All Through the Night
A Choices: The Royal Romance Dark AU
A/N Picking up right where we left off in the prologue and delving deep into the Beaumont's part of this storyline. We will also begin to see what some of our other TRR characters are and how they affect this divided kingdom of Cordonia. This is a VERY long chapter since I went into both Beaumont's histories, but I couldn’t find a good place to end their beginning to this storyline, LOL. Hope it doesn’t ruin this for anyone.
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Masterlist
Part 1
Outside the Cordonian Palace...
"Home?" Drake asked as he fell into step beside Liam.
"So soon?" The prince smiled at him. "The night is still young. We could check out a club or two."
"Uh huh." Drake shook his head. "Nice try, but I know you, Liam. Where are we really headed?"
Liam's smile dimmed. "I thought about checking on Leo."
"Leo? Why?"
"I'm worried about him. That last argument he had with Father...he hasn't been in contact at all with anyone at home." Liam softly sighed. "He hasn't answered any of my calls or messages."
"Then why visit?" Drake's tone was filled with bitterness. "Some siblings leave without a second glance and don't care how much it hurts you in the process."
Liam winced at the reminder he had caused his closest friend. "Forgive me. I didn't mean to bring up memories of Sav--"
"She's dead now." Drake bit out.
Liam closed his mouth. He knew that wasn't true, but it was the only way Drake could deal with what Savannah had done. Ever since the Beaumont’s appeared that fateful night, the Walker's had been permanently damaged.
He didn't know if there was even a chance for a reconciliation between the two.
Clearing his throat, Liam returned to the subject of Leo. "I can't come down here without checking on him."
"Is he even here anymore?" Drake asked. "I thought he had left Cordonia all together after your father refused his latest petition."
"He did. But through new sources, I have discovered that he not only returned, but has been back for quite some time."
They walked on in silence until they stopped in front of a small townhome.
They stared at the façade where not a single light was on.
Liam checked the time. "Perhaps it is too late to call upon him now that he is part of the human world."
"We can always come back after sunset." Drake offered.
"You don't have to accompany me." Liam placed a comforting hand upon his shoulder. "I think I can manage to get around down here on my own."
"And leave you alone with not only a Nevarkis but also a Beaumont protecting the streets from your kind." Drake's eyes narrowed. "Fat chance."
Liam shook his head. "Olivia is not going to harm me. And--"
"You can't trust her. I know you think you're little bond you made with her as a kid will keep you safe, but she'll end up just like her family and betray you the first moment she can."
"She's one of my closest friends." Liam argued. "She would never--"
"And as for Beaumont, do you honestly believe he will not seek revenge for what happened to his brother?" Drake snapped. "I'm surprised he has waited this long to make a move."
Liam knew there was little use arguing when Drake fell into this state of mind. With a sigh, he turned away from his brother's current dwelling and began to make the long trek back to the Blackspire Mountains.
****************
Earlier that night, Ramsford...
So many memories...
Maxwell stood in front of the wall of weapons his ancestors had collected over the years.
His hand raised, trailing over the gold kraken near the hilt of his namesake's sword, the very one that felt like an extension of his own arm.
"Here you are." Bertrand grumbled. "We need to discuss the next Beaumont Bash."
The young lord had to summon all his strength to fall into the act that was necessary.
"You came to the right man." He spun around, his movements as smooth as silk. "What would you like me to do?"
"I'm leaving music selection in your hands. Savannah," Bertrand smiled softly, "will be handling the decorations. I will of course be choosing the menu." He held up his many lists of chores. "I want my wife's first ball to be praised by all who attend."
"This will be the Beaumont Bash to beat all the previous ones." Maxwell promised.
"I knew I could count on you." Bertrand hesitated. "Perhaps, is there a young lady you would like to invite?"
Maxwell fought to keep his carefree act in place.
"You know me." He shrugged with a dimpled grin. "It's difficult to find...someone right."
Bertrand patted his shoulder. "You'll find the right person."
Once he disappeared down the stairs, Maxwell allowed his smile to disappear.
The past year and a half had been difficult. Becoming this version of a party loving noble grated on his nerves. He wished that they could go back to what they once were...monster hunters.
The Beaumont Brothers had once struck fear in the Dark Kingdom. The very notion that they had been tasked to bring a creature to justice sent many of them scurrying into the far reaches of the realm. Yet, none could escape them for long.
At least...that was how it once was.
That one fateful encounter with the King of the Dark Kingdom made their entire world turn upside down.
*****************
2 years ago...
