Based on this lovely art by @lethendralis-paints. Go get you some gorgeous art and support their commissions for Ukraine.
For the @choicesaprilchallenge. Since I don’t pay any attention to dates and schedules mean nothing to me. Have a drabble that is between books one and two.
Warnings & A/N: Canon compliant trauma and darkness. Nightmares. It’s not happy times round these parts today. But that doesn’t mean their ain’t some hint of hope. Inspired by @liaromancewriter’s A Year of Kisses Seriesandthis prompt list. My masterlist for this series is here (but right now it’s just April).
Pairing: Drake X MC, Liam X Olivia, Hana X OC Lydia
Rating:PG-13
Summary:The show comes to and end, and Riley contemplates her future
Author’s Note: I can’t believe I’ve finally brought this series to an end. There was quite a long time I thought I may never finish. I want to thank all the readers and friends who’ve read and encouraged me along the way. I want to especially thank @debramcg1106 as of late for helping me work through the ending and pushing me to finish it out. This is the technical end of the story, but I do have an epilogue planned as well.
Due to everything that transpired, filming of the finale was delayed two weeks. Riley was grateful for the time and hardly left Drake’s side during his recovery. He was sent back to the palace after a couple days, and Riley had to convince him that whiskey was not a suitable replacement for the antibiotics and pain medication the doctor prescribed. Reluctantly he obliged. He worked with physical therapy, and by the end of those two weeks, you’d have hardly known he’d been injured at all.
Olivia was salty her ball had been ruined, but the production staff made up for it, giving her and Liam an overnight filmed at Olivia’s northern Lythikos retreat. She was still worried the country would favor Riley with Liam, but Kat assured Olivia between her heroic actions, personal growth, and some favorable editing, it would be hard for most people not to be on her side.
As for Madeleine, it was still unclear if she would be charged criminally or would be incompetent to stand trial due to her mental health, but either way, she wouldn’t be a danger to anyone for quite some time. It was questionable if Jo’s involvement in the whole thing broke any laws. She wasn’t Cordonian, so she couldn’t be charged with treason for skirting security and endangering the life of the crown prince, but authorities were looking to see if there was anything they could make stick. At the very least she was blacklisted and would never work in television again.
So finally, on a calm, clear, day, there was only one obstacle left. Riley met with Liam, adorned in a stunning, body-hugging, Swarovski crystal filled dress, to put on the performance of a lifetime and act as if he’d shattered her heart. Of course, it wasn’t that easy. There were a couple of takes where neither of them could keep a straight face followed few that were unbelievably dramatic, but ultimately Riley was able to tap into her vulnerability and the tragedy she had faced to bring genuine emotion and tears to light. It didn’t matter that it was unrelated to what was happening in the scene, it was real. Kat said it was perfect, and Liam was free to propose to Olivia.
—–
Now that all is said and done, who will Liam choose to be his future Queen? Will it be the fierce Duchess Olivia, or the plucky newcomer Riley? Stay tuned for the finale of Queen of My Heart.”
Maxwell draped his arm around Riley’s shoulder. “What do you think, sis? How did I do on my television debut.”
Maxwell, Bertrand, Savannah, Hannah, Lydia, Liam, Olivia, Riley, and Drake were all huddled in the palace screening room to watch the finale as it aired.
Just about anyone would have been an improvement over Chad,” Riley teased, ”but the squid suit was definitely a nice touch. Your delivery was great, but did you have to call me plucky?”
“You know I had to play it cool,” Maxwell explained. “Plucky is good, but not over the top. Don’t want anyone thinking I’m playing favorites because you’re my sister.”
Riley rolled her eyes. “The suggested ‘noble newcomer’ would have been sufficient.”
“It was a stylistic choice.” Maxwell made a gesture with his hand indicating a mock hair flip.
“Ugh, enough about Maxwell,” Olivia groaned. “I’m ready to get to the good part. Can we just fast-forward through any mushy Liam and Riley stuff? Nobody needs to see that.”
“I second that.” Drake raised his hand in rare agreement with Olivia.
Liam just shook his head. “I know nobody watches live network television anymore, so you must have forgotten how this works. There’s no fast-forwarding. Not even through commercials.”
