Word Count: 643 <-- not me overshooting my self imposed 500 word limit. 🤷♂️
Rating: PG13 lol
Warnings for this chapter: none
My other stuff: Master List.
Max slumped against the wall at the back of the ballroom, watching as Liam twirled his wife around the floor…. again.
It was the fifth time in as many weeks that they had been invited, personally, to a palace event. He knew it wasn’t his company that Liam wanted. And that wasn’t counting the time Riley had been spending with Liam outside of these social gatherings.
Museum tours, dinners, and one overnight trip to Paris. Paris! Who takes another man’s wife to fucking Paris?
The goddamn king that’s who. He banged the back of his head against the wall with a sigh.
“Hey, Beaumont, what’re you doing back here?”
Max’s head jerked forward to find Drake Walker standing next to him, whiskey in hand, gaze piercing through him to his very soul. “Oh… I… ah…” he fumbled over his words. “I just needed a break… um… from all…. That.”
“Huh.” Drake lifted his glass to his lips as he turned his gaze out toward the dance floor. His eyes scanned the room until they fell on the source of Max’s discomfort. Understanding washed over him as he watched Riley glow under Liam’s attention.
His best friend did tend to have that affect on women.
Lowering his drink, he turned back toward Max. The younger Lord Beaumont was known for his gregariousness, extroversion and love of a good party. The fact that he was moping at the back of the room told Drake all he needed to know about the answer to the question he decided to ask anyway. “So, how’s the Cordonian Agreement going?”
Max shrugged. “Fine.”
“Fine?” Drake lifted an eyebrow in amusement. “Have there been a lot of takers?”
“She’s had a few.” None of the others had gotten under his skin the way Liam did though.
“I meant for you.”
His eyes widened in surprise. “Me?”
“Yeah, you.” Drake watched him intently over the rim of his tumbler as he lifted it for another drink.
“Oh…uh… I’ve…had a couple,” he confessed with a shrug.
“Just a couple?”
His gaze dropped down to focus on the toe of his well polished shoe. “I’m just really not interested in other women to be honest.”
“Other women?” Drake snorted. “What about men?”
“I…what?” Max’s head jerked up to find the other man standing closer than he had been a few moments ago. “I mean I haven’t….I’ve never….uh….what?”
Drake leaned closer, “I was under the impression that you liked both. Am I wrong?”
“N…no,” Max stammered as his heart thudded in his chest and his palms were suddenly inexplicably sweaty. “I mean… I just haven’t… er, I mean, I haven’t really pursued…. Where did you hear that?”
It was Drake’s turn to shrug. “Things get around.”
Max and Riley may have started dating at fifteen, but before Riley, there had been a boy. A boy that Drake had briefly dated a year later.
Max wanted to fall through the floor. Not because he was embarrassed to be bisexual, but because he was mortified at how flustered he was.
Drake Walker was a dream. Tall, athletic, handsome, and confident in a way that Max just wasn’t. There was no way a man like that was into him…. Was there?
“So…” Drake propped an arm on the wall and leaned in, putting his mouth close enough to Max’s ear for his breath to send goosebumps cascading down the other man’s back. “Do you wanna keep staring at them, or do you wanna get out of here and have some fun of your own?”
“I…” Max gulped as he slowly lifted his cobalt blue eyes to meet Drake’s gold flecked copper ones. He wasn’t sure he trusted his voice or his knees at that moment, but he managed to croak out, “I want to get out of here.”
My first fan art about King Liam during the events of Main Character Energy, when the main character is introduced to him in a ball celebrating the bloom of the Cordonian Onyx.
Given the fact that Riley is out of country for a personal business, Maxwell, Drake and Hana lead MC to meet Liam - the person who is hoped to solve the puzzle. So I draw these pics from Liam’s POV.
I’d like to tag @choicesficwriterscreations to submit this one to your Fanart of the Week event.
(Maxwell Beaumont x OC) in a Choices The Royal Romance one-shot
A/N I know I'm behind on Maxwell and Olivia's crackship series and all its angst, but I need some fluff, LOL. I haven't written for my original OTP of Maxwell and Amanda in a long time and I've actually gotten inspired for a new series with them in between all the chaos of my life. This one shot isn't from any particular series (though it kinda goes along with my new series idea), but this particular fic came about when I found the above gif.
Fair warning: it's a long one 😐 completely got away from me. But hey, I finally wrote something!!!
@choicesjulychallenge2026 swimming pools
Masterlist
Ramsford, Cordonia...
"So, what's in store for us?" Riley eagerly asked as she plopped down beside Maxwell. "Fire eaters? Maybe some kind of aquatic ballet show in the pool? Tightrope walkers?"
Drake shuddered at the thought of another Beaumont Bash. He still felt like he was recovering from the one held before Liam's coronation three years ago.
Hana giggled over the excitement in Riley's voice. "I for one can't wait to see what culinary adventures you have planned for us."
Maxwell rubbed the back of his neck. He knew what he was about to say would come as a huge shock to his friends. His only hope was that they would understand and help him.
"It's, uh, it's just a normal dinner party."
Liam chuckled as he settled more comfortably next to Olivia. "I think your idea of normal is slightly different from ours."
Maxwell coughed and squirmed a bit as all waited for him to continue.
"Nope. Just a normal, average, run-of-the-mill dinner party." He mumbled. "I thought with the nice weather, we could host it outside. Bertrand said since he and Savannah are going to be away, I could-"
"Hang on a sec!" Riley interrupted.
She placed the back of her hand on Maxwell's forehead. A frown formed as she narrowed her eyes in study.
"This isn't our Maxwell." She declared to the rest of them. "He'd never plan an average party."
Drake rolled his eyes. Only his wife would encourage this particularl Beaumont to act outrageous.
