A/N: I know I am writing after ages. This is not a beta read fic. Mistakes are all mine. Thank you Dani @choicesfandomappreciation for bringing joy to our fandom again and again. A little nudge from @alj4890 helped me finish what i had started so i can't stop counting my blessings this fandom has given me. This little piece is my Christmas gift to my secret pal @tveitertotwrites. I know it starts on a sad note so to cheer you up I added a little photo edit to make it more likeable. Merry Christmas!
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I turn the steering wheel of my sedan to the winding road leading to the palace of Valtoria. I have decided to drive myself. I just want some time alone hence I call up Gladys, the majordomo, on my way and instruct to clear the rooms.
As the spires of the palace start emerging over the horizon my heart beat paces up. The palace which was a “Dream come true” , now feels like a gilded cage. I park my car and lumber down to the entrance carelessly.
As I step in, the grandeur of the place welcomes me like an overwhelming tidal wave. The grand staircase hisses at me like a serpent of polished wood. The crisp cream walls are pale as a winter moon. I collapse on the plush red carpet that covers the vast floor of the Great Hall.
In the eerie silence I hear his hushed steps before I hear his husky voice.
“Boleyn?”
I hide my face in my palms lest he sees me in broken pieces. But Drake is Drake. He will never let go, I know. The next moment he has me engulfed in his arms.
“Hey…What happened?”
I just shake my head still covering my face. I didn’t know I was holding it, till I let out a sob.
He gently cradles me. Time drags as I sit there and he sits holding me, patiently waiting for me to unwind. When he feels my arms relax, he slowly peels away my hands from my face. I dare not open my eyes. I am scared to see the disappointment in his eyes. This is not who he had married.
But instead I feel his calloused fingers wiping away the moistness around my eyes. His lips leave a soft kiss on my forehead. He wraps his arms tighter around me, his chin settling on my head as he gently rocks me with him like a baby.
“Bri…” he starts. I know that note well. He whispers my name in that tone when he is hurting. I know I have hurt him by being so miserable. He is going to tell me how he hates me for this.
“Bri, did being at the royal palace feel exhausting today?”
“How….?” I open my eyes, surprised at his question. I thought he was going to blame me for being such a showdown when Christmas is coming up. But he has hit the nail on the head. He already knows why I am such a mess.
He pulls away and smiles at me. “Did you forget? Before becoming your husband…And before donning the title of Duke of Valtoria,” he spreads out his free hand reminding me of where I am. I wince at the reality and shut my eyes. But he brings back his hand, cupping my cheek. “Did you forget? I was a commoner struggling amidst those snobbish, mean royal people.”
“Bri…” he pauses. I open my eyes again to match his gaze. “Bri, I warned you on your first flight to Cordonia, that you don’t know what you are getting yourself into. I wasn’t trying to demotivate you that time. I was trying to be true and honest to you. And guess what?” he pauses again.
I search his chestnut eyes for an answer. They are so calm, unwavering, even in the situation I am in. I see a glint in his eyes as he speaks again, “You proved me wrong. You took the whole court by storm. You became a power to be reckoned with in the royal matters.”
I curl my fingers over his hand on my cheek. “Briar, you literally brought me back from the clutches of death, when I was shot. You didn’t have any help for 24 hours! Yet, you managed to keep me alive.”
My eyes well up as the ghosts of the past resurrect in my memories. I hug him instantly, dreading even at the thought of what it might have been.
He hugs me and is hands are rubbing my back as he continues, “You kept your emotional trauma aside and tended my wounds when we tackled Tariq in your room.”
I clutch on to his shirt as he recollects another harrowing night that we survived. Together. He pats my back. “You didn’t just treat my physical wounds. You healed me from within. You nursed that hidden trauma I carried for years alone, Briar.”
This time I pull away from him, wondering what he is talking about. He once again reads my mind and replies, “My insecurities around the royals, my guarded behaviour when I was surrounded by nobles, my anxiety under the garb of rudeness while talking to friends around. It’s all gone. You helped me get rid of it all.”
I give him a meek smile and shake my head not ready to accept his praises. He holds my face in his palms. “ Your affection brought me to a place where I could overcome my fears and think of building a future with you. Briar, You are my Florence Nightingale.”
He chuckles bringing a wider smile on my face. I embrace him and he curls his arms around me again.
“Briar?”
“Hmm?”
His fingers comb through my hair. “Never underestimate yourself. Never get dragged down by the cheap politics of the court. When their words are vicious, let them fade with your brightest smile. When their actions are hurtful, crush them with your acts of magnanimity. Their malicious strategies can never ever win against my benevolent Briar.”
I grin at his phrase of endearment. He pats my back and sits upright to face me. His smile widens. “That’s like my Boleyn. Do you want to tell me what killed your mood today?”
I clear my throat, “The Christmas decorations.”
“What about it?”
“They are going overboard with it all and I have a duchy struggling through baby steps to become independent and flourish.”
“You don’t need to worry about it.”
“How can I not worry? What about all the people of duchy expecting that … that…” I fumble with my chaotic thoughts.
“And you think you are alone in this?”
“No, I didn’t mean that. But…just the two of us …”
“Do you think Max will let you down? Or Hana will let you deal it all alone?”
“Max? Hana?”
He raises his hands in defence. “I am sorry. Max is going to give me a tough time if he comes to know I told you.” He beams.
“What do you mean?”
He pats my hands in assurance. “I wasn’t supposed to reveal but Max has all the plans aligned well in advance for you. He just wanted to keep it all under covers and surprise you.”
“Oh my God!” I cover my mouth in astonishment.
“He said he is going to ensure that your first Christmas in your duchy becomes talk of the town. And he has a big list that he is carrying in his pocket these days for it.” Drake rolls his eyes, imagining Max’ madness.
