When was the the first time in the books that made you think Halt was autistic? Was there any specific moment or just... vibes? Also, while I'm here, how are you doing on the sequel of TRR?
hiiiiiii 🩷
Would you believe it never occurred to me that he might be autistic until I saw it on tumblr? Someone referenced it in an ask and someone else tagged the originator of the headcanon, who laid out their reasoning (his odd facial expressions, etc). Once I heard it, my brain latched onto it and I couldn't let it go :"D
The sequel is going well! I've gotten stuck on chapter 5 due to a lotta life issues (bestie's wedding + job hunt + moving) but I know what I want to do with it at least 🩷 I want to have ten chapters written before I start uploading to hopefully prevent any gaps in uploading
I WILL reveal the title now, though! It's going to be called...
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapters: 2/?
Fandom: The Royal Romance (Visual Novel)
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Maxwell Beaumont/Main Character (The Royal Romance)
Characters: Main Character (The Royal Romance), Maxwell Beaumont
Additional Tags: Slow Burn, Friends to Lovers, The Royal Romance Book 2
Summary:
Riley has to deal with returning to court, clearing her name, and her ever-growing feelings for Maxwell.
Coronation was supposed to be the beginning of their happily ever after, but fate had other plans. Tonight was not different from others, Liam’s mind was still running miles per minute, who could do something like this to her.... to them. 3 weeks and yet there was no answer. Nothing made sense, she was here at his place, he should have been able to keep her safe, but he failed. He’ll never forget how sad and disappointed Riley looked when Madeline’s name escaped his lips. But that was for the best he thought, I had to do it to keep her safe. He knew every action has consequences, he just hoped that she didn’t hate him for his. Now almost 3 weeks later, he laid on his bed with Riley’s photo in his hand, Liam couldn’t sleep and he was anxiously waiting for the night to end. Tomorrow would be the start of engagement tour, as much as he was dreading his engagement with Madeleine, he was also happy that he could see Riley again. His thoughts eventually faded as sleep finally consumed him.
Next morning Liam woke up earlier than usual, completed his morning routine and went to his study to do all the works he wouldn’t be able to do during the tour. Finally it was time to go to Fyledia, Madeline was not travelling with him as she went ahead of everyone to help her mother prepare of the arrival of the court. Soon his car was pulling in front of grand estate of Fyledia, press was swarmed at the front, Liam just smiled and gave them a little nod, he noticed Madeleine at the front door,she was the last person he wanted to see right now but still schooled his expression to a polite smile and lightly pecked her cheek, they both smiled at the camera and went inside where half of the court was already present
Once smiled Madeleine smiled coyly at him and whispered
“Well that was not bad, I thought I’ll have clean up your mess..... again”
Liam whispered back
“Let’s get over with today so we don’t have to face each other again for rest of the day”
Madeline laughed as if he said something funny, then without a word she linked her arm through his and they both started mingling, Liam had a polite smile on his face but the waiting game was becoming too much painful, he kept glancing at the door waiting for Riley’s arrival, Madeleine discreetly tightened her hold, Liam glanced at her and she slightly nodded towards the nobleman standing in front of him.
Madeleine- If you both will excuse me, I have to meet with some associates.
Saying this she went to other side of the room when Liam turned after talking to the nobleman he turned to walk towards Madeline when he noticed Riley, even though her back was facing him he knew it was her, he would recognize her anywhere, as he went closer he heard Madeleine say "But I'm sure I'll be far too busy to follow the news on that. What with King Liam and I being very much engaged. Isn't that right, darling?" That's when she turned towards him and Liam's breath hitched, she was looking absolutely breathtaking in her midnight blue dress she looked longingly at him and whispered “I missed you”, seeing the pain and sadness in her eyes Liam wanted nothing more than to hold her tight and tell her how much he loved her, that she’s the one but he knew now was not the right time so he just gave her a small smile and told her he missed her too, he wanted to say more to her at least to tell her to meet him later so he could explain himself “We need to---” he started to speak but Madeline again interrupted him by putting her hand on his arm and said “We need to see rest of our guests, sweetheart”. Madeleine looped her arm in Liam’s and leaned in to kiss him on his cheek “Being the royal couple of the hour has its obligations." Liam was aware that she was right so he didn't say anything except for "Ah right". Riley clearly wanted to say something else, but Maxwell stopped her and she allowed herself to be escorted to back of the room, both Liam and Riley moved in opposite direction, when he looked back he noticed her talking with Kiara and Penelope. “I have to find a way later to talk to her” he thought to himself, and finally moved to the head table with Madeleine.
