Prompt: The @kingliamappreciationweek day 5 : Healing.
Thank you @lizzybeth1986 for beta reading this.
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Liam walks down the corridors of the ‘Middle School of Maltifao. He is excited. In years, this is the first time he is excited about something. Finally, he is going to meet Savannah after almost eight long years. So much has happened. He has a son! They have a son. Liam shakes his head and smiles at the thought of Fabian.
‘Fabian. I would love that name for my son.’ He had once mentioned in a casual teenage chat amongst his friends.
‘She remembered.’ He whispers to himself.
A smile plastered on his face, he walks down to the classrooms. The class has just begun. He politely stands outside listening to her voice. He didn’t realise how much he had missed her. The children are learning about Cordonia.
‘What a coincidence!’ he leans against the walls and closes his eyes. Soon the discussion in the classroom shifts from Cordonia to King Liam and his Subjects. He chuckles. ‘Its fun to listen the views of these little ones’, he thinks. His heart somersaults with happiness when Savannah describes him. ‘She still loves me.’ But then he realises she abruptly cuts off the discussion and dismisses the class.
The children run out and he faces the exit, waiting for her to walk out. He doesn’t know how to greet her. He is unable to recollect the things he had planned for this very moment. So, when she bangs into him, he says the first thing that comes to his mind.
“If you like me so much, why did you leave me?”
He gives her a minute. He is sure she recognises him. Just by his touch. His heart is beating fast in anticipation. But when she looks at him, his world comes crashing down. She quickly turns away her head and pulls away from him.
‘What was that? Did I see fear in her eyes? Why? Who is she scared of? Me? Why?’
He controls his spiralling thoughts and tries to speak again.
“Hello Savannah.”
“Hi.”
‘Just a plain hi ? Is she upset to see me? Why?’ Liam has a parallel row of thoughts going on.
“Sava...”
“Can we talk somewhere else? Not here.” She pleads.
“Yes. Yes.” Liam starts nodding his head. “Sure. Sure. My car is standing...”
“No, no, no.” She again cuts him. “There is a coffee shop down the road. It has a private cabin. We can sit there.”
“Coffee shop? Okay. Okay.” He starts nodding again. “Lead the way.”
“Please, wait for a minute. I need to inform in the office.”
“Sure. Sure.” Liam realises he is repeating and nodding again. He tries to shake away the nervousness that has shadowed his excitement within fractions of meeting her.
Savannah quickly comes back from the office and starts walking. Liam follows. On his way out he signals his security standing around an SUV to stand down. Its a small village of Lozzi on the island of Corsica, faraway from the hullabaloo of the cities and capitals. It looks safe. He wants her to feel safe. So he quietly follows her to the coffee shop.
“Hey, Maria!” Savannah walks in, waving to the old lady behind the counter.
Maria’s smile falters for a second before Liam acknowledges her forced smile, “Bonjour Madame.”
“Bonjour.” She stutters.
“Maria, puis-je utiliser la cabine privée?” Savannah asks.
“Oui.” Maria replies and Savannah scurries to the small secluded room in the back.
Liam trudges in. ‘She was very fluent out there. Did Kiara teach her that well or has she refined her language over all these years? And Maria? Does she know who I am to Savannah?’
Savannah clears her throat. He looks at her gesturing to the seat across her. He sits down.
“Liam, It’s been years since I travelled anywhere or contacted anyone.” She starts immediately explaining herself. “I have never called anyone in Cordonia, at any given point of time. I have made sure that even my own brother doesn’t know my whereabouts. I am living a quiet secluded life here. I don’t know what brought you here but..”
“You.”
“Me?” she looks at him wide eyed.
“I came for you.”
“Why?”
“Why not?” he questions her back.
“After all these years?”
“Yes, even after all these years, Savannah.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I want you to come back. It was a mistake . Letting you go. Letting you walk away. But believe me, not a day went by when I didn’t think about you.” He says, with his gaze intense.
Savannah shifts in her chair. “Liam, that day when you were talking to your father, I overheard the conversation. I heard you agreeing to him that a commoner will never fit in the nobility of Cordonia.”
“No, Savannah. That’s what my father said. I replied back to him.”
“I know, Liam. I understand. It’s okay. He blackmailed you with Leo’s abdication and he was calling you his sole support. After all, he was your father and I know you, being you, could never say no.”
“Savannah, I think you did not listen to the complete conversation. I did say ‘No.’”
“No.” She lets out a heavy breath.
“Yes, Savannah. It was the only time in my life that I felt strong enough to stand against the odds and fight for what was mine. I had a major argument with my father that day and I said such things to him that I would have never ever dreamt of saying.”
