Plot Summary : By day you’re Billy Russo’s clumsy PA, but by night you’re a host at New York City’s most exclusive gentlemen's club. At The Red Ribbon everyone is anonymous and masks conceal the identities of patrons and hosts alike. But your two lives are about to collide and Billy Russo is about to see a whole new side of you without even realising it...
Chapter List : CHAPTER ONE | CHAPTER TWO | CHAPTER THREE | CHAPTER FOUR
One-Shots :
Better At You
Plot Summary : After the events of The Red Ribbon, reader returns to work at Anvil.
Summary: She left Cordonia with his best friend, never looking back, forcing him to marry Madeleine and leaving Hana and Maxwell to pick up the pieces. But a year later a tragedy to the king brings everyone back together. Will they be able to repair their relationships before it’s too late?
Masterlist
Main: Liam x MC (Dawn Price)
Minor: Liam x Hana, Drake x MC
Series song inspiration: Leave Me Lonely ft. Macy Gray
Chapter song Inspiration: Secrets and Lies By Ruelle
Words: 2,915
Series Warning: Will contain NSFW situations and possible medical inaccuracies.
Chapter 10: Secrets and Lies
Disdain.
It was a feeling she thought she long since forgot. But standing there in front of the woman she could not stand, brought it all back with a vengeance. If she could wipe that stupid cocky smirk off her face life would be easier. It wouldn’t solve anything but it’d make her extremely happy.
Dawn looked around surprisingly, that everyone was just cool with the she-devil relaxing and chilling out in Liam’s room. She had noticed that Leo was there standing at Liam’s bedside with his arms crossed glaring at his ex-fiancée along with Bastien, Hana, and Maxwell.
The blonde set her cup down and with a stoic mask said. “Now that the gang’s all here we can now begin.”
“Wa-wait a minute what’s going on here?” Dawn asked the room looking incredulously at the woman she loathed with all her being.
Leo sighed shifting his defensive stance into one of resignedness. “Dear ole Maddie is here to explain herself and whatever lie she spewed on TV.”
Madeleine’s lips lifted up only slightly as she continued to sip her tea. Where she got a whole tea set from Dawn would never know. “And who says I lied or need to explain anything?”
She smirked resting her teacup back on the table looking much like a woman who had the upper hand.
Dawn silently groaned. This was why she hated dealing with Madeleine, she was always so manipulative. “Then why are you here?”
The blonde softly chuckled. “I’m supposed to be here,..more then you are.” She said backhandedly. Dawn gritted her teeth. The woman was referring to her not being on the best of terms with Liam right now.
“Enough can you please explain yourself.” Bastien interrupted before the talking became fighting.
“Ah yes I suppose we should hurry this along. To start I only did what I did to protect Liam, in fact you all should be thanking me if I had not said anything people would have worried even more about the monarchy's stability.” Madeline crossed her legs eyeing the individuals in the room after her brief and unhelpful statement.
Dawn still didn’t get it along with everyone else. They refused to believe or even think about Madeline trying to help Liam. “And when he wakes up then what?” She tried to probe further.
Madeleine shrugged. She knew what she hoped would happen and would never tell them that. What Liam did after waking was of no concern to her; she'd prefer it if he didn’t wake at all but she wouldn’t count her blessings.
Leo groaned feeling so sorry that he abdicated and forced Madeleine on Liam. He was honestly surprised they lasted as long as they did. His brother was a lot of things and he suspected a glutton for punishment was probably one of them.
He admired Liam seeing as the only reason he stuck with her was for the sake of Cordonia. Cordonia was lucky to have a king like Liam who’d sacrifice his happiness for his people. It was one of the reasons why Leo abdicated in the first place. The spare was more fitting for the job then the firstborn. He knew it, his father knew it, Regina knew it and even the citizens knew it. Everyone doubted him except for one. Liam foolishly believed that Leo could actually be king.
He remembered vividly Liam’s reaction to his news of abdicating. Liam was actually understanding even though what limited freedom he had was being taken away. He didn’t even try to fight for Leo to stay. His brother’s words were nothing but optimism and hopefulness that Leo’ll find happiness all while reassuring him that he still believed he would have made a great king.
And as he walked away that night a burden had been lifted from his shoulders, but what he didn’t realize was that that burden didn’t just disappear into thin air, but it transferred over to his own little brother. He was the selfish one and Liam was the selfless one. Like yin and yang...now look where they are.
Leo’s thoughts were all over the place but he focused on one question he had. “See I just don’t get it. Once Liam awakens he’ll out you and all of Cordonia will hate you for lying. So let’s not sit here and act like you’re doing this out of the goodness of your cold dead heart. What is it you want Madeleine?”
The blonde devil grinned almost jokingly at her ex-fiancé before replying. “If he wakes up.” With those words a palpable silence settled over the room like dark clouds. Her words were sharp and cut through each and every one of them. It affected them so much they didn’t even realize she ignored the majority of what Leo asked.
Madeleine read everyone like a book. The startled looks upon their face at her witty joke was quite entertaining. She suspected none of them had accepted the fact that Liam could possibly never wake up, and from their reactions her suspicions were correct.
“The only thing I get out of this is not having to watch the monarchy crumble and like it or not this baby is the key to that.” Although none of them could tell how truthful she was being they were aware of her love for Cordonia. Nonetheless they were all so sick of Madeleine’s lies especially about a child that didn't exist. It was why they were sitting there talking with the woman in the first place.
Hana shook her head with a harsh look in her eyes. Despite living in the palace she made sure to avoid Madeleine as much as possible and she succeeded too. But that only made her more susceptible to Madeleine's attempts of getting under people’s skin and manipulating their emotions.
Does it matter what she says can’t Regina come out and say that Madeleine is lying? That’d clear everything up. Right?” The last thing Liam needed when he awakes is putting out fires Madeleine caused.
“Regina agrees with my plan. Bastien I’m sure you’re informed about this correct?”
“According to the Queen Mother coming out with the truth right now would only make things worse. She thinks we should hold out until Liam wakes up.” Drake scoffed. He honestly wouldn’t be surprised if both Madeleine and Regina were behind the whole thing.
He was endlessly being reminded why he left in the first place and Madeleine was only making it worse.
“And what happens if he doesn’t wake up before Madeleine is supposed to start “showing”?” He wondered aloud not really expecting an answer.
“It's handled.” Was all she said in response to his question. Those three words only left everyone feeling uneasy. What she meant about it’s handled they didn’t know but desperately wanted to find out.
“Now there is another reason why I’m here and it’s in regard to our king.” She stood from her spot on the couch and walked over to her former husband’s bedside. “I think we should start figuring out who’s responsible for Liam’s current state starting with Hana.” She spoke. Or more accurately, declared.
It was the loudest silence they’d ever heard after Madeleine's outrageous idea. Hana sat there looking like a deer in front of headlights. Maxwell audibly gasped as everyone else looked just as stunned as Hana.
Dawn stared down the blonde with so much hate she’d swore she could burn the woman. “And why would we do that?” She growled as Madeleine stared stoically at Liam.
“Hm?” Madeleine looked over at her as if she was just a mere fly who had no importance in the conversation at hand.
She rolled her eyes as if giving an answer was such an inconvenience. And it was, to Madeleine. So as she answered she went back to her spot on the couch. “If you must know Hana here was in the room when His Majesty went unconscious. If she has nothing to hide then this should be quick and easy right?”
Dawn and Drake looked to Bastien for confirmation. Bastien nodded stiffly as he eyed Hana who still seemed to be stuck in place even when Maxwell tried to talk to her.
“Try not to look so down thanks to this baby and my plan His Majesty wouldn’t be forced by the council to immediately have another social season to find the next queen and have an heir. Now you two won’t have to be rivals after the king’s heart once again, but I do wonder if it’d go the same way it did last time?” She grinned wickedly as she pretended to think about the different scenario. Her plan worked wonderfully when sweet innocent Hana stood suddenly and ran out of the room with Maxwell following behind her to make sure she’s all right.
Dawn crossed her arms, she wouldn’t admit it aloud but she saw some truth to Madeleine's outlandish statement. If Liam was to awaken, due to him almost dying they’d want him to marry and produce an heir as soon as possible.
She silently wondered if she’d do it again just to be with Liam. And would Hana do it again to be with Liam as well? Her thoughts were a jumbled mess thanks to Madeleine’s words. She was sure the woman thrived on deception, lies, and manipulation.
