gardeningourmet reblogged
Thinking about this diary entry always makes me so 😵💫😵💫😵💫
gardeningourmet reblogged
⭐️ = newest
Series:
•Best Kept Secrets• (Liam x OC (Amara))
Chapter 17 - A Lot of Learning To Do ⭐️ (10/21)
•Vancross• (TRR/CoP/FA crossover; Liam x OC (Croía))
Chapter 21 - Through the Darkness ⭐️ (1/12)
•…Sometimes Not• (Liam x OC (Reyna)) (Always You AU)
Part 12 - It’s Always Been You ⭐️ (12/14)
•Us Again• (Liam x MC (Katherine))
Part 6 - What’s Already Mine ⭐️ (1/5)
gardeningourmet reblogged
cherribalm-deactivated20140609
disneysmermaids
THAT FIRST SITE IS EVERY WRITER’S DREAM DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY TIMES I’VE TRIED WRITING SOMETHING AND THOUGHT GOD DAMN IS THERE A SPECIFIC WORD FOR WHAT I’M USING TWO SENTENCES TO DESCRIBE AND JUST GETTING A BUNCH OF SHIT GOOGLE RESULTS
OMG
This one’s an always-reblog, because who knows who needs it and hasn’t seen it yet?
gardeningourmet reblogged
(Less Than) Noble Intentions - Masterlist
Fandom: TRR
Status: In Progress
Pairing: Drake Walker x F!OC (Harper Gale)
Book Synopsis: The social season may be over, but Harper Gale’s problems are just beginning… Harper came to Cordonia looking for adventure, and ended up finding love… not in the arms of a prince, like she thought she might, but in those of his commoner best friend, Drake Walker. But even though Prince Christian has chosen someone else to be his fiancée, Harper’s hope of a happily-ever-after with Drake is put to the test when she finds herself in the centre of a contrived sex scandal. With everyone at court a potential suspect, can she get to the bottom of the plot against her and clear her name? A rewrite of TRR2 with many changes.
Word count: I will tell you when it’s done! Chapters average around 6,500 words at the moment. Several of them are in the 8,000-9,000 word range, but there’s a lot to cover and I promise it’s worth it!
Rating/Warnings: E (tons of swearing, major angst, serious lemons, references to sexual assault, physical violence, PSTD episode, the list goes on…)
Missed Book 1? Catch up on the events of the social season in (Un)Common Attraction.
Bonus Chapter - Drive
Chapter 5 - Sparks Fly (NSFW)
Bonus Chapter - Extraction
Chapter 11 - Twilight Zone (Triggering Material)
Chapter 13 - Invidia (NSFW)
Chapter 17 - Coming soon!
Bonus Chapter - Rendition (Coming Soon!)
This story is also available on Wattpad.
¹
O9
gardeningourmet reblogged
Ghosted
Ghosted - One Step Forward (Chapter Nine)
Catch up here.
Series Summary - Prince Liam fell for Riley Brooks hard and fast. A marriage filled with love and devotion was within his reach. But everything changed when she vanished into thin air just before the end of the social season. As everyone around him begins to voice their concerns regarding her scandalous departure, a confession from an unlikely source turns Liam's world upside down and makes him begin to question everything around him.
Book/Pairing - TRR - Liam x MC (Riley Brooks)
A/N 1 - This AU starts right before the beginning of the engagement tour. There is a two-month lapse between the coronation and where we pick up, but we will stray from canon. Please excuse any errors found.
▪︎ Rated M for mature audiences - Series will contain NSFW material, violence, and graphic depictions. Not suitable for anyone under eighteen years of age. ▪︎
Characters belong to Pixelberry.
gardeningourmet reblogged
Marabelle
It’s A Dream Come True
– Chapter 7
Choices – The Royal Romance, AU
Series Premise – An American teenager from New York City is introduced to the world of a small European country and its society of royalty, nobility, and commoners. How will her life story be transformed? Will this new adventure bring her happiness...or regret?
Main Pairing – Prince Liam Rys x F!OC Sophia (Sophie) Taylor
Other Pairings – Maxwell Beaumont x M!OC Daniel (from NYC), Drake Walker x F!OC Melanie Smithson
Most characters belong to Pixelberry.
Series Rating – M*🔞Warnings: this series will have NSFW material, crude language & innuendo.
Not Beta’d - Please excuse all errors.
Category – Alternate universe/on-going series/angst/fluff
Words: 2393
Why is Mel giving off bad vibes?
Jealousy making her do strange things...
Thank you so much for reading and sharing 🌻💛💚
gardeningourmet reblogged
Sleepless in New York - Masterlist
Series: TRR
Pairing: Drake Walker x F!OC (Harper Gale)
Series Synopsis: This is a short-story series written from Drake’s POV that explores an AU where Drake meets Harper (my OC from (Un)Common Attraction) by himself before the boys come to the bar on the last night of Christian’s bachelor party.
Word count: Will tell you when it’s finished! But chapters average around 6,000 words atm.