How could she miss it. Did she make a decision in haste. Was it all futile. ‘Oh no!’ she thinks.
“Savannah, I had a misunderstanding when I came to you next day. But you made it all sound so real. I was already shaken and I got carried away with your white lies. I must say you are a fine actor.” He smiles at her.
Savannah on the other hand is thoroughly confused. What has she done? If he was fighting for them and she heard only half part of the conversation, it means she misread all the signs and she threw everything away. The love of her life.....the family she could have had.....all the happiness her son could have had. Fabian! The thought of Fabian sends her in a panic.
She jumps in her seat. “Liam! I am so sorry. I am so sorry, Liam. I ... I never told you. I wanted to. Actually I had come to tell you but then I heard your conversation with your father and I thought other wise.” She puts her head in her hands and pulls on her hair. “Oh dear God, What have I done! Please forgive me.” She looks back at Liam again with tears in her eyes. “That day , I came to tell you... Tell you that...
“That you were pregnant. “ he completes her sentence for her.
“You knew?” she stares at him in surprise.
“No. Not then. I came to know few months back.”
Now another worry starts picking up in Savannah’s mind. “Liam... So you are here to take away your heir? You want to take him away from me, don’t you? You can’t take away my only happiness from my life. You can’t do that to me.” Tears start rolling down her cheeks. “God cannot be so unfair to me.” She shakes her head wildly in dismay. Her fright sets in and she unknowingly squeezes farther into the corner of the booth.
“Savannah! Savannah! Sav.... Look at me.” Liam tries to pull her back. He gets up moving on her side. He grabs her tightly closed fists in one hand and with the other hand he tries caressing her cheek.
“Savannah I came for you, my love!” she stops shaking. “Knowing that we have a son is just an icing on the cake. But you and I? We come first . I made a mistake once. I won’t like to repeat it ever again. So I have come to see you. Only, and only if you allow, I would like to meet our son. Please.”
Savannah wipes her tears with the back of her hand. “ It’s a lot to take in, Liam. Can you please give me a day to settle things. My son...”
“Our son.” Liam says with a pride, cupping her face.
“Our son..” she corrects herself. “I will have to tell him.”
Liam pulls his hands down. He starts pulling on his fingers to curb his apprehensions. His eyes shy away, “Did he ever ask about me?”
“Yes. He is as curious as you were as a child.” She reminisces. Her words make him gaze back at her again, with hope.
She tries to reason, “You know, I couldn’t tell him who you are but he knows his father as a wise man who is protecting lives of many people. He takes pride in it. He knows his father loves him and will come one day to see him.”
Liam presses his lips tight. His trembling hands try covering Savannah’s. “I wanted to be good. A good son, a loyal friend, a just king. But while accomplishing these roles I didn’t realise that I betrayed my love and never stood up for my son.”
“Liam, you never knew.”
“How can I give you back all the years that you lost?”
“Stop giving all the time Liam. You deserve to have somethings for yourself too.”
“ I don’t know how to apologise. I want to make up for all the loss.” He pulls at her hands in a pleading tone. “Tell me how can I abate the fear I saw in yours eyes when you met me?
“You noticed?”
“How couldn’t I, Savvie? I was seeing you after ages and while I was so thrilled about our reunion it broke my heart to see you distressed.”
It was Savannah’s turn to lower down her eyes, to hide her emotions. “I thought I had saved myself from the prying eyes and in turn saved my son. When I realised I have been found, I got scared that....” she chokes.
“Hey there. Shhhhh!” Liam circles his arm around her trying to reassure her.
Savannah whimpers, “I thought you have come to take what is yours.”
“Mine?” He looks at her puzzled.
Savannah nods. “Fabian.” She whispers.
“No Savvanah. Never. Do you think I can be so cruel?”
She shakes her head, the fear still lingering in her mind.
“I told you Savvanah, I won’t even meet him without your permission.” He wipes her tears and talks while her sobs fade away. “I am afraid of imagining how you must have gone through all the hardships alone. I was not there for your pregnancy or childbirth. You brought him up all alone. The least I can do is....”
Savannah’s phone starts vibrating. She looks at the caller id and signals Liam to wait.
“Allô?” She receives the call.
“Désolée!” She starts picking up at her purse. “ J’arrive. S’il te plaît, donne-moi dix minutes.” She quickly cuts the call.
'I need to ask about her fluency in French' he smiles to himself.
“You should go. I was just saying that...” he scratches his sidelock making Savannah smile.