"Wait." Bertrand placed his hand on Maxwell's shoulder.
He did a few hand signals.
Maxwell nodded and slipped his sword out of its sheath. He briefly closed his eyes, using his other senses to zoom in on where the danger was. The woods along the outskirts of the Dark Kingdom could be treacherous during the daylight. At night, it was nothing but a death trap to the random lost hiker.
Sensing a presence a little to his right, Maxwell took a few silent steps forward.
Bertrand followed, guarding his back with a crossbow.
"Stop!" A female's voice cried out. "Please, my lords. Help me!"
The brothers froze at the sobs that followed that plea.
"She sounds human." Bertrand whispered. "Could she be lost?"
"This far up the mountain?" Maxwell countered. "Not likely. It's probably another vile fiend hoping to trap her next meal."
"Please." The voice was faint, sounding almost defeated. "Please help me escape."
Escape. That one word meant she was an innocent human, one that would most likely perish from the monsters that resided nearby.
Bertrand stopped Maxwell and stepped in front of him.
Parting the branches of a bush, they saw a woman sitting on the ground. Her knees were pulled up to her chest and her face was buried in her arms. Her body shook with muffled cries.
"Will no one help me?" She repeated over and over.
Bertrand lowered his weapon then knelt before her.
Maxwell remained tense, ready to lop off her head if she even made the slightest movement to harm his brother.
"We can help you." Bertrand reached out and laid a gentle hand on her arm. "Who--"
The brothers jumped back when she lifted her face.
She was a Walker and not just any Walker: Savannah Walker, only sister to the crown prince's right hand, Sir Drake Walker.
The two were the only descendants left of a human family that once centuries ago had made a blood oath to the Rhys. Each generation served as a protector and companion of sorts to the reigning family.
Savannah wiped at her tears. She cautiously rose, then held her hands out to them. "Please. I know who you are and I mean you no harm."
Bertrand had yet to raise his crossbow. His jaw was slack as he gazed upon her.
Maxwell pointed his sword at her. "We received a message asking us to search for a missing human." His eyes narrowed. "Did you send that message?"
She nodded. "Forgive me for lying, but I knew you wouldn't come if you knew it was from me."
Maxwell cursed, his nerves notched to an eleven as his eyes scanned the forest for a possible ambush.
"Why do you need to escape?" Bertrand asked.
"Aren't you the prince's right hand girl?" Maxwell taunted. "No longer enjoying being a vampire's plaything?"
Savannah winced at his insults.
"That's enough." Bertrand snapped. "She needs our help."
Maxwell's jaw dropped. "Surely you don't believe her?"
"I do." Bertrand moved closer to her. "Tell me what is going on."
Maxwell looked up to make certain the sky wasn't falling. Had his overly cautious brother, the very one that made him train hours upon hours each and every day, just defend an enemy of Cordonia?
"Prince Liam demands nothing from me, other than the occasional donation of blood." She sniffed. "He is very kind, but I don't want to remain here." Her warm brown eyes held Bertrand's. "I want to live a normal life, have a family...one that isn't bound to live here."
Bertrand rubbed a hand down his face. She looked so desperate, so in need of reassurance that she could have that dream.
"You're bound by a blood oath." Maxwell reminded her with a shrug. "There's nothing we can do to help you."
"Please!" She jerked her hands back when his sword swatted them. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to--"
"Maxwell Percival Beaumont!" Bertrand moved in front of Savannah. "Lower that weapon this instant!"
"Have you lost your mind?" Maxwell motioned toward the one that dragged them out of their beds. "Has she cast some spell over you? She's a member of the inner Dark Court. She probably has some signal that will have Constantine and his spawn out here to end us."
"I don't." She cried. "I could never do that."
Bertrand wrapped an arm around her. "We can't help you escape tonight. The blood oath will kill you if you break it without magic." He gently squeezed her close. "We'll find out what must be done and then rescue you."
"We'll do what now?" Maxwell jerked his brother away from her. "We are not prepared to face off against both Constantine and Liam."
"We'll find a way around them." Bertrand hissed. "Regina will know what to do."
"You're involving the witches now?" Maxwell's eyes grew incredulous. "You know they don't take sides."
Bertrand glanced back at Savannah. "I know. But we must try."
He returned to her and softly whispered the plan.
Maxwell watched as her eyes filled with tears again. She nodded, whispered a way to contact her and then impulsively kissed his brother’s cheek.
"Thank you." She squeezed his hand. "I must return before someone notices I'm absent."
