So Maxwell suffered through having him as a terrible dad when their mother died, watched him suck the joy and life from Bertrand as he had to take up the job leading, thought his dad DIED only for him to show up out of no where and make a mess of shit, and now depending on if you married him, has to watch said father take away his OWN daughter or his BEST FRIEND'S daughter.
Maxwell, honey, I will gladly accept your help and pay for your therapy.
Book: The Royal Heir
Pairing: MC x Drake/Max/Hana
Summary: What happens when Liam shows up on Milena (MC)’s honeymoon with a request, but she is not so eager to the idea as much as her spouse?
Word count/Warnings/Rating: 1075 / None / G
Author’s note:
❥ This is a late submission to @choicesficwriterscreations CFWC Female Characters Week prompt Day 4. Motherhood
❥I had this idea after playing Max and Drake’s route, and how it bothered me Liam’s ask >.< (I know PB is the guilty one, ok? But I had to write it anyway).
❥Thank you @ladylahela for helping me with review and grammar, and how eager you were when I told you about this idea 💗
❥I used the pronouns they/them and spouse to indicate the LI instead of use their names, because I think this one fits all of them.
❥ English is not my first language / The characters belong to Pixelberry. / Feedback would be very appreciated.
After a whole day with only one thing on her mind, Milena was leaned on the window of their room, at night, thinking about what happened earlier that day. When she had seen everyone arriving. At first she thought it was only her friends surprising her on the last day of her honeymoon, but it was only Liam throwing cold water on her plans.
She closed her eyes remembering his exact words after everyone had their greetings: “There's something I need to ask the two of you.” He looked between Milena and her spouse seriously before continuing. “I hope you'll consider it an honor, even though it may very well also be a burden.” Liam’s face fell a little. “As you know, I've yet to marry. This flies in the face of Cordonian tradition. At one point, I would have settled for any political marriage that Cordonia required me. But now, I've dared to dream my marriage might also one day be for love... Since I have no potential bride, and yet Cordonia needs an heir, to ensure the stability of Cordonian's future. There's one way around it... I'm allowed to appoint a newborn child of noble lineage as Cordonia's eventual heir, as long as the court approves. But external powers are pressuring Cordonia, and internally, the royal court is pushing for this to be resolved without further delay. This is why I'm here..."
And how eager her spouse quickly answered smiling, "To ask us... if our future baby will rule Cordonia? It would be an incredible honor."
Her fists clenched. How could they? She thought.
She took a deep breath and started packing her things, this was not gonna be something she would accept.
A while later, she was lost in her angry thoughts she didn’t even notice when her spouse entered the room, she only felt when their arms came behind her encircling her waist.
She pulled herself out of the embrace and said in a cold way. “I’m leaving.”
They smiled and added, “Of course we’re leaving, but not until tomorrow, babe. We still have tonight.”
“No, we don’t.”
Her spouse was clearly alarmed by her tone and short answers, and looked at her with confusion in their eyes
She knew by that look in their face that if she didn’t say the word they would never realize why she was so frustrated and so mad with them. She took a deep breath and tried to say her piece as calmly as she could, “Let me remind you about two things.”
Their spouse waited apprehensively for what she was gonna say. What have they done wrong? So soon? They thought.
“First: do you remember how we used to say we’re going to do everything together?”
They nodded and added. “Always.”
She snorted at that answer but continued. “Secondly, since you forgot, let me remind you that before we married we only had a brief conversation about having kids on the balcony that night in Valtoria, but we have never settled a decision. And today you made a decision. You, and only you.”
She approached her bag in the bed and when she was almost grabbing it, her spouse asked: “What are you talking about? I don’t understand…”
Milena looked them in their eyes, anger that could be felt leaving her nostrils, in a way they have never seen before. “Have you thought about asking me, for a second, what I was thinking about Liam’s proposal? He asked and you just accepted it without even blinking! Not even a ‘let US think first’, Liam. You see? US, like you and me, but no, YOU just accepted it! Not for a moment thought about what I thought about the whole situation.”
