--------

It was late when Olivia and Liam finally got time to talk again, as the Duchess had people to greet and meetings with her staff to make sure all was ready for the opening ceremony the day after. This time it was Olivia’s suite where they met. Liam had and adjoining room with a connecting door. Olivia sat heavily on the bed, and Liam went to sit with her, taking one of her feet to massage it.

‘I’m glad I had that nap in the limo’ she groaned ‘My energy levels aren’t what they should be’

‘Naturally, your growing a whole new person’ Liam smiled softly. ‘You can always delegate to me, you know’ She scoffed

‘This is my duchy, Liam’ she replied, and lay flat, looking up at the ceiling.

‘So what do you think of my proposal?’ He asked ‘I understand you’ve not had a lot of time to think about it, but I’d like to know what way you’re leaning.’

‘I know I need to give you an answer’ she said ‘Time’s getting on, and if I say yes, the announcement will be considerably different than my bearing the heir, to say nothing of our problem with Anton. I’m still his wife’

‘Now that’s where I’ve got good news for you’ he replied, and she sat up to look at him.

‘Good news is exactly what I need right now’ she said.

‘Well, there is yet another ancient Royal marriage clause that states that both parties must be reasonably expected to physically beget or bear children. King Theodore’s eldest son wasn’t allowed to inherit the throne after he had a riding accident that paralysed him from the waist down and made him impotent. The throne went to his brother’

‘But that didn’t apply to Regina. She was known to be barren when she married Constantine’ Olivia pointed out

‘Constantine already had two heirs, so that clause was null and void.’

‘So Anton’s condition – oh wait, Lucretia said death was certain’ Olivia mused.

‘But even if he lingered for years, we could argue that he’ll never be able to beget an heir’

‘It sounds a bit shaky’

‘A bit shaky is better than impossible’ Liam said ‘It’s our best argument so far’ Olivia lay back down with a sigh.

‘It’s not a good thing to wish another human being dead, even Anton Severus’ she grumbled ‘But it would solve a number of problems’

------

The following morning, Olivia and the King declared the games open. A winter fair with tents, stalls and marquees close to the lodge ran all through the event,  and the sports started off with a downhill ski race that morning. There were enough entries for three heats, and four from each heat would go through to the final, to be held the next day.  The next morning there would be curling on the lake and the afternoon hosted the downhill ski finals. The following morning was set aside for a figure skating event on the lake and snowboarding in the afternoon. The third day saw skating speed races in the morning and ski jumping in the afternoon. The fourth day was set aside for finals, awards, and a closing ceremony.

The event was well attended, and it looked as if Olivia’s fears of being unpopular were unfounded. She made sure to mingle with the crowds at the fair and with the competitors and sponsors. That meant that at the end of the day she was exhausted, which worried Liam.

‘Livvy, you need to take a break’ he said as she got ready for bed, too tired even to take a bath.

‘You know I have to work hard at this’ she sighed ‘There’s nobody to delegate to here, not even you.’

‘Then let me take care of you’ he said, and took hold of her shoulders, looking into her eyes ‘You know you can trust me’ She sighed, and he pulled her close ‘You’ve done really well today’ he continued ‘I plan to tell the country about our arrangement at the closing ceremony if things continue like this’ He felt her stiffen.

‘And if Anton’s still alive? He’s still legally my husband’

‘I’m working on it – remember that clause about being able to provide an heir? I’m waiting for a report from the hospital that will confirm that’s impossible’

‘You’d say it all hinges on who I choose’ she said ‘and you know I’d never choose Anton’

‘I suppose that’s true’ he replied ‘Now come on, let’s get you to bed, you need to rest’

------

The second day was a roaring success, and Olivia continued to make herself seen, but now Liam kept her company. There were whispers and rumours about the two of them, but they all seemed positive. Sophia was happy to discover that Bastien’s duties were light, and they spent most of the day together watching the sports and visiting the winter fair. She made sure to keep abreast of the media, monitoring opinions on the budding friendship between Olivia and the King. Late in the day, it was confirmed at last that Anton was unlikely to recover enough to reign, let alone provide an heir for his line. An broadcast to the public was arranged for early evening.