She took off, stumbling through the brush, and disappeared from sight.
"We're really doing this?" Maxwell muttered.
"We are." Bertrand vowed. "She doesn't deserve to be imprisoned here for what her ancestors did."
"Everyone is in some type of prison thanks to our ancestors." Maxwell told him as he started back down the mountain. "Some of us just endure our life sentence better than others."
****************
A few weeks went by after encountering Ms. Walker. Bertrand summoned Regina and her coven to discuss how best to help Savannah.
The Guardian, as she was referred to by the younger witches, pondered this problem. Reassuring him that she would find a way, she rose to retire to a guest room.
"Just a minute, please." Maxwell held up a hand to stop her. "Your admirer must never know of this. He'll kill her as well as us if he thinks we plan on disrupting his castle."
Regina stiffened at the word, admirer.
It was no secret that Constantine had fallen in love with her. Years ago, the vampire had made her an offer of marriage. She had been tempted to accept, given that she had lost her heart to him as well. Then tragedy struck and her cousin and her husband perished in a plane crash, leaving their young daughter Madeleine, an orphan.
Regina had noticed that the little girl had inherited magical skills that could be molded into a powerful witch. Knowing that their talent would not be welcomed in the Dark Kingdom, she refused Constantine's proposal and remained in Cordonia. She had raised the young countess to be a witch that would do whatever she could to protect the innocent and needy.
Madeleine had formed friendships with two other noble ladies, completing the coven that would replace Regina on her death. Ladies Kiara and Penelope studied hard, yet were never quite as powerful as Madeleine.
And now the Beaumont’s were asking a favor.
Regina knew she owed them one. Hundreds of years earlier Percival Beaumont had saved the life of her ancestor, Kayden Vescovi. Without him, Regina and Madeleine would not be here today nor imbued with magic.
Madeleine slipped inside.
"Do you really think we can break a blood oath?" She sat down beside her relative. "Blood magic is tricky enough as it is. I can only imagine how much it will take from us to break."
Regina gently patted her hand. "We will do all we can to find a way. Our debt to the Beaumont’s must be repaid."
Madeleine nodded in agreement. "I brought some books along. I'll see if they have anything that can help us."
Regina watched her pixie like cousin slip out the door with a fond smile. It slowly firmed into a frown as she thought of what she had discovered before journeying to Ramsford.
Leo Rhys, former prince of the Dark Kingdom had begun visiting Madeleine in secret.
She knew she would have to address that once she discovered the type of relationship Madeleine had with the young man. Now though, she was needed to solve this problem for Bertrand.
It took weeks of research, then having to wait upon a waning gibbus moon before a potion could be prepared. Once Regina had placed the bottle sealed with a waxed cork in Bertrand's hand, she had explained what must be done.
"Savannah must drink this and declare herself free from the Rhys' family." She explained. "Then she must force herself to turn her back on them and walk away. It will be painful for her, but she will survive."
"Thank you." Bertrand bowed. "I knew if anyone could help us, it would be you."
She gently squeezed his hand. "If you need me, do not hesitate to call. I will be here as fast as I can."
*******************
That night, the brothers slipped quietly through a gate into the Dark Kingdom. Savannah had told Bertrand that it was their best place to go undetected, given that the guard typically dozed off around the midnight hour.
"How often have you two talked?" Maxwell whispered.
"Everyday." Bertrand replied.
"Everyday?!"
"Keep your voice down." Bertrand ordered.
"She called to pester you everyday over this blood oath potion?"
"Not exactly." Bertrand slinked further into the shadows when they noticed a few people lingering around a town center.
"Then what have you been talking about?" Maxwell prodded.
He wasn't prepared to hear the answer.
"Marriage." Bertrand reluctantly replied
"Marriage? To whom?" His eyes widened. "You're going to marry a Walker?!"
"Yes." Bertrand narrowed his eyes. "She is kind and--"
"She's a Walker. A. Walker." Maxwell stressed. "Enemy to any and all monster hunters."
"She's not our enemy." Bertrand snapped. "For that matter, she says that Liam isn't either. He wants peace between our kingdoms."
"Oh well, that's a relief." Maxwell mocked, wiping his brow. "The word of a vampire is the one thing you can always count on."
Bertrand grit his teeth together to keep from saying something he might regret. He needed his younger brother's support and approval with this decision. He had never had a moment in his life since Maxwell's birth where he didn't have that. He would need it even more so in taking Savannah for his bride. He also hoped that Maxwell would become a brother to her since she was about to lose the only family she had ever known.