I giggle as he helps me get up from the floor. We settle down next to the coffee table. The soft lights from our Christmas tree are reflecting on our faces dimly. Drake glances at our cozy green conifer and then looks at me.
He entwines his fingers in mine. “Briar Boleyn, you are like the Christmas tree. Wherever you are, you bring joy and happiness to everyone around you. Keep sparkling.”
My eyes crinkle and my lips spread out in the widest smile. I cuddle in his bear hug. The tapestry on the wall facing me glows with the image of the phoenix, sigil of the House of Valtoria, on it. I feel the fiery Avian blessing me….to rise and shine.
Prompt: The @kingliamappreciationweek (day 2:Vanilla ) thank you @lizzybeth1986 beta reading this.
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Liam had promised Savannah that he won't meet Fabian without her permission but he couldn't control himself. ‘I am only going to watch from a distance. I am not meeting him so technically I am keeping my word.’ he thinks. And so when Savannah walks down to Fabian's day care he discreetly follows her.
He eagerly waits behind the dense hedge of the Mastic tree, for Savannah to come out of the day care. Liam's heart soars high at the first sight of his son. He is mesmerized at the sight of his own miniature form trotting down along with a grown up Savannah. He steps back to keep away from them. They cross over, Fabian busy narrating the events of the day to his mother. He picks up on their conversation. Fabian is explaining, “....I told her it's simply milk, cream and plain vanilla, isn't it mother?” Savannah nods. Fabian punches his fist in air. “I knew it. I couldn't be wrong with my favourite drink.”
‘He likes Vanilla, just like me!’ Liam is excited on discovering a tiniest detail about his son. He wants to know more but he has to patiently wait for Savannah’s call. He starts walking back to his hotel. Seeing Fabian with Savannah takes his mind to the memories of yesteryears when he was with his mother…..
Little Liam walked with a skip to his mother. She could see through his focused eyes that he had an agenda in his mind. He stopped a few steps away from her and stood with his arms pushed back, his fingers wrapped tightly around each other behind his back.
“Mother, when are we going to visit Drake’s place?” He asked, hiding his nervousness.
“After two days my son,” Eleanor replied wondering where his thoughts are wavering. “why?”
“Oh, it is nothing, mother.” Liam tried to make it light.
Eleanor pulled him to her holding both his arms. “I can see you are pretty excited about something. What is going on in that smart head of yours?”
He brought his hands ahead, fidgeting with Eleanor’s scarf. Coyly, he raised his eyes to her. “I… I am fond of the vanilla shake that Drake’s mom whips.”
“Aahaan ! So you want to visit them just for that milkshake. I bet I can make one too” Eleanor teased.
Liam jerked back. “Not just any milk shake, mother. It’s Bianca’s special vanilla milkshake. Besides, playing around their cozy little rooms with Savannah.” He tried reasoning.
“I never knew you like to play with that little girl.”
“I meant Drake and Savannah.” Liam added.
“Hmm. So Drake and Savannah?”
“And Vanilla shake.” Liam reminded her.
“And the vanilla shake.” Eleanor repeated. “You are sure you are not hiding anything else ?”
Savannah had narrated many bedtime stories about King Liam to Fabian and she had narrated many stories about his father though she was always careful not to overlap any of those. But today everything seems difficult. She tries to speak to Fabian throughout the day and each time she finds herself beating around the bush. She always thought she would be ready and exhilarated to introduce Fabian to his father. Now she is at a loss of words.
After dinner, Fabian makes his bed with his mother and gets under the covers. Savannah keeps roaming around his room still pondering where to start.
“Mom?”
“Yes, baby.”
“Are you worried about something?”
She stops replacing things idly and looks at him, “Not exactly, dear.”
“Did I do something wrong?”
Savannah leaves everything aside and moves towards his bed to sit beside him. “You didn't…Why would you say that?”
“Because I can see you picking up the same things and placing them back again, going round and round the room. You do that when something is bothering you.”
“Oh Fabian!” Savannah bends down to place a kiss on his forehead. “You are such a sweetheart . Always so observant and caring.” ‘Just like your father’, she thinks.
“Does this mean there is something nagging you?”
“Nothing, dear. Actually it's just that… I want to ask you something.”
“What is it?”
She pats on his blanket and moves her fingers gently through his golden locks. “You remember, you lost that set of colour pens I gifted you last Christmas?”
“That one? I found it, mom. It was just misplaced under the pile of my colouring sheets.”
“And how did it feel, getting it back?”
He claps his hands gleefully, “I was so glad, I found those. They are the best gift.”
Savannah smiles. “What if I tell you that you are going to get the best gift you could have ever wished for?”
“What could that thing be?”
“Fabian, it's not a thing. It's a person who wants to meet you.”
“Do I know them?”
“Yes, you know him by certain names , now you will see him right in front of your eyes.”
“Does he know me?”
“Yes, very well.”
“Is he important to you, mother?” he asks in a serious tone making Savannah smile. His change of tone taking the matter at hand seriously reminds her again of the similarities he shares with Liam.
“Yes. He is someone very important.”
“Someone like….do you mean… like is there... is he… is he your boyfriend?”
Savannah laughs out loudly at that and starts shaking her head in denial.
Fabian pouts his lower lip and lowers his eyelids in embarrassment. “I am sorry. I just…”
Savannah cuddles him up. “You don’t have to be. Fabian, it’s time you meet your family, my child. He is one of the important part of our family. Let’s just meet once and then we take it ahead from there.”
The word family has Fabian thrilled. He has been patiently waiting to see uncles and aunts, grandparents and cousins like all other children do. He leaps at the opportunity. “Okay, when are we meeting?”
“Whenever you are comfortable.”