Rating/Warnings: E (swearing, angst, punch-ups, lemons)
Series theme song:
Chapter 7 - Take My Breath (NSFW)
Chapter 10 - Darkfall (NSFW)
Chapter 12 - Coming soon!
Epilogue - Coming soon!
Also available on Wattpad
gardeningourmet reblogged
I could do a whole piece of rbw of my destiny au but instead I'll just do some aimless doodles of Summer and Raven with their ghosts lol
gardeningourmet reblogged
OK Tumblr Geriatric Ward, let’s talk about your posture-
there are things you should be doing now to prevent yourself from starting to look like 🥀
Why does it matter? Future you would like to avoid the pain, limited motion, and fall risk that goes along with worsening posture.
What’s the focus?
1. Keep the flexibility in your spine
2. Stretch the muscles in the front
3. Strengthen the muscle in the back
Here are some simple things you can do daily while sitting and when you get up to go into the bathroom or the kitchen
Keep the flexibility by doing these repeated movements: 10 repetitions several times a day
The goal is to give yourself a double or triple chin. Keep your nose pointing forward, don’t let it tip up or down
Thoracic extension- use a chair with a seat back that comes up to the level of your shoulder blades. Try to bend back over the top of the chair without arching away from the seat back and without extending your neck. If the pressure from the top of the chair is uncomfortable you can place a towel there
Stretch the muscles in the front by using a door frame. This one will feel good afterwards
If this isn’t enough of a stretch you can do one side at a time. If you have the right arm up step forward with the right foot and turn slightly to the left. Then do it on the other side.
Strengthen the muscles in the back by squeezing your shoulder blades together for a count of 10 and then repeating 10 times. You can do this several times a day Hint: Don’t lift your shoulder blades up
There are lots more exercises for strengthening your back muscles but this is a good starting point and easy to do. I like doing it while driving
Tips:
- Do the best you can
- If it hurts stop
- Envision future you saying thank you each time you do one of the exercises
NOTE: I can do most of these with the cerebral palsy. In fact, a lot of these little exercises are automatically part of my physical therapy. My problem is I already have hyperlordosis, spine arthritis, and cervicogenic headache. These have helped me at least try to have a posture.
I CANNOT STRESS ENOUGH HOW GOOD THIS ADVICE IS
gardeningourmet reblogged
Ghosted (In Progress) – Liam x F!MC - Prince Liam fell for Riley Brooks hard and fast. A marriage filled with love and devotion was within his reach. But everything changed when she vanished into thin air just before the end of the social season. As everyone around him begins to voice their concerns regarding her scandalous departure, a confession from an unlikely source turns Liam's world upside down and makes him begin to question everything around him.
Here Comes The Sun (In Progress) – Liam x F!OC (Kyla) - Two lost souls longing for hope stumble upon each other in a random encounter. When fate brings them back face to face, can what should be a devastating situation end up bringing the sunshine back for both?
A Wild Ride – Liam x F!MC - A small rewrite of the diamond scene from Book 1 Chapter 11 (Drake’s birthday) and… beyond. 🍋
An Apple A Day – HCTS AU, no pairing - Constantine gets himself into a predicament and is in need of assistance. (Coming Soon)
gardeningourmet reblogged
Ghosted (In Progress) – Liam x F!MC - Prince Liam fell for Riley Brooks hard and fast. A marriage filled with love and devotion was within his reach. But everything changed when she vanished into thin air just before the end of the social season. As everyone around him begins to voice their concerns regarding her scandalous departure, a confession from an unlikely source turns Liam's world upside down and makes him begin to question everything around him.
Here Comes The Sun (In Progress) – Liam x F!OC (Kyla) - Two lost souls longing for hope stumble upon each other in a random encounter. When fate brings them back face to face, can what should be a devastating situation end up bringing the sunshine back for both?
A Wild Ride – Liam x F!MC - A small rewrite of the diamond scene from Book 1 Chapter 11 (Drake’s birthday) and… beyond. 🍋
An Apple A Day – HCTS AU, no pairing - Constantine gets himself into a predicament and is in need of assistance. (Coming Soon)
gardeningourmet reblogged
A Fervid Fixation
Drake Walker is annoyed that Maxwell Beaumont invited their waitress back to Cordonia with them. Not because he doesn’t like her, but because he likes her a little too much.
The longer the social season stretches on, the closer his raging jealousy pushes him to the edge of complete self-destruction.
Now that scandal has rocked their world and threatened her continued presence in his life, how far will he go to protect what he desires most?
My other stuff: Master List.
O.M.G.
THIS IS EPIC
READ THIS NOW I BEG YOU
SO GOOD
So very very good
Please perma tag me if that is a thing still
Going to read entire catalogue over weekend
Gotta pace myself
DAMN GOOD
gardeningourmet reblogged
Irreplaceable Chapter 27: I Love You Like That
Series Premise: Two years after his abdication and wedding to Katie, Leo meets Riley the night of Liam’s coronation.
The story is told in first person POV that switches between Riley and Leo.
Summary: Leo meets Riley’s parents, Katie makes an appearance, Riley gives Bertrand advice.