Without realizing she was yelling at them, out of breath, but she couldn’t stop now, she had to say everything that was on her mind the whole day, that was the time and she was not going to have a second chance to say it.
“Milena-”
She kept going and didn’t let them finish. “If you were so eager to accept this proposal, find another woman who’s eager as you are. Because I’m not this woman.”
“Mi, please, I’m so sorry! Please-”
“No, you are not sorry!” She approached the door, put a hand on the door handle and looked back. “You know what?” She said more calm. “Don’t ever think I’m doing this because I don’t love you. Because I do. But I love me more. Have a good night. And in a few days you’ll receive the annulment’s papers.”
“No! Let’s talk about it, don’t leave like this Lena! Come on, we can solve this-”
Before they could finish, someone knocked at the door. “Is everything ok in there? We heard some yellings from downstairs.”
Milena clenched her teeth and opened the door. “No Liam, nothing is ok. And it’s great you’re here, so I’ll let you know already.”
Liam looked at Milena and the bag in her hands and her spouse with shock in his eyes. “What has happened? Where are you going?”
“I’m leaving. And just so you know, Liam, my answer is no. I’m not going to have a baby to be your heir. Maybe they could have accepted.” She pointed towards her spouse inside the room. “But I was never really taken into consideration before they accepted your proposal. I’m not your heir production machine, and my uterus and ovaries are closed to have babies. I have never wanted to be a mom or a parent and this is not going to change now. So, if you want an heir, go and have your own heir or ask some of the other nobles.”
She left the room and when she was descending the stairs she heard that Liam and her spouse were after her saying things she couldn’t understand, but probably trying to change her mind somehow.
She looked back again, and there was Liam and her spouse looking at her still not believing she was really leaving them behind. She stated: “Oh and as a matter of fact, I’m also abdicating the duchess title. Give Valtoria to someone who really wants to be a noble, Liam.”
She didn’t know what they were saying anymore after that, and honestly, she didn’t care, the same way they didn’t care about her opinion earlier. And with those last words, she left the house towards her new and unknown future.
This is my submission for 'gift of cheer' by @cordonianroyalty and @texaskitten30. This is the fluff one shot requested by @anjanettaexcordonia.
Characters belong to pixelberry
Pairings:LiamxRiley
A/N: this is the first fic I have ever written, so i apologize for any mistakes. Criticism is openly accepted, negative or otherwise. Feel free to say anything!
Summary: Two strangers spend Christmas day with which each other, which changes the rest of their lives.....
Song inspiration: All I want for Christmas is you
Word count:2683
I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
Don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace
Santa Claus won't make me happy
With a toy on Christmas Day
I just want you for my own
It was the morning of Christmas, and Riley was overly excited. She always waited for this time of the year, especially Christmas. Nothing is more enjoyable than sipping cider in the presence of her beloved and enjoying the Christmas meal, she always thoughts. Orphaned at 4 ,she didn't had a blood family to celebrate with , but was blessed with a great deal of foster family and friends. Every year, during Christmas, as a sort of tribute, she spends the entire day celebrating with the children of her previous foster care. Watching those kids playing merrily reminded her of her own good days in the past.
She quickly ate her breakfast and made her way out of her NY apartment, whistling and softly humming to the tune of All I want for Christmas is you, her favorite song.
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
Baby....
She was so engrossed in her little singing gig that she barely registered the stranger coming towards her, and crashed right into his broad chest, spilling her reticule's content on the sidewalk.
"Oof"she yelped, rubbing her forhead.
"Oh! I'm so sorry! Let me help with those! " the stranger apologized.
Riley and the stranger kneeled down at the same moment to collect her scattered belonging, and for the first time the two glanced into each others eyes. Ocean blue eyes locking onto dark ones. Damn... Those eyes.. Riley swallowed.