“I am ready, mom. Like, right now .” he emphasizes with his small hands.
“That’s great. Although right now won’t nd possible. How about breakfast tomorrow?”
“I would love that, mom” he beams at her.
“Okay, tomorrow morning then it is. Breakfast.”
“Will you be able to make some vanilla shake?”
“Why not. See you my sunshine. Good night. “
“Good night mom.”
Savannah trudges to the bedroom still smiling at Fabian’s vanilla shake request. ‘Like father, like son.’ She remembers how Liam too used to like Vanilla shake . He had once visited with Drake after a polo match and they all had shake made by Savannah.
She got into her bed, remembering the young age fun.......
“What man! I defeated the prince and all I get is a vanilla shake?” Drake whined to Liam.
“Vanilla shake is a good celebration, Drake.” Liam tried to convince.
“Yes, try it.” Savannah said walking in with three tall glasses in a tray.
“Cheers!” said Liam, picking up his glass.
Without a minute to waste he took a big sip and so did Savannah while Drake just watched them in disinterest.
“Who has vanilla shake for celebrating a victory?” he was mumbling when he heard his sister giggle.
He followed her gaze settling on Liam’s face that had a big white moustache of cream. Drake smirked.
“What ?” Liam asked looking between both of them.
She pointed out snickering, “ You got a big Moustache like an old man.”
Instead of wiping it off, Liam got up to look into the reflection on the TV’s black LED screen.
He turned towards Savannah and boomed, “Ho,Ho,Ho. I am Santa Claus. I am here to give you the Christmas present. What do you wish? Tell me young lady and I will grant it.”
Savannah shied looking at Liam’s playful manner and giggled more while Drake rolled his eyes.
She shakes her head to come back to reality and messages Liam inviting him for the breakfast. Next moment she goes into a deep slumber while thinking about the golden days. It has been a long day.
Next morning
Savannah greets Liam and ushers him into her humble abode. There in front him stands his replica. Fabian’s sandy blonde hair and ocean blue eyes are a straightforward giveaway for anyone to see.
Savannah awkwardly smiles and tries to break the ice. “Fabian, Come meet William.” She introduces.
“Good morning Fabian. I am William.” Liam says.
“Good morning sir,I am Fabian.” He moves ahead and shakes his hand in a very formal manner. Liam is surprised and impressed too.
“Pleasure meeting you.”
Savannah guides them to the dining table where Fabian already has his glass placed. “Please have a seat. I will be back in a minute”
She goes to the kitchen leaving them alone for sometime.
Fabian is slurping his favourite Vanilla shake while his eyes are fixed on the man who has come to meet him. Surprisingly his looks are too familiar to him. So he is observing him with his big blue eyes.
Liam smiles at him waiting for Savannah to join them.
“You like Vanilla Shake?”
Fabian nods, “Its my favourite drink.” He swallows in another sip and asks, “What is your favourite?”
“Same as yours.” Liam bends over the small round table, to whisper.
Fabian imitates bending towards him and whispers back . “My Mommy makes the best vanilla shake. You can ask her for some. She won’t deny. She has a big heart.”
Liam straightens. “I know, Fabian. I love the one she makes.”
Savannah walks out of her kitchen holding two glasses and offers one to Liam.
Vanilla shake. His favourite drink that Bianca made, that Savannah learnt and mastered from her mother, that his son is also fond of. He gives out a heavy breath that he didn’t realise he was holding up and takes the drink from her hands and places it on the table.
He gives a dry smile, first time at loss of words.
Savannah nods slightly telling him to wait. She is going to handle it. ‘The way she handled everything in her life. Alone.’ Liam thought. She is stronger than anyone can think of. She is stronger than him. He knows. So he lets her take the reins of this moment.
She sits down beside Fabian, her son and starts. “Fabian, you remember those bedtime stories?” she pulls him into her lap.
“Yes, Mother.” He answers and Liam thinks. ‘Oh, he answers like me!’
“Do you remember, you always felt strongly about one person in particular, in those stories?” Savannah continues.
Fabian nods, stealing a glance at Liam.
‘Was it me?’ Liam questions himself silently.
“Mommy?” Fabian holds on to her hands, “Is he really King Liam?”
While Liam is surprised that his son has recognised him, Savannah isn’t. She knows how her eight year old was smarter than any kid around. She simply nods.
Fabian’s gaze is intense making Liam squirm in his chair. The fear of rejection grappling him. ‘What if … ? ‘
Before Liam’s mind could wander into the threatening possibilities, Fabian shocks him with another question. “Are you my father?”
Liam expected Savannah to tell Fabian about him. But his son is intelligent enough to connect the missing dots. Liam loses control over the stoic appearance he carries. His emotions are raw as he looks at Savannah. She nods at him.
He Is scared, ‘What if…?’ his mind is continuously taking him down the spiral, ‘What if Fabian doesn’t accept me? What if he hates me?’ He shakes away the wild thoughts and swallows. He doesn’t realise his mouth has gone dry. A heavy minute passes before he answers, “Yes.”
Fabian breaks away from his mother’s arms and leaps to hug Liam taking him back with surprise, yet again. His short arms circle Liam’s neck as he hugs tightly, resting his head on Liam’s broad chest.
“I knew it.” He utters. “I knew it, father. I am glad you could come. I am very happy that you came.” He keeps repeating. “ I am sorry, you had to go through so much, Father. I am sorry I couldn’t help you. I am sorry, I wasn’t there to tell you that we love you and we care for you, father. We do, we really, really do. Both Mommy and I do.”
Savannah had told Liam that Fabian knew about him. But he didn’t expect the little one to forget his own hardships and instead console his father. Liam hugs him back, tears falling unfiltered from his eyes, breaking his strong façade of a king. Fabian has not only accepted him but is pouring out all his love and affection forgetting all the wrong that happened. His little boy is already so grown up and he has missed it all! His heart brakes at the thought and he looks up at Savannah.