Liam chose to film the broadcast in the lounge of the suite Olivia had provided him with. It was to be recorded and broadcast within an hour. He sat at the desk by the window, the snowy slopes of the Lythikos mountains behind him. He gazed into the camera with sincerity, and began.

‘My dear citizens of Cordonia - although Lord Severus and I were at odds regarding the monarchy, I am deeply saddened to hear how ill he is. He is receiving the best of care, but the doctors tell me that he is extremely unlikely to recover full mobility. It is also doubtful that he will regain his mental faculties.’ he said gravely. ‘I need to go through due process, but I believe that his condition precludes him from ascending the throne. It is also evident that as Lord Severus is unable to sire an heir, and as he is the last of his line, that also means that Lady Olivia can be released from her betrothal, as set down in Cordonian law’ The camera crew couldn’t help but react to this statement, and Liam knew he would be answering some searching questions in the press conference after the broadcast. He paused to let his statement sink in before starting again.

‘Staying here in Lythikos, I am aware that I am not on home ground, and over the centuries there has been rivalry between the houses of Rys and Nevrakis. I am aware that my own father also caused disharmony with House Severus. In this day and age, I hope that we can use diplomacy and frank discussion to solve disputes between families, or Duchies or countries.’ He paused for a moment

‘The charity tour that I have instigated has proved popular, so much so that I hope to make it an annual or biennial event. Each Duchy has a chance to raise money for deserving causes, and involves all levels of society, unlike the lavish balls and other events that have been run in the past almost for the sole benefit of the nobility. Here in Lythikos, the Winter Games and the fair have proved popular, not just with Lythikans, but with Cordonians from all corners of the Kingdom. I hope that our two houses can at last co-exist in harmony and unity with strong intentions for the prosperity of all our citizens. I am open to talks with any dissidents who have disputes that have remained unsolved in recent history, or indeed with longer standing issues.’

‘In conclusion, I would like to add that I will be making another address to the nation at the end of the games. I am honoured to be responsible for the prosperity and peace of such a beautiful part of the world, and intend to reign wisely and benevolently. Thankyou.’

-------

After the broadcast, Liam went to Olivia’s lounge, to find her dressed for bed, reading a book on Lythican traditions. He stooped to land a kiss on her forehead, and she looked up, surprised.

‘What was that for?’ she asked

‘Do I need a reason?’ he asked ‘You look more relaxed this evening’

‘Not being married to a snake like Severus goes a long way toward relaxing’ she answered ‘That, and the games are going really well.’ She put her book down and stretched. Liam knelt in front of her.

I know something that would relax you more’ he smiled, crooking an eyebrow.

‘I’m sick of massages and warm baths’ she grumbled ‘I’ll be glad when I’m into my second trimester. I’m told things are much more comfortable then’

‘Neither of those’ Liam replied, tracing a finger up the inside of her calf. When he reached her knee, she put her hand on his to stop him going higher.

‘Liam’ She said, drawing a breath ‘I’m pregnant, we don’t have to…’

‘Why not?’ he replied ‘I have it on good authority that orgasms are good for mother and child’ He took his hand back and put his palm to her cheek, rising as she leant toward him for a lingering kiss. She gazed at him, and he back at her.

‘You’re beautiful. Olivia’ he breathed ‘As soon as I let off the pressure of having to declare a bride, I relaxed, and saw who you truly are. You’re loyal and strong and passionate, and you never back down. I need someone like that in my life. You complement me perfectly.’

‘Liam’ she protested, but he stayed kneeling in front of her.

‘Just hear me out’ he said ‘I’ll accept whatever terms you want. Be my Queen, my lover, my consort. Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you willingly. Anything to have a loving family. You don’t wear your heart on your sleeve, but I see it. I see how selfless you were, offering to have the heir, asking nothing in return’

‘Why, Liam – what changed?’ she asked ‘You told me you weren’t capable of love, that you wanted to be free’

‘I saw what I was missing’ he said ‘I saw Bastien with Sophia, Drake with Riley – and I wanted the same. I just want to be with one person, and you – you know me inside out. I didn’t think I could expect anything like a normal relationship, but I think we could have something together. We’re a lot the same, you and I’ Olivia looked at her hands, but he caught at them.

