Gone
Only Time Will Tell
Chapter 4 Part 1
Book: TRH Book 2 (inspiration)
Characters: Liam x Jilian (my OTP), with appearances from Drake, Hana, Riley, Gaylyn, and Liana Eleanor ( all belonging to PB, except for Gaylyn).
For your knowledge: This is my version of how I wanted Book 2 to occur, (this is canon...as much as possible).
Thank you all for waiting so patiently for this chapter to post. As I said a couple of weeks ago, this chapter is very long. So, I decided to split it into two parts. I assure you its a good read, but unfortunately it would have been a long one if I didn’t split it up.
What we already know: Riley has completed phase 1 of her plan. Jilian has left the palace to go stay at Valtoria.
Synopsis: This chapter as a whole is a recap of what occurred before the costume gala, during the costume gala, and the present; from the point of view Liam, Jilian, Hana,Drake,and Riley.
Warnings: No triggers or death, but some cursing and heartache.
Song inspiration: Gone by NSYNC
https://open.spotify.com/track/4CCUjYJPbSXLL23BFeBVbI?si=sWzsiaokSq612x-hAABZBw
and
Head over feet by Alanis Morissette
https://open.spotify.com/track/735rjks7kQgWCjTQlIHMuH?si=Qv0O3TrsSt6LT3OFU5P_Fw
I do not own the rights to either one of these songs.
Word count: around 2800
Ch. 4 part I
Gone
(The events in this chapter take place before, during, and after the costume gala)
Gone. The saddest word in any spoken language.
**Leo and Liv, after the Comery Isle meeting******
“Liv, I’m telling you, the way she positioned herself on Liam’s desk left nothing to the imagination…..I mean nothing. It’s almost like she’s-”
“She’s trying to get into his pants,” Olivia scoffed.
“Yeah.”
“Now the real question is why? Why would you try to seduce a King who’s madly in love with his Queen. Anyone with eyes can see the love that radiates between those two. Why would you try to interfere with that? What’s her endgame?”
**Liam and Jilian after the Comery Isle meeting*****
“So wait. You’re telling me that Neville was insinuating that YOU were flirting with Riley.” Jilian asked as she pointed her index finger at Liam.
“No Love, he was insinuating that I was interested in her.”
Jilian stood in the doorway of their bathroom, combing her hair. “Well, are you?”
“Am I what?”
Jilian looked at the ceiling and let out a breath. “Are you interested in her...Liam?”
“Love, no.” Liam’s tone had changed just enough to make Jilian question his relationship with Riley.
“So why would Neville think you were?”
“Love, I don’t know. Besides, it's Neville. He’s always looking for the upper hand, leverage, something to hold over someone’s head for retribution for not approving his much needed funds. Now, please drop this. I’m telling you it’s nothing, really. I love you and only you.”
Jilian continued to comb her hair as Liam started to get undress.
“I’m going to take a shower.”
**Leo and Liv****
“Liv, you can’t tell Jilian. This isn’t something she should hear from you. Let’s let my little brother handle it.” Leo said as he took Olivia’s phone out of her hand. “This isn’t your story to tell.”
“Leo. Jilian is my fri-.....Queen. And I’ve pledged to always protect and serve the Queen, just as I do the King. I can’t let some skank waltz in here and destroy what they have.”
Leo sat in silence as he listened to Olivia talk about being loyal to the crown, when it suddenly hit him. “OH...WOW!”
“What?”
“You don’t want Jilian to get hurt. You care about her!”
“For your information Leo Rys, I care about Liam and Jilian. They’ve been through more than their share of life’s obstacles, and yet they’ve made it through without a scratch. Stronger than ever.” Olivia said as she stared across the room, envisioning Liam and Jilian together with their princess.
“So, what’s wrong? Why are you trying to create another obstacle for them?”
“I’m afraid Leo.” Olivia said as she looked down at the floor. “I’m afraid that Jilian may feel like enough is enough. She has a baby to think of.” Liv’s voice dropped down to a whisper.
Leo knew that Liv always thought of herself as the protector. Ever since Eleanor was murdered, Liv felt as if she should protect Liam. She knew the hurt, the pain of losing a parent; and the hole it left in your heart. That was the common bond that her and Liam shared. They both knew the empty filling of not having the one person(s) they loved the most gone, forever.
