#beau larkin

Leaving Texas would be the easy part. Even with the tearful goodbyes and the knot that formed in Ruby’s chest as she said goodbye to Beau’s family, she knew there was a much harder battle looming ahead.

Everything in Cordonia was unknown.

They were headed across the ocean as prepared as they could possibly be; they tried to remain hopeful, but Ruby couldn’t help the worry that grew in her gut the further from Texas they flew.

She’d questioned herself unmercifully if she was being selfish by dragging Beau away and into an uncertain future.

Ruby shifted uncomfortably in her seat, careful not to disturb her husband. Her thumb grazed her rings -- that was one new title she didn’t question for a moment.

She was born a queen but was that the role she was meant to fill? Would her title of queen be long-lived, or would a vendetta she inherited cause her to lose all that she held close?

She let out a frustrated breath. The uncomfortable cramped seats only compounded her frustration. All the moves across the country didn’t prepare her for the journey across the ocean in a plane. Normally she’d fall asleep with her head leaning against the window, today sleep evaded her. Her mind was far too busy as she went over every worry and fear she had.

She attempted to stretch out her long legs. Even sitting in the backseat with both her brothers she had more space than she did in the moment. What she would give to simply be heading to a new state instead of across the sea.

She hated the uncertainty that gnawed at her stomach. She was used to planning and feeling confident in her skills bringing her victory. All she felt was unavoidable fear. Fear that she would lose the only family she’d ever known. Fear that she would be met with an impossible question that led to a more impossible choice.

She was still so young, her life just starting. Was she simply rushing towards the end? Could she come out the other side of this no worse for the wear and triumphant or was she doomed to become barely more than a footnote?

“Everything okay RuRu?” Beau’s voice was low and laced with sleep.

Ruby internally sighed, she was trying to not disturb anyone. Her eyes scanned over the darkened cabin, everyone else had managed to drift off into a peaceful slumber, even her parents were asleep.

If only her mind would silence and allow her a few hours of reprieve.

She turned, her faint smile barely visible in the low light. “I’m fine,” she forced her voice to stay sure and even. If Beau thought something was bothering her he wouldn’t allow himself to slip back asleep. He’s lost enough today, he should be allowed to sleep.

Guilt once more clouded her heart and mind. She could only hold onto the tiny glimmer of hope that she and Beau would soon return to his family and Texas.

“Everything will be fine, I believe in you.” He slipped his hand into hers.

Five years later and she could still be caught completely by surprise at the way he could easily read her. She wanted to believe him so badly, for the first time in her life she lacked trust in herself.

So many lives were counting on her to conquer Bradshaw and return Cordonia to its former glory. Her own family’s lives hung in the balance. Never before had any opponent made her question her own ability.

She only hoped Bradshaw wouldn’t also be the one to make her face eternal defeat ...

- - -

Ruby regarded the street lined with Parisian boutiques. The quaint shops selling anything from pastries, elaborate gowns, to antiques. She couldn’t contain her surprise at how ordinary the street appeared.

Her mind had always conjured images of cobblestone paths, with colorful awnings and tables overlooking the street.

Instead of cobblestones, she was met with paved street, nothing as magical as she had once imagined. The tables were still nestled in front of eateries, and the awnings were colorful enough, though if she hadn’t known she was in Paris she could have almost imagined she was in any other city.

“Mama, are you sure we have time?” Ruby was thankful for the prolonged layover, the ten and a half hour flight preferable to the nearly thirteen-hour it could have been, but wasn’t shopping a frivolous use of their time?

She yearned to be carefree and experience the city of lights at a leisurely pace. To be walking hand in hand with Beau down the streets, nothing more than a couple in love. The memories they could create while exploring the beautiful city.

She could wish on a thousand shooting stars and it wouldn’t change the facts.

This wasn’t a vacation. This was merely a pit stop on the way to Cordonia. A layover used to reconnect with more allies and gather intel that would hopefully aid her in freeing her country from a tyrant.

Perhaps Beau and I can return.