‘Be mine, Olivia. Share your nights with me, be seen with me, stay by my side. I know you’re an independent woman, but I’d be so happy if you kept me company. Being King is a lonely job’

‘This is – well it’s not sudden, I suppose I’ve seen this coming.’ Olivia said ‘But will you feel the same this time next year?’ Liam looked thoughtful.

‘To be honest Livvy, I don’t know’ he said ‘Not for certain. But I have to try – if you’ll try with me’ Olivia nodded

‘I suppose none of us really know how things will be in the future’ she replied ‘I have given thought to your offer, but I’m not ready to answer you just yet.’

‘If it was up to me, I’d give you all the time in the world’ he said ‘But you know the sooner I announce you’re pregnant, the sooner the country will have some stability. If I can call you my Queen too, that would be incredible. I need to know by the end of the Games.’ Her eyes widened, but she nodded

‘I understand. I’ll give you an answer before your closing speech’

-------

Liam’s speech was well received, and as he had expected, he had questions to answer about Olivia, who accompanied him outside in a marquee at the Winter Fair the next morning, on the third day of the Games. The crowd demanded to hear from her, which of course Sophia had planned for, so she stepped up to the microphone.

‘I’m both honoured and humbled to have our new King, a close and long standing friend,  attend this event, and am delighted that so many citizens have come to make it such a success. As you know, funds go toward setting up a new modern Intensive Care Unit in Lythikos capital, and we are well on the way to our target.’

‘What about Lord Severus?’ someone shouted out. Olivia composed her face.

‘I am of course saddened at the circumstances that have terminated my betrothal, much as I disliked the arrangement. As you know, it was planned before my birth and enforced by a very ancient law that was extremely difficult to negate. I would rather have found a legal solution to the problem than the tragedy that befell Anton. As you all know, my aunt acted without my knowledge and consent, and she will be dealt with under the law that she upheld and which bound me by an arrangement I did not seek or want.’ She smiled at the throng of people, a thin lipped smile which nevertheless reached her eyes so that the corners crinkled in genuine benevolence.

‘Lythikos has had a long tradition of solving its problems by force and conflict, but I hope under the guidance of King Liam to bring our Duchy into the twenty first century by relying on diplomacy and negotiation. War may be glorious, but it leaves widows, widowers and orphans, and the more Lythicans there are in the world, the better we can share our culture and arts.’

‘Can you comment on your relationship with his Majesty?’ someone asked ‘You’ve been seen together a lot recently. Is there some sort of alliance coming in the future?’ Again Olivia smiled, but enigmatically.

‘Liam and his family took care of me when my parents died’ she pointed out ‘We have a deep and close bond, and it’s only natural to seek each others’ company. Lythikos is part of Cordonia, and we hope to strengthen our bonds with all the other Duchies of Cordonia now that I am free of my betrothal.’  She looked at the clock at the back of the room ‘If you will excuse me, I have an appointment with the medals committee. Please feel free to watch the games and observe the wonderful talent our country has in winter sports thanks to Lythikos.’ She stepped away from the microphone, and Liam took over.

‘Thankyou for your time and patience, ladies and gentlemen. I will also be giving a speech at the closure of the games later tomorrow. Until then, please enjoy yourselves.’ As Liam walked away from the dais, Bastien approached him.

‘Your Majesty, I need to talk to you privately’ he said, a grave expression on his face. Liam nodded, and followed the Guard into to an empty lounge in the Lodge.

‘What is it, Bastien? I need to go and join Olivia’

‘The hospital called, Sir’ he replied ‘There’s been a deterioration in Severus’s condition. As he has no relatives, they need to know whether to keep him on life support, and you appear to be the person they feel best qualified to make the decision’ Liam frowned

‘That’s not good’ he replied ‘I could be accused of maliciously terminating him if I agree to turn the machines off’

‘That is true, Sir’ he replied ‘I suggest that you put the matter to an emergency Council meeting. All the members are here’

‘That’s excellent advice. Get everyone assembled in my lounge as soon as possible’

-------

The nobles and commoners of the current Council took a vote after both Liam and Olivia abstained from the motion that Anton be taken off life support once the doctors were certain that his quality of life suffered so much that he would have less than a minimal quality of life. Under present Cordonian law, unless family members could vouch for a patient’s care, it was customary not to let cases such as his remain on artificial means of support indefinitely. The threshold of viability, as it was known, was rapidly approaching, and although Liam vowed that the law would be changed, that would take time – time that Anton didn’t have. Nobody had stepped forward to claim responsibility for his welfare, so the Council voted that the machines be switched off at the discretion of the Doctor in charge of Anton’s care.