Dawn narrowed her eyes watching as Madeleine stood again and stretched before wickedly grinning at her with a hand over her belly. “Now if you’ll excuse me, the heir is getting a little hungry. You have your orders.” With those words she left leaving in her wake a room full of pissed off individuals.
And even after all of that they still never got a confirmed answer to their silent question of whether Madeleine was pregnant or not.
“Are we really going to sit here and believe that Madeleine’s fine with diving on the sword?” She questioned aloud as everyone seemed to drop their defenses except for Bastien of course.
Leo scoffed now sitting where Madeleine sat. “Who knows? She has a habit of mixing lies with bits of truth.” He said with a shrug.
Dawn agreed reluctantly, closing her eyes and letting out a calming breath. Her heart was pounding after stepping out of the boxing ring with Madeleine. Instead of punches being thrown it was words that hit like punches that were being used.
And even while standing in the same room as Liam she’s never missed him more.
She opened her eyes, brown orbs immediately landing on Liam and noticing something different about him. She rushed over to his bedside and watched his slightly parted lips now no longer on the ventilator; she assumed the antibodies were working if so.
Those very lips that spoke words with such eloquence. Lips that she fondly remembered kissed her as if it was the last time and left her weak and speechless every time.
There was always a hunger whenever he’d kissed her. A hunger for her that often left her lips swollen and bruised from the ferocity alone. She traced his slightly chapped lips almost in a trance, missing Bastien's exit and almost missing Leo’s next words.
“So what are you two doing here?” He was well aware of what happened between them and Liam. Although Liam didn’t describe it in great detail he assumed they fell in love and ran away together so it was surprising to hear that they’re in Cordonia.
Drake looked from Dawn to Leo and groaned. He’d have to be the one to answer Leo’s question he realized. “To make things right.” Leo looked conflicted for a moment before he schooled his features into an emotionless mask.
He noticed the shift immediately and knew he’d have to give him something more than that for a reason. Leo wasn’t one to be stoic in fact he sucked at it preferring to show how he really felt. Another reason why he wouldn’t make a good king.
“Make things right?” He repeated almost mockingly. “My brother is a forgiving man especially to those he cares about but even this is pushing the limits. You’ve broken that trust that you’ll probably never get back no matter wha—“
“I’m prepared to do whatever it takes.” She swiftly interrupted looking Leo dead in his icy blue eyes that reminded her of Liam’s. And that strength she was desperately searching for came to her tenfold. “Even if it takes days, months, years I’ll wait.” She said with such conviction it nearly blew Leo away. At that moment he remembered Liam’s words when describing Dawn. That raw passion and determination to do what needs to be done to accomplish whatever goal she set for herself.
Leo closed his eyes and smirked. “I see.”
Dawn narrowed her eyes waiting for something else. “Well good luck on your endeavor.” He grinned his blue eyes shining mischievously and something else she couldn’t pinpoint. Drake rolled his eyes knowing that look Leo was throwing Dawn.
“Cut it out she isn’t interested.”
“Hey I’m only kidding! I’m a lot of things but I would never go after the girl my brother has a thing for.” Leo realized what he said and watched Drake shift uncomfortably.
Dawn also noticed the exchange and quickly changed the subject. “So once the council finds out about this lie is it true that Liam will have another social season?”
“You believe it’s a lie?” Leo said with shock in his voice.
“And you don’t!?” She asked incredulously.
“Of course I just wasn’t expecting you to.” She sighed with relief, her shoulders sinking. He could have definitely phrased that better instead of giving her a heart attack. “But to answer your question they’d most definitely do another social season unless Liam finds someone to marry before then.”
Drake groaned, “of course he would, it's never easy when it comes to the damn council.”
Dawn bit her bottom lip wholeheartedly agreeing. It was never easy and has never been easy for them. She guessed that would make things boring.
“I’m going to go find Hana and Maxwell.” Hopefully they’ll want me around, she silently added to herself as she walked out of the hospital room. Leaving only two behind.
“Something’s on your mind.”
Drake gave Leo a “no shit” look. Everything was on his mind and the last thing he needed was Leo’s stupid question to also be on his mind.
“You know what I mean. Despite everything I’m referring to your relationship with Liam and Dawn. I’m not blind and Liam also won’t be blind to that lovestruck look in your eye whenever you look at her.” He ran his fingers through his hair releasing a long breath. “You’re going to make her goal harder to achieve.”
Drake bit his tongue to stop himself from lashing out. He knew that Leo was right, but what could he possibly do? He can’t just turn off his feelings. Drake didn’t want to just leave because he also wanted to make amends with Liam
“Unless that’s your plan.” He said looking suspiciously at Drake who looked slightly offended but that quickly dropped into one of guilt.
But still he didn’t defend himself because just days ago he was trying to influence Dawn’s decision on being with Liam. He’d be a hypocrite if he even tried denying it so he just looked down with shame in his eyes.
Leo must have realized that so he also stopped talking and processed the information. An intense silence settled over them that neither was too keen on breaking. Drake knew that Leo was disappointed, nothing he wasn’t currently feeling about himself.
So they sat there with nothing more to say to each other. But a constant click from outside of the door caught their attention and it was getting louder the closer it got to the room.
Then it stopped.
Leo and Drake looked from each other to the door both equally on guard. Hearts pounding and a fear took over that maybe someone was coming to finish the job on Liam. It was an irrational fear since the floor was as heavily guarded as the palace. Then who was it at the door?
Luckily they didn’t have to wait long because with the fierceness of a dragon the door shot open, and on the other side was a familiar redhead with a scowl so deep it looked like it was ingrained on her face.
Drake at that moment knew he was a dead man from the way her eyes immediately narrowed dangerously on him. She stepped in and slammed the door behind her the sound of clicking now making sense. He looked down at her feet where maybe the sharpest heels he’d ever seen were.
Yep, he was a dead man and that thought was only strengthened when Leo looked first amusedly at him then stood up.
“I’m going to check if there’s any update from Bas. You crazy kids better not have too much fun now.” He laughed heartily the whole way to the door and when the door shut behind him, this time it sounded like a jail cell locking and being bolted shut.
He slid further down on the sofa as Olivia just continued to stare. He felt trapped and under her watchful gaze he felt like prey. Drake at that moment desperately needed a glass of whiskey.
Once again he thought to himself that he was indeed a dead man.
Alright! So! Here’s a masterlist of everything I have posted for RWBY! I’ll try to keep it up to date but... ya know... sometimes I forget things. Broken down by main pairing and listed alphabetically! Also, an asterisk (*) denotes part of a one shot collection on FFN/AO3 and bold indicates explicit NSFW elements.