“That’s fine with me.” Lydia chimed in. “More time for making out.”
“Lydia!” Hannah’s cheeks turned a deep shade of pink.
Lydia pecked her on the lips. “Sorry babe. You’re just too damn cute when you blush.”
Hannah remained quiet but her smile gave her away. Lydia, with her outgoing, bold, and slightly unpredictable personality, was the perfect complement to Hannah being so shy, proper, and focused. They brought out the best in each other, and the difference in Hannah between when Riley met her until now was night and day.
The friends watched the show and Riley only cringed at herself in a few places, which was much less than she thought she would. Things did get a bit awkward during the montage of kissing scenes between Riley and Liam, and Maxwell and Bertrand made a show of covering their eyes for the steamier parts. They all laughed inappropriately when Liam dumped Riley since they knew it wasn’t real. And then finally when Liam proposed to Olivia, everyone cheered.
Riley thought of her friends and family at home. She pictured aunt Susan, Sarah, and Daniel all rooting for her and how disappointed they must have been that she “lost.” She couldn’t wait to tell them, however, she hadn’t lost at all.
“Wow, Livvy.” Drake quipped, bringing Riley out of her deep thoughts. “How much did you have to pay them to give you such a flattering edit?”
Olivia threw a pillow at his head which he deftly dodged. “Fuck off, Walker. You were so desperate to get on the show, you leapt in front of a bullet.”
“Now, now children.” Liam said in a mock scolding tone. “Let’s all play nice.”
“Yes, father,” Drake and Olivia replied in unison, causing laughter to erupt around the room.
Riley still didn’t have all the answers about what her future would hold, but she had found her people. Where she was in that moment was where she needed to be.
Savannah yawned. “It’s getting late. We should probably go and relieve the sitter.” Riley hasn’t wanted to pry into Savannah and Bertrand’s relationship, but they were working together to parent Bartie and things seemed to be falling into place for them.
“Yes, yes.” Bertrand agreed. “Time is money!”
“Oh my god, Bertrand.” Savannah rolled her eyes. “Life isn’t all about money.”
“She’s right.” Maxwell propped his arm on Savannah’s shoulder. “Besides, now that the show is over, we’ll be getting some money, and Kat said if viewers responded well to me, they would probably offer to extend my contract in the franchise. By the looks of these tweets, I’m going to be rolling in dough. ‘That Maxwell guy is so hot…ridiculously funny…just what the show needed.’ Should I read more?
As the rest of the crowd dwindled, Liam asked Drake and Riley to stay behind. He kissed Olivia and promised to join her when the conversation was through.
“So what’s up?” Drake got right to the point once only the three of them remained.
Liam cleared his throat. “Well as you know, I highly value your loyalty to the crown.”
“Heh.” Drake let out a terse laugh. “I don’t really give a fuck about the crown, but I do care about you.”
“In any case, you take your job very seriously and I could see you as head of the guard one day, once Bastien retires.” Liam paused before continuing. “However, I do have another proposition for you.”
Drake raised an eyebrow skeptically. “Go on.”
“How would you like to be the head of Valtoria?” Liam asked expectantly.
Drake’ eyes narrowed in contemplation. “I thought Valtoria was unoccupied. Is there a new Duke or Duchess there now that needs a security detail?”
“No, no.” Liam laughed. “Well, there could be. That’s what I’m trying to ask you. I would like to give Valtoria to you.”
“No fucking way. You have to be kidding me. Did you sign up for some royal version of a prank show now?” Drake scanned the room as if searching for hidden cameras.
“I’m serious, Drake. I think you would make a fantastic duke.”
Drake scoffed. “I’m a commoner who despises most nobles and everything the monarchy stands for.”
“That’s exactly why you’d be perfect for the role.” Liam explained. “Cordonia needs a fresh perspective - someone who can resonate with the people the monarchy serves. Just think, you could have a real voice in creating change. I don’t want to rule like my father has and his father before. I want the people to have the representation they deserve, and you are a key to that.”
Drake sighed deeply. “I don’t know Li. Even if I could do this - if I wanted to - what makes me worthy? What’s everyone going to say when they find out you gave an average dude the title of Duke just because he’s your best friend?”