Book: TRR/RoE
Pairings: Leo x MC, Drake x Liam
Rating: M
TW: language
Music Inspo: Love You Like That—Dagny
Thank you to everyone who reads, likes, comments, and/or reblogs this. I appreciate it so much. ❤️
RILEY
“Well, don’t you look nice,” my mom crows as Leo lifts the train of my gown and carefully drapes it near my feet in the limo.
“Thanks,” I smile nervously. I’m having trouble wrapping my brain around her and my dad being here. In Cordonia. For Liam and Drake’s wedding. How did this happen?
Leo straightens and steps back, motioning for my mother to go ahead. She swats his arm with her opera-gloved hand. “Aren't you a gentleman?”
My mom slides in beside me because, of course. “You look nice too, Mom.”
She really does. Her black gown is strapless and fits her perfectly. Her hair is in a simple chignon, and I can’t remember the last time I saw her wear makeup.
My dad sits heavily across from me, and Leo takes the seat next to him.
“Thank you,” my mom trills and winks at my dad. “Did you see Daddy in his suit? He didn’t want to wear a tie, but I convinced him!”
I try not to groan at her calling him Daddy. I will never get used to it. “It’s a good tie.”
My dad frowns and smoothes the blue tie down. “I’m taking it off after the wedding. Feels like it’s choking me.”
“Not a fan of the formalwear,” Leo pipes up. “Me either. I only break it out when I have to.”
My dad cracks a grin and jostles Leo’s elbow. “I could not agree more!”
This is surreal. They were waiting at the end of the huge staircase. I think I introduced them to Leo. I remember saying we needed to get to the basilica. Now we’re all in a limo.
“You guys flew?” I ask, glancing between them. “I thought you didn’t trust planes.”
“That’s what tranquilizers are for,” my mom whispers loudly. “We slept the whole ride.”
I’d kill for one of those right now.
“We decided to make a little trip of it!” My dad booms. Leo doesn’t wince like I do; he shoots my dad a grin instead. “Why not?”
“Where else are you traveling?” Leo folds his hands in his lap and turns slightly.
“Paris!” My mom squeals.
My parents in Paris. I can’t picture it. I haven’t even been to Paris.
“You’ll love it,” Leo grins at her. “I just came from there. If you need any recommendations on food or places to go, please call me.” He takes a card from his wallet and hands it to my mom. I try to read it, and all I can make out is his name and part of his phone number.
Leo is going to regret giving my mother that information.
“Aren’t you sweet?” My mom crows. She elbows me. “We never get to meet your men.”
“My men?” I echo. There were no men to meet. Unless she wanted to meet guys I had in my phone as Paul Smoothie Place or Ryan Gym. Or Burke. Not to mention she yelled at me for dating Leo because he was married. Except he isn’t. That’s weird to wrap my brain around.
I guess she got over that because she’s being way too nice to him.
“It’s wonderful to meet you both,” Leo smiles broadly at my parents, and I could kiss him. “Riley’s told me so much about you.”
“We were planning to visit her in California,” My mom says the state name like it’s an illness. “But we couldn’t resist a wedding!”
Shit, I haven’t told my parents I’m moving to Greece yet. As long as Leo doesn’t-
“Once we’re settled in Kavala, you’ll have to come out,” Leo interrupts my thoughts. “It’s not far from here.”
“You’re moving to Cordonia?” My parents shriek in unison.
“Greece,” I manage a weak smile. “Leo’s racing there, and I got a job offer. I was going to tell you after the wedding.”
“I’m sorry,” Leo says quickly. “Riley’s been so busy. I shouldn’t have assumed she had time to fill you in on everything.”
Leo mouths sorry at me across the limo, and I wrinkle my nose and poke the tip of my tongue out at him. He’s being so great with my parents, and now I guess I don’t have to tell them.
“That’s certainly exciting,” my mom says brightly. I sneak a look at her expression, and her lips are pursed slightly. She’s wanted me to move back to Kansas for a long time; I guess she finally figured out that isn’t happening.
The basilica looms before us, and my dad cranes his neck to take in the giant structure. “Look at the architecture on that! They don’t make buildings like that anymore.”
He also said that about an Olive Garden once.
“It’s impressive,” Leo agrees. He's being awesome, and it makes me feel less on edge. “Cordonian royalty has been married there since it was constructed.”
My mother stares pointedly at me, and if she’s about to ask what I think-
“Would you get married there?” I squeeze my eyes shut as my mom’s voice fills the car. “Once you’re divorced, I mean.”
“Mother!” I snap my eyes open.
“What?” She bats her eyes at me, her features arranged in an innocent expression. “I was curious, is all.”
She will stop at nothing to marry me off. She’d give me away for a bowl of chili.
“It’s fine,” Leo chuckles and winks at me across the limo. I side-eye my mother. “I’m actually not married, there was a legality issue, but it wouldn’t be my first choice if I got married again.”
There’s something different about his tone, and I look up, expecting to see him looking back at me. Except he isn’t. He’s staring out the window.