She sits there, quietly watching the reunion, wiping away her tears. Fabian made her proud. And then, this man! She catches his gaze and he mouths the words at her, ‘Thank you.’
He caresses Fabian, moving his hand over his head and then placing a kiss in his hair. His other hand is still snuggled around his son’s little frame. Fabian looks up and Liam cups his face placing kisses on his forehead and cheeks and the nose and his eyes. He can never get tired of kissing his son but Fabian shakes his head. Liam stops. ‘Does he not like my kisses?’
Fabian shakes his hand while he raises his tiny little fingers and starts wiping Liam’s tears.
‘Oh dear God! I need to learn a lot from my son.’ Liam thinks and smiles through the tears, hugging his son again. He stretches out an arm for Savannah to join in and Fabian circles his one arm around his mother other arm latching on to his father.
After a long time, they finally sit around the small circular table, Fabian settled in Liam’s lap.
Savannah pushes the vanilla shake that sat idly on the table towards Liam.
Liam instantly indulges into his drink. After a gulping half the glass in one go, he smiles at Fabian.
Fabian looks wide eyed at Liam and then back at his mother . He is not sure if he can react in front of his father. When he sees his mother chuckling, he joins in.
Liam gives them a confused look.
“What happened ? He asks.
“You got moustaches like Santa!” Fabian splits into a laughter.
Liam catches Savannah go stiff at mention of Santa. The memories come back to her like a whiplash. Before Fabian could notice his mother’s sad face, Liam jumps at him and grabs him. “Ho,Ho,Ho. I am Santa Claus. I am here to give you the Christmas present. What do you wish? Tell me young boy and I will grant it.” Liam circles his arms around Fabian
Fabian rolls out laughing, “Really?”
“Always!” Liam beams hugging Fabian and looking at Savannah with a promise in his eyes.
Prompt: The @kingliamappreciationweek day 5 : Healing.
Thank you @lizzybeth1986 for beta reading this.
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Liam walks down the corridors of the ‘Middle School of Maltifao. He is excited. In years, this is the first time he is excited about something. Finally, he is going to meet Savannah after almost eight long years. So much has happened. He has a son! They have a son. Liam shakes his head and smiles at the thought of Fabian.
‘Fabian. I would love that name for my son.’ He had once mentioned in a casual teenage chat amongst his friends.
‘She remembered.’ He whispers to himself.
A smile plastered on his face, he walks down to the classrooms. The class has just begun. He politely stands outside listening to her voice. He didn’t realise how much he had missed her. The children are learning about Cordonia.
‘What a coincidence!’ he leans against the walls and closes his eyes. Soon the discussion in the classroom shifts from Cordonia to King Liam and his Subjects. He chuckles. ‘Its fun to listen the views of these little ones’, he thinks. His heart somersaults with happiness when Savannah describes him. ‘She still loves me.’ But then he realises she abruptly cuts off the discussion and dismisses the class.
The children run out and he faces the exit, waiting for her to walk out. He doesn’t know how to greet her. He is unable to recollect the things he had planned for this very moment. So, when she bangs into him, he says the first thing that comes to his mind.
“If you like me so much, why did you leave me?”
He gives her a minute. He is sure she recognises him. Just by his touch. His heart is beating fast in anticipation. But when she looks at him, his world comes crashing down. She quickly turns away her head and pulls away from him.
‘What was that? Did I see fear in her eyes? Why? Who is she scared of? Me? Why?’
He controls his spiralling thoughts and tries to speak again.
“Hello Savannah.”
“Hi.”
‘Just a plain hi ? Is she upset to see me? Why?’ Liam has a parallel row of thoughts going on.
“Sava...”
“Can we talk somewhere else? Not here.” She pleads.
“Yes. Yes.” Liam starts nodding his head. “Sure. Sure. My car is standing...”
“No, no, no.” She again cuts him. “There is a coffee shop down the road. It has a private cabin. We can sit there.”
“Coffee shop? Okay. Okay.” He starts nodding again. “Lead the way.”
“Please, wait for a minute. I need to inform in the office.”
“Sure. Sure.” Liam realises he is repeating and nodding again. He tries to shake away the nervousness that has shadowed his excitement within fractions of meeting her.
Savannah quickly comes back from the office and starts walking. Liam follows. On his way out he signals his security standing around an SUV to stand down. Its a small village of Lozzi on the island of Corsica, faraway from the hullabaloo of the cities and capitals. It looks safe. He wants her to feel safe. So he quietly follows her to the coffee shop.
“Hey, Maria!” Savannah walks in, waving to the old lady behind the counter.
Maria’s smile falters for a second before Liam acknowledges her forced smile, “Bonjour Madame.”
“Bonjour.” She stutters.
“Maria, puis-je utiliser la cabine privée?” Savannah asks.
“Oui.” Maria replies and Savannah scurries to the small secluded room in the back.
Liam trudges in. ‘She was very fluent out there. Did Kiara teach her that well or has she refined her language over all these years? And Maria? Does she know who I am to Savannah?’
Savannah clears her throat. He looks at her gesturing to the seat across her. He sits down.
“Liam, It’s been years since I travelled anywhere or contacted anyone.” She starts immediately explaining herself. “I have never called anyone in Cordonia, at any given point of time. I have made sure that even my own brother doesn’t know my whereabouts. I am living a quiet secluded life here. I don’t know what brought you here but..”
“You.”
“Me?” she looks at him wide eyed.
“I came for you.”
“Why?”
“Why not?” he questions her back.
“After all these years?”