“I’ll tell them that Drake Walker is anything but average. He’s smart, capable, and fiercely loyal. He’s saved my life more times than I count and has more integrity than anyone I know. Public policy can be learned, but these qualities cannot be taught. He may not be noble by blood, but he is my family, and he belongs.”
'Wow, Liam.“ Drake ran a hand through his hair. "I don’t know what to say.”
“You’re quiet over there.” Liam directed at Riley. “What do you think?”
“Me?!” Riley had been as shocked by this as Drake, and she didn’t know what to think. This was about Drake, not her. Did her opinion really matter? “I, uh…. think this is really Drake’s decision.”
Drake took Riley’s hands in his. “But it’s yours too. I mean, if we are going to be together…”
“Oh, well…” How was Riley supposed to help Drake decide such a life altering thing when she didn’t even have her own life sorted out?
Drake didn’t leave her fumbling for too long. “Liam, I really don’t know if either of use is equipped to answer this question right now. It’s a very generous offer, and the fact that I’m not totally shutting you down for suggesting such a ridiculous thing as me being a Duke should tell you I’m genuinely willing to entertain the idea.”
Liam chuckled. “I completely understand. This life is new to both of you in different ways, and to navigate a new relationship on top of all that is a lot to ask. I’m in no hurry to fill the vacancy. Consider it an open-ended invitation. I trust that you’ll be ready to make your decision long before the public pressures me into making a new appointment.”
“Thanks, Liam.” Drake gave him hug and patted him on the back. “Now get back to your fiancé before she blames me for keeping you too long.”
—–
Back in her palace guestroom, Riley nestled into Drake, her head resting on his chest. “It’s been quite a night, huh?
"You could say that again.” Drake pulled her tighter against him.
“I kind of feel like we’re moving so fast, we’re skipping steps - like we’re being asked to decide the rest of our lives before we even know what we want to do tomorrow.” Riley knew nobody was outright asking for an immediate decision, but she felt the weight of everyone’s expectations. Whether she stayed in Cordonia or went back home, she’d probably be disappointing someone.
“Who says we have to?” Drake asked. “You heard Liam. He doesn’t need an answer right away. I Know you haven’t decided what you want, and I sure as hell don’t know what I’m going to do yet. Why don’t we take some time together to just…be. Do normal couple things and see where the relationship takes us.”
“Normal couple things… I mean I don’t know how I can go back to my normal peasant life after attending weekly balls dressed in couture gowns,” Riley teased, “but I think I could make that sacrifice for you, my commoner boyfriend.”
“Hey, watch who you are calling commoner.” Drake pinned Riley down and tickled her sides until she begged him to stop, and he collapsed beside her again. “I just may outrank you soon if I so choose.”
Riley laced her fingers through Drake’s. “It’s crazy to think how our lives have changed in a few short months. I don’t think I could have made it through all of this without you, and not just because you kept literally saving my life.”
“You may not have taken a bullet for me, but you’ve saved me too. For once in my life, I see multiple paths with meaning and purpose. I’ve seen so much of myself reflected in you, but it id the version of me I want to be, not the one I was. You’ve shown me trials and hardships don’t have to make you bitter, and that you don’t have to fit the cookie cutter mold to find your place here… Oh, God, listen to me. What have you done to me Bennett?” Drake shuddered in mock disgust.
Riley softly pressed her lips to his and pulled back with a smirk. “I don’t think I can take all the credit, or the blame as you might put it. But enough talk about the future. You said we should focus on the now, and right now all I need is you.”
“Well then, your wish is my command.” Drake pulled Riley tight to him and then they lost themselves in each other, completely unencumbered by any decisions about their future. Those could wait for another day.
“What do you mean you don’t know where they are?” He screamed into the phone.
He’d been in a meeting with a group of UN delegates from around the world when the news story had broken. Alec had informed him of the situation, and he’d excused himself back to the hotel to deal with it. But he hadn’t been able to reach Riley or Drake and he was quickly approaching frantic.
He gritted his teeth while he listened to Marco explain what happened. He forced himself to modulate his voice as he asked, “What was their last known location?”