It was the way he said married. I don’t want to get married right this second, but it is going to lead there, right? Unless … Leo doesn’t want to get married ever again. Did Katie completely ruin the idea for him?
I’m getting ahead of myself. We’re moving in together. That’s enough for now.
Isn’t it? Who am I anymore? I don’t want to think about this. I want to focus on Drake and Liam, and how happy they’re going to be.
“That’s wonderful you don’t have to get dragged through a divorce,” my mother says, sounding way too pleased. “Lucky you!”
The car comes to a slow stop, and I force the thoughts out of my head. “This is you guys,” I take in the barricades and the crowd outside the basilica. “We are on groom duty.”
The door opens, and my mother carefully steps out, smoothing her dress. “We’ll see you soon, Riley.”
My dad slides out behind her, slapping my knee on his way out. “Knock ‘em dead, Rileykins.”
I press my lips together and smile. “Yep.”
“Nice to meet you, Leo!” My mom wiggles her fingers at Leo. My dad grunts and nods, but I know he’ll corner Leo later.
“The pleasure was all mine,” Leo shoots a megawatt smile at my parents before my dad slams the door.
I flop back against the seat. Leo moves to sit next to me, draping an arm around my shoulders. I glance up at him, trying to figure out what’s going on with him, but his face is blank. “Your mom liked me.”
“Yeah, she did,” I snicker. I hope he’s ready for the weird texts she is going to send him. “My dad will talk your ear off later.”
“Looking forward to it,” Leo drops a kiss on my head. “You can tell they really love each other.”
“They do,” I know I’m lucky. A lot of my friends' parents hate each other. “I’m shocked they’re actually here.”
I have to ask.
“Did my mom scare you with the marriage talk?” I make my voice light. “You seemed a little tense.”
A muscle in Leo’s jaw ticks. I want to poke it. He is definitely tense and he’s not saying anything. It’s not really the time, but give me something.
It’s so quiet I can hear the tires crunching gravel.
“Leo?” I nudge him with my elbow after the silence stretches. “Are you okay?”
The car stops around the side of the basilica, and Leo almost leaps out of his seat. “We’re here!”
Damn my mother.
“Okay,’ I barely get the word out before Leo is out of the limo, flinging open the door.
Leo helps me out and straightens the short train on my gown. We walk in more silence to the side entrance, stopping just inside.
Leo rests his fingers on my jaw, his eyes almost glowing in the sunlight. He leans down, stopping just before our lips touch. “I'm not going to screw up your lipstick, am I?”
“No,” I whisper before pressing my lips to his. Leo’s breath hitches as his tongue curls with mine; he pulls me into his chest. I feel his heartbeat through his shirt, and I wish I knew what was going on in that head of his.
Way too soon, we separate.
Leo frowns and drags his finger along my bottom lip. “I messed you up a little.”
“Fixable,” I pat the small silk purse under my arm. “It’s just makeup.”
Leo’s face relaxes, and he shoves his hand into his pocket. “See you up there, kid.”
“See you,” I wave. I don’t have time to think about it because I need to get to Drake, and it’s the opposite of the way Leo needs to go. I turn and walk quickly down the hallway, my heels seeming too loud in the quiet corridor.
What the fuck is going on?
———
LEO
Fuck fuck fuck.
I speed walk down the hallway. I almost proposed in the car. I have a problem. I have almost proposed twice now, and it isn’t the right place or time.
It doesn’t help that I have the ring. Riley was so close to finding it this morning on my dresser, and I shoved it into my pocket without thinking.
I knock on the solid wood door and hear Liam yell to come in. It’ll be fine. Riley probably thinks I have jitters because of today or something, having to be around my dad and that bullshit.
“What the fuck?” I can’t help but exclaim as I step into Liam’s dressing area.
Katie is sitting primly in a high-backed blue chair, wearing a white silk gown that is so long it covers her feet. She came to the wedding in white, and I’m not surprised. Rashad is across from her on the tufted sofa, and a man in a long black cloak sits beside him. Dinesh is standing with his hands in his pockets a few paces away from Katie. He doesn’t look happy to be here. I haven’t seen him since the housewarming.
Why are any of them here?
“Ah, Leo!” Liam chirps, turning away from the full-length mirror to greet me. “You’re right on time!”
My brother is ready to get married. He’s wearing all-white regalia, his medals shining brightly in the sunlight seeping through the windows. He looks younger, somehow. He’s happier than I’ve ever seen him; the smile that stretches across his face is so enthusiastic I can’t help but smile back.
“On time for what?” My lip curls as Katie glares at me. “I don’t understand.”
“Ms. Reyes Embry was spotted near the palace after Bastien had her removed, as luck would have it,” Liam adjusts his collar one last time. “I was thinking earlier about how free I’ve felt since the coronation. How free I’m going to feel after the wedding. I decided you should have that freedom as well. I would like to stand at the altar today, knowing my brother doesn’t have anything else hanging over his head.”
Goddammit. Liam can’t help himself, and I couldn’t ask for a better brother.
“Thank you,” I grab Liam in a hug, careful not to crease his regalia.