"It's me." Maxwell argued. Groaning softly, he got up to pace. "I just want to show that I can plan and host a perfectly, normal evening."
He grumbled mostly to himself.
"Prove I can be mature."
"Who said you were immature?" Hana gently asked.
"Who hasn't said that?" Olivia quipped.
"No one in particular." Maxwell quickly explained. "It's just been hinted at in the media. You guys know my track record with having fun and I just want to prove to everyone that I have mature ways."
When his friends remained in silent study of him, he dropped his head back in frustration.
"I'm doing it to impress a girl." He admitted.
Expressions of understanding dawned on everyone's faces. They were quickly followed by advice and concern.
"Is this the absentee duchess we've heard you talk about?" Riley asked.
"She must like you a lot already." Hana added. "You've been spending so much time together in Hollywood."
"You shouldn't change yourself for someone." Drake argued. "You'll only make yourself miserable."
"This type of change could be good." Olivia countered.
"How?" Drake snapped.
"It doesn't hurt to work on one's self when it's an attribute that you already have that can be made better." She replied in a brusque manner. "Are you telling me, you haven't attempted to be more accommodating with Riley's wants and needs?"
He hesitated before slowly conceding that she had a point.
Liam tilted his head somewhat as he looked at his oldest friend. "You must feel very strongly for Lady Amanda to give up something you truly love."
"I do." Maxwell happily admitted. "This past month with her in L.A. has been the best of my life."
He rubbed his hands over his face. "I just want her to see that I can be serious, not only in everyday activities, but hopefully lead her to realize that I mean it when I say she's the only one I want to be with."
"Does she doubt it?" Hana asked.
"Not exactly..." Maxwell mumbled. "I haven't actually told her yet how I feel."
"You haven't?" Hana and Riley exclaimed at the same time.
He shook his head. "Each time I'm about to say the words, I freeze up." He gestured towards himself. "I'm not the kind of guy girls want to go out with more than once. Amanda says yes every single time I ask her for a date!"
He slumped into a nearby chair.
"Who does that?" Maxwell asked to no one in particular.
"She clearly likes you." Riley pointed out. "That should reassure you that you can throw any type of party you want."
"You don't get it." He argued. "She's friends with a lot of people in Hollywood. They're the kind who host calm, low-key events. Not the kind of parties I'm notorious for."
He looked towards Liam to agree with him. "She must prefer that sort of thing, right?"
While the others grumbled about that not necessarily being so, Liam instead agreed with Maxwell.
"One does tend to be friends with those that share similar interests." He reminded them all.
"I still say that you ought to show her the real you." Drake added. "If you're in love with her and want her to feel the same, then she needs to see who you really are."
"I have shown her the real me for the most part." Maxwell sighed. "I don't want to run her off by revealing all the crazy things I love to do."
When it looked like his friends were going to argue once more, he pleaded for their help in planning the menu and possible music options for a quiet dinner party.
Unable to deny their friend, they reluctantly did as he asked.
****************
St Orella, Cordonia, a few weeks later...
Amanda could hardly believe that not only was she back in her home country for good, but she was finally going to an infamous Beaumont Bash. After years spent taking care of her various estates outside of Cordonia, she was more than ready to get reacquainted with those she'd only known as a child.
Plus, she was anxious to see how her relationship with a certain Lord Beaumont would be now that they both lived in the same place.
Meeting Maxwell at a Hollywood party might be the best thing to happen to her in a very long time. She'd had a horrible crush on him as a little girl. Now that she not only saw how handsome he'd become, but also that he'd remained incredibly sweet; she lost her heart to him within minutes.
Their dates only intensified her feelings. She always returned to her hotel with a huge smile after time spent with him. How could she not when he made every effort to make her feel special?
She was trying her best to not get her hopes up that he might feel like she did. She knew his romantic history and she knew she wasn't necessarily the most exciting lady in his world.
But...
She hoped he might fall in love with her. He was so easy to love. It took all her willpower not to spill her heart to him after each and every kiss.
Perhaps tonight would be the night she could show him that she could fit into this aspect of his life. She enjoyed shenanigans. She might not participate in everything, but she felt she was a good enough sport to at least try most of it.
What if I'm still not fun enough?
Just as she began to worry that he might see her differently and not in a good way after tonight, she received a text from him.
Can't wait to see you tonight.
She smiled while quickly texting back.
I can't wait to see you either. I've missed you ♥️
Instant regret flooded through her over her sent text. Just because they hadn't seen each other in weeks didn't mean she should go overboard. That heart was too much along with her words. What if Maxwell felt smothered by her feelings? What if-
Her heart jumped into her throat as the ellipsis bounced with his incoming text.
You're all I've thought about these past few weeks 😘. Any chance you can come early and spend a little extra time with me???
She melted. How could anyone resist him?
I'll see what I can do.
Sighing once more, she hurried to get ready for the three hour drive to Ramsford.
************
A few hours later, Ramsford...
Maxwell knew he was grinning like an idiot as he reread Amanda's texts. He loved that she always let him know she missed him. No one ever said that to him.
No one had ever made him feel the way she did.
I'm in love, he thought to himself, smiling even bigger at the notion.
He'd tell her tonight. He would rest easier when she was his. Once he was secure in her love, he'd carefully reveal the few pieces of himself he was afraid she wouldn't like. Maybe he could then ease her into his type of partying as time went on.
While double checking how preparations were going in the kitchen, the Ramsford butler alerted him to Amanda's arrival.
Maxwell ran out, pausing at the drawing room doors to walk slower in the calm, cool manner he'd perfected for Hollywood.
His heart thudded when he saw her. Her semiformal blue gown that hugged a figure that made his pulse race had a few sequins sewn here and there that twinkled in the lamplight. Her eyes that had the power to lose all train of thought were unfortunately directed outside towards where the party was being set up. A slight, pensive frown graced the lips he loved to kiss.