Liam was relived, as the decision took responsibility away from him, as it did for Olivia. It was decided that only one representative of the Council would be present when the machines were turned off, but not the King, not Anton’s unwilling wife, nor the Captain of the Guard. Bastien was yet to be sworn on to the Council.

‘Poor soul’ Liam murmured to Bastien ‘I’ve heard that those who made a last minute recovery say that it’s torment. Doctor Reeve told me that they will keep him hydrated and pain free, but that’s as much as they can do for him. I can only hope that he’s not aware enough to suffer.’ Olivia sat next to him, ramrod straight, her face unreadable to those that didn’t know her well+.

‘You’re too soft’ she muttered ‘I hope he suffers for all he’s put us through – you and me, and Sophia and Riley - and Drake, and Bastien and Adelaide. The list is too long for him to leave this life peacefully’ Liam bowed his head and closed his eyes.

‘Perhaps you’re right’ he said after a while ‘I have the feeling my Father would have handled this differently, but I can’t bring myself to follow in his footsteps. I’ll be glad when it’s all over’

Because they’re not as on guard as they would be if they had known about Anton, the assassins are successful in their attempt. They stab MC and her beautiful white gown blossoms with bright red from the devastating wound. 

Liam’s busy at the cathedral with the other guys, finishing up his own preparations when he receives the call. He turns unnaturally stiff, all of his previous happiness completely erased from his face. There is nothing but MC on his mind as he runs out of the cathedral, leaving behind the well wrinkled paper he’d written his vows on. 

Liam rushes to the hospital but MC’s in surgery and he’s not allowed in. The ladies of the court and Bertrand are all waiting outside. Drake and Maxwell arrive a moment later, having been told what was going on. Liam’s frantic with worry but unable to think of anyone other than MC and so he just sits still, waiting for news.

The surgeon comes out and Liam rushes to him. Questions spill out of his mouth but then he sees the surgeon’s solemn face and Liam just stops. He utters, “No,” and then he falls to his knees, still dressed in his pristine wedding finery. 

It’s as if the world is falling apart around him and he can’t hear the others, can only think about the woman he loves so much. They’d been through so much and they were finally going to be together forever and he can’t believe that the world would be this cruel to them. 

He can’t seem to breathe from the pain of it all and the others support him up. He shakes off their concerned hands and goes back to the surgeon.

“Let me see her. Please.”

Alone, Liam goes into the hospital room where a white sheet covers the bed and he staggers to its side. Trembling hands pull the sheet back and he sees the all too pale and still face of the only woman he’s ever loved, the only woman who’s made him want to live, and now the tears finally spill out. 

He embraces her still figure on the bed, closing his eyes as he breathes in her scent for what will be the last time.

Later, when he comes out from MC’s room, Liam is changed. There are no tears now, no grief, no emotion on his face. The others watch him concernedly. When he finally speaks, his voice is cold and sharp enough to cut, although his eyes are seething.

“They’ll pay. Everyone who did this will pay.”

And so begins King Liam the Merciless’s reign. 

—-

Five years pass and Cordonia has changed. It’s always been like a small, fairy tale country, but all of its charm and warmth has disappeared.

After MC’s death, King Liam becomes ruthless in his crusade to find the ones who killed his father and fiancée. Cordonia goes under martial rule with strict curfews enforced. The king’s forces frequently raid people’s houses in search for traitors. Money is poured into the military and King Liam enforces a mandatory draft. Cordonia is verifiably closed off from the outside world. 

All of the young nobles are forced to stay in Cordonia, almost like hostages, so that Liam can keep an eye on them or rather their parents. The more politically inclined parents like Lord Godfrey and Hakim are part of Liam’s council. Even Lord Barthelemy Maxwell recovers from his illness and joins the council.

Although at first, they, especially Lord Godfrey, pushed for Liam to marry, Liam said, “You would have me marry when MC was buried not even a month ago.” Chastised, they stopped bringing up the topic of marriage. But a year ago, they started bringing up marriage again and Liam could no longer use MC as an excuse bc a respectable amount of time had passed since her death. 