While her future remained uncertain it was essential she held tightly to any shred of hope. While all her plans could vanish in a puff of smoke in an instant they were necessary for her to believe she would succeed in vanquishing her enemies.

“This shopping trip is a necessity I assure you,” Olivia replied as she led Ruby into a lavish boutique.

Ruby instantly felt overwhelmed and out of place as she caught sight of gorgeous gowns. The knot in her stomach grew as she scanned the gowns, the lush fabrics, beading, and lace were so far from her usual tastes. Is this what will be expected of me?

“Ruby, breathe. I know this is new for you, I assure you we will be able to find you a suitable gown that you will feel comfortable in.”

She wanted to believe her mother, but surrounded by gowns of silk and tulle she felt like she was drowning in a world she didn’t know.

“What exactly am I looking for?” Ruby asked as she straightened her back and pushed her doubt down. She needed to act strong and sure, the feeling would soon follow.

“I’m sure you remember Papa and I telling you about the social season,” Ruby nodded for Olivia to continue. “Bradshaw has been carrying on his own version of the tradition, instead of celebrating our country, he means to break us.

The start of the social season is next week. All of the court is expected so it will be easy enough for us to slip in.” Olivia turned towards the dresses, “now let’s find you something that tells Bradshaw you are the wrong royal to fuck with.”

- - -

Ruby hung the garment bag in the closet, her fingers grazing the thick dark fabric.

Her mama had been correct that they would find a gown that made her feel like the queen she was.

She had been surprised to find something that was so perfectly her amidst all the silk and yards of tulle.

She gently placed the bag containing her new shoes and the ornate masks for both her and Beau on the ground.

She turned as she heard an unfamiliar voice mingling with those of her parents and Drake in from the main room of their suite. Ignore their stares, I may look like them but I’m me. They just don’t know how to react.

She steeled herself for the gaping looks and stuttering that would surely come as she stepped into the room.

“Ruby,” Olivia greeted, “this is Maxwell Beaumont, and … where is Hana?”

Maxwell rocked on his feet, “Uh, Hana sends her regards. She wanted to join me, but wasn’t able to leave the country.”

“Why not?” Olivia’s sharp voice rang through the still room.

Maxwell shot Drake a questioning look, “didn’t you tell them?”

“Tell us what?”

Olivia's stern tone nearly gave Maxwell pause. “Hana’s Bradshaw’s mistress.”

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“Are you sure Mama Jo doesn’t mind?” Ruby asked, worrying her lip, “I can find time to do both …”

“Ruby, she’s excited, she wants to surprise us. She said we had more important things to worry about than something as trivial as planning a wedding.”

“I wouldn’t say our wedding isn’t important … I don’t want her to think I don’t care …” she idly twisted her ring. Her heart pounded in her chest, she didn’t want his mother to think their wedding wasn’t just as important to her.

“RuRu, relax.” Beau covered her hand with his, stilling her movements, a soft smile spreading over his lips as she met his eye. “She only meant compared to saving a country from a dictatorship. Trust me, Mom knows and loves you. She’s over the moon about you joining the family and the fact that she gets to plan a ‘surprise wedding’ as she calls it. The only thing she’d tell me was that it’s going to be held at Nan and Pop’s.”

“That’s perfect.”

“That’s exactly what I told her. Now, tell me everything I need to know about Cordonia, this asshat, and the country that grew the asshat.”

Ruby fought to keep a straight face. “Did you really just call King Bradshaw asshat?”

“I’d say Asshat suits him better,” Beau replied with a shrug.

Ruby shook her head as her hands smoothed out the large worn map. “Okay, so Mama said that originally Cordonia was five separate kingdoms; well actually more than five but the first five, Abanthus, Fydoria, Stormholt, Bellmere, and Ebrimel were united under one queen, Queen Kenna Rys.” She pointed to five large duchies on the map. “They are now known as Lythikos, Krona, the Capitol, Castelsarreillan, and Portavira.”

Beau nodded for her to continue as she raised her head.