“Of course,” Liam hugs me back, patting me on the back before stepping away.
“I’d like my lawyer present,” Katie growls, crossing her arms tighter.
“Mr. Thorne is on a plane back to New York,” Liam peers at the large grandfather clock in the corner. “As of a half hour ago. The district attorney was keen to meet with him, and I offered my assistance.”
Katie’s eyes widen, but she doesn’t speak. She knows, Drake sent her that info.
“Judge Carras, please proceed,” Liam says firmly.
The man in the black robe stands, lifting a paper in the air. “This document was found to be fraudulent. Ms. Reyes Embry’s marriage to Mr. Trent Barlow was never dissolved, and her marriage to Prince Leo is not legitimate.”
“WHAT,” Katie shrieks, the sound bouncing around the room. I forgot how loud she yells. “No! The king annulled it! I asked, and Leo asked, and he annulled it!”
Today keeps getting better.
“I am afraid not,” Judge Carras shakes his head at her, “You can pursue a divorce in Cordonia; however, Mr. Barlow may be entitled to a significant portion of your finances given the amount of time that has passed, in addition to your relationship history.”
Katie’s face drains of color so fast I think she might faint. She’s hitting the floor because I’m not catching her.
“Trent doesn’t know we’re married,” Katie whispers. “Thank god. I can make this go away.”
I might feel the tiniest bit bad for her if she hadn’t been so terrible to Riley. I can forget what she did to me, the cheating and all of it, because I know she never really loved me. I’m mad I didn’t see it sooner. I’m mad that I was so desperate to find someone to love that I fell for the wrong woman. But Riley was off limits, and Katie made her life hell.
“Oh, Trent knows,” I offer with a smile. “I sent him an email. He’s going to fight you tooth and nail, Kate.”
I’m not bluffing. I found his consulting business online and let him know what was going on. He emailed me back almost immediately. Trent is probably camped out by the gate at Katie’s home. Unless Jess let him in.
“How could you?” Katie says with a strangled sob. “You knew how much Trent hurt me! You hated him for it!”
Trent is slimy. Annoying as fuck, opportunistic. Not so different from Katie. There’s no use arguing that Katie was awful in our marriage. She’ll never admit it, and I don’t need her to. I have closure.
“What’s that saying?” I stroke my chin, pretending to mull it over. “The enemy of my enemy is my friend?”
Katie stands and whirls on Dinesh. “You said the annulment was official! How could you be so stupid?”
Dinesh uncrosses his arms and stands to his full height, his eyes dark. “I had to spend the better part of a year babysitting you and your siblings because your grandmother didn’t trust you to do what she instructed. That she concocted this ridiculous battle of stipulations to begin with was infuriating. I told her to give all her money to charity.”
I can’t help but snort. Liam covers his mouth, but his shoulders are shaking.
“I didn’t care,” Dinesh says in a clipped tone. “Your task was to get married. I didn’t care to whom. You get to keep your inheritance. If I never have to see
you lot again; it will be too soon.”
With that, Dinesh whirls on his heel and storms out, slamming the door behind him.
Rashad stands and pats me on the back. “Close call, Leo.”
“Too fucking close,” I agree. I’m listening to him from now on.
“You have a little …” Rashad pulls a handkerchief from his pocket. “Pink lipstick.”
I glance in the mirror, and he’s right. Riley’s lipstick. She’ll be so happy it’s finally over. I carefully wipe the smear from my top lip. “Thanks. I dropped Riley off before I came here.”
Katie crosses her arms. “That woman ruined everything.”
I pat the box in my pocket. “Riley is everything.”
Katie reddens, but before she can say anything, Judge Carras speaks up.
“If my services are no longer needed, I’ll be on my way. I’ve already instructed my clerk to destroy the divorce filing.”
“Of course,” Liam shakes the man’s hand. “Thank you for coming on such short notice.”
“It was no trouble,” Judge Carras smiles fondly at Liam. “King Liam. I am looking forward to your reign.”
The judge bows and leaves. Katie watches him, mouth open like she’s having trouble believing what happened.
“Ms. Reyes Embry,” Liam booms. “One more thing.”
Rashad removes a folded paper from his suit jacket and looks to Liam, waiting.
I glance back at Liam, and my brother has his king
mask on.
“You’ll be escorted to gather your things following this decree,” Liam says, his voice colder than I’ve ever heard. “You are hereby banned from Cordonia, and cannot come within one hundred feet of any member of the royal family, including Lady Riley Brooks. Additionally, any interviews, books, or films that you attempt to create speaking about the royal family, also including Lady Riley, will leave you subject to a lawsuit. This extends to your immediate family as well.”
Katie’s jaw drops. That wonderful, thoughtful bastard.
“You can’t do that!” Katie gasps. “I have rights!”
“Yes, in America; however, this decree will apply no matter where you reside,” Liam’s tone doesn’t change; his face remains still. “I suggest you return home.”
Rashad steps forward and thrusts a paper into Katie’s hands. I assume it’s the official declaration.
“That’s all.” Liam turns his attention to his phone. A guard appears and takes her arm, escorting her to the door.
