedding- our gunshot wedding was hilarious. But I loved every minute of it. I love you.”

“I love you too Leo.” She whispered, holding back the tears- attempting to not ruin Olivia’s make up. Turning her head towards where Rob was sat, she saw Leo’s figure rather than just hear his voice- he smirked and blew them a kiss.

“You look... Wow. You look beautiful Riley.” Liam couldn’t take his eyes off Riley, his heart felt as if it was skipping beats. You lucky son of bitch- Drake’s words kept roaming through his mind. Feeling grateful for his friends ‘dragging’ him to New York for his bachelor party- he had never believed that he could potentially marry for love. If he could have predicted his future- he wouldn’t have believed it, not until now.

“You look very regal and handsome Liam, my king- but I do need to speak to you before we do our vows.” Liam’s heart sunk, he couldn’t figure her out- she didn’t seem as if she was about to ditch him at the alter.

“Can you undo Lucas’s jacket for me Liam? Is it me or is it getting a bit warm in here?” Liam looked at her with a perplexed expression- as did the rest of the guests apart from Drake. Bending down, Liam ‘high-fived’ his step son and did what Riley had asked him to. Liam stared at the words printed on the princes shirt, not knowing how long he had been re-reading the words, it was all trying to sink in- before whispering the words.

“My role as an only child will soon come to an end because my mommy is due with my new best friend. You’re... you’re.. we’re...”

[thequeenofpixels]

Just the truth...

(Found it on facebook)

[killianoconnells]

LIAM

HANA

MAXWELL

DRAKE

I just noticed In Liam's route he's the one narrating. 😭But in others it is shared.

[superbfestivalkoala]

idk how I feel about this one

[yesivefallenpreytothechoicestrap]

Maybe Madeleine has a secret crush on Hana. I hope that I'm not the only DELUSIONAL one.

> I do kind of ship this