She brings him back from his thoughts, “Liam, I need to pick up Fabian from the day care. I am sorry, you were saying something.”
“You were saying , the least you could...”
“Oh yes! I wanted to tell you that the least I can do is make this meeting pleasant for you and for him. I don’t want to be a monster in his eyes, someone who separated him from his mother.”
Savannah stands up while talking, “You can never be a monster to him. I will talk to him and once he is ready, I will call you.”
“Thank you. I will be eagerly waiting to hear from you.”
“Bye.” She starts walking towards the door.
“Savannah?”
“Yes?” She turns back.
He looks around to check if anybody is watching them. He closes the distance between them and hugs her. Savannah stiffens for a moment.
In a minute that passes, she relaxes and takes a deep breath of hopefulness. She lifts her head to look up into his optimistic eyes. He bends down to place a kiss on her forehead. “Go my love, I will wait for your call. I hope we meet this time to never let go.”
Warning: mature situations, a curse word or two; a smidge of both angst & fluff
A/N: I am participating in this week's @wackydrabbles prompt #125: "I've never seen one that big." It will be bold in the text. Also, I couldn't finish 2021 without at least doing one more Royal Roulette 'challenge' (put music on shuffle, find inspiration from first song that pops up), and this has been hanging out with me since the Spring.
A/N 2: This is a rewrite of Savannah Walker's wedding. BIG thanks to our sweet friend, cheerleader, and inspiration-giver @kat-tia801 for pre-reading! These characters belong to our friends at Pixelberry!
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A gentle breeze of the cool night charms the warm summer air. Fireflies pirouette effortlessly with a dazzling sea of silver stars against a midnight Texas sky. The twinkling of lights cast a romantic ambiance to the closing of a dreamy, hill country ceremony.
She sits alone on a decorative hay bale; her wedding guests remain entertained in her absence by the live music and beer. Combing her auburn fringe out of her deep, gray eyes, she finishes a Lone Star longneck, tossing the bottle at her feet. She picks petals off of wildflowers as flashes of gold chained to her finger remind her of her recent nuptials.
Savannah Beaumont. She used to daydream in school, signing her name with his. She even practiced the surname attached with their future children's names. But, now that she has taken the name as her own, she can’t help but wonder: was he the right one?
She stands after hearing the familiar country baseline reverberating through the dance floor. The sultry twang of the steel strings causes her to slowly sashay her hips. For a moment, she savors the beat, allowing her mind to drain of every anxiety, allowing the inhibitions of her multiple cold brews overcome her senses.
Suddenly, a voice clears behind her, followed by an all-too-familiar foreign accent: "May I have this dance?" She lets out a joyous giggle. She straightens out the skirt to her white dress before reaching for his extended hand.
"Of course, your majesty," she nods, smiling brightly as he twirls her into an endearing embrace. The pair instantly fall into a two-step, matching the other couples swirling around them as a romantic fiddle charms their movements. “Look at you!” She gasps, “You remember--”
“Of course, I remember,” Liam chuckles under his breath, “how could I possibly forget? You used to beg me to dance on rainy summer days, especially to that song, goodness, that one song--” a pensive look floods his chiseled face, his eyes darting into the distance, “--forgive me.” He begins to handsomely hum in his deep baritone voice part of the country ballad’s chorus until he remembers some of the lyrics. “--the smile on your face let’s me know, um, something--” he titters, his cheeks warming into a blush.
Savannah snickers, watching her good friend relive the sweet memory of their childhood. “I didn’t realize I was dancing with Keith Whitley," she jokes, sticking her tongue out through her teeth.
They continue to float across the hardwood dance floor in content silence. Liam twirls the bride occasionally under his towering arm, eliciting innocent laughter from the friends.
Liam pulls Savannah closer. "There's nothing more beautiful than a woman in love," he whispers in her ear, squeezing her hand lovingly. "Your smile," he grins adoringly at her, "I've never seen one that big."
"Li--" her eyes glisten as she blushes. Her face slightly falls, seeing the loving conviction in his eyes. "Thank you," she sighs. She looks across the room, watching her groom share a cigar with other family and friends. Her gaze instantly meets the longing-look in his eyes. "I know our love story isn't typical--" her tender whisper hitches in her chest as she tears away from the stare, "--but it's my favorite."
Liam senses the sudden tremble in Savannah's demeanor. "Are you alright, Sav? Maybe we should sit--?" He drops his arm to guide her from the floor only to be excused by the wave of her own hand.
"No," she feigns a smile, lightly tittering. "I guess that last drink snuck up on me."