Does she already hate what I've planned, he wondered in a near panic. She hasn't even experienced it yet!
He cleared his throat a touch nervously.
She turned around, her smile blooming with warmth and delight at the sight of him.
"Good evening, my lord." she greeted playfully with a curtsy.
He sauntered over and took her hands in his. Tugging her close, he captured her lips in a long, deep kiss.
"Hmm." Amanda attempted to keep from sinking against him. "If that's how you normally greet your guests, then I will insist on invitations to all your parties."
He laughed, wrapping his arms around her.
"I only greet special guests that way." He admitted.
"Is it wrong I hope I'm the only guest you greet with a kiss?" She asked, slipping her arms around his neck.
"Nope." He pressed another kiss to her lips. "I can promise you that you are the only one I'll kiss tonight."
"You better say that." She teased. "Or I will have to lodge some complaints with Ramsford's party planning committee."
He snorted in his laughter. His eyes met hers. The words were on the tip of his tongue, yet fear held him back.
"I've missed you so much." He instead told her.
Amanda blushed, lowering her eyes. "Not nearly as much as I have you."
Stop it, she silently ordered herself. Remember what everyone has told you. Maxwell Beaumont does NOT do serious relationships. You have to be careful or you'll run him off!
Before she made an even bigger fool of herself, Amanda gestured outside.
"Looks lovely out there."
"I'd hoped you'd approve." He took her hand and led her to the backyard.
The large area had a pool with lanterns lit. Tables were placed in neat lines around three fourths of it. Soft music drifted out from speakers. Large floral arrangements of blue hydrangeas, white roses, and star lilies along with romantic candlelight completed the elegance.
Amanda looked about, searching for something that resembled all she knew about Beaumont Bashes. There were no weapons lying about to open champagne bottles. No places for acrobats to perform. No unusual animals to surprise guests with were anywhere near the area.
Surely those she'd talked to and all she'd read in Maxwell's books hadn't been exaggerations.
Right?
Perhaps they were. As dinner followed mingling, Amanda was left even more puzzled. She overheard many guests commenting on how the party wasn't at all what they expected.
One particular conversation caught her attention.
"It's hard to believe Maxwell planned all this." Penelope remarked. "I thought we were to have a true Beaumont Bash."
"Hmph." Madeleine's nose wrinkled. "I suppose there is a significant lack of drunken debauchery along with people doing ridiculous stunts."
"I heard he planned it this way because he invited the Duchess of St Orella." Kiara told them in a hushed voice. "She doesn't approve of such entertainment. Il doit vouloir l'impressionner."
"Then she might be a lady I can get along with." Madeleine grumbled. "It's hard enough to find someone with class now that certain people have joined the Court."
She pointedly looked towards Riley and Drake when she made her comment.
Amanda eased further into the shadows. Surely she hadn't presented herself as some snobby, cannot enjoy anything type of person. Had she somehow convinced Maxwell, a man she knew was fun loving, into thinking she needed staid evenings amongst people?
Running her hand through her hair, she slipped away, determined to find a way to make things right, when she bumped into someone.
"Oh!" Hana gently grasped Amanda's arms to help her remain upright.
"I'm so sorry!" Amanda said at the same time.
Hana smiled at her. "It's my fault."
"I doubt that." Amanda reassured her with a grin. "You're known for your grace whereas I've been dubbed clumsy throughout most of my life."
Hana laughed. Linking her arm with Amanda's she walked with her around the perimeter of the party.
"How are you enjoying everything?" She asked. "Maxwell made all of the plans with you in mind."
Amanda hesitated. Her eyes found the man she adored. She wanted so much for him to enjoy tonight too. Was he? Or was he doing something he hated? All for her?
Does that mean he might feel something more for me?
Taking a deep breath, she decided to do all she could to give him a good time.
"It's been lovely." She swallowed nervously. "Hana? May I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"This isn't a typical Beaumont Bash, is it?" Amanda asked.
Hana shook her head.
Amanda's heart broke. "Maxwell must think I'm so boring."
"Not at all!" Hana insisted. "He has said more than once that ever since the two of you began to date that it's been the best time of his life."
"He has?"
"Yes." Hana nodded towards him. "Just look at him."
Amanda did as commanded. He was watching her. When their eyes met, he smiled a touch bashfully as if hoping she liked him.
"See." Hana told her with a gentle nudge. "He's never been more anxious for a night to go smoothly as he has tonight."
Amanda looked about. She needed to repay the favor. Her eyes fell upon the pool while a wild notion came over her.
"Hana, will you help me turn this into a real Beaumont Bash?"
Hana's eyes widened. Once she saw the determination in the young duchess's face, she immediately gathered her friends and fell in with Amanda's plans.
************
"Hey." Maxwell wrapped his arm around Amanda's waist once she rejoined him. "Having a good time?"
Amanda nodded.
She could feel his tension lessen. She hoped what she was about to do wouldn't upset him. With Hana's help, she'd gotten a few more guests in on her plan to liven things up.
Now she was simply waiting on her cue.
"What the hell?" Maxwell muttered when the classical music was abruptly switched to a club remix of Summertime Sadness.
Amanda abruptly turned to face him, grasped his face, and kissed him in a manner she knew wasn't appropriate at all for a stuffy Court dinner.
She then kicked her shoes off, hiked up her skirt, and ran straight towards his pool.
"CANNONBALL!" She shouted before jumping in.
She resurfaced, laughing and encouraging others to join her.
Maxwell's jaw dropped. He could only stare as most of his friends followed Amanda in jumping into the pool fully clothed.
She pushed her wet hair out of her eyes and searched for him in the gathering crowd. A huge smile slowly formed on his face as he took a running leap.