After the dinner and a long not so interesting conversation with Adelaide Liam was back in the room assigned to him, he unbuttoned his suit jacket and went out in the balcony of his room waiting for Riley to come, hoping she got his message. The cool breeze of the night calmed him down. Soon he heard a light thud on other side of the balcony, he turned and came face to face with Riley, he rushed forward and sweep her in his arms, Riley returned his embrace holding him tightly before her lips found his. Liam groaned as he kissed her back deeply, pouring all his love, affection and longing in the kiss. few moments later he gently pulled away looking directly into her eyes, which was glistened with unshed tears but there was a genuine smile on her face
Liam- I never want to stop.
Riley- But.....?
Liam- But we need to talk
There was so much to say, so much explanation to give. Liam shook his head lightly to clear is head.
Liam- It’s just..... Damn Lady Riley, how I’he missed you.
Riley- I missed you too. I thought I might never see you again.
Anger coursed through Liam’s veins thinking of all the emotional pain she was going through and he made no attempt to hide it.
Liam- I’d never let that happen.
Riley nodded slightly, she looked almost hesitant to ask something, Liam knew what it was but waited for her to speak
Riley- Are you going to ask me if it’s true?
Liam gently took her hands in his own.
Liam- You and Tariq? I don’t need to ask that it was a set up.
Riley- Really? Then... why....?
Liam- Why did I choose Madeleine?
Liam started to pace around the balcony. Riley slightly nodded waiting for him to continue
Liam- Someone was willing to go great lengths to set you up... To put you in a compromising position, to invade your privacy. To put you at risk. Drake told me about the lock on your door. Someone is determined to prevent you from becoming queen, and they seem to have considerable resources and access to the royal court.
He once more took her hand in his once more and brought it to his lips tenderly kissing her wrist.
Liam- And if I had stood up there and chosen you, Riley... from then on, you’d be in danger. I wish I could say that palace guards would protect you, but the truth is they had already failed at the country estate. The entire building was meant to be secured. When I think that someone who meant you harm and ruin was able to manipulate the situation so meticulously...Lady Riley, it terrifies me that they could have set you up for worse. I never told you about my mother.
Riley- You told me she died when you were young...
Liam- The details of her death were kept secret from the public, but she was poisoned....
Riley wrapped her arms around him, he hugged her back finding solace with her in his arms.
Riley- Oh Liam, I am so sorry you had to endure that
Liam- If I lost you, Riley... I will regret what I did at the Coronation for rest of my life because it hurt you. And I’m sorry that it happened as it did, but in that moment, the only way that I could think of to keep you safe was to make them think they’d won
Riley- I understand Liam, but you do realize that last few weeks have been torture for me, right?
Liam sighed deeply
Liam- Riley.... I’m so, so sorry. I know this must have been miserable for you.
He pulled away just enough so he was facing her, his hands were still encircling her waist and he lightly pecked the tip of her nose.
Liam- In order for the entire gambit to work, it had to truly appear that I believed the photos and had severed ties with you, and trust me when I say that I have thought about you every single minute of every single day since we parted.
Riley smiled lightly hearing him and said in a teasing tone.
Riley- Well, it’s some consolation.
Liam chuckled and then leaned forward to kiss her, but Riley immediately pulled away, a distraught look on her face.
Riley- We... we can’t, you are still engaged to Madeleine, aren’t you? Even if it’s not what’s in your heart.
Liam- You’re right, but Madeleine and I have a understanding. She knows I am not in love with her.
Riley couldn't stop the shock spread on her face
Riley- She does?
Liam- Yes and she simply doesn’t care.... You don’t know Madeleine very well, but she’s uncompromisingly practical and cunning as she is calculating. That’s the entire reason I picked her actually.
Riley- What do you mean?