Regina had told him to stress to Savannah that breaking this blood oath could also destroy the bond she had with her brother, Drake.
He had done so over the phone, then wished he could be there to hold her as her heart broke over this hefty price.
With a shaky voice, she had remained determined to leave and marry him.
Creeping onward towards the castle, the brothers remained each lost in thought of what the future would bring.
*******************
Castle Rhys, that fateful night....
"Welcome home, my dear Sherry. And Rashad, how was your trip? Successful as usual, I believe." Constantine greeted the cousins warmly.
The two bowed and curtsied before relaxing again.
"It was very successful, your majesty." Rashad sat down in a chair catty cornered to the king's. "In fact, I was able to...."
While the pair talked, Sherry hurried over to hug Liam.
"Sherry!" He swung her into a tight hug. "I didn't think you were returning to us so soon."
"I missed home." She stepped back and grinned at Drake. "How have you been, Sir Drake?"
"Stop that sir mess and come here." He couldn't maintain his frown for long around her after pulling her into a tight hug. "The Blackspire Mountains haven't been the same without you flying about."
Sherry, formally Lady Sherveen Alcantar cousin to the Duke of Domvallier, Lord Rashad Kovak, was a fire-user. She and Rashad were direct descendants of King Dominic and his secret marriage to Sei Rhuka after the death of Queen Kenna. The fire users had decided to marry to protect the true heir to the kingdom and give him a family that would always be ready to fight by his side.
Like their ancestors the two cousins could transform into dragons and were known to fly above the clouds, away from curious humans.
Given their direct descent and blood relationship to each member of the Rhys family, their closeness had been encouraged with each and every generation. Sei had been the one to decree that every dragon born was to devote their lives to keeping their vampire relatives safe.
"Where's Savannah?" Sherry asked. "It seems like forever since I last saw her."
"Sav's been down lately." Drake explained. "Maybe she has been missing you and Rashad." He began to walk away, "I'll go fetch her."
Liam motioned for Sherry to sit with him.
As she lowered herself down, her gray eyes turned silver. A delectable smell seemed to waft from nearby. It fluttered her senses.
"Excuse me a moment, Liam," she pushed her jet black hair back and searched for the source.
It wasn't food she smelled, but rather someone. Possibly the one if she was to go by how her ancestors described finding the perfect mate. Her heartbeat accelerated as the smell became stronger with each step she took.
Then she noticed the guards' bodies lining the second floor hallway.
********************
Savannah said the words necessary after drinking the potion. Her insides became engulfed with flames, scalding her blood of any magic.
"AHH-" she clamped her hands over her mouth to muffle the agonizing scream while boiling tears slipped down her cheeks. A white hot mist began to float up from her skin.
"Savannah!" Bertrand tried to take her in his arms, but was burned upon touching a bare piece of her skin.
"Let's go." She managed to say through painful gasps. "We must hurry. It's almost--"
Her bedroom door flew open. A stunned Drake followed by Sherry walked into the room.
"Sav? What did you do?" Drake gripped his head. "Why don't I feel--"
Sherry stared wide eyed at Maxwell. She could feel the heat move over her body and pooling within her palms. One little flick of a finger would have fire burning within her grasp.
The one I'm meant for is a hunter?
But how could this be? They couldn't--impossible--how would they ever--
"I'm leaving, Drake." Savannah sobbed. "I can't take it anymore."
"What are you talking about?" He staggered against a wall and slowly slid down. "Why do I feel like you have died? That you've been taken from me?"
"I'm sorry." She knelt beside him. "So incredibly sorry."
He passed out from the pain pulsating in his veins.
"No!" Savannah tried to wake him up. "Drake please--"
"We have to go." Maxwell eyed the silver irises holding his own gaze. "Don't make any sudden moves."
Sherry merely nodded.
The three edged around her to the door.
"Who are you?" Sherry asked.
"No concern of yours." He bit out.
"But..."
She had to chase after him.
******************
It had happened in the blink of an eye. One minute, they saw the exit and felt elation at having succeeded. Then a sinister creature flew over their heads. It landed in front of them then threw its cloak back.
Constantine had found them.
"What did you do Savannah?" He snarled. "Why is your brother unconscious? Whatever you did also hurt Liam."
"Sir, I am so sorry. But I can't--"
"You haven't begun to feel sorrow." Constantine held her gaze, then reached out to torment her mind until she was beyond help.
Bertrand knew what was happening and jumped in front of Savannah, taking the hit of Constantine's frightening power.