He barked orders at Marco then called Mara to scream at her. “Find someone who can track their goddamned phones!”
The answers she got back to him with weren’t exactly comforting.
It was a bittersweet time for Ethan. He had lived in his penthouse apartment for 14 years. When he first got it he was barely there to be enjoyed but 7 years ago a bright young intern started at Edenbrook and slowly started breaking down his walls. Even before they were together he started to see what this unit could be with her. At first it is where they met to discuss and do research to help Naveen, it was where they were first intimate, it is where he first told her he loved her and a year later it is where he proposed. He had hoped that they would stay here forever, but no matter how hard Casey tried, she never felt like that this unit was truly theirs. This feeling became more apparent when they discussed the likelihood of extending their family. Ethan hated that Casey never truly felt like this place was theirs so they agreed to move. When they started looking they did not think they would find a new place so soon. They started looking at Seaport as it was a good neighbourhood, good schools and other families in the area and still close to work. They found a three bedroom unit and both fell in love with it, both loved the kitchen, Casey the outdoor area and Ethan the open plan layout. They put an offer on it and it was accepted. They had decided to keep this unit as an investment property so they did not have to worry about selling it. Neither had planned on Casey being pregnant when they moved but Casey was eager to start the nursery for the baby when they moved.
Moving day came and both Ethan and Casey had mixed emotions. Both were excited for the new beginnings that the new unit brought but it was also saying goodbye to this unit. Even though Casey always saw it as Ethan’s place there was lots of memories for her also.
The removalists came and took away the boxes. Both were glad that Jenner was with Alan for this process.
They were at their new apartment. Ethan found the wine glasses and opened the non alcoholic wine.
“We’ve moved, to our next chapter”
“To our next chapter.”
They are in the kitchen enjoying their takeout when Casey notes a familiar lustful look in Ethan’s eye. Ethan went and hugged Casey from behind. Ethan was wanting to christen the apartment but he knew Casey was exhausted from such a big day. She had not suffered with much morning sickness but the exhaustion was there. Casey leans back and kisses him. She breaks the kiss and sits on the island bench. Ethan kisses her again, more heatedly. He breaks the kiss and asks her if she is sure she wants to continue. Casey nods and kisses Ethan again. After a very heated christening of the kitchen they moved to the couch and rested.
“Was that as good as you hoped?”
“Better dare I say” said Ethan stroking Casey’s belly. “As much as I saw my old apartment as ours, this was definitely a move we needed to do. Your happiness is important to me.”
“It is a new beginning that is for sure. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
They went to bed that night, exhausted but also happy and excited about what life was about to bring them and neither could be happier.
Authors note: a short one but we are in their new unit and awaiting the arrival of baby Hudson. As I said this is my submission for day 7 of the @choicesmonthlychallengejune2022
We’d like to introduce you to a little project we’ve been working on for a while now! @lucy-268 and I have decided to join our Tobias-loving minds to create a flirty, little series where Tobias still had some reforming left to do.
Here’s an extended Sunday Six… a sneak peek of the series.
~~~~~
“Good morning,” Dr. Carrick beamed. It was far too early in the day to be this chipper, even for Tobias Carrick. His two co-workers eyed him with disgust.
Dr. Dennison rolled her eyes, grabbing the iced coffee Tobias had brought her. “It’s 5:30 AM, it’s already 85 degrees outside, and it’s new intern day,” she moaned. “What the hell are you so happy about.”
Across the table, Dr. Terrance Mendoza pulled his coffee out of the holder and snickered. “That’s exactly why he’s so chipper. Isn’t that right, my friend?”
Hallo! Now that FBOW is over with I thought I would share the first conversation that popped into my head almost two years ago that sparked this fic. Enjoy this nonsense!
For Better or Worse: Idea Seed
They’re sat at a secluded table of an over-priced eatery at midday. There’s a white table cloth and the establishment screamsrefinement. And maybe there’s a hint of manipulation too.
“Why did you bring me here, Harper?”
She folds her hands. “Ethan, I need to ask a favor of you.” She dazzles him with words and carefully curated timeline - has it all figured out - and if he wasn’t him it would have sounded great. Just a simple favor between lifelong friends.