“Aurelia, the Blackspine Mountains, and an area called the Foundry were later united under Kenna’s leadership forming the entirety of Cordonia.” She circled three large areas on the map with her finger. “They formed Ramsford, Domvallier, and several other duchies.

This,” she pointed to a large country across from Cordonia, a large span of ocean the only ‘border’ between, “is Auvernal. That’s the country that King Bradshaw is from.

Auvernal was called The Iron Empire or Ductoria when Kenna united The Five Kingdoms.

Ductoria was led by Empress Azura. She was called ‘She Who Shines Brightest’ or ‘Her Radiance’ by her people.

Mama said there are a lot of stories about The Five Kingdoms, Blackspine Mountains, and Ductoria that include wielding powers of fire, powers of electricity, and even humans who could transform into dragons.

It was said that Empress Azura had powers and ruled Ductoria for over one thousand years. She was able to maintain both her youth and abilities by siphoning the life force from her subjects who saw it as an honor to give their life for hers.”

“She sounds twisted.”

“She does. Fifty years before Kenna united the Five Kingdoms Azura approached each of the leaders and ‘peacefully offered’ a share of Ductoria’s wealth if they pledged allegiance to her. The leaders declined and Azura declared war against the Five Kingdoms which Mama says was the beginning catalyst for Kenna to unite the kingdoms.”

“Okay, twisted and power-hungry, bad mix.”

Ruby fought back a giggle. “Very bad mix. So Ductoria and the Five Kingdoms fought for fifty years before Kenna united them. The king of Abanthus had tried to ‘unite’ the kingdom’s in his own way, though he used force. After uniting the kingdoms, Kenna was able to defeat Azura with the help of Azura’s daughter and heir, Lia.”

“Wait, Azura’s daughter helped Kenna?”

“Yes, she wasn’t power hungry like her mother and saw the importance in each life. She was said to also possess abilities though she rarely used them, and never the way her mother did. After Kenna killed Azura, Lia pledged both her allegiance and her wealth with no stipulations.

Just as Cordonia grew and prospered under Kenna, Ductoria grew and prospered under Lia.”

“But Ductoria is known as Auvernal now.”

“Yes, one of Lia’s descendants changed the name to distance the country from Azura.

Mama and Papa said that every year there was a Five Kingdoms celebration to honor Kenna and her allies who helped end the violence with Ductoria and unite the kingdoms. The stories of magic and dragons were told through every generation.

Queen Eleanor, King Liam’s mother, and my grandmother was from Auvernal and just as Cordonian children learned the history through stories of magic wielders and dragons, so did Auvernalese children.

Eleanor said some of the stories told about Kenna and Azura were told in a much darker context. To some, Kenna was the villain who took their majestic empress and left them with one they deemed weaker.”

“So that’s what Asshat was told, that Kenna was the villain and Azura was what, an innocent victim?”

“Most likely, apparently to some the magical abilities that Azura was said to have were revered and just as she had compared herself to a goddess, so did some of her subjects who of course passed it on through the generations.”

“So all of this, your parents dying, all the devastation Cordonia faced since then was because of a ‘wrong’ committed centuries ago?”

“That’s what Mama and Papa believe. We can’t know for sure why Bradshaw was so determined to have a betrothal alliance that he then murdered my parents, but they suspect that Bradshaw was merely using the alliance to gain Cordonia and when my birth parents refused … he killed them.”

“Shit, okay. How do we do this?”

Ruby blew out a breath, she’d been asking herself the same question since deciding to reclaim her country and birthright. “I’m not sure. … Mama said knowing the past would help us unearth any weaknesses. She also said she had some loyal contacts who should be able to help us understand the current state of Cordonia which will help us in planning.”

“So,” he pulled her into his lap, “after you Kenna his ass, then what?”

“Then you and I get to decide what we want.”

“No matter what you choose I’m in, all in, always.”

- - -

“Awesome! Swords!” Lovett exclaimed as he tore across the basement they used for training.

“Lovett, remember, they are weapons.”

“And they should be treated with respect.” Lovett heaved a sigh as he dropped his outstretched arms to his sides. “But it’s not like these are real.”