"Ahem" she softy cleared her thought, quickly collected her belongings, and stood up.
"Sorry for that. Should've watched my steps. " then she quickly disappeared into the crowd, not noticing the stranger eyes on her from behind.
Riley finally arrived at the foster care. Loving hearts. A bit strange name, but filling her chest with warmth nonetheless. She rummaged through her reticule for her Digital key card, but it was not there.
"Uh...?"she muttered. "Where the hell is my keycard? "
After a few moment of searching she gave up. "Im not going to get in there without my key card...."
"Excuse me Miss.... But I belive this is yours. " a voice behind her startled her.
Riley turned around and found herself staring at the pair of those same dark eyes she encountered earlier. I'd recognise those eyes anywhere, even though I had stared at his eyes for less than 5 seconds. The (cute) guy i bumped with!
"Ahem" the stranger let out a exaggerated cough and riley realised that she has been staring at his face for a solid 10 seconds.
"Right.. Ahem... Sorry... I mean... Thank you for returning this. You totally saved my ass--, i mean my...my...job". Way to make a fool of yourself Riley.
The stranger laughed quitly. "Well then I am glad I could save your job. But I should get going."
Just as he turned, a little voice in the back of her head called out to her, and instinctively she reached out and grabbed his sleeve.
"Er... Sir... I know this is extremly forward of me... But if you would be kind enough to spend the day with volunteering at the orphanage I work at? We are kinda short-staffed tonight, and there aren't much volunteers. Those children at the orphanage will be quite happy to see a new face. You could spend the with them. And me. If you are free, that is?
Crap. Crap. Crap. This i really asked a random hot stranger to volunteer?! Snap the hell out of it Riley!
Plz say yes. Plz say yes. The little voice inside her screamed.
To her surprise, he gave her a smile. "Id be happy to. I don't have any special plans for today. Btw. "
He smiled, and stuck out her hand to shake hers.
"Liam Rys"
"Riley Brooks". She said she she shook his hand. A familiar electric tinge sparked through her veins as she held his hand. His hand impossibly smooth underneath her. Woah! Are guys even supposed to have this soft hands? I wonder what kind of moisturiser he uses....
"Miss Brooks --"
"Call me Riley. "
"Well ahem, Riley.. it is rather cold outside. What say we make it inside? "
"Oh right."
She quickly swiped her keycard and stepped inside, sighing contentedly as the warm air from the heaters enveloped her. She melted a little inside as she felt Liam's warm body alongside her. Brushing this aside, she focused her attention on the scenario in front of her. Numerous gift boxes piled beneath the Christmas tree... Children merrily running and there... Volunteers mingling with each other and the children... The aroma of the food... And the Christmas songs softly playing in the background. A wide smile played on her lips.
While Riley was busy observing the surroundings, Liam found his sight stuck on the beautiful women he had known for not more than 15 minutes. She was beautiful, in a way that the noble ladies back at home in Cordonia arn't. And seeing her here in here element, smiling widely without giving a damn about public decorum or whatsoever, he found himself attracted to her. And without a second thought, he agreed to volunteer. We'll see how the day goes...
Liam cleared his throat, claiming her attention. "So what needs to be done? "
"As you can see this is a orphanage, so the children here dont have any families to celebrate the holidays with. So each year, myself and many other gather here to celebrate the celebrate with them. Thats what we have to do. Mingle with the children, play with them... And make them feel loved. "
"Sure. I can definately do that. I actually volunteered too at orphanages back home."
"If I may ask, Where are you from?
Liam immediately stiffened at the question. When he asked his father for a quiet getaway before the beginning of the social season, meeting Riley was not on the itinerary. And the fact that he was leaving Tommorow didnt helped either. The last thing he wanted to do was to lie with her, but he wasn't going to destroy these good moments he had with her by revealing that he was the crown prince of cordonia.