He fell to the floor with a scream. Curling into a ball, he cried out for his dead mother and then for Maxwell.
Constantine slumped against a wall too, his powers surprisingly weak.
"Bertrand!" Savannah gently touched him and tried to snap him out of whatever nightmare Constantine had thrust him in.
It was no use. Whatever the vampire king had done, there was no clear way to help Bertrand.
"What did you do to him?" Maxwell demanded. "Tell me now before I kill you!"
"Do?" Constantine's voice had grown weak. "I got my revenge."
"No please!" Savannah pleaded. "There's bound to be a way we can end this amicably."
Bertrand’s screams turned to whimpers.
Fighting his own panic, Maxwell picked up his brother and began to back out of the room.
"Wait!" Sherry stepped forward. "I must--"
Liam appeared, causing the hairs on Maxwell's neck to rise.
"Savannah?" He stumbled forward, catching himself against a side table. "What is going on?"
"I'm so sorry Liam." Savannah whispered. "Please tell Drake I love him, but I have to live my own life. Tell him," she glanced back at the man sobbing in Maxwell's arms, "tell him I'm to marry Bertrand Beaumont."
"No!" Sherry shook her head.
It couldn't be. She had lost her heart, her very choice to choose another mate, to Maxwell Beaumont.
"Savannah," Constantine hissed. "If you ever return to the Dark Kingdom, I will kill you for this treason."
Tears continued to slip down her cheeks, her blood had cooled, giving her a new dose of strength to turn her back upon her king and leave all she'd ever known forever.
******************
Maxwell had struggled to get his brother down the mountain. Once back within Cordonia's borders, he had called Regina. No human doctor could help Bertrand. He hoped that a witch could reverse the effects of Constantine's vicious attack.
Regina worked tirelessly along with Madeleine to find a way to cure the young duke. The potions and spells they tried did little to bring him out of his fear.
Savannah never left Bertrand's side. She took care of him, fed him, tried to soothe him when he cried out. She did everything Regina suggested in between their treatments. Maxwell begrudgingly began to soften toward her when he saw that she truly loved his brother.
After a month of this, Regina finally sat Maxwell and Savannah down to offer them one final solution.
"I cannot bring him back." Her eyes were filled with sorrow. "Constantine's power is too strong. The damage is too extensive."
Savannah bit back a sob. "It's all my fault."
Maxwell silently agreed. If she had only accepted her lot in life like everyone else did.
"Bertrand made his choice." He mumbled, knowing he would want him to try and comfort her. "You were his choice."
She blinked back tears. "I won't give up on him."
Maxwell wondered. Hadn't she given up on Liam and Drake? And whoever that girl was with the silver eyes? Why would she remain with a mentally damaged man she had only seen once before and had a few conversations with?
Only monsters fell in love that quickly.
Was she--
"What I can do is give Bertrand a new mind." Regina leaned forward. "It will take years to make it permanent. You will have to slip him potions until the new memories settle."
Savannah and Maxwell sat up.
"New mind? So you can give him what he was before the attack?" Maxwell asked.
"I could, but I won't." Regina explained. "I'm afraid the knowledge of the Dark Kingdom would cause the new mind to never fully develop. His fears are forever tied to Constantine now. What he's seeing in his mind are you both, your parents, and even himself being tortured by the king and other monstrous creatures. It is a never ending slide show of agony."
Maxwell swallowed as stray tears began to fall down his cheeks. No wonder Bertrand screamed his name and their mom's. He thought he couldn't save them.
"Bertrand will never again be a hunter and he must never know that you are still one, Maxwell." She reached out and took his hand. "From the moment I begin the incantation, you all will need to live as a normal human."
"Whatever he needs, I'll do." He promised.
Savannah added her own fervent vow that she would give Bertrand that life.
Regina nodded. "Come. Madeleine and I will walk you through the potions you'll need to secretly give him. Tomorrow, we will begin the process."
******************
Within a month, Bertrand was back on his feet. He was pleased that he would be marrying his fiancée soon. He was content with the sparkling wine his duchy was famous for. He even took great delight in being a part of Queen Olivia's council.
And he believed his younger brother needed something to occupy him.
Maxwell managed to pull off his late nights out as partying instead of monitoring the boundaries between the two kingdoms. Olivia would join him as much as she could to help, but he preferred being alone.
He needed to prefer being alone.
And then, after a few months of proactive policing, he saw the silver eyed girl.
She was returning from an evening out with human friends.
He stepped out of the shadows, blocking her path.