Monochrome (Weiss x Blake)
Black Cat Song (Nightmare Before Christmas AU) | FFN | AO3
Catlantis (Atlantis AU) | One Shot
Defector (AU) | FFN | AO3
Expectations (College AU) | Part 1
Fighting for Us (Military AU) | FFN | AO3
Fortune (Rags to Riches) | One Shot
Day Off (Holiday) | One Shot
It’s Funnier in French (Modern AU) | FFN | AO3 | One Shot
Just Go With It (Booty Call AU) | One Shot
Leader (Voltron AU) | One Shot
Let It Go (Frozen AU) | One Shot
Little Steps (Angel and Demon AU) | One Shot
Looking Back (Modern? AU) | FFN | AO3
Loyalty (quasi-military AU) | FFN | AO3
Of Love and Politics (Escort AU) | FFN | AO3 | Part 1 | Part 2
Pour Enough (Prohibition AU) | FFN | AO3
Private Dance (Stripper AU) | FFN | AO3 | One Shot
Risque (Generic AU) | One Shot
Saga of the Dango (Future Fic) | FFN | AO3 | Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5
Speak Now (Canon Divergent AU) | FFN | AO3
Stranger Than Fiction (Actor AU) | Part 1
The Partner Swap Mission (Canon Divergent AU) | FFN | AO3 | One Shot
Tis The Season (Black Cat Song Universe) | One Shot
This and That (Sharing) | One Shot
Truth and Fiction (Writer/Editor AU) | One Shot
Wrong Side of Heaven (Angel and Demon AU) | FFN | AO3 | Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6
Elderburn (Winter x Yang)
A Little Surprising (Short!Winter AU)* | One Shot
A New Tradition (Family AU)* | One Shot
All the Steps (Post Series AU) | FFN | AO3 | One Shot
Balance (Greek Myth AU)* | One Shot
Beaten (Ace!Yang AU Pt 2) | FFN | AO3 | One Shot
Bonded (Werewolf!Winter AU) | One Shot
Broken (Ace!Yang AU Pt 1) | FFN | AO3 | Part One
By Moonlight (Werewolf!Winter AU) | FFN | AO3 | Part One / Part Two / Part Three / Part Four / Part Five / Part Six / Part Seven
Captain’s Orders (Pirate AU)* | One Shot
Christmas* | One Shot
Danger Line (Missing In Action)* | One Shot
Drastic Measures (Generic Future AU) | FFN | AO3 | One Shot
Detective Weiss (Generic Future AU) | One Shot
Did You Know? (Texting AU) | Part One |
Enough (Zombieland AU)* | One Shot
Family Business (Mafia AU) | One Shot
Frost Fire (Frozen/Tangled AU)* | One Shot
Holding Hands (Generic Future AU)* | One Shot
Idol Worship (Figurine AU) | One Shot
Job Description (Bodyguard AU) | Part 1 /
Late Bloomer (Werewolf!Winter AU) | One Shot
Losing Sleep (Losing Sleep AU) | Parts 1-6 / Parts 7-12 / Parts 13-18 / Parts 19-25
Oh, My Mistake (Generic AU)* | One Shot
Over a Cup (Coffee Shop AU)* | One Shot
Package Deal (Grimm Sanctuary AU) | One Shot
Redline (Racing AU) | Isle of Man
Right with You (RWBY Rock AU Pt 1) | FFN | AO3 | One Shot
Roadside Attraction (Car Trouble AU)* | One Shot
Rough Edges* | One Shot
Served (Restaurant AU)* | One Shot
Snowdragon Tales (One Shot Collection) | FFN | AO3
Ten Years (Revenge AU)* | One Shot
That Just Happened (Roommate AU)* | One Shot
The First Time, Every Time (Soulmate AU)* | One Shot
The Right to Rock Steady (RWBY Rock AU Pt 2) | One Shot
Tip of the Tongue (Teacher/Student AU) | FFN | AO3 | One Shot
Watch Over Me (Rehab AU)* | Part Two
Watch Over You (Rehab AU)* | Part One
Whatever Form You Take (Genderfluid!Yang, Trans!Winter AU)* | One Shot
Wrong Number (Hook Up AU) | Part 1 |
Monochrome & Elderburn
Countdown (Countdown AU) | FFN | AO3 | Part 1 / Part 2
Conservation (Mermaid!Schnees AU) | Part 1 /
Dear Diary (Modern AU) | June / July /
Family Reunion (High Fantasy AU) | FFN | AO3 | One Shot
Fine Print (Lil Demon!Weiss AU) | Part 1 /
Grease Monkey (Mechanic!Schnees AU)* | One Shot
I Fought the Law (Western!AU) | Part 1 |
Joint Venture (Business AU) | FFN | AO3 | Part 1 /
Kindred (Single Parent AU) | FFN | AO3 | Part 1 /
My Road to You (Soulmates AU) | One Shot
Omega’s Strength (Omegaverse AU) | Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 /
Ruby Knows | Who’s the Top | Giving Advice
Southern Schnees AU | Knock ‘Em Down
Superhero AU | I Need A Hero* | Till The Morning Light
The Burdens We Bear (Empress!Yang AU) | Part 1 / Part 2 /
Weiss Schnee Vs The World | Opening Sequence / Tutorial / Ex #1 / Side Quest #1 / Ex #2 / Ex #3 / Side Quest #2 / Ex #4 / Ex #5 & 6 / Game Over / Ex # 7 / End Credits
Your Military Left (Fighting For Us AU) | Part 1 |
Freezerburn (Weiss x Yang)
Awkward Theatre* (Generic AU) | One Shot
Best/Worst Couple (Modern AU)* | One Shot
Everyone’s A Critic (Soulmate AU) | One Shot
Headphones (Canon Verse)* | One Shot
Price to Pay (Dragon!Weiss AU) | FFN | AO3 | Part 1
Princess and the Puns (One Shot Collection) | FFN | AO3
Proposal (Generic AU) | One Shot
Silence (Fantasy AU)* | One Shot
Sweaters | One Shot
The Spider (Modern AU)* | One Shot
Queens of Vale (Arranged Marriage AU) | FFN | AO3 | Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10
Pyrruby (Ruby x Pyrrha)
Expectations (College AU) | Part 2 / Part 5
SolarFlare (Yang x Sun)
Expectations (College AU) | Part 3
Planning Ahead (Generic Future AU) | One Shot
Ladybug (Ruby x Blake)
Birthday Present | One Shot
Winter Rose (Ruby x Winter)
Dishonored (Dystopian AU) | Prologue | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Epilogue
Iced Coffee (Weiss x Coco)
Cuddle Bug (White Tiger!Weiss AU) | AO3 | One Shot
White Tiger (Winter x Sienna)
Carry Me Home
Bee’s Schnee (Weiss x Blake x Yang)
Everything’s Going To Be Fine (Modern AU)* | One Shot
Forever Together (Ladyhawke AU) | One Shot
Handle With Care (OOO prequel)* | One Shot
Odd One Out (Next Gen Fic)* | One Shot
Partners (Canon Divergent AU) | FFN | AO3
Weiss is the New Blake (Generic AU)* | One Shot
Where There’s a Will (One Shot Collection) | FFN | AO3
Why Didn’t You Invite Me? (Heat AU)* | One Shot
Bee’s Big Schnee (Blake x Yang x Winter)
Going Long | One Shot
Frappuccino (Weiss x Blake x Velvet)
Frappuccinhoes (One Shot Collection) | AO3
Happens So Fast (Grease AU) | One Shot
Hell Hath No Mercy (Overwatch AU)* | One Shot
Overload (Blake is a Tattoo Artist AU)* | One Shot
Northern PolariBees/Gaytorade (Weiss x Blake x Yang x Pyrrha)
Celebrity Matchmaker (Game Show AU) | FFN | AO3 | Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8
Greek Snowdragon (Yang x Winter x Pyrrha)
Eavesdropper | One Shot
Take a Break | One Shot
Snowdragon Witch (Yang x Winter x Glynda)
Trial With Fire (Teachers AU) | One Shot
Stripes (Yang x Winter x Sienna) (It’s a shitpost and a crackship y’all)
Knowing
Weiss!Harem
Symphony of Souls (Reincarnation AU) | Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 /
Hunting for Haunts (Supernatural AU)
Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 /
Fairytale of Remnant
The Secret Ingredient |
Runner Up (Ruby x Blake x Pyrrha, Weiss x Coco, Yang x Winter, Summer x Raven, Raven x Taiyang)
RWBY RWKS AU (Weiss x Blake x Velvet, Ruby x Pyrrha, Yang x Winter, Summer x Raven x Taiyang, Kali x Ghira)
Blindsided by the Beat |
No Ship Specified
Communication is Key
Mother’s Day
Works in Progress
And I Must Scream (Ship TBD) | Preview
Coming Home (Monochrome) | Preview
Propositioned (Monochrome) | Preview
Tear My Heart Open (Bee’s Schnee) | Preview
The Princess’ Bride (Ship TBD/BB/Freezerburn) | Preview
Summary: She left Cordonia with his best friend, never looking back, forcing him to marry Madeleine and leaving Hana and Maxwell to pick up the pieces. But a year later a tragedy to the king brings everyone back together. Will they be able to repair their relationships before it’s too late?
Masterlist
Main: Liam x MC (Dawn Price)
Minor: Liam x Hana, Drake x MC
Series song inspiration: Leave Me Lonely ft. Macy Gray
Words: 2,685
Series Warning: Will contain NSFW situations and possible medical inaccuracies.
Chapter 8: Common Ground
When Hana had awoken from her nightmare fueled sleep beside Liam, the last thing she was expecting was the sight of her old best friend. The brunette knew the emotion that lied in wait and awakened inside of her, but could never put those feelings into words. Hana could have never predicted how she’d feel or act if she ever came face to face with Dawn again, yet here she was.
Now Hana isn’t one for holding grudges or even feeling discontent for someone, but boy was the vehemence rolling around in her consuming all her rationality.
The negativity was unsettling and only became worse when Dawn didn’t even acknowledge her sitting right there. Deep down Hana knew she couldn’t fault Dawn for keeping her attention on Liam, she’d probably do the same thing. But on the surface was a wave of anger that threatened to come out verbally like a bullet from a gun.