“You want me to father your child?”
“No,” she clarifies with authority. “I want you to be the donor.”
“Can’t you just go to a bank like any other sane person?”
***
Bryce comes back from his parents - all too soon and without his sister. His face is inverted, the smile nowhere to be seen and he looks scary. Upset, angry and all those other torrid emotions Bryce Lahela doesn’t emote naturally.
He tells her what happened after what they witnessed. The scheme his parents presented to him - not a request, a goddamn command, and if he didn’t comply he would surely regret it. Bryce told them to shove it, vowing to get guardianship of Keiki and be done with their criminal parents for good.
“Who else knows about your parents?” Becca asks.
“Just us,” he sighs. “You and me.”
“I… think there’s only one way out of this.”
If it’s the powerful, influential Lahela’s verses a couple of overworked medical residents, they’re going to need all the help the legal system could afford them.
I’ve been struggling to pick which six but i didn’t want to get too generous, you know? So here’s a little sneak peak of the upcoming fic!
And so here Mr and Mrs Harrington are, 15 minutes before doors. With this many eyes on them, it needs to be almost perfect. Though they’re not too worried about the inanimate factors in the equation. It’s the first time that both their children bring a date, and with the slight trouble they had the first time around -let’s not talk about Bruno, okay?- they can’t help but be a little uneasy. But they know Elise is a polite girl, who will absolutely do her best. The only question is, will that be enough?
Here is a sneak peek from the upcoming chapter of The Seal Of Zeal which I plan on posting this week.
The Seal Of Zeal (2/3)
“So you ready for your day?” Meera asks.
“Doesn’t leave me with a choice of not being ready,” Ethan replies.
“You know I was thinking why don’t we add a little more fun into our day?"
Ethan looked at his girlfriend puzzled.
"Whoever finishes with their itenary and clocks out first can decide the day for the date night and the other has to make time for that."
Ethan’s blue eyes sparkled mischievously, "you are a freaking genius."
"Well I know, thank you very much,” Meera gave a little bow as the elevator stopped at her floor with the familiar beep. Ethan cupped her face and pressed his lips to her one last time before parting ways.
Meera stepped out, “just so you know this genius brain is going to figure out all of her cases in no time and make you change your schedule."
"We’ll see about that,” Ethan said just as the elevator doors closed.
Meera walked toward her office with newfound motivation and joy.
It’s been ages since my last S6 so here we go with a little extra than I usually do!
FALLING CHP 2 - The Scalpel (Ethan x Diana)
And so she sat on the floor, a dying woman’s head on her lap, blood soaking her fresh blue scrubs, hands shaking, face pale in the harsh lights of the hospital atrium.
It wasn’t supposed to go this way.
The hospital lights bring a harsh gleam to the scalpel in her hand.
The exact paragraph in her text-book flashes before her eyes.
I’m giving you two fics today, because one of them I’m not sure I’ll actually finish. Which is the epilogue of TYB and the reason is because it’s started to get super spicy and if I feel confident enough to post it when it’s finish. So far now you get a peek at it but that’s it. And then also I’m putting ch 2 of LSS. Cause I’m excited about it
The Year Between: Epilogue
May 14, 2022 - The Wedding Night
“I’ve wanted to do this all night.” His breath is hot on her neck, his fingers pulling at the ribbons of her dress.
“I know, I can tell.” She leans back, even through the layers of lace and tulle she can feel him. “But you have to wait.”
“Why?”
“Because I have two surprises for you, husband.”
“Say that again.”
“Sit on the bed, husband.” She turns out of his embrace, shoving him down playfully.
Long Story Short (2/4)
Chapter Two: All Too Well
This is the part that scares her, the dirty details of the affair that ruined and maimed her in a million different ways.
Gen looks up, finding his eyes already on her. Full of concern and dare she say, love.
It gives her the courage to press on. Because if he looks at her like that, he can’t possibly leave her now.
“And my T.A., so technically my teacher. Like you.” She takes a deep breath, feeling her eyes begin to blur and burn. “I’m sorry.”