His eyes darted over her, trying to discern what she exactly was. He could usually pick a vampire out of a crowd easily. Witches were not known to live in the Dark Kingdom. She could possibly be a human that Constantine and Liam preferred to feed from. But that didn't seem likely.
Those humans never left the Dark Kingdom.
He knew there were other creatures rumored to live up there. Werewolves could be occasionally heard at night. There were the elves who kept the kingdom wealthy. An occasional troll would slip out to attack a human. A few families of vampires from other nations had moved a long time ago to the only kingdom where they didn't have to live in fear.
And then there were the mythical dragons.
Maxwell had never seen one, save from renderings of King Dominic and his fellow fire user Sei.
The girl stopped, keeping about six feet between them. "Good evening, Lord Maxwell."
He blinked at the friendliness he could hear. "Good evening, umm..."
"Sherveen Alcantar, or Sherry.” She blushed over her stuttering. “ I prefer Sherry."
"Sherry." He repeated. "What are you doing down here?"
"I was meeting with some friends of mine." She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "My cousin is business partners with William Sloane, do you know him?"
Maxwell gave a noncommittal shrug.
"Oh. Well, he was hosting a dinner on his yacht and I, um, went." She lowered her eyes.
"And what exactly was on the menu?" Maxwell asked.
Her eyes flashed at that condescending tone of his. "The usual a multimillionaire would have. Appetizers of caviar and shrimp. A roasted beet and pear salad. Lobster. Roasted parsnips and potatoes. Complete with a dessert of chocolate soufflé sprinkled with powdered sugar and gold flakes."
Maxwell merely quirked an eyebrow.
She huffed in irritation. "Anyway, there is something I think we should discuss."
"Savannah is not coming back. She's married to my brother." He informed her.
"No, that's not what we need to talk about." Taking a deep breath, she let the words finally be said. "You are meant for me."
"I'm what?" His eyes narrowed. "Are you a vampire."
"No." She shifted, raising one of her legs to take a shoe off. "But we are meant to be together." Her silver eyes began to glow brighter. "And I believe you know it."
"I--" was that why he there wasn't a day that passed where he didn't think about her?
She removed her other shoe, sighing at the relief she felt. "I'm a fire-user."
He snorted with surprised laughter. "Right. And I'm really a--"
His eyes widened when she produced a flame in her palm. Winking at him, she produced two more and began to juggle the fireballs.
"That doesn't mean--"
He fell backwards when she turned into a black dragon with silver tipped wings. Smoke curled out of her nostrils as she leveled a humor filled eye upon him.
He stared at the creature he believed was made up.
With a puff of smoke, she transformed back into a human.
A naked human.
"Don't stare." She ordered, pulling out a spare dress that she always kept close at hand from her purse.
He couldn't help it. She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
Once she was properly covered, she sat down beside him.
"What do we do about our destiny?" She asked.
He didn't know. His world it seemed had truly fallen apart.
******************
He tried to fight it. Maxwell didn't like the fact that he was intended for someone else without any say whatsoever. It seemed that a human couldn't fight the magic or whatever it was when a monster recognized you as their mate.
Sherry began to show up wherever he was whenever he left home. She'd spend a few minutes talking to him, then leave before he could deny they were meant to be.
It drove him crazy. There were times he wanted to accept it. Then there were times he wanted her to never return. Either way he couldn't stop thinking about her. He no longer saw any other woman as being attractive.
One day, he was walking through a park to try and clear his head. It hurt to no longer be able to discuss things like this with Bertrand. He needed his guidance in this. Of course given how he had fallen for Savannah, he probably would have encouraged Maxwell to be with a dragon.
Sherry appeared before him.
He bumped into her. His arms reached out and wrapped around her to keep her from falling down.
She took advantage of his momentum and kissed him.
He had frozen with the feel of her warm lips touching his. Against everything he had was and believed about the creatures that lived in the kingdom high in the mountains, he held her closer and took over the kiss.
Her soft hum of desire drifted up to his ears. Her fingers slipped into his hair. Their warmth was nearly burning. He jerked back at that reminder that she wasn't human.
Sherry's eyes were glowing again as she took deep breaths to calm down.
"Max, I--"
"I have to go." He sprinted away from her.
*****************
Months continued with seeing her like this. He actually found himself longing for her the moment they parted. He still fought against his growing attraction, but would succumb at weak moments to either holding her or kissing her.
Then he began to actually listen and talk to her.
After a year, he finally accepted that they were meant for one another. Once he did, they began to talk of a possible future together.