Amanda laughed in delight when he resurfaced and started a splash war with Liam. Squeals and laughter took over the previous low hum of conversations as many more dove into the water.
Bobbing for a few more minutes, she knew she'd never be able to get near him to hear what he thought about her impulsive act due to the many guests swimming and goofing off between them.
"This was a great idea!" Riley told her as she swam past.
"Thank you." Amanda replied.
Maybe now he'll think I'm fun enough for a relationship.
Smiling at those around her, she swam over to a nearby ladder and climbed out. She shivered on her way towards a table set with the towels she'd had delivered. Amanda turned back around to observe the pool party and saw Maxwell sitting on the edge, laughing and splashing people.
It was the first time since she'd arrived that he actually looked like he was enjoying himself.
I can't believe he thought he needed to be miserable for my sake.
Sighing softly, Amanda headed to the bar for a drink.
**************
Maxwell scanned the pool for his date. When she first jumped in, he thought he was hallucinating. Amanda was fun but he'd never seen her indulge her spontaneous side before tonight. He couldn't help but think that she was definitely someone who'd keep him on his toes.
Now if he could only find her so he could tell he hoped she'd always want to keep him on said toes.
"Hey!" He interrupted Hana's attempt to get Madeleine to jump in. "Have you seen Amanda?"
"Not since she climbed out." Hana replied.
"She got out?" He stood up, searching the grounds for her. "Did you see where she went?"
Madeleine pointed towards the back entrance. "Last I saw her, she had a towel and was heading inside."
"Thanks." Maxwell ran towards the door, pausing long enough to grab a towel, then dashed inside.
His eyes darted over the floor until he saw the telltale path of dripped water leading him further down a hallway.
Amanda stepped out of a nearby bathroom, almost colliding with him.
"Oh!" She gasped when she saw him in the dim light. "You startled me."
"Sorry." He grinned, propping his hand against the door jamb. "I was looking for you."
"You were?" She hoped he thought the tremble to her voice was from the cold and not her nerves. "I, um, I wanted to check my makeup and make sure I didn't look too much like a raccoon."
He laughed, leaning closer to her.
"You make a gorgeous raccoon."
"Thank you, my lord." She responded with a smile.
"By the way," he added, "that was an amazing cannonball you did."
"I have won trophies in the past for that particular dive." She teased.
He snickered, moving even closer. "I can see why."
"You cold?" He asked, taking her into his arms.
"A little." She stammered.
Maxwell ran his hands up and down her back to try and warm her up.
"Better?"
Amanda nodded. Somehow, everything was better in his arms.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" She blurted out the question right as he was deciding to tell her how he felt.
"Of course I am." He answered. He was puzzled she even thought she needed to ask. "I always have a great time when you're around."
"But you weren't earlier." She mumbled.
His eyes widened that she could think of something like that. He'd thought he'd done great at dinner, talking about a wide variety of subjects. He'd tried to be a gracious host to everyone even though he mostly focused on her. He managed not to hover around her in case she was tired of his company. He'd done all he could to make tonight pleasant.
"Maxwell?" She hesitated. "Do you think I'm boring?"
"What? No!" He exclaimed. "Not at all!"
She eased out of his arms. "I heard people talking earlier about how this wasn't a normal party for you." Taking a deep breath, she continued. "I heard them say it was because of me."
She raised her eyes to his. She knew her heart was breaking at the thought that this was the reason he didn't want to be in a serious relationship with her. He didn't think she fit in with his idea of fun.
He groaned softly while rubbing his hands over his face.
"I did plan this party for you." He admitted. "I wanted it to be something you enjoyed."
"I did enjoy it." Amanda folded her arms, hugging herself as if to ward off what might happen next. "I just didn't expect tonight to be so," she searched for the right description, "tame. I've heard of the infamous Beaumont Bashes and thought I'd get to experience one tonight."
Maxwell felt his heart drop. How had he managed to disappoint her? He thought a Beaumont Bash would run her off. He never imagined not throwing one would be what would keep her from wanting to be with him.
"It was so sweet of you to think of me with your party." She added when she noticed how silently despondent he'd become. "But, I want to see you enjoy the night too."
Amanda cupped his cheek, waiting on him to look up at her.
Maxwell lifted his eyes and waited on the hammer to drop.
"I feel such joy when I see you happy." She admitted in a near whisper. "When I saw you smile after I jumped in, it made my night."
He wondered if she could hear his heart pounding. Now was the perfect moment to say what he'd been dying to say all night.
"No wonder I love you so much." He pressed his forehead to hers.
Amanda stilled. "You love me?"
"I have for a while." His nose rubbed against hers with his nod. "I've been too scared to say anything in case you didn't feel the same or don't see me as a serious type of guy you could trust with your heart."
"Are you kidding?" She looped her arms around his neck. "It has taken all my self-control to keep from blurting out how head over heels in love with you I am."
His smile, identical to the one she'd witnessed when she jumped into his pool, appeared once more.
"Head over heels, huh?" He cuddled her closer. "Feel free to blurt it out anytime you want."
Laughing, she tugged him down for a kiss.
"So?" He asked after a few breathless minutes. "Want to go for another swim?"
Amanda eagerly nodded.
"Good." Maxwell laced his fingers with hers. "This time, stick close to me. In fact, do that all the time."
Squeezing his hand, she rested her head against his shoulder as they made their way outside.
Fandom: The Royal Romance (loosely, there’s not much canon in here).
Pairings: None yet
Word Count: 1,961
Rating: MA
Warnings for series: adult themes, any given chapter may contain murder, violence, language, drinking, drug use, etc.
My other stuff can be found on my main blog @angelasscribbles here is the Master List.
Liam was apocalyptic when he burst through the apartment door. “What happened to collaboration, Walker?”
“I called you, didn’t I?”