Hana dangerously narrowed her eyes as she followed the trek Dawn walked to the other side of Liam. When she grabbed his hand as if it was the most natural thing ever, her glare only became fiercer.
Why was she here?
How did she know?
Hana went over the last 30 minutes in her head, starting from when she woke up to find Maxwell gone, the two walking in together, and to now being utterly blindsided. It clicked like a puzzle finally coming together with each piece.
Maxwell. He must have told her about Liam at some point during the night, and to be truthful she had never felt so betrayed by it. She made a mental note to talk with him about it later but for now, there were more serious matters.
She kept staring daggers at Dawn watching as she affectionately touched Liam and held his hand to her face. Her thoughts were muddled between anger and confusion. It was understandable to be angry but the confusion of why it stung seeing her with Liam left her reeling.
Liam was her best friend. That’s it and that’s all it’s ever going to be. Even if she had the slightest bit of feelings towards him that bordered on romance she and he both knew nothing would ever come of it.
He was not only still not completely over Dawn but she’d feel weird being with him romantically after her.
From staying in the palace and attending every event for Liam’s sake, she watched as women after women threw themselves at him even though he was married to Madeleine. She knew how easy it was to fall in love with a selfless, compassionate, and hardworking man like Liam.
But a man like Liam only came around once in a lifetime and like a curse put upon them by a witch, could only love one person for that lifetime. It was safe to say that Dawn was that person and Hana’s sure Dawn’s feelings for Liam hasn’t changed. She’d be a fool to not still be in love with him.
Hana obnoxiously cleared her throat finally breaking the moment that seemed too intimate to just watch. Dawn finally noticed Hana watching her like a hawk. When she came around to her side Hana didn’t know what to expect, but a greeting as if nothing ever happened wasn’t one of them.
She narrowed her eyes at Dawn’s next words. “I see we have a lot to talk about.”
Hana shifted her brown slates to the figure behind Dawn. Maxwell looked very much the part of a guilty man, from his nervous fidgeting to his eyes that begged for forgiveness that she wasn’t too keen on giving right now.
“Look—“
“Dawn I really don’t have the energy to deal with this right now.” She swiftly interrupted before turning her attention back to what really mattered to her at the moment.
Dawn could feel a chill permeate the room from how cold Hana was being towards her. She understood her anger but still, she didn’t appreciate being swept to the side as if she was just trash. Before she could say anything Maxwell quickly interjected.
“Before I left I saw the doctor in here. Did she say anything to you?” He now had the two women on the same common ground thankfully.
Hana shook her head. “I must have woken up after she left.”
Bastien cleared his throat making his ignored presence now known. “I spoke to her briefly it seems the pneumonia is slowly but surely going away. He shouldn’t need the IV after a day or two but regarding the other thing...waking up is up to him.”
“W-Wait pneumonia and waking up… what’s going on?” Dawn asked worry etched deeply on her face. Maxwell was reminded that he didn’t tell her what exactly was going on with Liam.
He sighed and pulled her to the couch. “You should sit down.” She looked at everyone’s saddened expressions and decided not to fight him on this.
Once she was seated Maxwell and Bastien explained everything leaving her feeling numb. A drug overdose?
“This can’t be. Liam isn’t someone who’d do something like overdose on drugs.” She said more to herself but everyone in the room agreed wholeheartedly... well from what she could tell from Maxwell and Bastien. Hana was a mystery to her.
“How would you know?” Hana whispered, never turning to look at her opting to keep her eyes on Liam. Just in case. She told herself.
Dawn growled standing up quickly wiping the tears she shed after the explanation. “Excuse me!?” Bastien watched the two cautiously wondering if he’d have to break up a fight soon. Maxwell tried to put himself in the middle not wanting something like this to happen. He already felt guilty about throwing Dawn to the wolves and Hana for springing this on her so suddenly and without telling her.
“Please don’t fight.” He pleaded but they only fell on deaf ears.
“Honestly how would you know?” She turned to eye her old friend silently wondering how they got here. “It’s not like you called to check on us or him.”
“I—“ Dawn swallowed. She shook her head knowing Hana was right but desperately needing to defend herself. “I never stopped checking in on you guys…” she admitted much to their surprise.
“Cordonia was never far from my mind... I was always checking the news too make sure nothing too bad happened while I was away. I—we. Drake and I decided to come back before hearing about Liam because Cordonia is our home. I know I just up and left only leaving behind a note and trust me I regretted that for so long and still do, but right now I just want Liam to be ok.” She said with such conviction. Maxwell could only smile and nod.
Dawn wasn’t looking for forgiveness... well not right now at least, because even if they didn’t agree with her leaving she knew that at the time she needed it.
Hana sighed before nodding. She by no means saw eye to eye with Dawn but wanted to focus her energy towards Liam who needed it and deserved it. “I’m sorry.” She apologized.
A sudden knock at the door broke up the tension much to Maxwell’s relief. That was until they heard the reason for the interruption. Bastien opened the door letting one of his guards into the room. From the panicked look on his face, he knew only bad news was going to be delivered.
“Sir we’ve received news that Countess Madeleine as not only called for a press conference but has informed the public on His majesty’s condition.”
“She did what!?” Dawn shouted in disbelief. She didn’t know much about the press and monarchs but releasing something like that to the public days after his touching speech could only backfire on Liam.
Bastien thanked the guard and walked him out after receiving more details from the man. He would need to speak to Regina but first, he’d need to get more guards at the hospital now that the press was outside the building waiting.
“Why would she do this?” Maxwell wondered. Madeleine cared about the country almost as much as Liam did, so doing something like that was almost unbelievable on her part.
“Only one way to find out.” Bastien turned on the TV flipping through the channels until he finally landed on a playback of Madeleine’s speech.
The TV showed Madeleine standing before a group of reporters with what appeared to be a sad look on her face, but anyone with eyes could tell it was fake. She was trying desperately to sell whatever she was going to say to the press and they’d happily buy it. “Good Morning. First I want to thank everyone for showing up. I know you all have heard about the King and I and wondered about my side of things, unfortunately, I am not here to talk about that.”
She looked very much the part of a mourning spouse wiping her eyes with tissue. “During the night I was informed that our King, His Majesty was hospitalized.”
Gasp echoed through the room and people began hurling questions left and right at Madeleine who was reveling in the attention. “Please let me finish.” They quiet down, waiting with bated breath to hear more on the King’s current state.
“I’ve always loved Liam no matter how he negatively felt about me, but he didn’t deserve this—“ she paused closing her eyes to look as if she was trying to gather the strength to go on.
Dawn couldn’t help but scoff at the fakeness Madeleine was exuding. She couldn’t pinpoint what Madeleine was up to but she’d be damned if the blonde succeeded.
“Despite these uncertain times regarding His Majesty I am not just here to deliver bad news.” Madeleine's expression brightened, only making the occupants of Liam’s hospital room more nervous.
“Sometime after the split between King Liam and I, I—I found out that I am expecting the heir to the throne.” A gasp echoed in the room and among those of the press. Bastien clenched his fist knowing that what Madeleine was saying was a lie and wondered what she was up to.
Over the chatter the blonde continued with her news with excitement in her tone. “Finally we have produced an heir to be our guiding light in the dark. Worry no longer about the future for the future here!” She finished with her hand over her flat abdomen. The crowd was silent for only a moment before they broke out in cheers and celebration.
“Countess Madeleine despite the annulment and with King Liam in the hospital will you become queen once again?”
Madeleine gently smiled but there was a knowing glare in her eyes. It was as if she knew that the people would want her back after hearing the news and planned for that exactly. “I am more than willing to continue my queen duties for not only your sakes but King Liam my love and the Queen Mother’s as well.”
“Can you tell us more about what exactly is His Majesty in the hospital for?”
Her fake sad look was now back on her face as she responded. “They’re still trying to find out what’s wrong but right now he’s in a coma.”
Before more could be said Bastien turned off the TV feeling anger in every fiber of his being. He turned to look at everyone’s face to see his own feelings mirrored back at him. He knew that the only way she could have possibly known was that she either planned for Liam to be in a coma or a guard of his is still loyal to her.
“I’m going to call The Queen Mother and sort this thing out.” But even as he was saying that and walking off he knew that this problem wasn’t going to be solved until Liam woke up. Madeleine confessing the truth would also solve it but that was as much of a stretch as Liam waking up.
Bastien knew he’d have to start an investigation on what happened to Liam starting with the staff first. With a plan in action he went to make a few calls.