Are you working on something new? Would you like to share it with the fandom? Post/reblog six sentences or paragraphs of your WIP (it can be more. Or less… who’s counting? ) using the tags #choices fic writers creations #cfwc sunday six and mention the blog or send the post to @lucy268-mod through message. All WIPs posted before 11:59 pm EST on Sunday will be reblogged and added to Sunday Six Highlights.
I’m currently working on one of the goriest, adrenaline packed chapters of AA. Here’s a small sample of what’s to come. Hopefully once I’m through this one I’ll be able to stitch up the rest of the chapters I have basically completed then they’ll all be posted in bulk
I don’t know how many of you guys on the fandom here are stranger things fans, but I am, and this has completely skewed a lot of my writing for the past week, as in I’ve not done much writing because I’ve been watching and or re-watching Part 1 of Season 4 Stranger Things. Episode 4 in particular, if you know the one. This even is affecting my Mood Music Monday submission. And this week, it’s all about The Rotten Apple.
But nah. She wasn’t jealous. Nope. Nada. Definitely not jealous of their list of suspects, not of Pretty Girl and definitely not of anyone else who’d cross paths with the Prince in the future.
What she and Trystan had was unique and somewhat– “special” and sure, maybe her throat itched with fury every time she saw him get overly personal with someone else and found the need to tear apart a pillow like a 15-year-old girl crying to emo music, but jealousy?
Nope. Definitely not.
Part 2/2: Full-On Delusion
“You’re having way too much fun with this.” Trystan huffed as he pulled out his phone.
“I hate Polly and Tim as much as you do. Besides, I’m Nora’s bestie. Her soul sister. Her sister-angel. And I know she’d be much much much happier with her Prince than some fowl John or Jane Generic.”
A/N:This is a 2-part WIP ft. the classic ‘idiots in love’ and 'obliviousness to the core’ trope featuring our two idiots, Nora and Trys. Book: Crimes of Passion Work Title: Denial and Delusion
Warnings & A/N: Alcohol mention. Teen (?) <1000 words. I have no idea where this came from but have this something I managed to write this evening for a warmup.
A companion piece to Favorites. Parts 1and2 attached here. This takes place shortly before Favorites begins.
Trend Magazine
An Interview With the Crown Princess
Her birth came at a tumultuous time, but signaled a new era of stability for Cordonia. Since then, everyone has wanted to know more about her. For her 24th birthday, I spoke with Crown Princess Yvonne about her education, life, and family.
By Marco Eliades
When I first walk into the private area of the Palace to begin my interview, Princess Yvonne is waiting for me in her office. I quickly run through the etiquette crash course her private secretary gave me before I entered the room: Bowing the head. “Your Royal Highness” for the first introduction, Ma’am for everything after. Waiting to sit until she sits. Through it all, I can feel her eyes on me. Her manners are perfect, but there is a certain intensity in her presence and gaze that some have described as cold or intimidating. Whatever it is, it’s powerful, and I don’t want to mess up.
When we’ve both sat down and she’s poured tea for me (a lavender and sage blend, always!), she tells me that I’ve done a good job. As we drink tea and munch on cookies, we chat mildly about recent events, like the news, the recent public concerts in the park, and whether I watched the national team’s upset win over France in EuroBasket qualifiers to move on to the next round (I didn’t, and she tells me to watch the highlights as soon as I can). When I ask why she has an office, she smiles.
I always notice every single spelling mistake or issue after I’ve posted…so apologies in advance!
Tags aren’t working so I will be tagging in the comments.
Riley stood In front of the full body mirror, straightening out her black dress. she quickly moved over to her dressing table, with her hands placed firmly on the desk, she looked into the smaller mirror at the person looking back at her, she wiped under her eyes, the bags under her eyes be it from old age, or the sleepless nights were clear.
“you look beautiful” his voice met her ears. “are you ready?” he added
“I could never be ready for this” she whispered “I…I don’t think I can do this”
“I know it’s hard my love, but you’ll regret it if you don’t go”
“If I go, that’ll mean it’s really true…I don’t think I can handle that” she sniffled
“we can handle it together, my love”
“I don’t know how to live like this” she cried
There was a gentle knock on her door, then the voice carried through.