Liam- The night before the Coronation, she came to my room and proposed an arrangement. She told me it was obvious that I was in love with you.... but regardless of my feelings, she would be best queen for Cordonia. I could have the best of both worlds if I picked her. She’d be perfectly happy to let me continue our relationship.... as long as she got to be queen.
Riley- Don’t you that it’s suspicious?
Liam- I do.. but there’s little I could do without proof. All I could think at that moment was to keep you in my life
Riley let out a shaky breath before speaking
Riley- So what does that make me..... Your mistress, the other woman, a scandal waiting to happen?
Liam- You are none of those Lady Riley, you’re the love of my life.
Riley- But, what about future?
Liam- I got engaged to Madeleine to buy us time. Her hope is that nothing changes I end up marrying her. But my hope is that we’re able to uncover the traitor against you and then...
Riley- Happily ever after?
Liam- Precisely. But we’ll need to be careful... very careful. Before I met you my greatest fear was disappointing Cordonia and my family. BUt now... My greatest fear is that you’d come to some harm because of me. And I’ll to anything, I have to if it means stopping that from happening. For your safety it must appear that we’re no longer involved.
Riley nodded in understanding.
Riley-But for tonight?
She looked up at him and Liam allowed himself a small smile
Liam- For tonight...
Riley leaned forward and kissed him with everything in her, Liam kissed her back, deepening the kiss until they both were breathless he then pulled back and started laying soft kisses on her neck.
Riley bit her bottom lip to stop the moan that threatened to spill. She nibbled at his earlobe before whispering.
Riley- I love you so much my king
Liam pulled back once more, his eyes full of love and desire.
Liam- I love you too my queen
He pushed her back with his body until her back was touching the pillar in his balcony. His hands caging her there as he laid kisses on her shoulder, Riley’s hands slipped beneath his white shirt eliciting a moan from him. She shivered slightly when cool air hit her bare skin as Liam slowly undressed her, he laid kisses on her shoulder as he dropped the strap of her bra to the side.
They both were startled when they heard shout from party goers. They both stayed their calming down their heavy breathing. Riley put her head on his chest taking in the smell his cologne.
Riley- I should go, we can’t be seen together.
Liam reluctantly pulled away from her.
Liam- I know.
He kissed her one more time, his lips lingering on hers, Riley slowly pulled her clothes back on and hugged him one last time
Liam- I promise everything will be fine, we’ll be together.
Riley- I know. Good night LIam
Liam- Goodnight Riley
After that Riley went back the way she came much to Liam’s dismay. He watched her until she was out of her sight, then sighed deeply. “How did his become so complicated” he wondered before going back inside his room. He laid on his bed, and Riley was the last thing on his mind before he dozed off in a peaceful slumber first time in 3 weeks
I really thought that The Royal Heir was going to timeskip to us playing as our daughter through a journey of growing up and learning the responsibilities of wearing the crown but I guess not. 😔 I love the TRR cast and story but I feel like it's time is coming to an end.
replaying trr3 for the millionth time, i saw (and loved) this dialogue from liam, so i wrote a potential different route this could've taken
pretty self explanatory, hope you enjoy! :)
/////
Yes, they were engaged, (at long last, they would add). But, yes, there were still difficulties. For Charlotte, one of the most irritating was the idea that it was ‘improper’ for the two to share a bed before they’re married.
‘If only they knew that not having a bed isn’t that much of an obstruction for Liam,’ she thought to herself.
It’s not even that he’s perhaps the most handsome man to have walked the Earth, though she does think that it is fitting that Cordonia is so close to where the Greek Gods would have lived. No, the issue is that it doesn’t allow for a shred of private domesticity until they’ve so publicly made their vows.
Sometimes, her need to be near to him becomes too great to care what certain onlookers may think. The way he made her heart expand earlier in the day by instantly looking for her as they arrived at the Castellarian estate, only to take her hand and sneak a kiss, did nothing to help her keep her affection for him at bay.
So now that they were in the company of people Charlotte genuinely considered to be trustworthy, she felt confident enough to let her love for him show a bit more.
That’s why, after the wine tasting, she and Liam stood at the balcony whilst the rest were mingling and lightly clearing up. She had, at some point, snaked her arms under his jacket and around his waist, head resting lightly on his chest as he wrapped one of his strong arms around her in turn.