Katie’s eyes lock on mine. I remember the first time I saw her in Athens; a cold chill creeps down my spine. Riley’s eyes replace hers, and I feel warmer.
“You should have stayed a one-night stand,” I lift my hand, giving her one last wave.
Katie doesn’t have time to retort as the guard closes the door behind them.
———
RILEY
I won’t laugh. I won’t.
Drake tugs at his collar, and I swat at his arm. “You’re making it crooked.”
“I look ridiculous,” Drake grumbles. He turns abruptly, and the tails on his pristine white tuxedo swish. I bite the inside of my cheek hard.
That’s love. Wearing a ridiculous frilly suit when you’d rather wear denim. Madeleine should have signed off on the horse; it’d have been epic.
“No,” I lie. “It’s just for the ceremony; then you can change to the blue suit. It’ll be fine.”
“You look good,” Drake grins suddenly. “Not bad for a couple of commoners, huh?”
“Not bad at all,” I fix his tie and pat his shoulder. “All things considered, you seem very calm.”
I am freaking the fuck out and thinking about my mom’s tranquilizers again. I want everything to be perfect for Liam and Drake. No drama.
Drake carries himself more confidently. He used to slump around, to try to blend into the background. Tears spring to my eyes, and I blink them back rapidly.
“I’ve had whiskey,” Drake quips, a smile tugging at his lips. “It all doesn’t feel real. I never thought … well, you know.”
I do know. Drake doesn’t want to be emotional right now, and I”m not going to make him talk more. “Want me to pinch you?”
“Nah,” Drake turns as the doorknob turns. “That must be-”
I glance over my shoulder, doing a double-take when I see who it is. Bertrand, in his best three-piece black suit, holding a small boy on his hip.
“Hi, Bertrand,” I smile as Bertrand shuffles toward Drake and me.
“Lady Riley,” Bertrand has dark shadows under his eyes; he’s not even trying to smile. Not that he really does, anyway. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.”
The last time we spoke was right before the Coronation. Bertrand apologized for underestimating me at the beginning, and complimented me for the way I carried myself through the season. Bertrand and I are never going to be besties, but there’s mutual respect.
“Is this Bartie?” I touch the kid’s hand softly, and he grabs my finger. Those eyebrows are definitely Bertrand’s. Hopefully, he’ll grow out of it.
“Yes,” Bertrand beams proudly, looking slightly less wrecked. “My son.”
“He looks so much like you,” I pull a face, and Bartie laughs. Huh, maybe I am good with kids. “Not that I know what Savannah looks like.”
I’ve been here for over a week, and I’ve never seen her. That’s weird, right? Especially since I’ve been with her brother a lot of that time.
“Yes, she’s been quite busy at Ramsford,” Bertand’s smile drops. “Lady Savannah is getting ready, as we both are going to escort Bartie down the aisle.”
Right, he’s the ring bearer.
“Figures,” Drake holds his arms out. “Give me my nephew.”
Bertrand transfers Bartie to Drake with no hesitation. Drake bounces Bartie, murmuring things I can’t hear. It’s so adorable, I might cry.
Drake wanders away, whispering something about how if Bartie needs to spit up, now’s the time, when I notice Bertrand fidgeting with something in his trouser pocket.
“Do you have a mouse in your pocket?” I keep my voice down. The vibe between Drake and Bertrand is a little tense.
“I most certainly do not,” Bertrand huffs, revealing a ring box. He opens it; a large pinkish-red gem gleams from a gold band. “I was planning to ask for Lady Savannah’s hand today, but I am unsure of what to say, how to begin.”
I tune out as Bertrand frets, keeping a smile on my face. Because that is not going to happen. No fucking way is Bertand going to steal Liam and Drake’s thunder. Of all the days, he thought this one was appropriate? Fuck. No.
Bertrand finally shuts up, and I push the ring back at him. “Why do you want to marry Savannah? Let’s start there.”
“She’s the mother of my child,” Bertrand blushes. “We have had a rocky road, however-”
He didn’t say he loved her. That’s telling. He feels obligated, and that is not the way to start a marriage.
“What’s the rush?” I cut in gently. “Shouldn’t you wait? You can get to know each other better.”
“Lady Savannah requires a grand gesture,” Bertrand argues. “I let her down.”
“I don’t see how,” I quirk my lips to the side. “She took off, and Maxwell made sure she had what she needed. Just because there was a little confusion doesn’t excuse her for taking off like that.”
I’d have taken off too, but I wouldn’t have let Maxwell send me all that money. They’d never hear from me again.
Bertrand looks lost, and I know he’s trying to take care of everyone again. He’s been doing it so long, and the dude needs a break.
The thing is, Bertrand needs something to look after him. That’s not Savannah. How do I tell Bertrand he has mommy issues without saying it?
“I think you should wait and see what happens,” I say carefully. “You've moved Savannah into Ramsford; you’re co-parenting, right?”
Bertrand nods.
“You need someone to take care of you, too,” I fight not to wince. This is so gross. “It seems like Savannah might not be able to do that. But you don’t need to be making any big decisions right now. Okay?”