“mom…it’s time to go” her second oldest daughter Katie called
“I’m just coming” she replied, slipped on her flat shoes then made her way into the living room.
“are you ready, mom?” Delilah, her eldest asked as she held her two-year-old in her arms.
“I have to be” she sighed
The family all made their way out of the royal quarters and down to the cars waiting outside for them. As Riley waited for the rest of the family to climb into the cars, she felt a tingle on her hand, she felt him in her heart. “you can do this, My Love”
The journey to the church only took around ten minutes, but to Riley, it felt like a lifetime. Once they reached the church, they exited the cars then headed inside. As the royal family headed down the aisle to the front of the church, everyone stood to their feet. As Riley’s eyes found the casket before her, her breath hitched. “you should sit, my love” his voice run through her ears.
Riley followed all five of her children to the front line of seats. As she sat down, she felt her second youngest daughter, Olive’s hand slip into hers as she rested her head against her mother’s shoulder.
The next hour flew by, Riley barely heard a word that was spoken…just like the past week she had barely taken in any conversation she had…how could she when she had something else taking over her mind. By the time the funeral service was over, it was time to head back to the palace mausoleum where there would be a private burial for close friends and family. The tears fell down Riley’s face as she watched out the car window at the passing’s by.
Once they reached the palace, the family made their way to the mausoleum, with a squeeze to her hand she heard his voice again “you’re doing great, my love” the family stood around the crypt where the casket was to be placed as they waited for it to be brought in. Riley took a deep breath as she heard the car pull up outside, jut a few minutes later, she seen Drake and Leo, the first two pallbearers she seen. As they began to lower the casket into the crypt, she felt the arms of her middle child and second youngest, wrap around her as they cried. She stood still…unable to move…unable to find the words to comfort them. once the casket was down, a couple started the service by saying a few words. Riley felt Drake move beside giving her hand a gentle squeeze. Riley had made the decision that she didn’t want to say anything…she couldn’t…she couldn’t find the words to say. As the heavy lid was closed and sealed, she broke down…this was it…it was happening…she was never going to see him again…feel him again.
A short while later, everyone began to leave one by one, the last two being Riley and Drake.
“Riley…are you coming?”
“no…I need a few more minutes” she sniffled never taking her eyes from where he lay. The next thing she knew…she was alone, she reached her hand out, gently running her fingertips along the cold stone.
“you promised we’d be together forever…you promised me”
“my darlin, this was my forever”
“please, don’t leave me”
“my love, I don’t have a choice”
“I need you”
“I’m right here”
“I can’t do this without you”
“I’m here, my love”
“I feel so empty” she whispered “like a part of me is missing” she cried
“I’ll always be with you, my love, I’ll be in your heart for as long as you keep me there”
“You’ll always be in my heart, in my thoughts…I’ll think of you always”
“then you’ll never be alone, My love.”
“Mom”The voice of her youngest child, her son, Alexander called through echoing halls of the mausoleum he frowned as he approached his mother, gently wrapping his closest arm around her. Alexander was the spitting image of his father, at the age he was at that moment, he looked exactly like Liam did when he walked into Riley’s bar.
“are you ready to join everyone?”
“no, I think I should rest”
“are you sure?”
“yes, I don’t have it in me to sit whilst everyone drinks and dances…I just…I can’t”
“alright, why don’t I walk up with you?”
“alright” she nodded as the tears carried on falling.
“until I see you again my love” she lifted her hand to her lips placed a kiss on her fingertips before placing her hand gently on the cold stone, the two then headed out, making their way to the royal quarters.
“you know…you look so much like your father Alex…” Riley smiled slightly “just like when I first met him”
“well…I’m glad I take after such a great man” the young man smirked
“and don’t you forget it”
Once the two reached the royal quarters, Riley headed inside, as Alex went to follow, she stopped him.
“sweetie, you don’t have to stay here with me…go be with your sisters, and your aunts and uncles, get drunk…celebrate his life”
“but mom, I don’t want to leave you-”
“I’ll be alright…I think I need some time to be on my own for a little bit” she sniffled
“are you sure?”