“Yeah, you called me.” Liam fumed as he pulled on a pair of gloves before entering the kitchen. “After you contaminated my crime scene!”
“Oh, calm down. No one contaminated anything. I know how to—”
“And you brought a reporter here!” He shot a withering glare across the room at Riley.
The unflappable reporter smiled and gave him a little wave. “I’m a witness now.”
Drake held both hands up in the air in front of him. “To be fair, she brought me here so…”
“Just shut up, both of you.” He shook his head as he made his way over to the body where the medical examiner was already crouched over the victim. “Hey, Hana. How’s it going?”
“I can’t complain,” she smiled up at him, “But this poor girl…”
“Yeah. What do we know so far?”
“Blunt force trauma to the head.”
The apartment was swarming with officers. One of them approached him, “You must be the homicide detective from the seventh precinct.”
“That’s right, Liam Rys.” He shook the squat balding guy's hand.”
“Steve Carlson. The twelfth precinct is happy to collaborate with you, but this is our case.”
“Of course, but the vic was a suspect in my case.”
As the two detectives hammered out jurisdictional concerns, Drake made his way over to Riley. “You sure know how to get a guy sideways with people he’s supposed to be getting along with.”
“How was I supposed to know our witness was going to be dead when we got here?”
He just smiled as he shook his head. “I told you that you were going to be trouble.”
“Nothing you can’t handle, I’m sure.” She teased.
“I’m not so sure about that,” he mused.
“Have you learned anything new?”
“You’ve been with me the entire time we’ve been here.”
“Not true. You were with the police when they searched the place while I was exiled to this couch, waiting to be questioned.”
“Well, I didn’t learn much except…”
Riley perked up. “Except what?”
Drake paused to consider what he should tell her. His client had only hired him to investigate Trent’s murder. Sarah’s murder was likely related, but he couldn’t fathom a motive for either Katie or William Sloan to have killed her. So what he had learned didn’t fall under client privilege. He didn’t see how the information could hurt his client, and that’s all he cared about.
“Except that the murder weapon was her own rolling pin.”
“She was killed with a rolling pin?”
“It was one of those heavy, marble ones.”
“Huh.”
“Huh, what?”
“Weapon of opportunity.”
“Looks like it.”
“Just like Trent’s gun.”
“That’s a pattern.”
“Yeah… but…. “
“What?”
“Ok, so the motive was jealousy. Sabrina kills Trent, then gets in her car and goes to kill Sarah, right?”
“That’s the working theory, yeah.”
“Why didn’t she just bring the gun with her? I mean, she didn’t know there would be a handy murder weapon lying around this place. She could have just brought the gun.”
“Maybe she wasn’t thinking clearly. She shot Trent and panicked.”
“Panicked.” Riley raised her eyebrows skeptically. “Then drove across town to kill the mistress?”
“Am I supposed to understand how murderers think?”
“Yes. I would think so. It’s your job.”
“I mostly track down cheating spouses and runaway kids, Riley.”
“This is your first murder?”
“Well, no, but still—”
“Come on. What else have you got? You must know something.”
“I know that the police found two airline tickets in Trent’s possession, and Sarah’s bedroom looks like she was packing for a trip.”
“So, Trent and Sarah were about to skip town together?”
“Looks that way. And there was an engagement ring with the tickets.”
Riley’s eyes widened. “So, Sabrina found out he was about to wife up her competition?”
Drake nodded. “Motive enough for you?”
“Maybe,” Riley’s gaze swept around the room distractedly.
“What are you looking for?”
“I don’t know. Something doesn’t add up.”
“Seems pretty cut and dried to me.”
They were distracted by a disturbance at the door. A plainclothesman was yelling, “Sir! Sir! You can’t be in here!”
They turned to find Max in the doorway. “I was just—”
The man yelling at Max whirled on the uniformed officer who seemed to be escorting him and continued, “What the fuck are you doing letting a reporter up here?”
“Reporter?” The cop recoiled. “I thought he was the crime scene photographer!”
Returning his attention to the man with the camera, the plainclothesman shook his head. “You do realize it’s a crime to impersonate—”
“I wasn’t impersonating anyone! I was called to the scene!”
“By who?”
“That would be me.” Riley stood up and waved to Max.
“You have no authority to—”
She blinked innocently at the officer. “I just needed a ride home. I’m too shook up to drive.”
The man grunted in consternation. “Fine. But he can wait for you downstairs.” Turning back to Max, he made a shooing motion, “Go!”
“I’ll be waiting outside,” Max called to Riley as he was roughly escorted from the apartment.
Drake turned to her in astonishment. Lowering his voice so the police wouldn’t overhear, he hissed, “You drove yourself here. And if you’re really too upset to drive…which I sincerely doubt, I could have given you a ride home. I’m right here.”
She shrugged and gave him a devious grin. “Can’t blame a girl for trying.” Her fingers flew over her keyboard as she texted Max to get photos of the outside of the building and the police going in and out.
He reached out, grabbed her arm, and dragged her closer. “Yes, they can actually! Do not give them a reason to charge you for impeding an investigation!”
“I’m happy to know you care, but they can’t arrest me for calling a friend for a ride.”
“Don’t play stupid, Riley. It doesn’t suit you. You’re a reporter, he’s your photographer, and he totally just tried to bullshit his way into a crime scene.”
“Max just gets enthusiastic—”
“Max does whatever you tell him to do. I’ve known you for a day, and I already know that. He’s young and naïve, and if you’re not careful, you’re going to get him in trouble.”
“And you’re underestimating him. Max can take care of himself.”
“Yeah? And how would you feel if he got arrested because of your antics?”
“Antics?” She arched an amused eyebrow at him.
“Yeah, antics. It’s a valid word!”
“Ok, grandpa.”
“Grandpa? Really?”