So when Jilian named Olivia as Liana Eleanor’s God-mother; she made it her sworn duty to protect Liam’s family as if it was her own. Liam, Jilian, and Liana Eleanor became the family Olivia never had.
******The Costume Gala***********
As the large ornate doors opened, everyone’s attention was on the grand entrance of the King and Queen. “Your Majesties. King Liam, Queen Jilian, and Princess Liana Eleanor of Cordonia.” The ballroom erupted with thunderous applause and glee, as the guests cheered and clapped for their monarch and alley.
Here we go. Time to put on my game face, Riley thought. Look at her. She has no right standing there as the Queen of anything. Riley scoffed as she rolled her eyes at Jilian while she stood with her back to Riley. Hell, she shouldn’t even be here.
“Hello Your Majesties.”
“Hello Lady Riley,” Liam replied while Jilian just nodded.
“The Gala seems to have turned out well,” Liam continued.
“Yes, it did. You sound surprised.”
At that moment, Bradshaw and Isabella sashayed over practically pushing Riley out of the way. This brought a small smile to Jillian’s face.
As the night went on, Liam and Jilian made their rounds. Greeting their guests together and separately, until the orchestra began to play. Liam looked around the ballroom for Jilian and he noticed that she was engaged in a conversation with Princess Marguerite. Once he made his way over to his Queen, Liam placed his arm around Jilian’s waist, excusing her from her conversation with the Princess of Monaco.
The King and Queen danced while holding their princess in between them. Everyone was overjoyed to see the young royals dance as a family. This gave their friends and allies the picture of a strong monarch.
“They look so good together. So in love,” Marguerite sighed as she pressed the knuckles of her left hand against her lips. “One can only hope to be blessed enough to find a love like theirs.”
Riley let out a deep breath and rolled her eyes at Marguerite’s comment. “Yeah, I’d say they're pretty lucky,” she added as she took a long gulp of her champagne.
*****The morning after the fight*****
“Knock, Knock. Jilian…..Jilian. Gaylyn sent you some breakfast. You need to eat something. Jilian, please open the door.” Hana’s voice drops to a whisper. “I’m worried about you.”
Jilian could hear the worry and concern laced in Hana’s voice, but she just didn’t have the will to answer. She didn’t have the strength to move.
*****Drake and Hana phone conversation the same day******
Drake: “So, did Winchester tell you what happened last night?”
Hana: “Yes. I finally got her to tell me what happened after she handed Lily over to me.”
Drake: “OK. Can you tell me what happened?”
Hana: “Sure.”
Hana’s POV
After their dance, Liam and Jilian parted to finish speaking to their guests. Jilian noticed that Liam was at the mercy of King Erik. She giggled and pointed him out to me. That’s when Leo and Liv walked over. We were chatting with them when Leo asked Lily where her Daddy was. Jilian and I started to laugh as she said he was with Erik. We all rolled our eyes and continued to laugh. After a few moments, Leo turned to see if he could spot him, but he didn’t see him. He then asked Jilian if she knew where he was, because he wanted to speak with him about an important matter. Jilian started looking around the ballroom for him, but she couldn’t find him. Then she handed Lily over to me and said, “Watch Lily for me. It looks as if I’m going on a search and rescue mission for our King.” At the same time, a servant walked over and handed Olivia a note. Once she read it, you could sense that something was wrong, because she immediately began to look around the room as well; prompting Leo to ask her what’s wrong. Liv then handed Leo the note. Then they excused themselves and left Lily and myself alone.
Drake: “Yeah, I remember seeing Leo and Liv hightail it out of the ballroom. I thought they were….well...you know.”
Hana: *giggle* “No, Drake.” *giggle* “Where were you? I didn’t see you.”
Drake: “Now that I’m a part of the Kings Guard, I had to stand at my post; and keep a watchful eye on things.”
Hana: “Oh, yes. I forgot.”
Drake: “Hana. You were looking for me? Why?” There was a brief moment of silence on the phone after Drake asked his question. He knew the answer to it, but he wanted Hana to say it.
Hana was grateful this conversation was occurring by phone and not face to face. “Uhmmmm, yes. I thought we could have...danced or had a drink.”
And again, there was this awkward silence.
Drake cleared his throat, “So, what did JIlian say about what happened after she found Liam? Did she tell you where he was?”
Hana: “Yes. Once we got settled at Valtoria, I asked her.”