“yes, go…” She smiled
“alright…we’re just a shout away” she watched as he walked out, closing the door behind him. An eerie silence filled the room, the past week the apartment was filled with noise and chatter, with the children returning with their children since the day he passed, noise was all she heard…now it was just Silence…it was just her. she slipped her shoes off then headed for the bedroom, she shut the door behind her with a sigh. As she turned and faced the bed, the tears began to fall again…the place they lay as man and wife…the place they made love, the place their love made a whole new kind of love. She unzipped her dress, with quite a struggle now that he wasn’t here to help, then she let it fall to the floor. she flicked the light switch off, then made her way over to the bed, she climbed in pulling the duvet over her, she took his pillowed in her arms, holding it as tight as she could, she lay her head on the soft feathers, as the pillow compressed as she lay her head on it, it gave out the slight waft of him…his cologne…the smell she always got when he lay beside her, she always loved how he smelled so good all the time. The tears cascaded down her cheeks at just the thought of him, if you listened carefully you could hear her heart breaking with every breath she took.
Ethan tried his best not to let her distract him, there she was in his direct line of sight over the donors shoulder, dancing with Lahela, the way her hips moved, the way she laughed…how had he gone this long working along side her…without crumbling…He loved how imperfect she was. so many times he just wanted to tell her how he really felt, but so many times he got stuck in his head, he knew if he told her how he felt, it would become a thing…and the next thing they know the whole hospitals gossiping about how she must have slept her way onto the diagnostics team, how she hadn’t earned her spot…but she had more than earned her spot on the team. After their first kiss…he just could not stop thinking about her, every time they crossed paths in the corridors he felt that warm feeling in his chest. These new feelings scared him, of course he had dated before, he had feelings for significant others before but nothing…nothing like what he felt for Katie.
Summary: For the first time, Casey plans date night with Ethan. He’s a little apprehensive to enter her world, but in the end, he’s pleasantly surprised.
A/N 2: I’m also participating in @choicesmonthlychallenge , Day 17, prompt: lucky. I hope you enjoy it! Since I’m being very ambitious, this is also being submitted to this week’s @wackydrabbles, the prompt can be found in bold below. Maureen smiled as Tobias made his way down the hall. “Good morning! Lovely day out there, isn’t it?”
Oh, how I love receiving the notification of a NEW submission for LOTD! Calling ALL Ethan stans: you’re going to need a root canal after this story! Thanks, @jerzwriter, for participating! You rock!
Quick Reminder: LOTD Submissions are due THIS WEEK (TechnicallyWednesday, March 30th–where the heck did March go?)! But we get it: life happens! Just post it in the by the end of the week! A masterlist will be created at that time. If you need extra time, please just message us! I swear, we’re nice.
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Music inspires a ton of fan fiction by creating another element of a story’s setting that otherwise can’t be written. Just like Six Sentence Sunday and WIP Wednesday, MMM is an opportunity for creators to share songs for their upcoming fics–a teaser, if you will, to get readers excited for your newest adventure! This blog is for YOU!
READERS
We want to hear from you, too! Do you ever hear a song, and it reminds you of your favorite pairing(s), maybe even your favorite scene in a game? Tell us about it! Comment or shoot us a message with the deets, and we will include it on our special section called Chords from Canon. You can also do a shout-out to writers and their fics!
WRITERS
Submit your song inspo of your current WIP (one that you are going to publish in a week or two)! PLEASEinclude the following:
Title and Artist of the song
Title of your WIP; if it’s part of a series, include things like series title, part/chapter number and/or title
Choices Book/Universe (TRR, OPH, PM, TNA, etc)
Pairings
There are TWO (2) ways to enter your songs:
Comment on this post (reblog or comment)
If you want to make your own MMM post with your own header (similar to SSS or WW), that is totally fine! Just make sure you tag this blog (@moodmusicmonday ) We will reblog your post.
Songs must be submitted by 8:00 AM (CST) on Tuesday. Spotify playlist will be posted on Tuesday! I will also post a link to the playlist so you can take the songs with you.
Let’s go!
Tags: if you would like to be added/removed please let us know; if you have been overlooked, please be gracious and just let us know! We love you guys! Thank you for your support!