Riley shrugged. “If the shoe fits…”
Drake grunted in consternation. “Whatever. Just answer the question. How would you feel if you got him arrested?”
“Well, if he managed to get himself arrested, which is highly unlikely, mind you, then I’m sure his family would send a cadre of lawyers to get him out and probably sue the police for arresting him in the first place.”
Drake blinked. “Who’s his family?”
Riley’s mouth fell open. “Seriously? He’s a Beaumont! Didn’t you notice his last name when you were writing those checks to him?”
It took Drake’s brain several seconds before the pieces fell into place. “Wait. You mean those Beaumonts?”
“Yeah. Why do you sound so surprised?”
“Oh, I don’t know, Riley! Maybe because it never occurred to me that a member of a notorious crime family would be moonlighting as a photographer for what amounts to peanuts!”
“First of all, all the crime was committed by his great-grandfather, and allegedly his grandfather, not him. The Beaumonts are legitimate now! Second of all—”
Drake snorted loudly. “Yeah, okay.” Everyone knew that Beaumont Enterprises was a front for organized crime. Or at least suspected it. No one had ever been able to prove any accusation. Probably because of all the lawyers.
“They are! And even if they weren’t…. that’s hardly Max’s fault.”
“Hey, I get it.” He put his hands up in the universal sign of surrender. “No one likes to be judged by their family.”
Something in his tone drew a sharp gaze from her. “Judging from my research, your family seems pretty exemplary. Something I missed?”
He shook his head emphatically. “I’m just saying, some people may be trying to live down their family’s infamy, while others are busy trying to live up to an impossible standard.”
Her demeanor softened. “I get that.”
“Really?” He sounded skeptical. “Judging from my research, you’re the most successful person in your family.”
“Really.” She nudged him gently. “All that success is a stunning disappointment to parents who saved all their lives to pay for their daughter’s wedding and want nothing more than grandchildren.”
“Ouch. I’m sorry.”
“Nah. It’s fine. I’ve learned to live with it.”
“For what it’s worth, I think you’re amazing.”
“Thanks. You’re not too bad yourself.”
They both looked up at the sound of a throat clearing. Liam fidgeted uncomfortably. “Am I interrupting something?”
Drake was the one who answered. “Nothing we can’t continue later. Did you need something?”
“I just wanted to let Miss Brooks know that she’s free to go and to remind you not to keep spilling secrets to the press.”
“I didn't spill anything she wouldn't have found out on her own.” A note of admiration crept into his voice as he continued, “Have you read any of her articles? Do you know how many awards she’s won?”
Liam frowned. “What’s your point?”
“My point is, she's really good at what she does. She doesn’t have to steal information from me. She’s the one who pointed me to Sarah in the first place.”
“Did she now?” Liam turned a thoughtful gaze to the reporter. “How did you find out about Sarah?”
“I’m an investigative journalist, Detective. I investigated.”
“If you had information pertinent to the case, why didn’t you share it with law enforcement?”
“I did.” Riley gestured to Drake.
“Right.” Liam scoffed. “In the future, please refer any and all relevant information about my active murder investigation to me. The officer in charge. Got it?”
“Got it.” She gave him a mock salute.
“Riley,” he pinched the bridge of his nose with a sigh. “I know you’re mocking me, but I’m serious. There are protocols and procedures for a reason! I’m simply trying to do my job, catch the bad guys and keep the general public, including you, safe!”
“I know, Liam. I just—”
“Do you? Because I have a code of conduct that I live by, and I take my oath to the badge seriously!”
“I do know that. You are an honorable man, Detective Rys. Which is something I really admire and respect about you.”
Surprise flashed across his face. “Do you really feel that way?”
“Yes, Liam, I do.”
Drake cleared his throat. “Ok, I don’t mean to interrupt a moment here, but—"
“There’s no moment.” Liam snapped.
“Are you sure? Because to me, it looked like—”
“I’m sure. I just wanted to impress upon Miss Brooks the importance of staying out the way of an active investigation.”
“So just to be clear, you're not interested in dating her?”
“No!”
“Great!” Drake crowed before turning his attention back to Riley. “Now, about that dinner…”
Liam paled. “Wait—"
Drake slapped him on the back with a grin. “Too late, no take backs!”
Riley shook her head. “Guys, I’m standing right here!”
“Detective!” A plainclothesman approached Liam with a cell phone in his hand. “The chief has a question for you.”
“Alright, I’ll be right there.” He gave one last look over his shoulder before walking away. “I mean it, stay out the way, Riley.”
Rating: Teen - All characters belong to Pixelberry
Category: angst/fluff, ask/prompt
Words: 1.7k, not Beta’d, please excuse all errors
A/N: A ”Brothers-in-Arms" series prequel
A/N2: Trystan Thorne - Choices, Crimes of Passion
A/N3: My submission for: choicesdecember2024; Day 10, snow; Day 30, snowball fight @lilyoffandoms
Brothers-in-Arms Series
Snow Wars, Prequel
Summary: Liam, Drake, Maxwell, Olivia, Leo, and Trystan engage in a spirited snowball fight during their winter stay in Lythikos. What begins as a friendly challenge quickly turns into an epic battle, filled with strategy, laughter, and good-natured rivalry.
On a crisp winter morning in Lythikos, eight-year-old Prince Liam gazed out of the frosted window of Lythikos keep. The fresh snowfall blanketed the landscape in a shimmering white, and an idea sparked in his young mind.
“Snow fort,” he whispered to himself, eyes lighting up with excitement.
Rushing to his quarters, Liam rummaged through his suitcases until he found ‘The Young Adventurer’s Guide to Winter Fun’. A gift from his mother, Liam flipped through the pages, he stopped at a detailed diagram of a snow fort, complete with instructions on stacking snow bricks and carving tunnels.