Assured that she was okay, Liam looks up, nodding at the decorated man approaching the friends. "Ahh. Here's what you need: this handsome chap to take over."
A brief curiosity paints across Savannah's face as a tender hand she knows intimately glides across her lower back. She eagerly twirls around, meeting his stormy gaze. And she beams.
It was him, her knight in shining armor, the one her soul longs hungrily for, the man of her dreams. Even in the business of the stressful wedding day, he was her calm in the storm.
"There's the beautiful bride," he chuckles, "may I cut in?"
Savannah bites her bottom lip, entranced by his voice, by his smile, by his touch. She coyly nods, offering her hands. He pulls her into a tight embrace before he begins swaying his hips in perfect time with hers.
"Savannah," he rests his chin against her temple, whispering tenderly into her ear. "You are breathtaking. I knew it before today, but--" he abruptly chokes up with his remarks. He quickly nuzzles his nose in her hair. "--as I watched you walk down the aisle--"
Savannah's eyes flutter shut, cherishing the moment on such a special day. He continues softly reciting sweet sentiments to her, ones that she will always treasure.
She rests her head on his chest. Savoring the bright, citrusy tones of his cologne, memories flash before her eyes of the day he found her. Feeling his arms strongly around her reminds her of the day she knew he was the perfect father for Bartie. He's so attentive, always ensuring that she was never in need, even if it meant the detriment of his own home. And how can she forget his charm? His handsome physique? His humor?
Now in this moment in her heart of hearts, she knows: he is the one. She is Mrs. Beaumont. It took quite a bit of time for her to arrive at this place, but at least she is finally honest with him on the day of the wedding.
The precious moment carries them away as if they are dancing amongst a sea of stars in a galaxy of their own, far away from nosy nobles, far away from prying eyes. The music dissipates; the incessant chatter falls away. But, the sound of their hearts beating melt them together as their souls intertwine.
Savannah looks to the love of her life, his smoldering attention already diving into the depths of her eyes. Getting lost in him, she feels the magnetism between them burning swiftly, their thirst for one another growing powerfully. Unable to hold back, she is met by the pressure of his hungry pout on her lips. But, it doesn't feel like any other kiss; it's like learning to breathe again as he serves as the only air she needs.
He strokes her cheeks gently as he deepens the kiss. Their feet have stopped dancing as their tongues take over the delicate steps.
Suddenly, it becomes painfully apparent they are not alone when a violent hush crashes over the partygoers. The music breaks mid-song as dancers excuse themselves from the vicinity. Beer bottles crash into pieces, dropping violently to the ground.
Savannah opens her eyes. And freezes. She feels eyes on her, but they aren't doting and adoring. She can hear whispers, but they aren't positive and encouraging.
They were no longer in their private universe, just the two of them, alone.
And yet, they are still kissing.
"Sav!" An abrupt smash of a crystal tumbler interjects the awkward stillness of the reception as Drake storms towards his sister. "What in the actual fuck do you think you're doing?"
Savannah quickly pulls her mouth off of Maxwell, but her eyes are instantly met with the steely grays of Bertrand.
Book: The Royal Heir (canon divergent from the end of book 2)
Word Count: ~3300
Rating: R (language only)
Summary: Two months since The Walker Absconding
Author’s Note: Different perspective than I’ve written before, but an important character for us to check in with at this point, I feel. This series follows the Walkers, their friends, and Cordonia as a whole after they flee the country with their daughter during Barthelemy Beaumont’s attempted coup. To catch up on this series, check out it’s masterlist. (link can be found via my bio - sorry, Tumblr is once again not putting my posts with links in tag searches)
Bertrand heard many voices around him, but he honestly couldn’t begin to process a single word that was being uttered. People were moving about the courtroom, everyone seemed to be talking at once, but he couldn’t hear anything in particular. All he could do was sit there in shock.
This was a disaster. An unmitigated, complete, and horrifying disaster. He’d lost his title. He’d failed, not only in protecting the good name of House Beaumont, but in preventing his father’s machinations to wrest power for himself.
He knew his father was a harsh man, a man who prided himself on the reputation of House Beaumont, even if he did expect others to carry the burden of maintaining that reputation more than he would ever be willing to do. And Bertrand knew he wasn’t a loving or caring man at the end of the day. But still, there were things you simply did not do as a gentleman. Lines that should never be crossed. And staging a coup for the sole purpose of gaining more control and influence was not the action of a gentleman.