“Yes, even after all these years, Savannah.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I want you to come back. It was a mistake . Letting you go. Letting you walk away. But believe me, not a day went by when I didn’t think about you.” He says, with his gaze intense.
Savannah shifts in her chair. “Liam, that day when you were talking to your father, I overheard the conversation. I heard you agreeing to him that a commoner will never fit in the nobility of Cordonia.”
“No, Savannah. That’s what my father said. I replied back to him.”
“I know, Liam. I understand. It’s okay. He blackmailed you with Leo’s abdication and he was calling you his sole support. After all, he was your father and I know you, being you, could never say no.”
“Savannah, I think you did not listen to the complete conversation. I did say ‘No.’”
“No.” She lets out a heavy breath.
“Yes, Savannah. It was the only time in my life that I felt strong enough to stand against the odds and fight for what was mine. I had a major argument with my father that day and I said such things to him that I would have never ever dreamt of saying.”
How could she miss it. Did she make a decision in haste. Was it all futile. ‘Oh no!’ she thinks.
“Savannah, I had a misunderstanding when I came to you next day. But you made it all sound so real. I was already shaken and I got carried away with your white lies. I must say you are a fine actor.” He smiles at her.
Savannah on the other hand is thoroughly confused. What has she done? If he was fighting for them and she heard only half part of the conversation, it means she misread all the signs and she threw everything away. The love of her life.....the family she could have had.....all the happiness her son could have had. Fabian! The thought of Fabian sends her in a panic.
She jumps in her seat. “Liam! I am so sorry. I am so sorry, Liam. I ... I never told you. I wanted to. Actually I had come to tell you but then I heard your conversation with your father and I thought other wise.” She puts her head in her hands and pulls on her hair. “Oh dear God, What have I done! Please forgive me.” She looks back at Liam again with tears in her eyes. “That day , I came to tell you... Tell you that...
“That you were pregnant. “ he completes her sentence for her.
“You knew?” she stares at him in surprise.
“No. Not then. I came to know few months back.”
Now another worry starts picking up in Savannah’s mind. “Liam... So you are here to take away your heir? You want to take him away from me, don’t you? You can’t take away my only happiness from my life. You can’t do that to me.” Tears start rolling down her cheeks. “God cannot be so unfair to me.” She shakes her head wildly in dismay. Her fright sets in and she unknowingly squeezes farther into the corner of the booth.
“Savannah! Savannah! Sav.... Look at me.” Liam tries to pull her back. He gets up moving on her side. He grabs her tightly closed fists in one hand and with the other hand he tries caressing her cheek.
“Savannah I came for you, my love!” she stops shaking. “Knowing that we have a son is just an icing on the cake. But you and I? We come first . I made a mistake once. I won’t like to repeat it ever again. So I have come to see you. Only, and only if you allow, I would like to meet our son. Please.”
Savannah wipes her tears with the back of her hand. “ It’s a lot to take in, Liam. Can you please give me a day to settle things. My son...”
“Our son.” Liam says with a pride, cupping her face.
“Our son..” she corrects herself. “I will have to tell him.”
Liam pulls his hands down. He starts pulling on his fingers to curb his apprehensions. His eyes shy away, “Did he ever ask about me?”
“Yes. He is as curious as you were as a child.” She reminisces. Her words make him gaze back at her again, with hope.
She tries to reason, “You know, I couldn’t tell him who you are but he knows his father as a wise man who is protecting lives of many people. He takes pride in it. He knows his father loves him and will come one day to see him.”
Liam presses his lips tight. His trembling hands try covering Savannah’s. “I wanted to be good. A good son, a loyal friend, a just king. But while accomplishing these roles I didn’t realise that I betrayed my love and never stood up for my son.”
“Liam, you never knew.”
“How can I give you back all the years that you lost?”
“Stop giving all the time Liam. You deserve to have somethings for yourself too.”
“ I don’t know how to apologise. I want to make up for all the loss.” He pulls at her hands in a pleading tone. “Tell me how can I abate the fear I saw in yours eyes when you met me?
“You noticed?”
“How couldn’t I, Savvie? I was seeing you after ages and while I was so thrilled about our reunion it broke my heart to see you distressed.”
It was Savannah’s turn to lower down her eyes, to hide her emotions. “I thought I had saved myself from the prying eyes and in turn saved my son. When I realised I have been found, I got scared that....” she chokes.
“Hey there. Shhhhh!” Liam circles his arm around her trying to reassure her.
Savannah whimpers, “I thought you have come to take what is yours.”
“Mine?” He looks at her puzzled.
Savannah nods. “Fabian.” She whispers.
“No Savvanah. Never. Do you think I can be so cruel?”
She shakes her head, the fear still lingering in her mind.
“I told you Savvanah, I won’t even meet him without your permission.” He wipes her tears and talks while her sobs fade away. “I am afraid of imagining how you must have gone through all the hardships alone. I was not there for your pregnancy or childbirth. You brought him up all alone. The least I can do is....”
Savannah’s phone starts vibrating. She looks at the caller id and signals Liam to wait.
“Allô?” She receives the call.
“Désolée!” She starts picking up at her purse. “ J’arrive. S’il te plaît, donne-moi dix minutes.” She quickly cuts the call.
'I need to ask about her fluency in French' he smiles to himself.
“You should go. I was just saying that...” he scratches his sidelock making Savannah smile.
She brings him back from his thoughts, “Liam, I need to pick up Fabian from the day care. I am sorry, you were saying something.”
“You were saying , the least you could...”
“Oh yes! I wanted to tell you that the least I can do is make this meeting pleasant for you and for him. I don’t want to be a monster in his eyes, someone who separated him from his mother.”
Savannah stands up while talking, “You can never be a monster to him. I will talk to him and once he is ready, I will call you.”