Meanwhile back in Liam’s room everyone’s thoughts was all over the place but heading in the same direction. Although none of them could be 100 percent sure that Liam never slept with Madeleine, his actions towards the woman were more then enough proof.
Hana wondered what her fellow council members will think of this. Liam’s whole argument of getting an annulment was that he’ll never have an heir with Madeleine and now that one “exist” they may force him to remarry the woman.
Maxwell ran his fingers through his hair the stress of the turn of events getting to him. He needed to walk and clear his head, but he still didn’t trust leaving Dawn and Hana alone in the same room for fear that another fight would breakout. Especially after the lies, Madeleine spewed on live television. “I’m going to grab us some food. Walk with me Dawn?”
She looked hesitant at first looking from Hana to Liam before finally agreeing that leaving was best right now. So she nodded and followed him out of the room. Hopefully by the time they return the tension will air out but she wouldn’t hold her breath.
They walked for a moment before Maxwell broke the silence with a surprise apology. “I’m sorry about Hana and not warning you that she may be a little touchy.”
Dawn waved it off, “it’s fine her anger was understandable.”
Still Maxwell felt he should explain why Hana was so defensive and aggressive towards her. “Over the year Hana had become what Drake was to Liam.”
“His whiskey loving best friend?” She joked making Maxwell laugh aloud.
“Not quite but close.” He joked back causing both of them to laugh until the situation settled in.
Dawn had seen the rumors about Hana and Liam whenever she would look at the Cordonia news. She used to laugh at them anytime she’d see people talking about it. But now seeing how Hana was so fiercely protective of Liam she couldn’t laugh at something that was right there in front of her face.
The reason she’d laugh was because she couldn’t think that Hana would do something like be with a married man. Or Liam for that matter knowing his history with her. She shook her head knowing how stupid it was to expect loyalty from the two people she left behind.
“Is there something else there?” She quietly asked as if saying it too loud would ring true.
Maxwell looked over at her with surprise. He didn’t think she would ask that of all questions. Then again he did remember her saying that she kept up with them so it’s possible she saw the rumors. “I don’t know.”
She gave him a “yeah right” look much to his disappointment. “I don’t know about how Liam feels since he’s kind of closed off and isn’t really easy to read. Hana...there may be some feelings there.” She knew it! It was obvious that Hana cared more than just a friend would but now she’d have to accept it.
“Are you and Drake…” he trailed off unsure what he wanted to ask her about their relationship.
Dawn was silently debating whether she should reveal everything that’s happened regarding them or keep it simple. She chose to do the latter. “Drake and I didn’t work out due to me but we’re still friends and he’s here with me and should be arriving soon.”
“Or now…” Maxwell said, looking at the main lobby of the hospital where Drake stood watching the television show Madeleine’s press statement. She knew him well enough to know that he’s angry due to the tense stance, fist stuffed in his pockets, and the way his jaw clenched.
She sighed wondering if him being here was for the best or not. Especially since she didn’t know what he was angry about.
Summary: She left Cordonia with his best friend, never looking back, forcing him to marry Madeleine and leaving Hana and Maxwell to pick up the pieces. But a year later a tragedy to the king brings everyone back together. Will they be able to repair their relationships before it’s too late?
Masterlist
Main: Liam x MC (Dawn Price)
Minor: Liam x Hana, Drake x MC
Series song inspiration: Leave Me Lonely ft. Macy Gray
Words: 2,936
Series Warning: Will contain NSFW situations and possible medical inaccuracies.
Chapter 11: Dead Man Walker
The silence between them lasted for a moment longer, but it felt like hours to Drake.
“Well, are you at least going to give me a moving target?” Drake groaned. Something he found himself doing a lot of today. He hoped she was joking and wasn’t really going to throw knives at him but you never know with Olivia.
She walked closer, her hands on her hips watching him expectantly. “Are you going to say something or will I have to force you to?”
He sighed. “What are you doing here so early? I was told you’d be here later.”
She scoffed before glaring at him menacingly. When she asked him to speak those were not the words she wanted to hear come out his mouth. If anyone should be asking questions it should be her and only her. “So tell me how does it feel betraying your best friend?”
He inhaled sharply. Drake wasn’t surprised when she went straight for the jugular; it was something she had a knack for doing and if it involved Liam she’d go even harder. She was fiercely protective of the man because everyone loves Liam. He thought bitterly.
He didn’t know what else to say so he sat in silence prepared to take every blow she threw his way. “No, really I’m curious the least you can do is answer that. Or better yet how does it feel knowing you’ll always play second fiddle to Liam?”
He thought her earlier question hurt but that one definitely hit worse. But still, he held strong refusing to let her get to him and make him snap knowing that’s what she wanted. Unnecessary aggression wasn’t going to change anything.
“Say something Drake!” She growled walking closer and pulling him up by the front of his shirt. Her eyes flashed dangerously and met his with deep-seated anger lying in their depths...and maybe betrayal?
Olivia looked into his eyes for something and once she realized it wasn’t there she let him go. He flopped back down looking almost ashamed when she shook her head and walked away from him.
He and Olivia weren’t the closest friends. In fact, they would hardly be that if they didn’t have one thing in common, and that was the bond with Liam. He bridged the gap between two very different but alike people. But now he wasn’t around to do that once again, leaving them to work out any animosity they had toward each other.
He watched as Olivia took in Liam’s pale appearance. A sight no one was used to seeing and would hunt them for the rest of their lives.
“What would you have done if Liam came up to you and asked you to run away with him?” Drake didn’t realize how badly he wanted someone on his side until those words left his mouth.
The fire in her eyes simmered for only a moment as she thought about his question. He knew that she had feelings for Liam whether she still did was of no concern to him. He just needed her to see his point of view for once.
“No.” She said defiantly as if there was no way in hell she’d possibly run away with Liam.
He tilted his head eyeing Olivia closely looking for an ounce of doubt in her. “Why?”
“I loved Liam enough to let him go and realize that I wasn’t who he wanted...nor needed. I have enough self-respect to not willingly become his new toy only to throw away once he realized he’s played with it long enough. Not that he would ever do something like that...” She firmly believed that Liam wasn’t the type of man to play with other’s feelings on purpose. He would also never leave Cordonia; it was one of his fewest weaknesses, that and his heart.
Drake nodded. “I guess that’s the difference between us. You accepted the fact he’d never fall for you while I kept hope alive.“ she scoffed wondering if that was supposed to be an insult of some kind.
“Olivia—“
“But was it worth it?” She spoke quickly interrupting whatever more nonsense he was about to say.
Olivia remembered hearing about Drake and Dawn up and leaving without saying anything. All that was left was a note and not even from Drake Liam’s best friend but Dawn, someone who, sure they got to know over the past months but wasn’t with them since childhood.
She didn’t even hear that from Liam himself but from Maxwell and Hana. She was sure Liam didn’t want to be bothered or acknowledge the betrayal by telling her about it.
“Well? The least you can do is answer that simple question.” She crossed her arms looking him dead in his eyes daring him to say something she didn’t like.
He released a deep breath. “Still deciding.” And he was. Because, in the end, he not only lost Dawn but everyone else as well. He also got to spend a year to experience what it'd be like to be with her romantically and he didn't regret that. So in the end there was a pro to his decision and a con as well.
“God, you’re pathetic.” She shook her head feeling shame not for herself but for him.
That seemed to have ignited a fire underneath him. “What the hell do you want me to say Olivia? Sorry?” He glowered darkly. “If so you won’t hear it from me. I’ve spent my whole life following Liam and doing everything he asks of me without saying anything. I wanted something for myself. It's the least I deserve for the endless suffering of being friends with a royal.” He ranted not realizing the words that were coming out of his mouth. All he knew was that he was tired of the negativity towards him and Dawn as if they wouldn’t have done the same thing in their positions.
Olivia chuckled sarcastically, shaking her head. Drake closed his eyes resigning himself to more of her torturest words that he knew was coming, especially after his outburst. But nothing came only more chuckles that turned into full-blown laughter. And he cringed the noise sending chills down his spine.
Curiously he asked, “what’s so funny?”
“You.” She said in between her bouts of laughter. “It’s just hilarious. You're so hypocritical that you don’t even notice it. You’re sitting here complaining about what? Being best friends with a king and having every advantage someone like you could possibly have thanks to said best friend. You’re just as privileged as us nobles you hate so much. The only difference is that you don’t have to do a damn thing in your position except be there when Liam needs someone to talk to. So please complain more about how terrible it is to be in Liam’s shadow. What being Liam’s professional best friend didn’t pay enough!?” She said haughtily.