“This is perfect!” Liam exclaimed excitedly, clutching the book tightly and rushing back down the grand staircase.
He quickly found his best friends, nine- year-old Drake and eight-year-old Maxwell, in the keep's cozy sitting room. Drake, the practical and steady son of a palace guard, was warming his hands by the fire, while Maxwell, always brimming with energy, was busy fashioning a makeshift sled from a serving tray.
“Who’s up for building the greatest snow fort in Cordonia?” Liam announced with a grin, holding up the book like a treasure map.
Drake, ever the skeptic, raised an eyebrow. “A snow fort? Isn’t that for kids?”
“Drake, we are kids,” Maxwell chimed in, already excited. “I’m in!”
“Looks like we have a deal,” Liam said, clapping his hands. “Let’s divide into teams!"
Olivia, sitting quietly with her hot cocoa, perked up. “I’ll be on Liam’s team!” she declared, her cheeks turning pink. At seven years old, Olivia was already fiercely loyal to Liam, even if it was mostly because she had a budding infatuation with him.
“First,” Liam said, flipping the book open to the diagram, “we need to make snow bricks. The book says to pack snow into molds to make them strong.”
Drake, ever the realist, crossed his arms. “Molds? We don’t have molds.”
“Not a problem,” Liam said confidently. “We’ll use whatever we can find—buckets, pans, anything.”
Armed with pots, pans, and boundless enthusiasm, the three boys and Olivia ventured into the snowy expanse and trekked to the edge of the icy lake near the keep, followed by several Royal guardsmen. The air was cold and crisp, their laughter echoing as they began packing snow into their makeshift molds.
Maxwell, already covered in snow from head to toe, announced loudly, “I’m the official Chief. Brick. Maker!”
Drake rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress a smile. “Fine but make them sturdy. No crumbling bricks.”
Meanwhile, Olivia took charge of decorating the fort with pine branches and icicles, making it “look royal.” Adding a small Cordonian flag attached to a stick, she propped it into a turret top.
Hours passed as the boys stacked their snow bricks into walls. Liam, with the book propped open nearby, directed the construction like a young architect. Drake ensured the walls were straight and stable, while Maxwell worked on a tunnel inside the fortress walls.
By the time the sun began to dip behind the snowy peaks of the surrounding mountains, the fort was complete. It stood tall and proud, with sturdy walls, a small entrance, and even a snowball arsenal inside.
“We did it!” Liam declared, his cheeks flushed with triumph.
Maxwell flopped onto the snow, exhausted but grinning. “This is the greatest thing we’ve ever built!”
Drake leaned against the fort’s wall, nodding in agreement. “Not bad, Your Highness. Not bad at all.”
As the evening settled over Lythikos, the four friends sat inside their creation, sharing stories and sipping hot chocolate brought out by the keep’s kitchen attendants. For that moment, the snow fort wasn’t just a fort—it was their Kingdom, a place where adventure and friendship reigned supreme.
><><><
The winter sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the snow-covered grounds of the keep. Crown Prince Leo and Crown Prince Trystan of Drakovia stepped out of the black SUV, their boots crunching in the freshly fallen snow. It had been a grueling day of lessons—diplomatic protocols, strategic warfare, and a particularly tedious lecture on trade agreements—but now, finally, they were free. The sixteen-year-old young men were having military lessons at the army stronghold nearby.
As they walked towards the main entrance of the keep, Trystan nudged Leo with his elbow. "Looks like someone’s been busy," he said, pointing in the direction of the lake.
Leo followed Trystan’s gaze and smirked. Beside the outline of the frozen lake stood a grand snow fort, its walls expertly packed and reinforced, with small openings that served as lookout points. Surrounding it were scattered piles of snowballs, clearly prepped for an impending battle. From behind the fort's walls, they spotted movement—Liam’s blond hair peeked out, followed by Drake’s unmistakable silhouette and they heard Maxwell’s exuberant laugh.
“Oh, absolutely,” Leo replied with a grin. “Let’s show them why we’re the older brothers,” as they moved toward the lake.
Without another word, the two princes bent down, scooping up handfuls of snow to form their own ammunition. Trystan was already calculating strategy. “We’ll flank them—split up and take the high ground. They won’t know what hit them.”
Leo chuckled. “Or, we could just charge in and cause chaos. That’s more fun.”
“Chaos it is,” Trystan agreed, and with that, the battle was on.
Behind the fort walls, Liam crouched low with Drake and Maxwell. “They’ve seen us,” Liam said, his voice tinged with excitement. “Stick to the plan.”
Drake, ever the strategist, nodded. “We’ve got the fort’s protection. Maxwell, you’re our wildcard. Keep them distracted.”
Maxwell saluted dramatically. “Distraction is my specialty.”
As Leo and Trystan advanced, Maxwell popped up from behind the fort, holding a massive snowball. “Incoming!” he yelled, hurling it with all his might. The snowball arced through the air, landing harmlessly a few feet from Trystan, who retaliated with a well-aimed shot that splattered snow across Maxwell’s face.
“Direct hit!” Trystan cheered. The battle began with a flurry of snowballs flying through the air. Laughter echoed across the courtyard as both teams ducked, dodged, and launched their icy ammunition.
Leo, meanwhile, launched a barrage of snowballs at Drake, who blocked most of them with an improvised shield of snow. “That’s all you’ve got?” Drake taunted.
“Oh, not even close,” Leo replied, sprinting forward and scooping up more snow as he went. He hurled two snowballs at once—one hit Drake’s shoulder, the other narrowly missed Liam.
“Nice try!” Liam called out, popping up from his hiding spot to lob a snowball at Leo. It caught him square in the chest, leaving the older prince momentarily stunned.
“Think we’re being challenged?” Trystan asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Little brother’s got a good arm!” Leo laughed, brushing snow off his coat.