Liam had been a good king - a man who cared about his citizens. And while yes, his actions in regards to the Auvernese king and queen had been probably too passive given what was at stake for Cordonia, the fact remained that his motives were just and appropriate. Same with Lady Riley and her family. While Bertrand would never understand some of the choices she made, both as a duchess and as a parent, he knew that both her and Drake had no self-serving ambitions politically, and that they’d only agreed to raise Her Regency as heir to help out not only their friend, but their country.
What was Father’s goal here in the long term? While his thirst for power was apparent, Bertrand couldn’t fathom how he saw it ending. Even if Father won the Conclave and managed to install himself as Cordonia’s king, he would likely face significant opposition. A civil war, headed by Lady Olivia and the citizens of Lythikos, would not be outside the realms of possibility. Was the mere allure of the potential power worth that gamble? That seemed inconceivable, but if the past weeks had shown him anything, it was that plenty of situations he would have never predicted as possible could come to fruition.
He felt a hand on his shoulder, drawing him out of his spiraling thoughts. Savannah had moved from the first row of seats to stand next to him. She looked concerned, her brow furrowed and her lips pressed tightly together. He glanced at her delicate hand on his shoulder, her nails perfectly manicured, the same pale pink as the tweed suit she was wearing. She looked perfect, the way a duchess should at a legal battle, but that title was no longer hers.
Looking down, he took in her other hand, clutching Bartie’s hand tightly. All he’d wanted was the chance to spend more time with his family, but he’d gotten complacent. He’d given his father an apple, and he’d taken the whole apple tree. How had they gotten here, to this point, where everything felt like it was falling apart?
“I’m so sorry.” He shook his head as he glanced up to look Savannah in the eye.
She gave his shoulder a squeeze. “You have nothing to be sorry for. I know you fought as hard as you could. But, we should probably get going before…” Savannah trailed off, looking over his head.
Bertrand turned, taking in his father walking across the aisle towards them. He stood and spun to face him, shielding his wife and son in the process. He didn’t think that his father would try anything within the confines of the High Court itself, but Kiara’s warning to Savannah about how he was likely scheming and planning around Bartie had him a bit on guard. “What do you want, Father?”
Father raised his hands in a placating gesture. “Come now, Bertrand. I know you must be feeling somewhat burned, but this was for the best.”
“How was this for the best?”
Father shook his head. “Your loyalty is admirable, I suppose. But you shouldn’t let those feelings cloud your vision.”
“Father, if you think for one second-” Bertrand started, but Savannah nudged him in the back, cutting him off.
“Maybe this would be better to discuss at home?’ she asked, nodding towards Adelaide, Madeleine, Hakim, and Kiara, all of whom were standing just a few meters away. “This is a family matter, after all.”
“Of course, my dear!” Father gave a smile to Savannah that made Bertrand’s toes curl in his loafers. He clearly had plans for Bartie, and thought that Savannah might be amenable to that discussion. “In fact, why don’t we ride back to Ramsford together? I would love to spend some time with my grandson. I feel like I barely see him these days.”
“No, that’s quite alright,” said Bertrand, watching Savannah clutch Bartie’s hand a little tighter at that statement. “Maxwell is fetching the car for us.”
“But there is no need to-”
“We’ll continue this conversation at home.” And with that, Bertrand reached back and grabbed Savannah’s hand, tugging her along, out of the courthouse. They needed to get moving, get to the airport, get Bartie to safety. Spending even one more moment with Father seemed too dangerous to risk.
“Slow down, Bert,” Savannah said as they started down the front steps. “He can’t keep up.”
Bertrand paused for just a moment, taking a deep breath. As Savannah scooped Bartie into her arms, reporters swooped in around them.
“Lord Beaumont, how does it feel to lose a title?”
“Why didn’t you return your father’s title to him once he recovered?”
“Will you still be opposed to Duke Beamont’s bid for the Conclave?”
“What are your thoughts on today’s events when it comes to Mr. Rys’ campaign chances?”
“Why did you think you were entitled to keep your father’s title?”
“Any words for the citizens of Ramsford?”
All Bertrand could do was shake his head, repeating “No comment” over and over as a barrage of questions, ranging from the cruel to the sympathetic, were shouted at him. He wove his way through the throng of journalists, clutching Savannah’s hand as firmly as he could muster, not wanting to be separated in this mass of people. At some point, Bartie started crying, no doubt overwhelmed and overstimulated by the crowd surrounding them, but eventually, they broke free. There was Maxwell, standing next to the car. He raced over to them, helping to shield Bartie from the cameras and microphones. Once they were safely behind the closed doors of the vehicle, Maxwell darted around to the driver’s seat. They’d agreed not to use a driver today, not risking anyone informing Father of their plans to meet Bianca at the airport.