Jilian’s POV
“Jilian, what happened?”
“What do you mean?”
“What happened to Liam’s face?”
“I punched him.”
“You.What?!?”
“I punched Liam in the face.”
“Why?”
Jilian stopped and turned towards the balcony. Her mind was reeling. She was trying her hardest to unsee the image of Liam and Riley. As her eyes began to fill with unshed tears, she said “I punched Liam in the face because I saw him kissing Riley on the veranda of the ballroom.”
I was stunned at what Jilian had just told me. Liam and Riley, no way. Liam would never betray Jilian. He loves her!
Jilian continued to recall what happened after she left Lily with Hana.
I searched the entire ballroom looking for Liam, but I couldn’t find him. Then I turned just enough to see what I thought was the back of his jacket, out on the veranda. I figured he probably stepped out there to get some air, but when I made it closer I heard a female’s voice; Riley’s voice. When I stepped out on the veranda, I saw him kissing her. He had his hands on her arms, pushing her up against the wall. They must have heard me, because they both turned to look in my direction.
“Oh Jilian.” Hana said as she began to cry for her friend, who’s tears fell steadily down her face. “I’m so sorry.”
Jilian drew in a deep breath, but didn’t say anything else. She just stood there leaning against the railing.
****Drake and Hana continued phone conversation********
Drake: “Whoa! Ok, so that part makes sense.”
Hana: “What part?”
Drake: “What Liam said.”
Liam’s POV
“Erik had cornered me with one of his elaborate, animated stories about a lion, witch, and a wardrobe?!? When one of the servants came over and handed me a note saying “Meet me in 5 minutes out on the veranda.” I immediately thought it was Jilian. I looked around the ballroom for her, but I couldn’t find her. So, I excused myself from Erik and started to make my way out towards the veranda. When I made it out there, I should’ve turned and walked away.”
“Why?” Drake asked.
“Because, I could smell her perfume.”
“Who’s perfume,” Drake questioned.
“Riley’s. I should’ve turned around and went back into the Gala, but she stopped me. She asked me if everything was turning out according to plan; and then we started talking. I swear Drake, if I would have known she was going to kiss me, I would have left.”
Drake sat quietly, trying to piece everything together. “I know Li,” he said trying to comfort his best friend as he paced the floor of his quarters. “But Li, what I don’t understand is how? How did she just kiss you and you did nothing?”
“No, she didn’t just kiss me. We were talking and I would occasionally turn to look for Jilian. That’s when she made the distance between us closer by straightening up my medals and regalia. Before I knew it, she was kissing me. I grabbed her arms to try to push her off of me, but her grip only became tighter. We ended up against the wall. Next thing I knew, Jilian was here packing up hers and Lily’s stuff, and now they’re gone. Drake, she’s gone.”
***Drake and Hana phone conversation******
Hana: “Wow! So, Riley sent Liam the note.”
Drake: “ I would assume so.”
Hana: “So where’s the note? If Liam shows Jilian that note, then she’ll forgive him. Of course, he would need to explain all of the prior events.”
Drake: “Well…..that’s where we have a problem.”
*****Liam and Drake********
“Li, I told you everything is going to be OK. Winchester loves you. Hell, she’s always loved you. You just need to tell her what you told me and show her the note.”
“Yeah, you’re right. I need to show her the note.”
Liam got up to go and retrieve the note from his jacket pocket, when….”it’s not here.”
“What’s not there?”
“The note. I placed it in my right breast pocket. Underneath my medals.”
“OK, so maybe it fell out. You know when you and Winchester were on your way back here. Let’s retrace your steps.”
Liam gasped and flopped down on the couch, running both hands over his face. “Drake, if it fell out, then chances are the staff picked it up and has since disposed of it.”
Drake could tell Liam was about to lose it. He knew his friend was angry and hurt; and there wasn’t anything he could do.
****Drake and Hana*******
Hana drew in a breath and then released it. “So, we don’t have a note.”
“No, we don’t,” Drake replied.
At that moment, Hana knew that without that note, it was going to be next to impossible to get Jilian to forgive Liam.
****Valtoria, two days later*****
“Knock, Knock.” A voice said as the door to the royal quarters opened slowly. Gaylyn the Majordomo was standing in the doorway with a tray full of fresh fruit, cheese, and vegetables. “May I enter, your majesty.”