Drake proved to be an excellent snowball sniper, hitting his targets with impressive precision. Maxwell, on the other hand, turned every hit into a dramatic fall, faux-claiming to be “mortally wounded” before springing back to life.
Olivia stuck close to Liam, her aim chillingly accurate, but her real focus on staying by his side. “Liam, watch out!” she cried, tackling him to avoid one of Leo’s well-aimed snowballs.
“You saved me, Olivia!” Liam said with a grin.
“Of course I did!” she replied, blushing.
The fight continued on with laughter echoing across the grounds. Maxwell, true to his word, caused chaos by running circles around Trystan, throwing snowballs in every direction. Drake held his ground valiantly, while Liam alternated between offense and defense, his precise throws keeping his older brother and Trystan on their toes.
Finally, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the princes called a truce. They stood together in the snow, breathless and rosy-cheeked, their earlier lessons and responsibilities momentarily forgotten.
“Not bad, little brother,” Leo said, clapping Liam on the shoulder. “But next time, Trystan and I will bring reinforcements.”
“Bring whoever you want,” Liam replied with a smirk. “We’ll still win.”
As they walked back to the keep, they exchanged playful jabs and stories of their victory and near-misses. For a brief moment, they weren’t princes with the weight of kingdoms on their shoulders, or children—they were just brothers, and friends enjoying the magic of a winter’s day.
The fun came to an abrupt halt when Queen Eleanor Rys, Liam’s mother, appeared on the scene, her presence regal yet warm.
“Liam, Leo, and everyone,” she said with a smile. “It’s time to get ready for the ribbon-cutting ceremony in the city.”
“But we’re in the middle of a war!” Leo protested, his snowball in hand.
Eleanor raised an eyebrow. “A snowball war can wait. The people of Lythikos are expecting us, Leo.”
“Olivia, I’d like you to join us,” Eleanor added. “I could use a young lady’s perspective.”
Olivia’s face fell. She had been looking forward to spending the rest of the day with Liam, and the thought of being separated from him was disappointing.
Olivia hesitated, glancing at Liam. “Do I have to?”
Liam crouched down to her level, brushing snow off his gloves. “You’ll have fun, Liv. And I’ll see you later, okay?”
“Okay,” she mumbled, still reluctant but unable to refuse Liam’s gentle encouragement.
A Memorable Day ...
As Eleanor led Olivia away to a waiting SUV, the others exchanged knowing smiles. “Looks like we’ll have to finish this battle another day,” Liam said.
“Next time, we’re building two forts,” Leo declared as he ran inside to change his clothes for the ceremony.
"Or three!" Maxwell added with a laugh.
Despite the interruption, the day had already become one of those cherished childhood memories that none of them would forget. The laughter, camaraderie, and hint of youthful rivalry in the snowy dukedom of Lythikos marked the start of many more adventures to come.
'There's so many different worlds
So many different suns
And we have just one world
But we live in different ones'
❄️Thank you @sazanes @lizzybeth1986 for creating and hosting King Liam Appreciation Week✨️💖✨️ Day 5, Healing
There's so much potential for delicious angst in Maxwell's storyline before him and MC finally get their happy ending: the pining, yearning, the "you're here for Liam only and no one else", the constant forced proximity what with how he basically has to babysit us/mc and show us the ropes as we navigate our new life in a royal court .....
All while pretending to be the simple-minded, immature, scatterbrained, comic relief bestie because that's all anyone has ever given him grace to be and he'd rather mask his growing feelings behind ill-timed humour because he knows you're in love with Liam. Can see it in the way your eyes seek him out at every event and in the way you smile at him – radiant and so besotted it makes Maxwell's heart ache in his chest. Longing settling deep into his bones because he wants you but he knows he can never have you.
Because even if you weren't in love with Liam – perfect perfect Liam, wise and kind and gentle and brave, the future King of Cordonia, everything that Maxwell knows he can never be – there's the fact that you're here on behalf of House Beaumont. You're here to save them from ruin. You're his gamble at restoring his once great House, now almost in ruins, to its former glory. His chance at redeeming himself. His chance to prove to his brother that he's not just a screw up, that he cares about them – House Beaumont and their legacy – just as much as Bertrand does.
And Maxwell may be many things but he isn't selfish no matter how much he wishes he could be – if only so you could look at him, smile at him, dance with him like you do Liam.
And Maxwell has just about enough self-respect to know when to bow out. His sense of self-preservation just strong enough to keep him from staring for too long as you twirl around the ballroom with Liam, breezing through the steps of the Cordonian Waltz with an effortless grace. Maxwell downs a glass of the strongest liquor he can get his hands on, numb to the way it burns down his throat but acutely aware of the burn in his chest as he tries not to think about how he was the one who taught you that dance.
But maybe, maybe, if he was just that little bit selfish; if he'd let his gaze linger just a moment longer, he would've caught your stare over Liam's shoulder – brows pinched and lips turned down in the an imperceptible frown as you watch him from afar, brown hair tousled artfully and tan skin glowing something ethereal under the dazzling lights and chandeliers.
You wonder why you feel so wrong when you have Liam smiling warmly at you, his hand on your waist squeezing gently. Wonder why you feel so cold when your hand fits snug in his own larger one as he guides you around the dance floor, his eyes tracing every minute detail of your face. Why it is that you still feel hollow and bereft when you have the sole attention of the one person in this room who seems to captivate everyone else with minimal effort.
And more than anything else you wonder why you're so upset when Maxwell finally catches your gaze, smiles wider than you've ever seen him, and shoots you a subtle thumbs up as Liam pulls you just that slightest bit closer. This is what you came here for – to be with Liam, to help House Beaumont – so you try your best to quash down the urge to pull away and let Liam lead you around the dance floor until your feet hurt as much as your heart does.