It was a tense ride. Neither Bertrand or Maxwell said anything. Instead, the car filled with Bartie’s cries from the back seat as Savannah tried to explain to him what was about to happen.
“So, you’re going to take a trip with Grandma, okay?”
“To the ranch?”
“Exactly! And you’re going to get to help her take care of all the animals. Doesn’t that sound fun?”
“And Mommy will help too?”
Bertrand could practically picture the pained expression on Savannah’s face. He couldn’t bear to watch. Hearing this conversation was tortuous enough.
“No, sweetie. Mommy isn’t going on this trip.”
“Daddy?”
“No, this trip will just be for Bartie and Grandma.” Savannah’s voice cracked slightly before she was drowned out by a scream from Bartie.
“No!!!! Mommy come too!”
“Bartie, it’s a special trip for just you and Grandma. Doesn’t that sound fun?”
She was trying so desperately, but Bartie was now in the midst of a full-blown meltdown, screaming “No!” repeatedly at the top of his lungs. Out of the corner of his eye, Bertrand noticed Maxwell wincing, but he said nothing, almost acting as if he was unable to hear the toddler panicking in the backseat.
Bartie just kept sobbing, hiccuping as he struggled to catch his breath, but somehow still finding the air to continue to yell out “No!” by the time they pulled into short-term parking at the airport. As Maxwell went to the trunk to grab Bartie’s bag, Bertrand took a steadying breath, then climbed out of the passenger seat and into the backseat with his wife and son.
“Bartie, look at me. We’re going to see if Mommy can take the trip with you and Grandma. Is that alright, son?”
He watched as his son sucked in a couple shuddering breaths, tears pouring down his face. He opened up his mouth again, presumably to keep screaming, so Bertrand tried again to soothe him.
“We’re going to try and get Mommy a ticket, too. A trip for Bartie, Mommy, and Grandma. Does that sound better?”
Bartie sniffled and tucked his head against Savannah’s shoulder. Bertrand wasn’t sure if he was calmed by the thought of getting to stay with his mother, or if he’d mainly just worn himself out completely during the ride, but at least his son didn’t appear to be miserable anymore. He might have failed in his duty to his country, but providing his child with a chance for happiness had to count for something.
“Bertrand, are you sure?” Savannah asked, drawing his eyes to hers. “I don’t want to leave you here alone.”
Bertrand just nodded. “He needs his mother. You should be with him.”
“But your father-”
He placed a hand on Savannah’s knee, and gave what he hoped was a reassuring squeeze. “He is going to follow whatever course of action he has planned. I’m not sure what else I can do to prevent it at this point. While I will always appreciate your support, dear, I know that our son needs you more than I do.”
Savannah blinked a couple of times before leaning over and kissing his cheek. “Thank you, Bertie.” She smiled at him, then moved as if to exit the car, but as she slid towards the door, she paused suddenly. “Why don’t you come as well?”
“What?”
“Why don’t you come with us to Texas?”
“I… I couldn’t possibly.”
“Why not?”
“I need to stay here and…” Bertrand trailed off, his mind racing as he tried to figure out why Savannah’s suggestion was impossible. But instead of his typical list of duties, his mind remained blank. The truth was, he didn’t have any duties anymore. He wasn’t a duke. He was just the son of a traitor, unlikely to be welcome in his own home once Father learned that he had sent Bartie off to a foreign country for his protection.
Still, it seemed wrong to flee. With all the upheaval and turmoil Cordonia would be facing over the upcoming months, could he really just leave? Would that make him a coward? Didn’t he have a duty to stay?
“I… Cordonia is just… and I need to-”
Savannah placed her hand on top of his on the seat, her touch mercifully interrupting his nonsensical ramblings. “You did all you could for our country, and I know you want to do more. But at the end of the day, I’m not sure what else you can do to fight your father. The High Court ruled in his favor.
“What good is staying here going to do? You don’t have a vote at the Conclave. The social season will be going on hiatus soon anyway - the apple harvest is coming quickly. Why not come with us and be with your family?”
Bertrand swallowed, trying to break up the lump in his throat. “I can’t let anyone else down, Savannah. I just can’t.”
She threaded her fingers through his and gave his hand a tight squeeze. “You aren’t letting anyone down, Bertie. And anyone that thinks that putting your family first is a problem can go pound sand, alright?”
All Bertrand could do was nod. Maybe she was right, or maybe he was just too spent and run ragged to fight her on this. The one thing he knew, though, was that her suggestion sounded more appealing than anything had in weeks, even if he would be spending the upcoming months trying to avoid upsetting Leona.