"Where could we live?" He asked. "I can't live in the Dark Kingdom. After my years of hunting, I'll be killed as soon as I step into the town square."
"I can live down here." Sherry rested her head against his chest.
"Can you?" He nudged her chin up to look into her eyes. "What about your duties to Liam? What about Rashad? Your bond, is it like Savannah's? I can't ask you to do what she did. She suffers daily with missing Drake."
"Mine isn't a blood oath, more of a way of life." She explained. "Liam and I are family." She gently caressed his cheek. "And he is so happy that I've found you "
"He knows?"
"Of course." Sherry laughed. "Liam, Rashad, and I have no secrets."
"And they're fine with you being with a man who hunts his kind?" Maxwell asked.
"We know you don't do it without provocation." She explained. "If you were a sadistic killer going after the innocent, then we wouldn't allow you to live."
"What about Constantine?" His eyes narrowed in concern. "Something tells me he wouldn't be so understanding."
"You're right." She lowered her eyes. "That's why I haven't told him."
"Sherry." Maxwell pulled her closer to him. "Would he hurt you if he found out? Like what he tried to do with Savannah?"
"I'm... I don't think so." She rolled away from him to look up at the night sky. "My discovering that you're my mate wasn't a choice like what Savannah did. And being with you won't hurt Liam."
"Are you certain?" He propped himself up on his elbow.
She sighed. "About us, yes. About the king, no." She finally shared what was worrying her. "Ever since the attack, King Constantine has been acting strange."
"How so?"
"He doesn't spend as much time with our people as he used to. He rarely leaves his chambers. He has begun pressuring Liam to either find a mate or arrange a marriage." Her brow furrowed. "He seems almost obsessed on making certain all possible enemies are destroyed."
"Enemies like me?” He asked. “Olivia?"
"Yes." She wrapped her arms around him. "He has plans for Olivia. He fears she will extract revenge on him by killing Liam."
"I see." Maxwell rubbed his brow, trying to see a way out of this.
He didn't know if he could protect everyone.
***************
Now...
Maxwell searched his pockets for his cell. He didn't recognize the number but knew that whoever had this number was in need of his hunting services.
"Hello."
"Lord Beaumont?" A cultured voice asked.
"Yes." He hurried into his room when he heard Bertrand and Savannah talking a little ways down the hall. "Who is this?"
"Lorelei Lee." She replied.
"Lady Lorelei." He remembered her from his mother's stories. "How can I help you?"
"My daughter and her friend have got it in their heads to come visit Cordonia." She began. "I'm not certain how long they intend to stay, but I was hoping that I could retain your services."
"For what exactly?" Maxwell asked.
"Protection." She replied. "I have heard through certain channels that the dark prince is beginning to search for a bride." She took a deep breath. "We do NOT want our daughter anywhere near that vile creature."
"I understand." Maxwell replied. "I usually don't do personal security. With my brother retired," he grimaced at that, "it is left up to me to help protect Cordonia's borders."
"My husband and I would be in your debt if you could watch over her in the evenings." Lorelei cajoled. "I've heard that your brother is planning on extending his vineyards. We would be more than happy to invest in the production and distribution of his sparkling wine. Perhaps even let it be the only sparkling wine we serve in our hotels."
Maxwell rubbed a hand down his face. He knew his brother was anxious to succeed. Regina had told Maxwell recently that in order for the spell to be successful, Bertrand had to relax. Gaining not only an investor but also a permanent client would help relieve his troubled mind.
"Send me her information and picture. Call her and tell her that since our family is an old friend of yours, that I've volunteered to show them around. Find out where she's staying and when she plans on arriving."
"Oh thank you, Lord Maxwell. We--"
"I'll also need a contract prepared and signed for all that you offered." He added.
"Yes of course. I'll get everything to you at once."
He ended the call and tossed his phone down.
How had he gone from a monster hunter to a glorified baby sitter?
****************
Later the next day, along Beach Cove, Cordonia...
"This place is gorgeous!" Riley dropped her luggage and darted from room to room. "I can't believe we can afford something like this for our stay!"
Hana was puzzled as she turned about. The two bedroom beach house was not what she had booked for their stay. Knowing they would be here close to a month, she had gone for a plain, simple rental without any view whatsoever.
"This can't be right." She turned toward the agent. "We were going with the home on Fourth Street."
The agent shook her head. "You were upgraded by a Lady Lorelei Lee."
"My mother did this?!" Hana couldn't believe it. "Did she say why?"