“Thank you. I will be eagerly waiting to hear from you.”
“Bye.” She starts walking towards the door.
“Savannah?”
“Yes?” She turns back.
He looks around to check if anybody is watching them. He closes the distance between them and hugs her. Savannah stiffens for a moment.
In a minute that passes, she relaxes and takes a deep breath of hopefulness. She lifts her head to look up into his optimistic eyes. He bends down to place a kiss on her forehead. “Go my love, I will wait for your call. I hope we meet this time to never let go.”
A/N: The @kingliamappreciationweek (day 4 ) made me dust some old drafts and bring this forgotten tale to you. Thank you @lizzybeth1986 for bringing life back into my writing by encouraging me and beta reading this.
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Cordonia, nine years ago. Liam’s study.
“Father, I dont think we need to have the whole social season and waste money.”
Constantine chuckled, “So, I can call Godfrey and Madeliene back from England. Thank goodness. At Least, one of my son saved some grace.”
“Father, I never said anything about Countess Madeliene.”
“Who is it then?”
Liam grinned like a fool in love thinking about her. “Someone you know and you have loved and cared about all these years.”
“I care for her as a royal responsibility although I never liked her, Liam. But I am fine if you choose Olivia. At least it’s someone who will be loyal to you. I have done enough for her and this is the least she can do to repay.”
Liam’s jaw dropped listening to Constantine’s thoughts. But it was not the right time to nudge him on that. “Father, it’s not Olivia.” He said just a note above a whisper.
“Who else then?”
Liam looked down at the majestic blue carpet, a smile playing on his lips. “Savannah.”
“Savannah who?”
“Savannah Jane Walker, sir.” Liam said puzzled at his father’s incomprehensibility. “Daughter of your most loyal kings guard and friend.”
“That commoner? Oh Liam, you are just like your father. Falling so easily for some random dame. Guess what? You are a royal, son. You can have all such damsels dancing to your tune. And you can even choose someone as your mistress.”
Liam was disgusted at such a cheap thought. But he tried to maintain the decorum. “Father, I am serious. I really like her and would want to marry her.”
Constantine fumed, “How can you disrespect me like that Liam? You are the crown prince. The whole country is looking up to you. They want to see a queen by your side. Not some roadside commoner, who doesn’t know a thing about what’s it to be noble alone, forget being royalty. This is preposterous and utterly irresponsible behaviour on your part. I am so disappointed in you at this moment, Liam.”
“Father...”
“No, Liam. You can’t betray me like this. Not after what Leo did. My son, my hard work, my life, everything depends upon your this one decision. Don’t let me down my child. Not you too.” He choked.
The air felt thick around Liam. He loosened his tie trying to breathe. The burden of the throne was feeling heavy on his shoulders. He sat down on the sofa with a thud, unlike his gentle mannerisms. How many times he had to sacrifice his wishes for the country?
“A commoner will never fit in the nobility of Cordonia, Liam. You need to be practical.” Constantine said in a pleading tone.
“You are right, father.” Liam closed his eyes. “A commoner will never fit. Mother did not fit . Even if she tried, they won’t let her live. You are right, father. A commoner will never fit.”
He got up with a resolution in his mind, thinking of Savannah, feeling her love giving him strength. He bent over the table in front of Constantine and looked him straight into his eyes.
“If a commoner like mother could not fit, how can her poor son fit in, father? I think you need a pure blood to carry your legacy ahead.”
“Liam, you are crossing line.”
“No Father, I am creating a line for you to stop at. I did everything you asked me to do. I stood firm for your nobility, on my own mother’s funeral, when all I wanted to do was hug her and cry. I accepted Regina even before I was done mourning for my mother, because you needed a queen besides. I sat sincerely for all my classes and trainings. I picked up the burden of Leo’s responsibilities for you.” He heaved.
“You dont get all these luxuries for free, Liam. This palace, the richest, the comforts are all I built up.”
Liam started laughing making Constantine stop and look at him in confusion. Liam scoffed, “I should have known, you can only love yourself.”
“Liam!”
“No, Father. I have been what you wanted me to be, what this country wanted me to be. But this country needs stability too which I can give them.” Liam emphasized by slapping his chest , clearly showing Constantine, who is in power. “Savannah brings me that calmness and peace. So if you want me, you get us together or you may start searching for a new heir. “
Liam slammed his hands on the table and stomped off leaving a speechless Constantine.
That evening , Liam decided to meet Savannah. He phoned her and to his amazement she called him to her room. He had never dared to openly visit her but he was done hiding so he walked down undeterred to the chambers in the left wing. The door was wide open. He was deep in his thoughts and entered in without knocking. He stopped in his tracks. Tariq sat idly on the recliner, checking something on his phone. The bed in front of him had a suitcase half filled. Savannah walked out of the walk in closet and chimed, “Prince Liam!”
Tariq straightened up and greeted, “What a pleasant surprise! What brings you here?”
Liam couldn’t understand what Tariq was doing with Savannah? “You are going out somewhere?” he asked.
“Yes Li. Savannah agreed to accompany me on my next business trip."
Liam still was clueless. He had too many thoughts running in his mind. He waved off what Tariq said and turned to Savannah . “I need to talk to you. “
“Yes, please go ahead.”
“Tariq?” Liam asked in a tone demanding privacy.
Tariq fumbled with his belongings and got up. “Sure Li.” He waved at Savannah throwing a flying kiss at her, “ See you soon, beautiful.”
What shocked Liam even more was Savannah giggling at the flirtation. “What was that?” he couldn’t resist but ask.
“Nothing.” She said smiling still looking after where he left.
“What am I missing? Why is he sending you flying kisses. ” Liam probed again.
“Oh that?” Savannah shyly looked away, folding the clothes in her hands. “He proposed yesterday.”