They climbed out of the car together and moved around to the rear. “So, a bit of a change of plans,” said Savannah, reclaiming his hand.
Maxwell glanced up from the trunk. “Did I make the right call in packing for three?”
Savannah let out a chuckle and nodded, leaving Bertrand wondering how Maxwell could have possibly predicted that they would make this decision.
As if he could read his mind, Maxwell said, “By the time this is over, I’m gonna be the expert at knowing when my siblings are making a run for it with their kids. I had a bit more warning this time, so I have everyone’s passports and some basics all packed.”
Savannah dropped his hand and stepped forward, giving Maxwell a hug with one arm, Bartie still wrapped up in her other. “Thank you.”
“Yes, thank you, Maxwell.”
Maxwell glanced over Savannah’s shoulder at Bertrand, so he gave his brother a nod. He hoped that Maxwell knew that his gratitude was genuine. Bertrand knew he was hard on him at times, but Maxwell had an uncanny ability to come through for those he loved in the end. Maxwell just nodded back, his gaze steady and sure.
“Alright, my man. Are you ready to take a trip with Mommy and Daddy?” Maxwell asked Bartie as Savannah pulled back, reaching up to give him a high five. Bartie nodded, but clung to Savannah tightly, clearly still upset about the earlier conversation. After a few seconds, Maxwell just ruffled his hair before he turned and started pulling bags out of the trunk.
“Okay, here’s your luggage, and here are your passports,” he said, passing Bertrand a stack of three blue passports with the Cordonian crest. “Now technically, you guys aren’t breaking any laws, but…”
“But what?” asked Savannah, swinging one of the bags over her free shoulder.
“Well, I wouldn’t put it past Dad to try and track you guys down, harass you, that sort of thing. Realistically, he’s gonna know where you're heading, but he has no legal authority to follow you or anything. Still, it probably isn’t wise to stick with the family cell plan, you know?”
Bertrand snorted. “Are you suggesting that we purchase burner phones like we’re drug dealers or common criminals?”
Maxwell just shrugged, then pulled two cell phones out of his pocket. “I dunno if those are the only types of people who need burners. I’ve found having one pretty handy over the past couple of months.”
The implications of his statement, the impact of seeing his brother holding one cell phone he’d seen countless times and one he’d never seen washed over him. He’d been so caught up in everything unfolding with Father, he’d never stopped to wonder if Maxwell had been in contact with Lady Riley and her family.
“You have been in touch with them! How are they? Are they okay?” The questions spilled from Savannah, her eyes wide and desperate.
“They’re as okay as they can be, given the whole, you know, fugitive thing. I’ve got them staying somewhere safe. I wanted to tell you but I-”
“No, I get it. I’m just glad to hear they’re okay.” Savannah gave Maxwell another hug, her eyes glistening just slightly in the setting sun.
“They are. Bridget even took her first steps two days ago.”
Savannah let out a sigh as she brought her hand to her mouth. “Can I… I mean, if we get burners, would it be okay for us-”
“-to call them? Yeah, I think it would be. Just text me your new numbers to my burner so I can warn them to expect your calls. They don’t answer for unknown numbers in case it’s someone trying to track them.” With that, Maxwell handed Bertrand a piece of paper with three phone numbers on it. “Top one’s my burner, next is Drake’s, then Riley’s. Only use these numbers from your new phones, though. We can’t risk any overlap, okay?”
Savannah nodded aggressively, and Bertrand tucked the sheet of paper carefully into his wallet. He’d been so focused on his legal fight with Father, he’d never even thought to ask Savannah how she felt about her brother or how she was holding up. Based on her reaction, it had clearly been weighing on her, but she’d never let him see it, probably not wanting to add to his burdens. He would have to make sure she had as much of a chance to talk to Drake as she wanted once they got settled in Texas. He could help her mother and aunt around the ranch, take care of Bartie, do everything he could to give her that uninterrupted time. It was the least he could do, after all she had done for him.
He helped Maxwell unload the last of the suitcases, but Maxwell stopped him from pulling out the final bag. “Actually, that one’s mine.”
Bertrand frowned. “Are you joining us?”
Maxwell shook his head. “Nah, I’m gonna stay in Cordonia. But I don’t really feel like Dad’s gonna be super welcoming when I roll in all by myself, so I’m gonna go crash with Hana at Valtoria, at least for a little bit. Leave on my own terms before he banishes me or something.”
“You can come with us, Maxwell. I’m sure Mom and Aunt Lee won’t mind.”