"I'm actually from one of the small islands surrounding Greece. "
Before she could open her mouth to ask more, Liam immediately turned away to play with one of the children.
The day went on quite peacefully and quite enjoyable for Liam. Holidays back home were anything besides spending with families. It was all about press conferences and photo ops and disguised motives hidden away in gifts. But here I was a lot more different, the sight of children playfully jostling each other without giving a damn made him smile, as that was the part of childhood he missed.
He suddenly felt a small hand on his shoulder and his pulse quickened at the feel of skin over his clothes. Behind her was Riley, holding a eggnog mug in her hands.
"Not to ruin your volunteering gig, but I got you something. "She said as she handed him the mug. Their fingers brushed, and lingered for just a moment longer.
"Ahem. Thank you. " Liam blushed, his ears turning pink.
Riley chucked softly at his antics. He is already so cute, and looks extra cute while he blushes.
Night came quickly. After winding up all the activities for the day including the gift exchanging and christmas dinner, all the children were put to bed and the volunteers were bidding their goodbyes. Only the foster care staff plus liam was left behind.
Riley glanced around. All the staff were mingling on the rooftop, with only her and Liam left in the main hall.
"Hey.... " she softly asked Liam, who was lounging in a chair beside her.
"Yeah? "
"Will you accompany me for a little walk around the times square? I just wanna clear my head a bit. " And hopefully spend some time with you...
He smiled. "Sure! Just let me get my coats. "
The pair walker out of the building and into the cold, brisk night. Celebrations were in full swing outside. Its called the city who never sleeps for Nothing.
Outside was really cold, and with the softly falling snow Riley barely suppressed the shiver that ran up het spine. Suddenly she felt strong arms around her shoulders and a moment later a coat was wrapped around them.
"I would be a terrible gentleman if a let a beautiful lady like you freeze to death. "
"Beautiful, huh? " she teased.
He blushed. That blush.
They both arrived at the square, staring at the enormous Christmas tree situated in the very middle. The glow of the lights and mini bulbs bathing them both in a gentle bluish light.
"Its really beautiful, isnt it? Riley asked. Just as she turned her head towards him liam's eyes quickly found their ways towards the decoration. Was he really admiring me than the beautiful decoration in front of him? Was it possible that he was feeling the same fluttering in his heart that she felt whenever they interacted? No, it can't be. I am reading onto this too much. We are strangers. Strangers.
"Indeed it is. " Liam quitly whispered, hiding the blush in his cheeks. Crap, she caught him staring at her. I hope she doesnt think i am creep or something. To Liam even the most beautiful decorations paled in front of her, she was more beautiful than any sights he had laid his eyes on. Don't get too attached, Liam. Its temporary. You are going to leave tomorrow. There can nothing be between you and her. You have a duty back home. This is just a little escape from reality. They are strangers. Strangers.
Just then the local band striked up a a waltz. All around them peoples paired up, with Riley watching the couples with a hopeful gleam in her eyes... which didnt went unnoticed by Liam. And in that moment, he knew what he had to do.
Liam bowed a little in front of her, and held out his hand, his other arm draped around his back. "May I have this dance? "
She smiled as she put her hand into his, her pulse quickning, "It would be my pleasure. "
She awkwardly bowed, earning a chuckle from Liam as he sweeped her in his arms, her one hand on his shoulder, his on her waist, their free hand twined together. They elegantly twirled together on the makeswift dance floor, stepping in time to each rhythm. As they glided together, liam couldnt help but gaze down at her angelic face, illuminated by the surroundings. His gaze strayed to her lips just as Riley glanced at him, they met each other halfway as their lips come together in a magnetic kiss. Time seemed to stopped when his lips met hers, and the flutter in their chest intensified. Riley's finger gently curled in his coat as liam tangled his hands in her soft brown curls. She smelled like jasmine, a scent that liam is all too familiar with. Their hands tighten around each other, almost desperately, refusing to let go, their lips moving against each other in perfect harmony. Liam tightened his arm around her waist, pulling her into his chest, and Riley softly sighed as she breathed in the scent of him.