“He what? “
“He proposed and since then he has not stopped making it public to each and every one.”
“Savannah, let me get this straight. He proposed and you said no. “
“ Why will I say no to such a lucrative offer?”
“Savannah, are you in your senses? You are telling me that you accepted Tariq’s proposal?”
“Yes, silly. Stop beating around. “ She started meticulously rolling her socks into pairs and placing them in the bag.
“Savannah! Please stop it. What kind of joke is this?”
She stopped and looked at Liam repeating in a serious tone, “Its not a joke Liam. I am engaged to Tariq.”
Liam lunged at her, grabbing her shoulders and jerking her. “What about us? What were we doing all these years?”
Savannah shook his arms away and moved out of his clutches. “That was two young people having fun.”
Liam looked at her in disbelief. “I thought you loved me Savannah.”
“I loved you.” She whispered. But the next moment she turned away to harden her heart before she spoke. “But things have changed now. You are not the spare anymore. You need to understand Liam. You are going to be a king. There will be tons and tons of never ending responsibilities. I can’t just submerge myself under all that weight and spoil my youth and my life.”
Liam was shocked to see this image of Savannah. “And you think you will enjoy yourself with a person like Tariq?”
“Definitely yes. He has all the money I need. He goes on lot of business trips , so I get to see the world. He has contacts with all the who’s who so I get to be in the best company without carrying the burden I have to carry with u.”
“I can’t believe I loved you, Savannah. You turned out to be a chameleon. How can you be daughter of a man like Jackson or sister of my best friend Drake? You seriously can’t be this shallow.”
“Oh please! Don’t start a lecture now. I am packing for a cruise to Thailand. Don’t spoil my mood.”
Liam started walking away agitatedly. He stopped at her doorsteps and turned around to look at her one last time. “Bon Voyage!”
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The Royal Caribbean Cruise ship
Savannah sat on the desk in her cabin, trying to write a letter.
“Dear mom,
By the time this letter reaches you, I will be far away.” she shook her head and crumpled the paper.
“Dear mom,
I am pregnant…” she sucked in a breath thinking about her mother's reaction to dropping a bomb with a news like that. She tore off this one into tiniest pieces so that no one knows.
“Dear mom,
I know you must be worried about my whereabouts…”
She let out a sigh. ‘This will do’, she thought. She took some time to jot down the details for her mother. She was folding the letter when there was a knock on the door. She opened it to let Tariq in. She pushed the letter in an envelope and sealed it.
“We are reaching Port Said in some time, Savannah.” Tariq informed her.
“I will get my bags ready.” She got up.
Tariq stopped her. “Savannah, you don't have to do this. You can stay. Just come along. It will be a good distraction.”
“Thank you. But I have many things to sort out before,” she abruptly stopped. She can't spill it in front of Tariq. So she tried to cover up. “...before next season.”
“As you wish. I would still suggest that you should try talking it out with him. He is a good man, Savannah. We have been close friends.”
“I know. I have known him since I was a toddler, Tariq. But this whole mess cannot be sorted out just by talking. He has to stand for his country. I can't stand besides him in that role. And staying there, watching him so closely will be very painful. It's for the good.”
Savannah bid Tariq goodbye, thanking him for all his help and deported on the port of Egypt. She found the nearest courier service and sent the letter to her mother. She proceeded to her final destination immediately.
It was a long journey of two days via road and ferry. Finally after a few more days of settling down in the small village, Savannah sat one day on the serene banks of the river Golo. A lot had happened in the past few days. And all she could do was pen it down.
So she decided to find closure through a letter.
Liam,
I love you. I will always love you. I am sorry I had to leave. I am sorry I hurt you. But I couldn't bear the rift that was being created within your family because of me.
Li, you have been beside me since I was a little girl. You made me feel like a princess even when you had the real ones fawning over you. You spoiled me, you pampered me, you loved me and I can't thank my stars for having you in my life. But sometimes that's not enough.
I know you will be disturbed by what transpired. You will be upset, but when your people and your country needs you, I know you will leave everything aside and you will again stand up and be the great person you are, Liam. I admire you for this strength, grit and determination that you always display. I hope I am able to teach our child these amazing qualities of yours.
Yes Li, we are going to have a baby. You are going to be a father soon. It's sad that you will never know but believe me I wanted to tell you. I came to share the good news with you but the way your father turned the whole conversation into an emotional hurricane for you, I knew you would have to agree with him. I didn't want to put you in a dilemma. I did what I could think of that moment to push you away from me, to give you the freedom to choose your duties.
Someday, when and if we ever meet, I hope you will realise and understand my actions and forgive me. Till then I am going to keep your memories and your love safely hidden in my heart.
You have a lot happening around you and the world isn't a fair place. I want you to take care of yourself, my love and I promise to look after our baby till we meet next.
Until then..
Au revoir Liam
Yours always
Savannah Jane Walker - Rhys.
She read it a few more times until the tears started blotting the written words. She then let the letter down the stream of river and watched as the black ink on the paper vanished into the blue waters and the wet paper drowned into the nethers of the river.
Series: Isle of Misfits, Round Robin 24, hosted by @choicesprompts
Characters:
TRR – Liam Rys, Leo Rys, Olivia Nevrakis, Madeleine Amaranth
RoE – Katie Rys
TNA – Sam Dalton
Word count: 1240
The phone pinged.
‘1 new message’
Leo sighed and picked up to read. He was tired of explaining himself to Katie. The world never understood him or his desire to live a care free life. The paparazzi won’t let him breathe. But he thought Katie would understand. She would always know. He had tried to be honest with her, always.