He just continued to shake his head. “Thanks, but I’m good. I want to be there for Liam when it all unfolds.”
A wave of guilt started to crest in Bertrand’s stomach, which Maxwell must have sensed, because he spun to face him fully. “Just as a friend. We’ve both done what we can as members of the nobility. That’s all out of our hands now, okay? You are fine going to Texas.”
Bertrand paused for a moment, then nodded, wrapping his brother in a tight hug. “Thank you, Maxwell. I truly mean it,” he muttered before pulling back and clearing his throat.
Maxwell gave him a warm smile. “I know you do. Now go, Bianca should be waiting for you inside. I warned her last week that she might have some company on the flight, so go get your tickets!”
A few last hugs were exchanged, but all too soon, it was time to head in. It was strange. Just a couple of months ago, Bertrand was planning on making this trip for leisure not worried at all that he was leaving his father to carry on the duties of the Duke of Ramsford while he partook in a family vacation. Now, he was in a similar position, except the fear and anxiety over the circumstances had increased exponentially.
Was he really making the right call, fleeing to the United States in the midst of everything? As they walked toward the departures entrance, he glanced back, wondering if he should send Savannah and Bartie on their own. But he saw Maxwell still standing there, and when he caught sight of him glancing back, Maxwell nodded deeply and mouthed, “Go.”
Bertrand didn’t know if this was the proper and honorable course of action or not. Maybe a better gentleman would stay and see things through to the end. But for all his failures as a duke, he knew that he could at least do right by his wife and child. And if that was the only solace he could take at this point, he knew that leaving with them might be his only chance to do right. He couldn’t serve his king or his country the way he wanted, but at least he could serve his family.
Book(s): The Royal Romance. The Royal Heir.
Pairing(s): Drake Walker x MC, Sydney Roberts. Drake Walker x Olivia Nevrakis. Liam Rys x MC, Sydney Roberts.
Warnings: None for this teaser, there’s just a little angst.
Word Count: 414.
Summary: She wasn’t supposed to fall for him. He wasn’t supposed to fall for her.
A/N: Hello, my name is Liya and I’m a little obsessed with TRR series! I’ve finally decided to combine the two things I love the most, writing, and interactive story telling games. I hope you enjoy this teaser of something I’m working on, I have the biggest soft spot for Drake and I hope this finds the right audience as I would love to gain some mutuals in the fandom. Enjoy. :)
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"You're staring again," Olivia shakes her head, taking a sip of her drink as she stands towards the back of the ballroom with Sydney. "Why can't you just tell him you love him?"
Sydney turns to her with a quiet sigh. "It's not that simple."
"Yes it is. You know it is."
Sydney tries to reach for the words to explain herself to her friend, but they evade her. They slip out of her grasp, and the blonde is left searching for an excuse, a denial, once again. But the two ladies both know the truth — she doesn’t have an explanation. Not one that's good enough, at least.
"Okay, yes, I do like him." The letters by one of her favourite writers come to her as she says it, and the reminder makes her smile to herself. People have always been hopeless fools in love, and Sydney is certainly not alone. She never has been, and never will be. The thought comforts her just as much as it makes her feel tinier than a speck of stardust floating aimlessly in space. "I am afraid to say a stronger word."
"But don't you want to know?" Olivia is insistent today, even more so than usual and Sydney begins to wonder why. "I mean, don’t you want to know what he feels for you?" She says, the clarification wasn’t needed, Sydney’s not stupid.
"I do," She says immediately, but the very next moment doubt overcomes her. Yes, it is true that some nights, not knowing eats away at Sydney’s heart like termites taking to wood, but on others, she is grateful for the ignorance. Slowly, the surety with which the words that had only just left her vanishes. "But I think it's better this way."
"Pining doesn't look good on you," Her companion’s tone is disdainful. "What do you see in him anyway?"
"What?" The answer comes to her with sudden clarity, the likes of which she hardly possesses anymore— Sydney sees kindness in his heart, and stories in his eyes, and strength in his soul. She sees his invisible wings, only waiting to unfurl and carry him high into the skies, and when she glances back and their eyes meet, she sees that devilish smile of his that makes her heart skip a beat.
"I see... everything I never thought I could see in someone before I met him."
For a while, there is but silence. Then Olivia speaks up again, softer this time. "Then tell him, before it's too late."
Sydney looks at her, and when she takes her hand, she can swear she feels her own tremble. But then she's smiling, and there's something behind her gaze she cannot quite place. "Tell him," she whispers. "Don't make the mistake I did."