Bertrand’s shoulders relax. “Thank you, Lady Riley, for your sound advice. I believe I will hold off on proposing just now. There is enough to worry about with the wedding at hand and Bartie’s propensity for screaming at any given moment.”
I laugh and pat his arm. “You’re a good man, Bertrand.”
Drake ambles over and holds Bartie out to Bertrand. “I don’t know what you feed him, but he smells like a landfill.”
Bertrand’s nose wrinkles, and he holds Bartie away from his suit. “He only eats the finest organic fruits and vegetables, as well as farm-raised animals.”
Bertrand scurries away, and Drake glances at me sideways. “Did you just talk him out of proposing to my sister?”
Oops. “Yep.”
“Thanks,” Drake smirks. “I love my sister, but she’ll put him in an early grave.”
I push his arm. “He was going to do it today! No fucking way.”
“I doubt anyone would have noticed,” Drake shrugs, his hands moving to his tie again before dropping his hands. “Speaking of, when’s Leo making an honest woman out of you?”
Leo’s blank face flits through my mind. “First of all, we haven’t been together that long.”
We haven’t, way less than a year. We’ve just been through some serious shit. Why is everyone on my ass about getting married today?
“You aren’t there yet?” Drake turns away from the mirror and gives me a stern look. “Because it seems like you are.”
That punch really did help.
“I don’t think Leo is,” I fight the urge to pick at my nails. I got them done yesterday, and they have to make it through today, at least. “He just got out of that situation with Katie; even if it wasn’t a legal marriage, it was still a relationship. I don’t expect him to be ready to get married tomorrow, you know?”
As long as he’s ready one day, I don’t say. When did I turn into this person? I was never into labels or marriage before. It’s really all Liam’s fault.
I want labels with Leo. I want to change my name one day. I want all of it. What if he doesn’t?
Something in my face must have given me away because Drake slings an arm over my shoulder and hugs me into his side gently.
“Enough about me,” I clear my throat, forcing a smile. “Isn’t it about time to head out? How’s the procession going to go?”
“Madeleine is probably waiting,” Drake rolls his eyes. “Constantine is first; Regina is already at the altar.”
I forgot to tell Leo about Landon. I will during the reception. I can’t be the only one who knows.
“Next is Bartie and his parents, then you and Leo,” Drake swings open the heavy wood door. The acoustics in this place are nuts; the sound bounces down the long hallway. My dad is probably pointing out all the little building details to my mom right now.
“Okay,” I struggle to keep up with Drake’s long strides. He slows once he notices I’m practically jogging. “Then who?”
I’m guessing Liam is waiting at the altar. Or maybe they both are? I can’t picture Drake walking in alone.
“Liam and I are walking in,” Drake’s face creases in a wide grin. “Together.”
“I love that,” I exclaim, not needing to force the smile anymore.
“It feels right,” Drake exhales. “Nobody waiting on the other anymore.”
I squeeze Drake’s arm. “Perfect.”
“I haven’t said one word to my mom,” Drake lowers his voice. “Or seen her yet.”
Whoa. That fucking sucks. She comes all the way here because of Savannah inviting her, and then nothing?
“She hasn’t reached out at all?” I hiss. “You haven’t talked to her since you were 18!”
“She hasn’t. That conversation was a bust, too,” Drake sighs and pushes his shoulders back. “I’m not gonna let her ruin anything. I might have regretted not inviting her one day, but at least I’m covered.”
“True,” I slip my arm through Drake’s elbow. “My parents showed up. My mom is going to love you. And probably make you do the electric slide.”
Drake guffaws, his face relaxing. “That’s something to look forward to.”
We’re almost to the giant doors leading into the chapel; I can see Madeleine tapping her watch even though we aren’t even close to late, when footsteps from behind me catch my attention.
It’s several members of the King’s Guard, and no way. Katie? I knew Bastien didn’t have it under control.
I glance up at Drake, who not only doesn’t seem surprised, he’s laughing. I turn my attention back to Katie, her face full of fury, her long white gown dragging along the marble tiles behind her.
Even if she didn’t wear white all the time, she’d have still worn that dress. Did she think they’d let her in? What is her game plan here?
I take a deep breath as I realize it doesn’t matter. I guess I’ll see her tomorrow for the hearing, if she shows up.
“You ruined everything,” Katie huffs, the guards not slowing to let her speak; she’s forced to call over her shoulder. “I hope you’re happy!”
“Thanks, I am!” I call out. Maybe it’s petty; I don’t care. It’s enough to make Katie freeze until a guard nudges her.
Madeleine recoils from Katie as she passes, but she moves further into the hallway to make sure she’s escorted outside.
“What’s going on?” I ask Drake, who’s mostly collected himself.
“Liam wanted Leo to be free before the wedding,” Drake explains. “I knew she’d show up.”
My eyes well with tears again. I should have known Liam would fix things before the wedding. He’s too good.
“So that’s-”
“All done,” a voice breaks in behind me. I spin around, and Leo gathers me in his arms. “No more dealing with her ever.”