Jilian turned in the direction of Gaylyn’s voice, “Yes.”
Jilian always enjoyed Gaylyn’s presence. After Gladys betrayed her on her wedding night; Jilian found it hard to trust her again. So when Bastien referred Gaylyn, Jilian interviewed her, went through her background, and hired her.
Gaylyn turned out to be a great asset to Valtoria. She took her duties seriously, and was well liked by the staff and the Valtorian people. Hiring her, gave Jilian the nickname of “the common peoples Queen.” The people of Cordonia loved that Jilian always looked out for the commoners. Making sure that everyone had a fair chance at life in Cordonia. Although Gaylyn came highly recommended by Bastien, that’s not why Jilian hired her. She hired Gaylyn, because she reminded her of home. Gaylyn had the ability to make the darkest moment... better.
“Sweetheart, what’s wrong? You haven’t eaten since you’ve arrived.” Gaylyn asked as she searched Jilian’s face for a response.
“Sorry, I don’t have much of an appetite. I’m just not hungry,” Jilian said.
“Are you not feeling well? Do you have a stomach bug?”
Am I sick, Jilian thought. I feel like my heart has been ripped from my chest, like the air has been sucked from this room. I close my eyes and all I see is them. Embraced, up against the wall. Tears began to fall from Jilian’s eyes. Seriously, how can one person produce so much water. I’ve been crying non stop for the past couple of days.
“Oh, honey, come here. What’s wrong?” Gaylyn placed the tray down on the end table next to the couch and sat down next to Jilian. “Why are you crying?”
Jilian drew in a deep breath and began to tell Gaylyn everything. From the day they promoted Riley up to her leaving the Palace...and why.
Gaylyn sat next to Jilian holding her while she cried her eyes out, stroking her head and rubbing her back.
Jilian always felt comfortable with Gaylyn, she was easy to talk to, and she reminded Jilian of her mother.
Gaylyn listened to Jilian, trying to console her the best way she could. She really cared about her; she saw Jilian as a daughter. A daughter she would’ve been proud to call her own.
“There...there. You stop all of this crying and pick up that phone and call the King.”
Jilian cocked her head to the side and said, “Do what?”
“You heard me. Call him,” Gaylyn said. “You two need to talk.”
At that moment Jilian’s phone began to ring a certain ringtone, that she knew all too well.
You’ve already won me over
In spite of me
And don’t be alarmed if I fall
Head over feet
Don’t be surprised if I love you
For all that you are
I couldn’t help it
It’s all your fault.
Jilian’s eyes began to sting. She knew who was calling her, hell he’s called her constantly since she left. As she reached up to wipe her tears away with the backs of her hands, she whispered “I...I can’t. Not now. I’m too hurt and disappointed.”
Gaylyn knew that that must’ve been the King calling his Queen. She knew he missed her. He called her a few times that morning trying to be discreet and check in on his wife and daughter.
“Good morning Gaylyn, this is King Liam.”
“Yes, Good morning your Majesty. How are you?”
“I’m well. I was wondering if Queen Jilian was near you. I called her phone, but she didn’t answer.”
Liam knew that Gaylyn would make sure Jilian took his phone call. He thought that calling her was better than calling Hana or Mara.
“No sir, she’s not down here. I’m walking through the common area right now, and I just left the throne room. I can check the library, if you like?”
“Oh no, no that’s ok. I’ll just call her later.”
And now, it was later. “I know sweetheart, but you need answers; and sitting here replaying those horrific events in your head isn’t helping.”
Jilian continued to listen to Gaylyn’s advice, and decided that she would call Liam, but it wouldn’t be today.
When Gaylyn finished telling Jilian about her marital woes of being married to a Kings Guardsman, Jilian was laughing and even eating some. Gaylyn felt that she had done her job when she saw that. Once she left the royal quarters, she searched her pockets for her phone.
@cordonianroyalty @bebepac @jessiembruno @lovemychoices @loveellamae @bbrandy2002 @burnsoslow @texaskitten30 @dcbbw @hopefulmoonobject @ao719 @mom2000aggie @kingliam2019 @mrsdrakewalkerblog @indiacater @choiceskatie @lovablegranny @batgirlassociationofgothamcity @iaminlovewithtrr @queenwalton @sevenfuckslefttogive @shanzay44 @kimmiedoo5