“No one held a gun to your head and forced you to do anything Dra—“ she stopped talking startled when he suddenly stood from the couch and walked towards her stopping inches from her.
Drake clenched his fist shame and anger swirling together forming something ugly. They stood there staring at each other neither willing to give in until the sound of the door opening alerted them.
“Guys?” In sync, both Drake and Olivia turned towards the intruder who dared break their staring match and interrupt their arguing.
At the door stood Dawn looking apprehensive about walking into the room. Drake’s eyes softened as he took a few steps back from the redhead.
Olivia rolled her eyes turning fully to face Dawn. “We’re busy here.”
Dawn simply rolled her eyes. She could tell from Olivia’s shouts from beyond the door. She looked everywhere on the floor for Hana and Maxwell before deciding to come back and be with Liam. That was when she heard it. Although she couldn’t hear Drake she could clearly hear Olivia letting Drake have it. Until finally she could no longer sit back and just listen to the hurtful words that made her wince. Knowing she was part of the problem the guilt wouldn't let her sit back and leave her friend hanging.
“Enough Olivia, please. We’re all tired, anxious and on edge but the last thing we need to do right now is to be going at each other’s throat. Yell at us later but right now..." She drifted off noticing how unphased the redhead looked and knew her words were falling on deaf ears.
Olivia scoffed as she crossed her arms and sat on the arm of the couch. “Please don’t lecture me with that we’re stronger together bullshit like you have the right. You lost those privileges when you cowards left.”
Dawn let out an impatient breath trying to hold on to the last bit of patience she had today. Unfortunately, Madeleine used them all up.
“Do you feel better now Olivia? Does yelling at us ease the bitchiness in you?” Olivia growled and made a beeline to her with every intention to harm her, that was until Drake intercepted her.
“Calm down both of you. The last thing we need is a fight in the hospital and then get kicked out.” Olivia wrestled out of Drake’s arms a frown looking permanent on her face.
She eyed them as Drake sidled up to Dawn silently asking if she was ok. “God you two disgust me. What? You come here to rub this in Liam’s face or something?”
Dawn clenched her jaw watching the redhead closely in case she tried something. “What the hell are you talking about?”
Dawn wasn’t sure what she was going on about but Drake definitely knew. He debated with himself whether he should comment on it or not.
He sighed reluctantly as he spoke. “ Dawn and I aren’t together.” That seemed to calm her down for maybe a second or two but Drake wouldn’t hold his breath. Olivia has a one-track mind sometimes it’s admirable and sometimes just annoying.
“Hm. I wish I could say I feel bad but then I’d be lying.” She smirked happily.
Dawn groaned. “Can we please talk about something else? Like for instance the council meeting coming up. Olivia, who’s on the council?” She swiftly changed the subject wanting to know more about the people who’d decide Liam’s fate.
The redhead narrowed her eyes suspiciously silently debating whether she should reveal that information. Olivia didn’t like them one bit but she wouldn’t exactly say that they’re untrustworthy when it comes to secrets. In the end, she decided to meet them halfway with the information, and in return, they’d answer her own question.
“Very well. I’ll reveal those you’d know but in return, I have a question that needs to be answered. Will you accept this deal?” Dawn and Drake exchanged wary looks having a silent conversation between each other.
Dawn turned her attention back to Olivia answering for them. “Yes.”
For some unknown reason, Dawn felt as if she just signed her soul over to the devil. She watched as Olivia schooled her features and looked out the window.
“At the meeting, I’ll, of course, be in attendance, Landon Penelope’s father, Kiara—“
“Kiara?” Drake wondered with surprise clear in his tone.
Olivia rolled her eyes. “Kiara will not only be representing her Castelsarreillan but she’s also the Diplomatic Liaison.” She smirked a feeling of pride taking over her. Ever since getting that new role Kiara had matured and was quite competent. She was proud to call the woman an associate. (Seeing as she doesn’t have friends.)
“Godfrey Madeleine’s father, Bertrand, and Hana.” She finished up with finality.
“Wait, Hana's part of the council? How come?” She wondered why Hana didn’t say anything about it. Then she remembered that they were barely on speaking terms with each other.
“Yes well, it was the only way Hana’s overbearing parents would leave her alone.” She discreetly smiled, a thought coming to her mind. “They have hope that since she’s staying in the palace with the king that maybe something would happen.” She inwardly laughed as she watched the sadness and jealousy take over Dawn’s features. She may have stretched the truth but what they don’t know won’t hurt them seeing as they deserved it.
“Now it’s my turn.” She looked at them both getting her thoughts in order to ask her question.
“Why did you two leave?” It was a simple question but the answer wasn’t.
Once a person betrays her or anyone she cares about, then that’s it for them. Yet here she was giving them a chance to explain themselves
“I want to answer your question but Liam deserves to hear it first. So please don’t take it the wrong way. I just--“ She took a deep breath cutting herself off from saying anything more.
Drake and Olivia saw her struggling with words. He sighed stuffing his hands into his pockets looking everywhere but at them. “To be honest I was thinking about leaving for a while back then.” He had accidentally let it slip to Dawn about it half-jokingly and planted a seed in her head.
Dawn was grateful for Drake speaking up and was now listening attentively, this being the first time she’d hear his reasons for leaving, even when she frequently wondered why he came along with her. “Dawn leaving was an opportunity that I took advantage of. It never seemed like the right time to tell Liam and...so I didn’t say anything. I thought that leaving a note would only make things worse but Dawn didn’t share my sentiments.”
“Well...that surely wasn’t worth the information I gave up.” Olivia rolled her eyes.
“You gave us half information so we gave you half information,” Dawn said, gesturing to Drake who was the one to answer her question. Olivia sighed before nodding in understanding. She knew Dawn was right but she’d never admit that aloud.
Dawn narrowed her brown orbs watching as Drake seemed to drift further and further from the conversation and into his thoughts. Before she could ask him about it, a noise echoed through the halls outside. She realized what the noise was and who was making it.
“Olivia!” They heard from outside the door and weren’t surprised when it shot open and Maxwell flew in with his arms outstretched for a hug.
She groaned wishing people would respect that although Liam is in a coma there’s no need to be loud and slam the door open or close.
“Touch me and I’ll make sure to flay you alive.” Instantly Maxwell stopped mid-run and his happy bubble was popped.
He pouted as he sidled up to her. “You’re so mean.” He whined trying to sneak an arm around her shoulder. Without even looking she smacked the hand away ignoring his whiny “ow”.
From the way the two were acting Drake could tell that it was something that happened often. It would have never happened a year ago but it seemed that the group was closer than ever.
He felt like a stranger looking in and looking to his right where Dawn stood with a wistful expression on her face. He could tell she also felt like that.
“Well I’m happy you’re here, maybe you can cheer Hana up.” He sighed thinking about the brunette who was sitting in the waiting room alone staring off into the distance.
He only left after she insisted she needed space to think about everything, and that was after convincing her to come back to Liam’s floor. Maxwell wished he could do more to cheer her up but ever since Liam was hospitalized it’s like the life had been sucked out of her.
Olivia lifted a finely shaped brow, a hint of concern flashing in her orbs. “What’s wrong with her?” Over the years she watched the woman grow into her own person just like Kiara and couldn’t fathom what could possibly upset her so much.
Maxwell quickly explained the events of this morning to Olivia who if possible looked even angrier than earlier. Dawn watched as she inhaled deeply through her nose and clenched and unclenched her fist.
She looked itching to whip out a knife and stab someone. “What a snake.” She growled lowly. Olivia saw the “show” Madeleine put on and immediately knew she was up to no good. In fact, that was why she came earlier then she would have and would have come even sooner if not for the issues with her duchy. “And how come no one informed me!?” Her brown slates narrowed to Maxwell who took a large step away from her startled by the ferocity and anger coming towards him like daggers.
“Relax it just happened today. Sometime before you got here.” Drake spoke up, taking some of the heat off of Maxwell.
She nodded silently acknowledging Drake’s explanation. “I’m going to go find Hana. We probably won’t be back until after the council meeting so don’t wait up.” She walked off without so much as a goodbye or glance back. The tension in the room slowly ebbed away but instead of lingering anger and bitterness, it was now awkward.
“I-I’m also going to head out. I should check in with Bertrand. See you!” He raced out of the room as if there was a fire.