For that moment it was only the two of them in the entire world, all the surroundings fading into nothing. Their little bubble of heaven was broken as the pair heard the the sound of clapping and soft cheering. Flustered, Liam grasped her hand and led both of them out of the dance floor and into the streets, grinning all the way.
The two of them found themselves at the threshold of a quint restaurant, and they both collapsed onto the stairs, still holding each other while wearing goofy smiles.
"So... That was.... Something else.. " Riley chuckled.
"Indeed it was. " Liam snickered.
As he glanced down at the lady in his arms, Liam felt a sudden tinge of guilt in his chest. I still haven't told her who I am. I have to tell her.
After her laughter had subsided, Liam gently took her shoulders in his hands and looked square in her eyes. "Riley, can I have a word with you? "
"Yeah... What happened? "
"I haven't told you where I am from, or what I am doing alone in a unknown city without my family. The truth is I am the Crown Prince of a small country called Cordonia. "
Riley stared at him, then burst into laughter. "Haha, Liam, nice joke. If you are a crown prince then i'm Kate Middleton." She stopped laughing when she saw the look on his face. "Oh, you are serious?"
Liam nodded. "Of course. I have no reason to lie to you. I just wanted to let you know that....that...." He struggled to move forward. "That i'll be leaving for Cordonia Tommorow morning. My social season will commence once I get back. I have to choose a bride from all the noble ladies presented to me as suitors. "
Her face fell. "You... You are really going back... I just thought we.... " She trailed off.
"I knew Riley, and I am sorry that I didn't told you sooner. I understand if you are mad--"
"Of course im not mad Liam. You did what you thought was the best. You just wanted a nice time without wandering about your duties."
"I... I wished we had more time together Riley." He whispered.
"Then lets make the most of it. We just have this night tonight, Liam. And I want to make it count. For just this one night let's just be Riley and Liam, two peoples without any obligations.
Riley pointed to the mistletoe over their head, then leaned forward to capture his lips in a heated kiss. He immediately responded, his hand cupping the side of her neck tenderly as she ran her hair through his dark hair. They pulled apart, staring into each others eyes, then their lips came together again, more passionately this time.
"Merry Christmas, Riley."
"Merry Christmas, Liam."
The night was spend together in Liam's suite, tangled in the sheets and in each other's arms.
************
The next morning
Liam woke up in his room.... Alone. He glanced around, none of Riley's belongings were in sight. A single note was on the coffee table beside the bed.
Liam,
I want you to know that the short time I have spend with you more to me than I could describe. You gave me the one thing I wanted most for Christmas...Family. I'm grateful for that. I'm sorry that I had to convey this to you by a letter, but i thought it would be better for both of us. Perhaps we will meet again.
Riley
Liam reached and wiped the lone tear that has escaped on his cheek. "I'm grateful for our time together too, Riley.
**********
Cordonia
It was the evening of the masquerade ball in the palace. Liam was dressed in his usual black regalia with a matching ornate mask. No matter how hard he tried, his thoughts managed to make their way back to Riley. Be a good prince, Liam. She's gone.
Liam stood in the huge elegant ballroom, a queue of noble ladies in front of him. Each lady he encountered, whether it was the poodle loving lady Penelope, the diplomat's daughter Kiara, or his best friend Olivia, made him realize that none of them were her.
The next lady approached, who was adorned in a white angel costume, with a literal halo above her head, her blue eyes peeking out of the glittering mask. Why are those eyes familiar...
"Hello..." Liam greeted her politely. "I don't believe we have met... Have we?"
The women smiled, then reached behind the back of her head to loosen the mask strings, Liam caught a glimpse of a familiar face as she removed her mask.