Still, Liam refuses to completely bow down to Godfrey’s wishes and so he declares that he’ll marry Kiara, not Madeleine. Everyone is surprised but they can’t argue that Kiara would make a bad queen. She’s very diplomatic after all. And so King Liam and Kiara wed, although there is no love between them. Liam refuses to sleep with Kiara and their wedding night and every night after is spent with both of them in their respective rooms.

One day they hold a ball for an ancient Cordonian tradition. It's decadent and extravagant but everyone is walking on eggshells. No one is dumb enough to believe that this is actually a celebration. Liam sits in his throne the entire time, unsmiling, as Kiara alone makes the rounds. 

And then he sees her. She’s dressed in a beautiful silvery gown that seems to float to the ground but his eyes are focused solely on her face. He traces the shape of her eyes, the slope of her nose, the bow of her mouth, the dimple in her cheek. It’s MC which is impossible but she looks exactly like her. He finally snaps to attention when she stops right in front of him and curtsies, somewhat clumsily. 

It is only then that Liam notices the man by her side. He hasn’t seen his face in years but it’s Justin, the old press secretary, although his glasses are gone and his hair is combed back. Liam’s eyes narrow as they spot Justin’s possessive arm around her waist.

“Good evening, your majesty. My name is Lord Anton Severus and this is my fiancée.” 

—-

Several points of explanation:

Hana/Drake/Maxwell all try to unsuccessfully dissuade Liam from his more ruthless actions. After Hana pushes him one too many times, Liam sends her back to Shanghai saying he has no more need for her presence. So Hana’s gone. Then Drake confronts him as well saying that this isn't Liam. He understands that he misses her but they all loved MC- 

This is when Liam cut him off and says that he doesn't really understand why Drake's here anyway when he doesn’t do anything. He also brushes off Maxwell. And so Liam drives all of his friends away from him. 

In his scheming, Anton finds out that Lord Godfrey (Madeleine’s father) and Barthelemy Beaumont (Maxwell’s father) conspired to kill Queen Eleanor (Liam’s mother). That’s why Barthelemy pretended to fall ill. King Constantine grew suspicious of him and Barthelemy decided to go away until it was safe for him. Once Constantine died, Barthelemy made his preparations to go back to court.

Anton, keeping his own plot to become King with Olivia as his wife secret, blackmails/recruits Godfrey and Barthelemy into helping him. They’ve already killed one queen and they don’t have any qualms about killing another, especially when she’s already so uncooperative. They conspire together and stage MC’s death, paying off the surgeon. 

They also plant an Auvernal weapon/clue at the “assassination” which causes Liam’s forces to track down a civilian. The civilian begs his innocence but the evidence points to him playing a role and so he’s killed in Cordonia’s first execution in centuries.

This is why Liam starts a draft. Auvernal has a powerful military and he’s slowly building up his own forces. It’s also why Liam orders random raids upon houses- because he thinks there are traitors in the country’s midst.  

They ran over to Bastien’s body.

“How could you do that?! Why the fuck would you do that?” Drake shouted.

“I was being nice. He asked for himself and I complied. Would you rather I killed you, leaving your wife and daughter all alone? Would you rather I killed them instead?” Anton asked angrily.

Drake wiped his eyes. “No! I’d rather you go and fuck yourself!”

Olivia spoke up. “Enough talk! Let’s just finish this!” She pulled out another dagger and plunged it in to the distracted guard behind her.

Lydia picked up the rock Drake had found earlier and smashed it against another guards face.

Anton turned to his men. “Why are you lot just standing there?! Get on with it!”

The guards suddenly came into focus and fought back.

One guard came and grabbed Maxwell, putting him in a headlock.

“Get out of this one pretty boy.” He said.

“No problem.” Maxwell bit down on the arm of the guard, and sent shot his leg straight up into the air and kicked him in the head.

“How were you even able to do that?!” Hana asked.

“The perks of dancing and being flexible.” Maxwell replied smugly.

A guard ran up to Hana, lunging towards her. Hana elegantly spin kicked him in the face, knocking him out.

“What is the matter with all of you? I hired you all because you were the best? What the fuck are you doing?!” Anton shouted.