“This is going to be harder than I thought especially when no one wants us around.” She plopped down on the couch covering her eyes with her hands. “What do we do now?”
A/N: Sorry for the delay I kind of explained why it was taking so long to post this and it was mainly the medical part of this chapter. The perfectionist in me refused to post until I researched and even then I still didn’t feel like I had all the facts or that I know what I’m talking about but I’ve accepted that so here it is!
Summary: She left Cordonia with his best friend, never looking back, forcing him to marry Madeleine and leaving Hana and Maxwell to pick up the pieces. But a year later a tragedy to the king brings everyone back together. Will they be able to repair their relationships before it’s too late?
Masterlist
Main: Liam x MC (Dawn Price)
Minor: Liam x Hana, Drake x MC
Series song inspiration: Leave Me Lonely ft. Macy Gray
Words: 3,534
Reading Time: 14 min 2 secs
Series Warning: Will contain NSFW situations and possible medical inaccuracies.
Chapter 5: Deliberate or Caused
It was bright and early the next morning when Drake and Dawn were saying their goodbyes to both his mother and aunt. Dawn was nervously watching as Drake hugged his mother and had a short conversation with her. She heard her mention Savannah a few times and a wedding soon. But she couldn’t really focus on that with Leona glaring at her the entire time.
The woman who she disliked from the moment they met was saying snide comments the whole morning during breakfast. She had to bite her tongue in order to not let her temper come out.
She knew that leaving was already hard enough for Drake so she just had to grin and bear it for now. “I’ll see if I can come back at a later time and I’ll keep in contact this time.”
“You better.” His aunt grumbled with her arms crossed. She’s been upset since finding out they were leaving though Dawn’s sure she was mainly upset that Drake was leaving. Or maybe she was just always upset because she’s yet to see the woman smile. Leona also kept mentioning how nobles were nothing but lying no good spoiled people well that was the nicer way to put what she said.
Dawn wondered if something in the past happened that she wasn’t talking about because from what Drake told her she was always apprehensive towards Cordonia and it’s people. According to Leona, she should be just as angry at the royal family and the nobles because of the scandal. She just rolled her eyes and zoned her out at that point.
“Dawn.” She looked back over to Bianca who was now standing in front of her with a look of understanding. After what she heard last night she fully expected the woman to hate her for breaking her son’s heart.
“Bianca…” she softly said unsure what else to say.
“Following your heart isn’t always the easiest thing to do, trust me I know a little something about that.” She smiled at her which she tentatively returned knowing she was referring to leaving Cordonia. “He’ll get over it but right now you should focus on yourself. Chase after what makes you happy.” Hearing Bianca say that to her reminded her of the night she met Liam saying something along those lines to him. Liam always put others ahead of himself and that’s what made him...him.
With unshed tears, she nodded and pulled the woman into a tight and thankful embrace. “Thank you so much for your hospitality. Maybe one day I’ll be able to return.”
Bianca happily returned the hug before saying, “well, Savannah wants to have her wedding here so maybe whenever that happens you’ll come by.” Dawn cringed at that. She didn’t want to come back anytime soon.
As one last goodbye was exchanged Dawn and Drake left heading to the airport finally on their way back home. She smiled as she kept her eyes looking out the window watching the terrain change from rural to urban. Finally, she’ll be back and nothing is going to stop her from doing what she wanted.
-X-
Maxwell rushed inside the hospital like a bat out of hell. He got a few concerned looks but other than that no one bothered him. He looked around before taking his phone out and texting Hana. He sighed awaiting her response, his heart accelerating with each second that went by.
On the way over he tried to stay positive but it was quite a distance between the hospital and the Beaumont Manor. Anything could have happened to Liam between then and now.
His phone went off receiving a text telling him that she’ll meet him at the entrance of the hospital.
He waited as patiently as possible until finally Hana walked up to him and to say she looked exhausted and drained would be an understatement. Her hair was slightly disheveled, her eyes and face were slightly red and puffy from the tears she cried and she was sniffling when she came up to him.
Maxwell didn’t say anything because honestly, he wasn’t sure how bleak the situation was. So the only comfort he could give her was a tight warm hug that he hoped gave her strength instead of hopelessness.
She shuddered in his arms, hiccuping from all the crying she’s done that night alone. He wasn’t sure how long they stood there but after a moment Hana pulled back with a ghost of a smile on her face.
“We should get back and see if there’s an update on Liam.” Maxwell nodded allowing her to lead the way to Liam’s private wing. Maxwell guessed the hospital was built with the intent to have a royal family section due to how big the wing was.
He glanced over at Hana whose usually bright and warm chocolate-colored eyes were now glassy and clouded with sadness. Maxwell looked back in front of him just in time to see Bastien walking up to them. He couldn’t read his facial expression to gauge whether something had happened to Liam. Maxwell wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or not.
“Lady Hana and Lord Maxwell.” He greeted them.
“I-is there—“ she choked on a lump forming in her throat unable to finish her question but Bastien knew exactly what she wanted to know.
“They got something. But they haven’t informed me what it is exactly.” He sighed watching the brunette’s face light up for a second before dampening.
“I need to talk with the Queen Mother so excuse me.” Bastien walked off pulling his phone out and calling Regina. They would need a plan on how to proceed if something happened to Liam or there’s been foul play.
He’s had a horrible gut feeling ever since noticing Liam only getting worse and worse. He waited for a moment until finally, Regina picked up.
Maxwell guided Hana to a chair after watching Bastien begin talking on his phone. He needed to do something because waiting around was slowly killing him. “Hana, I’m going to get a snack, do you want anything?” He watched the grief-stricken girl shake her head much to his displeasure.
He didn’t know how to comfort her and feared that if something happened to Liam then she’d never be the same. He’d be a fool to not notice how close the two got and thought that maybe there were some feelings there on her part. Liam, on the other hand, was not as much of an open book as he used to be around friends. He played the stoic king around them frequently that Maxwell was starting to wonder if the mask was getting harder and harder to remove.
Nonetheless whatever was going on between his friends he himself wasn’t sure how he’d feel if something developed because even if Dawn left it was always her and Liam. Accepting anything else would mean that everything had changed and that was something he didn’t want to accept.
Maxwell sighed and walked away to a vending machine he saw on his way to the waiting area. He bought a bag of chips and even though Hana said she didn’t want anything he bought her a bottle of water. Admittedly he didn’t want anything either knowing his stomach couldn’t handle anything right now.
He looked around him noticing how empty it was for a hospital but it’s to be expected since the floor was used only for the royal family. It didn’t help clear his thoughts with how silent it was that he could hear his own breathing. He was sure it wasn’t comforting Hana either.
He walked back noticing a doctor also making her way to them and watched as Hana scrambled to stand. Bastien was also there back from his phone call with Regina he briefly wondered how she was handling things. The two got close after the death of Liam’s father but he wasn’t sure how the relationship was nowadays since Liam annulled his marriage with Madeleine
Another thought occured to Maxwell at that moment that what the people feared would happen since Liam annulled his marriage was now happening and now Regina would have to pick up the pieces as the only monarch left standing or around. Speaking of monarch Maxwell was reminded that someone would need to tell Leo about what’s going on with Liam
“Please is Liam—“ Hana choked on her words needing a moment to gather herself before continuing. “Is he alright?”
Dr. Riza Liam’s doctor introduced herself and set a comforting hand on Hana’s trembling shoulder and answered her. “For now he’s fine but at any point, his health could deteriorate so he’s being closely monitored.”
“What’s wrong with him?” Bastien asked, noticing how she hasn’t mentioned that yet and seemed hesitant to do so. He wasn’t there to skip around the main topic of discussion; he needed answers so they’d know where to go from here.
She looked at Maxwell silently asking if she should disclose information in front of him to which Bastien nodded discretely in reply to.
“There are two things that are happening. When His Majesty was first brought in we did a quick physical exam and noticed bubbling noises coming from his left lung that suggested pneumonia.” Dr. Riza opened the folder in her hands and showed them an x-ray with a section that’s whitened and began further explaining what’s going to happen.
“We confirmed pneumonia through the blood tests and a chest x-ray. Usually, community-acquired pneumonia can be easily treated at home with medication but in His Majesty’s case, his pneumonia is much more severe that we were forced to put him on a ventilator to help with breathing. We also have an IV set up with antibodies to treat the illness.”