“I doubt that,” I glance behind him to Liam. “Wow. You look amazing.”
He looks like Prince Charming. Or King Charming, I guess. Is it weird to think he looks beautiful?
“Thank you,” Liam grins. “I issued an order; Leo can fill you in later.”
I nod, liking the sound of that. “Let’s get you married.”
Drake stands beside Liam, nervously adjusting his cufflinks. Liam takes his hand, and Drake visibly relaxes. They exchange a smile, and Liam quickly presses a kiss to Drake’s lips. They stare at each other a moment before Drake chuckles and squeezes Liam’s hand.
It’s the smallest gesture; if I hadn’t been looking, I wouldn’t have noticed. My heart is so full and I should have packed more tissues in my purse.
Madeleine clears her throat as Savannah and Bertrand arrive, slightly out of breath, Bartie in tow. I glance at Savannah. She kind of looks like Drake. Same eyes, same hair. The texture and color, not the cut. That’d be weird. She doesn’t look happy.
Constantine glances at his watch, shifting on his feet. Does he have other plans, or does he want to leave as soon as possible?
“I’ll be right back,” Leo whispers and drops my hand. I watch him lean in and say something to Constantine before nailing his dad right in the side of the knee with his fist.
Constantine grabs the wall for support before slumping against it.
I hear a snort, and I’m betting it came from Drake. Leo stops next to me and grabs my hand, bringing it to his lips.
“What was that?” I ask from the corner of my mouth.
“Trying to set you up,” Leo watches Constantine shaking his knee, like that will help him stand better. “It was long overdue.”
I don’t feel bad for Constantine. He might have inadvertently helped Leo, but his intentions were shitty. At least he’ll spend the rest of his life seeing Liam and Drake happy together. That’s gotta burn.
“So sweet,” I rise on my toes and brush my lips against Leo’s cheek. He chuckles and catches my lips quickly with his.
Leo loves me. No one has ever loved me the way he does. It’s going to be okay.
No more thinking about marriage. Except for Liam and Drake’s. I need to calm down.
“Time to go,” Madeleine trills. I hear the faint notes of the organ through the door. “King Father, you first.”
Constantine limps through the entrance. Leo smirks.
Madeleine turns her attention to Bertrand. “The child between you, please, each of you holding one hand.”
Bertrand lowers Bartie carefully, and he and Savannah take one of Bartie’s hands.
Madeleine opens the door a crack and ushers them through, softly closing it. She thrusts a bouquet of calla lilies into my hands.
I smooth my dress, and Leo adjusts his bow tie. I loop my arm through his.
“Ready?” Leo murmurs, his hand covering mine.
“Ready,” I repeat, passing through the open door.
———
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Irreplaceable: @ao719 @irisk12 @liamxs-world
TRR/TRH: @jared2612 @malblk21
Leo x Riley: @mywildheartremains
TRR/TRH: @jared2612 @malblk21
If your name is crossed out, I wasn’t able to tag you, hopefully it works in the notes 💕
eeeeeeee the wedding!!!!!
He has a ring. ❤️
gardeningourmet reblogged
When In Rome: Wrong Chat
A/N: @peonierose sent me an ask a few months ago and this is where my brain went. Thank you so much, this was fun! 💕
A/N 2: Drake hasn’t been introduced in this AU yet, but he and Ari have a weird relationship 🤣 She got tired of all his tips during the season and they tend to bicker like siblings. Riley follows her lead.
Book: TRR/RoE
Pairing/Characters: Leo x OC, Liam x MC
Rating: M
Warnings: Bastien jokes, language, inappropriateness of Leo x Riley. Slightly NSFW pics.
Word Count: 535
Summary: Riley accidentally sends photos meant for Leo to the group chat.
Thank you to everyone who reads, likes, comments, and/or reblogs this. I appreciate it so much. ❤️
Thank you so much for reading and sharing @hotkingu ❤️
gardeningourmet reblogged
Series premise: A chance meeting on a flight to New York between the heir to the throne and a flight attendant sets a series of events in motion.
This series is not suitable for those under 18. Language, violence, angst, and heavy subjects will be featured throughout.
Takes place in the same AU as Sleeper.
Pairing: Leo Rys x Riley Brooks (OC)
Omg Imma gonna binge read this on the weekend when I have some time off!!!!!
So excited thank you!!!!
gardeningourmet reblogged
Irreplaceable Chapter 26: For Me, It’s You
Series Premise: Two years after his abdication and wedding to Katie, Leo meets Riley the night of Liam’s coronation.
The story is told in first person POV that switches between Riley and Leo.
Summary: Leo’s marital situation is explained, Riley gets a job offer, and it’s almost wedding time.
Book: TRR/RoE
Pairings: Leo x MC, Drake x Liam
Rating: M
TW: sensuality, language
Music Inspo: For Me, It’s You—Lo Moon
Thank you to everyone who reads, likes, comments, and/or reblogs this. I appreciate it so much. ❤️
It's working out?!? Now parents. Hmmmm
Love it!!!!!