“They’ve come prepared Sir, we weren’t suspecting it!” One of his men shouted.

“When this is over, consider all of you fired!”

“But Sir! You still have your gun! Why aren’t using it?!”

Anton looked at the gun in his hand. He reloaded it and pointed it at Lydia.

“You’ll be the first to go! Have you any idea how annoying it was being your press secretary? Getting rid of you will hopefully relieve me from that!”

Lydia crouched down and shielded Clara. She wanted to fight back. She wanted to run at Anton and stop him, but it wasn’t worth the risk, not while holding Clara. She hoped she could survive the shot. Keeping Clara safe was the only thing that mattered to her right now.

Anton took his aim. “I’m going to enjoy watchi..”

Suddenly Anton was knocked down the to floor!

“I fucking warned you not to harm her!!” Drake yelled, pinning Anton to the floor.

“Unhand me! Guards! Guards! Get him off!” Anton shouted.

“While you were giving your little speech, you obviously hadn’t noticed that your guards are now all unconscious! We took them out! Every single one.”  Said Drake.”

“Unhand me or I’ll shoot.”

“I don’t think so.” Drake ripped the gun out of Anton’s hand and threw it to Liam.

Maxwell came to help Drake. “What do we do now?!”

“Chain him. Tie him up.”

“But we could shoot him now! Get it over and down with!”

“And show him mercy by making it a quick death? I don’t think so!”

Maxwell, Drake and Olivia grabbed Anton and chained his legs together and tied his hand to the wall. Liam took chance and shot at the lock in the door, to his surprise it opened!

“You won’t win! I’ll get out of here!” Anton yelled.

“Not in time for what I have planned.” Drake stated.

Drake turned and faced everyone.  “Find every gas pipe. Find them and break them. Break them all. Then after that, get a lighter and set this place on fire!”

Everyone nodded and exited. Drake turned round to Anton. “Burn in hell.” And then he left.

Everyone went around and looked for the pipes.

“How many are there?” Hana asked.

“Twelve.” Olivia asked.

Lydia smashed a pipe that was in the hallway. Liam broke one in what must have been Anton’s quarters. Everyone rand around, breaking all the pipes. They met up in another hallway.

“There’s still one left. Where is it?” Liam asked.

“Has anyone checked the other chamber room?” Olivia asked.

“No. Let’s all go. We end this together.” Liam said.

They made their way to the other chamber room. Drake and Liam managed to break the door down. Everyone made their way in, but they stopped at the sight of them.

“Michael?!” Lydia cried.

Michael looked up at everyone. “You’re free! How did you get out?”

“We took down Anton. We did it.”

“He’s finally been taken down. Thank you.” He sighed in relief.

“Come on, we’ll get you out. We’ve broken the gas pipes and we’re going to set this hellhole on fire. Do you know where the last one is?”

Michael looked above him. “It’s above me.”

“We’ll break that, get you free and then we’ll all make it out!”

Liam took another rock and smashed the pipe. Drake came up to Michael and tried to set get him out of the chains. They tried, and they tried, and they tried again. Soon the gas was starting to take affect everyone’s lungs.

“It’s okay. Go. Get out of here. You’re so close to freedom.” Michael whispered.

“No! Not without you! We owe you our lives! You’re not going to die!” Lydia sobbed.

“I’m a dead man anyway. Anton would punish me for betraying him, and you know what his punishments are like. Go. While you still can . Go!”

“But what about your wife?” Drake asked.

“My wife is a strong woman. She’ll be okay. Trust me, it’s going to be okay.”

Lydia cried and went up to hug Michael. “Thank you so much. Thank you.”

Drake hugged him too. “You won’t be forgotten. Thank you.”

Michael nodded. Everyone turned and ran.

They ran and they finally made it to the exit. Drake took a lighter and dropped it to the floor. They ran as far as they could, the noise of an explosion halting them. They turned around and saw that the torturous place where Drake and Lydia were captured was completely in flames. They sighed in relief, they sighed in mourning.

They walked together, silently, the events of the past few days haunting their minds.

Maxwell turned to Drake and Lydia. “So what happens now?”

Lydia looked at Maxwell, sadly. “I don’t know. I guess we try to forget about it all.”