He was struggling to stay abreast sailing through the rough waters when his brother decided to take the corrective action for Leo’s deeds . He was forced into this PR stunt of a circus with his childhood friend, Bertrand, playing the ring master. And as if Gods had not had enough of entertainment, he was paired with his ex, Madeleine! Just perfect!
Coming out of his reverie, he tapped his fingers on the home screen to check the new message .
‘Meet me at the beach restaurant in 10minutes to collect your dossier .
Countess Madeleine .’
“Better than having Sam Dalton as a mentor” he consoled himself. “His brains function through that Rocket in his pocket. At least Madeleine has her head over her shoulders.”
He dragged himself out of his bed. Sharp after 10 minutes he presented himself in front of the Countess.
“What do you plan to do with this?” He lifted the heavy bundle of papers filed into a folder neatly. ‘Prim and proper. So much like Madeleine.’
But Madeleine’s reply was totally off beat. “why you have not shaved?”
Leo shook his head as if trying to decipher. “What?” He moved his fingers through the over grown messy beard.
Madeleine scoffed, “ Let me make it clear Leo. You are constantly under lens.”
“That’s exactly what I don’t want.” He cut her off.
“You were the crown prince.”
“And I abdicated.” He tried to prove his point.
“Doesn’t matter. You can’t change who you are born as.”
“Why?” He pulls his fingers through his sandy blonde hair In frustration.
“Prince Harry abdicated too. But he is always in news.”
Leo scowled, “For heavens sake! Can’t they let me live in peace?”
“Only if you don’t give them chance to rip through your peaceful personal life.” She air quoted.
He nods in agreement. “And I can see, you are here to tell me, how.”
“Now you are talking business.” Madeleine smiled.
Leo closed his eyes for a moment. He had to do this for Katie, for his children. He took a deep breath. “Okay. Tell me what am I supposed to do?”
“You need to look perfect when you walk in public. It shows that you are leading a perfect and happy life.”
Leo smirked, “Yes it’s a very happy life.”
“Make it look like one and I can tell you, they will stop chasing you.”
“Fine! What next?”
“I have appointed a valet for you. He will help with your attire, hair and your over all appearance. You will not leave your room before he checks you.”
Leo rolled his eyes. He had no other option but to accept what was thrown at him.
For the next hour he went back and forth over the plans Madeleine had laid out for him.
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Bertrand’s office next day
Olivia was seated across Bertrand, discussing their next modus operandi. Olivia had successfully completed her task with Raleigh Carrera and was now assigned to the case of the exiled crown prince, Trystan Thorne, of Drakovia.
An urgent knock on the door brought them to a halt. They both looked at each other. Bertrand voiced, “Come in” , wondering who was their uninvited guest for the meeting .
Leo stormed in and slammed a tabloid onto the desk in front of Bertrand. Olivia stared back at Leo’s fuming face while Bertrand looked in confusion, “ What does this mean?”
“Open and see for yourself.” Leo pointed out his finger.
As soon as Bertrand picked the newspaper and unfolded it, his eyes went wide with shock. Olivia leaned towards him to peer into the news.
The newspaper had images of Leo and Madeleine sitting in a cafe. The first one had Madeleine gleaming at Leo and the second one showed them shaking hands near the exit. The tag line read ‘Former crown prince Leo Rhys, spotted with his ex, Countess Madeleine, at leisure on a private island. Do we smell something burning in Katie Rhys’ sweet home?”
A smile played on Olivia’s lips.
“Seriously?” Leo asked looking at Olivia’s reaction.
“It’s not about you.” She fanned away with her hand.
“From what I can see, it’s definitely about me.” He turned to Bertrand angrily, “This is how you were going to help me save my image and my marriage?”
Olivia spoke instead, “Its not his fault. Madeleine should have been more discreet while planning her meetings.”
Just as on clue, Madeleine stepped inside the office. “Speak for yourself. I know my job well.” She snatched the tabloid from Bertrand’s hand and glanced at the pics, dismissing it in an instant.
She focused on Leo, “ This is the reason I insisted you need to dress up properly. Had you been in a formal attire, this would have been ignored by the media as just another business meeting.”
“Great ! So now it’s all my mistake? You know what my mistake is? Trusting you guys with my future.”
Bertrand replied in a calm note, “I think you are over reacting. It’s just two pics, we can change the flow of events. My PR company can assure you, we are good at turning the waves in your favour.”
Before he completed his sentence, the doors to his office opened with a bang. Drake barged in raging in anger. “The hell you turn things only in your favour. You Beaumonts are the most mean and selfish men walking on this damn planet.” His voice echoed across the halls outside the office.
Bertrand’s eyes roamed behind Drake to check if there were any audience at his doors. He settled his gaze back on Drake. “May I know the reason for this intrusion?”
Drake sneered, “You call yourself CEO of a PR firm yet you don’t have updates of the newsflash on TV channels across Cordonia?”
Bertrand gave Drake an irritated glare and picked up the remote to switch on the flat screen hanging on the wall across his table. The screen brightened up with flashes of red haired lady bouncing on a dance floor. All of them in the room knew that was Olivia but the next few moments left everyone’s mouth hanging open.
Bertrand came into the frame trying to dance. He made some lewd gestures and then grabbed Olivia into a smooch.
Leo and Madeleine jolted back at Bertrand. Even Olivia had shock written all over her face. Definitely she was drunk that she didn’t remember this incident.
Bertrand gulped and fumbled with the remote to switch off the TV. He didn’t want to listen or let others in the room listen to the reporter’s remarks.
“I... I ... I can explain”, he said nervously.
Drake sprinted to him in two steps and held him by collar. “How many times are you going to explain? First my sister, then your back stabbing brother took Riley and now you target my girl friend?”
“Riley is with Max?” The baritone voice from the entrance of the office brought everything to standstill. They all turned to see Liam standing in a thunderstuck state.