They’d settled on a wine choice for their wedding, talking about other little nothings to do with the day as they looked out over the vineyard.
She was lucky. She was so incredibly lucky, and she knew it.
Shifting her head to look up at him, she was struck once again by the reality of it all. This beautiful, kind, caring, witty man was hers. Soon enough, he’d be hers forever. It was all she could do to drag her thoughts away from just repeating the words, “iloveyouiloveyouilo-“.
Honestly, she might be embarrassed if he could hear her thoughts, but a tugging in her heart reminded her that she had incredible evidence to believe he felt the same way.
Head tilting downwards, his eyes caught hers. She could see the shift in emotion as their eyes met – she could write essays about how beautiful he is when he is able to take just a tiny bit of the weight of the world off of his shoulders.
He was silent for a moment before he spoke, choosing his words carefully.
“You know… I know that we’ve agreed to make our wedding a public event for rallying Cordonia’s allies and people, but part of me wishes that it could just be the two of us, with no one else to distract us.”
Charlotte’s straightened slightly as her arms loosened to instead relax on his sides. Turning to face him, the previous repetition in her head restarted.
Liam almost took her hesitance to respond as disapproval, or a sign that he shouldn’t have shaken the already rocky road that had brought them to their engagement. He was ready to amend what he’d said when she looked up at him once again, turning the idea over in her head with furrowed brows.
“Well… why don’t we?”
“Sorry?”
“Oh, I mean, it could be, right? Just us? We could pull it off. I’ve seen enough movies to know that people can get married almost anywhere, by anyone,” she began to ramble. He felt her swinging their interlocking hands as she went on and couldn’t help but grin at her.
He did that a lot lately.
She was still talking, though. “I mean, you remember in that grotto in Italy during the ‘dark days’,” she made exaggerated quotation marks with one hand, “and you asked me what I could picture our alternative future as being? And I said I could see us getting married in a small church on a cliff? Well, why don’t we?”
Her chattering was growing more excited. Unbeknownst to the couple, it started turning a few heads in their direction. The rest of the gang were used to it, proud of their friends for finding this kind of love, even if they couldn’t quite hear what they were actually even talking about.
Penelope, however, was new to such occurrences. Even the blind could see the love between the pair – it radiated off them in waves. For months, she had felt guilty about her role in the scheme against Charlotte. She knew now how deeply they loved each other, but any time they interacted in her presence, she felt like a horrible intruder in their lives. To have kept them apart was a cruel act, even if she had naively thought at the time that Charlotte’s heart lay with Tariq.
“Max could covertly find a place, and I’m sure Drake would be willing to officiate. We wouldn’t even need the fanciest clothes, well, apart from a ring, but we could do it. I mean, if you really wanted to?”
Liam could see his whole future when he looked at her, and it shone with the brightest sunshine.
He gently cupped her face and kissed her, unable to hold back any longer.
Anyone still spying on the pair hastily looked away.
Her hands found purchase clutching to his button up as the kiss deepened.
After what they both considered to be too short a moment, they separated. Charlotte was left breathless, a culmination of her excitement and unpreparedness. Looking up as they caught their breath, she tilted her head in silent question.
His responding smile was so wide and laden with love that she felt her heart working overtime to sew up the seams where it had burst.
“Yes.”
“Yes?”
“Yes. I- yes. Let’s do it.” He pecked her lips again, still panting softly. Both hands were still on her face as he continued.
“There’s a chapel on the coastline. It’s sat on a cliff right by the sea. A small, old, white building – nothing around it save for a small town a half mile away. I found it online after we spent that evening together in the grotto. The image you painted of us, there, together, stuck in my mind. It’s a stunning scene.”
Charlotte felt her bones go weak.
“I- Do you think we could?” she ventured.
His face contorted as he went over all the possibilities, quickly coming to a conclusion. He took a deep breath.
“I would imagine you’re right about Drake officiating. Maxwell and Hana, too, could be there as witnesses and, besides,” he paused, taking a beat to properly look at her before he continued, “all I need for my wedding is you.”
Man, remember when we thought that was such a sweet thing she did? Yea, it fucking sucks now. Bad move, lady. Now this kid’s named after the worlds biggest fuck face.