Maxwell released a breath of relief, finally able to stop shifting on his feet which he did throughout the whole explanation since he was too nervous to stand still. He glanced over at Hana who stood staring pensively at the doctor. He expected her to be happy or at least a bit less tensed about the news but she was far from it
He looked over at Bastien who also wasn’t relieved at the news. The Beaumont thought back to everything she mentioned and remembered that Dr. Riza said there were two things wrong and he had a bad feeling about the second one.
“And the second thing?” Bastien asked with a dangerous undertone in his voice.
Dr. Riza put the x-ray back into the folder trying to gather her thoughts and how to explain the second thing to them in simpler terms. She looked at each and every one of them in the eyes before finally revealing what else was wrong with their king.
“Poison.” It was that one word that confirmed everything Bastien had been thinking for a while. Pneumonia doesn’t almost kill a healthy grown man without something else messing with his body. He cursed himself for not realizing it sooner or being more adamant about Liam going to the hospital. He should have protected him better now he was on the brink of death because of his carelessness.
With a deep sigh, Riza kept going. “We figured something else had to have enhanced the effects of the pneumonia and made His Majesty fall unconscious, something that’s not usually associated with pneumonia and we were correct in our assumption when we saw it In the blood test.”
“This poison isn’t like what you’re assuming. It’s not arsenic or belladonna. It’s a drug.” She paused for a moment letting her words sink in before continuing. “To be more specific it’s barbiturates.
“Barbiturate?” Maxwell wondered as she nodded a strained look on her face.
“Barbiturates are drugs that act as a central nervous system depressant and have a wide range of ways it can affect a person such as mild sedation or death if the dosage isn’t right. Barbiturates haven’t been used for a long time and for good reason.”
Hana gasped her hands flying over her mouth as a wave of nausea took over. She didn’t know how much she’d be able to listen to this before she got physically sick. Her eyes shifted to Bastien who looked like a man on the edge of a cliff ready to jump.
It had to be hitting him the hardest since Liam was like family to him. She saw how concerned he was hours ago when he asked her to try and convince Liam to see the royal physician and now look at them.
Before she could gauge Maxwell’s response to the news Dr. Riza once again started speaking. “Barbiturates can be highly addictive and let’s just say that withdrawals can be life-threatening. We also detected alcohol in His Majesty system which amplifies the deathly effects of barbiturates like slowing down the heart and lungs. ” Dr. Riza looked down with a look of regret which only made the trio more nervous. “However much His Majesty had consumed was enough to almost kill him and honestly we aren’t sure when or if he’ll wake.” The news took a moment to soak in and a heavy silence settled over the group.
“H-how does he get better?” Maxwell nervously muttered sadness thick in his tone and that’s when they noticed another look on Dr. Riza’s face. It was a telltale sign that they were going to get even more bad news. Hana braced herself for the answer but knew whatever she was gonna say it was going to break her already fragile heart.
“It’ll have to wear off naturally...” Hana nearly broke down when she heard that. She took a shaky step back and sank down in the chair. “As long as it’s in his system…” He could die. Dr. Riza didn’t say those words but from the way she trailed off, it was obvious what she meant. Hana shook her head refusing to grasp what was happening.
It was honestly a series of unfortunate events that led to them almost losing Liam and they had no clue how or when Liam even had the drug. With no clues and Liam unconscious, an investigation would have to be put on hold due to the possibility that Liam could have tried to kill himself or someone did. Bastien hoped that it was the latter and not the former.
“Can we—” Bastien cleared his throat before trying to ask his question again. “Can we see him?” Hana stood with a pleading expression waiting eagerly and desperately for an answer.
Dr. Riza narrowed her eyes debating whether she should let non-family members see him but, she’s already disclosed information about his health to them, so with a resigned sigh, she nodded guiding them to Liam’s room.
She hoped for their country’s sake their king would recover or—
Riza shook her head refusing her thoughts to think of a future without their king. For now, she’d just do everything to help His Majesty heal.
-X-
Finally arriving at Cordonia’s airport Dawn and Drake both tiredly trudged their way to the baggage reclaim area. Once they collected their belongings they sat down for a moment thinking about what their next move should be.
“I do have a cabin if you want to stay there.” Drake suggested. He remembered his hideaway his father left him after passing away. He didn’t spend much time there since he stayed in the palace but now things was different.
“Hmm.” Dawn hummed noncommittally turning her phone off of airplane mode. While on the plane she was actually thinking about reaching out to Maxwell to let her crash at the Beaumont Estate. Then again she didn’t want to impose and was unsure how the man would even react to them being back.
She saw she had a text but before she could look at it and who sent it her phone died. Dawn groaned getting a curious look from Drake. “Phone dead.” She answered his silent question.
Drake nodded before standing and stretching the kinks out of his back. “Come on you can charge your phone while we grab something to eat.” He helped her stand and took their bags to find somewhere less crowded where they could eat. He spent enough time traveling with Liam to know the best spots near the airport so he guided her to one of his favorite small café spots.
He glanced over watching her look around like she just stole something and was a wanted woman. Her eyes flicked from person to person with her head slightly lowered.
Finally, after walking a bit, he asked: “What are you doing?”
She looked around once again before leaning in closer to whisper in his ear. “I’m making sure no one notices me. I’m the American who was an unfaithful suitor remember?” Even though her name was now clear she’s sure they would jump at the chance to take pictures and ask her questions.
Drake closed his eyes trying to control his desire when she whispered so close to his ear. The hair on the back of his neck was raised and he was fighting not to grab her and kiss her like never before. He had to remember that she wasn’t his anymore or ever for that matter and that thought only made his mood sour.
“I’m sure you’ll be fine.” He said blankly gesturing to her to open the door to the café for him since his hands were full.
They scoped out the seats and found one with a plug near it which she quickly claimed for them. Drake set their bags down relieved to not have to tote them for now. A young woman walked up to them and started handing them menus and asked what they’d like to drink. Both ordered water.
“I’ll be right back with your drinks!” She said with a bright smile before happily bounding off. Dawn shook her head remembering her old waitressing job which led her thoughts down a rabbit hole to when she first met Liam.
Drake glanced up from his menu noticing her staring off at the waitress who was tending to a few other customers. He wondered what she was thinking about to be so lost in thought like that.
“Price.” She looked back at him startled as if he just snuck up on her and scared her. “If you stare any longer at her she might think you’re into her.” He chuckled before looking back down at his menu debating whether to choose a sandwich or some kind of pasta.
Dawn shook her head trying to get her thoughts back together. She thought about the text she received and had this silly idea that maybe it was from Liam. And as that thought planted itself in her mind and grew, with renewed vigor, she got her charger out and plugged it in.
She held her phone waiting impatiently for it to turn on. Her mind wasn’t on food so when the waitress came back with their waters and asked whether they were ready to order she felt like a deer caught in front of headlights.
Luckily she had Drake there to clean up the awkward situation on her part. He ordered her some kind of sandwich but turned her attention back to her phone which just turned back on.
Finally she’d know who sent the text and hoped not to be let down. There on her home screen was—wait—what?
Dawn’s eyebrows knitted together in confusion when she saw that she had missed text from Maxwell. She nervously bit her lip not expecting to see anything from her friends especially after just coming back to Cordonia. Even her hope that Liam had sent her something was so much of a stretch that she pulled something.
She knew he stopped texting her some months ago and she was relieved and saddened at that. It took her everything not to block him after every message she received from him during their first months away. It was a constant reminder of what she left behind and how much she was regretting it.
She remembered waking up noticing for the first time she didn’t receive a text from him and worried. She told Drake about it but he didn’t seem worried and told her that Maxwell probably finally gave up. Which only made her feel worse.
At first, Maxwell was texting them both but Drake ended up blocking him doing what she couldn’t bring herself to do. She sighed and unlocked her phone scanning the text he had sent.
She read it again.
Then again.
Coming to Cordonia from Texas was a long almost eleven-hour flight and she was jet-lagged and tired but the moment she read the text her everything seemed to stop. Her grasp loosened and her phone slipped right through her hand clattering on the floors of the cafe. Her heart pounded so loudly she could have sworn everyone could hear it but at the moment that wasn’t what she was concerned about. Despite all the stares she could feel burning holes into her head, all she could focus on was the contents of the text she just received. Even then her focus wasn’t all the way there because she could only stare at the table in disbelief. With only a single thought running through her head.
Summary: She left Cordonia with his best friend, never looking back, forcing him to marry Madeleine and leaving Hana and Maxwell to pick up the pieces. But a year later a tragedy to the king brings everyone back together. Will they be able to repair their relationships before it’s too late?