"It was meant as a surprise and a sort of welcome she told me." The agent handed her the keys and told her to call of they had any other needs. "Enjoy your stay, Lady Hana."
Riley walked back into the entry hall as the woman curtsied.
"Hold up." Her smile held a lot of humor. "Was I supposed to be doing that this whole time?"
Hana rolled her eyes with a giggle. "No. It's just the custom here when one is related to a noble."
"That is so cool!" Riley dropped into a deep curtsey that made her wobble. "My lady."
Hana laughed while dragging her luggage further into the house. "I suppose I can't banish you to the kitchens since you now recognize my rank."
"I don't know." Riley pointed out the modern appliances. "I might be happier stuck in there."
"I can't believe my mother did this."
"Maybe this is her way of showing her support or make up for not showing it these last couple of years." Riley offered.
Hana paused outside the bedrooms. "I suppose that's one possibility. I would have preferred she simply tell am that instead of doing all this."
"Look on the bright side. Our videos are now going to be even more popular with this backdrop." Riley opened up the doors. "Which room you want?"
Both were master suites with a wall of windows looking out towards Cordonia's sapphire waters. The sun was beginning to set, adding a brilliant orange to the rich blue.
"I call the pink sands one!" Hana dashed into it, quickly throwing her luggage on the bed.
"Hey!" Riley doubled over laughing when Hana's momentum caused her to get tangled up in the straps and be buried under her bags.
The two friends had begun the tradition of claiming beds and rooms from their very first trip. Whoever's luggage touched a bed first, it was then hers for the rest of the vacation.
"Looks like I get the nautical theme." Riley hefted her bags and set them inside.
Her room was tastefully done in blues and whites. A bottled ship sat upon the dresser while a nearby table had an old map of the surrounding area embossed upon it.
She explored the large closet and bathroom, thrilled with the large shower with multiple shower heads to help ease the tension of a long day of filming.
"I don't think I'll ever want to leave." Riley called out. "You think we could just make this our new permanent base of operations?"
"We could ask, but I doubt we could afford it." Hana replied. "Besides, I thought you said all paths lead to New York."
"I say a lot of things." Riley giggled as she dumped her clothes on the bed. "You should know that better than anyone." She began to randomly toss her things in dresser drawers before losing all interest in this one tedious part of traveling.
She left her remaining pile of clothes and decided to check out Hana's room.
It was the same as hers yet themed more toward the beach. Riley bit back a smile at seeing Hana carefully unpack and hang her clothes one at a time. She didn't know how she had earned her friendship when they were so completely different.
She was truly grateful to have her as her best friend. No one encouraged or believed in her like Hana.
"Aren't you going to unpack?" Hana asked.
"I will." Riley paused when the phone on the nightstand began to ring.
Hana stared at it too in surprise. No one ever called them directly at the places they rented.
"It could be the agent." Riley told her as Hana picked it up.
"Hello?" Hana's eyes widened at the voice on the other end. "Mother! I don't know what to say. This is so generous to--who? Lord Beaumont?" She sat down on the edge of her bed. "He did? That is very kind of him, but we usually try and discover hidden gems for ourselves. I--no of course not!" Her head dropped. "I didn't mean to sound ungrateful--I mean--yes, but--yes mam."
Riley lifted an eyebrow when Hana placed the receiver down. "What's up?"
"Mother called upon an old friend of the family." Hana couldn't remember her ever mentioning this family before. "A Lord Maxwell Beaumont, brother to the current Duke of Ramsford, is going to be our guide around Cordonia during our visit."
"Whoa." Riley's brow furrowed. "The entire time?"
"Apparently." Hana's brow furrowed. "I don't know why she would insist on his company unless...oh no!" She dropped her head in her hands.
"What is it?" Riley sat down beside her and gently patted her back. "Hana?"
"I think she's trying to matchmake me to this Lord Beaumont!" Hana cried out. "She won't ever give me a chance to simply live my life as I see fit, will she?"
"He might actually be the kind of guy who loves showing off his country." Riley pointed out. "Even if your mother is hoping you two decide to marry, you don't have to do anything you don't want to."
Hana nodded, feeling her confidence return with Riley's reminder. "You're right. I'm certain I can rebuff any advances he might give."
"Don't rebuff him just yet." Riley teased. "We need to see the hotspots and he might be cute." She covered her face after Hana hit her with a pillow.
The pair fell into giggles once more as the excitement of discovering all that this country had took over once more.
They knew this would be a trip they would never forget.
Maxwell x Sherry moodboard.