“They can still really hurt someone, remember my cracked ribs?” Ruby said, ruffling his dark auburn hair.

“Oh yeah, I think Beau was more upset than you were.”

Ruby shrugged, “wasn’t my first broken bone, probably won’t be my last. Besides you know what Mama always says.”

“If you can breathe, you can stand. If you can stand, you can fight.” Lovett replied, standing prouder and straighter with every word.

“So do you really think a few cracked ribs could keep me down?”

“I guess not,” Lovett replied with a shake of his head. “So … swords … are we dueling? Can I duel Ruby?” His dark smokey eyes sparkling with excitement as he bounced on the balls of his feet.

“We are dueling. Papa and I thought it best you go against Beau while Ruby faces off against Papa,” Olivia said, lifting a practice sword from the table. “Papa and I are still trying to form a strategy, but I remember from a ‘friendly’ visit to Auvernal that Bradshaw is more bark than bite, so being able to duel might come into play.”

“What do you mean ‘he’s more bark than bite’?” Ruby questioned, the more she knew about her opposition the better.

“Your mother and I went on a little ‘girls trip’ that Bradshaw’s wife Isabella planned. It was merely a show of their strength, nothing more than a thinly veiled threat while trying to humiliate your mother. Isabella failed, your mother was more capable than many of the court had thought.

Over the course of the evening we learned that while Bradshaw would brag about his medals he won, that he had never seen battle. I’m sure as the crowned prince he had learned to duel, but he is arrogant and I’m sure he would be an easy enemy to defeat one on one.

While Ruby is the rightful ruler and would make the challenge, Bradshaw is a sexist piece of shit who will likely refuse to duel against a girl. As her spouse, the role would fall to you Beau, so we need to make sure neither of you are rusty.”

- - -

Ruby shifted in closer into Beau’s warm embrace, in a few short weeks they’d be leaving Texas behind and heading toward an uncertain future. In that moment everything felt safe and perfect, snuggled into his side encapsulated in his woodsy scent, her brothers sitting on the floor laughing and joking.

Would she and her brothers still have moments where they could be happy and free or would everything change the second they all boarded the plane? So many questions hung in the air nearly casting her decision to reclaim her birthright in doubt.

“Ruby,” her youngest brother's voice pulled her from the depths of her thoughts. “Are you and Beau going to have babies now?”

Ruby stifled a groan, she knew she’d be getting asked that soon enough, but from her younger brothers? “That’s not polite to ask Lovett, not everyone who gets married wants kids and sometimes those who do can’t and the question just reminds them of what they wanted and couldn’t have.”

“Oh …” The silence hung just long enough that she thought the subject was dropped. “Well you guys do, right? Why aren’t you planning the wedding Ruby?”

The urge to scream and tell her brother all the ways he was being rude bubbled up. “My mom thought Ruby and I had enough on our plate.” Ruby looked up at Beau with a grateful smile.

“Okay, but —”

The doorbell chimed breaking through the awkwardness. “I’ll get that,” Ruby said as she quickly stood, thankful to be pulled away from her brother’s incessant questions, though she could sense him following close behind her.

Ruby opened the door, her eyes quickly sweeping over the unfamiliar man on the other side, “Can I help you?”

The stranger’s mouth fell open in surprise as he took in Ruby’s blonde hair and  sparkling sapphire eyes. Olivia wasn’t kidding.

Ruby’s brow furrowed as the man stared unspeaking and slack-jawed. “Wolf, go get Mama.” She casually moved her hand around her hip as she heard her younger brother rush off.

“You’re a spitting image.”

“Should I know you?” She asked, her hand ready to pull her hidden dagger. He didn’t seem to be a threat, but the way he left each of her questions unanswered left her on edge and ready to act.

“Sorry, I’m just …” he brushed his shaggy chestnut locks from his face. “I wasn’t expecting …”

“Do you have a name?”

“I’m Drake … I knew your dad.”

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Olivia gazed at Ruby, a soft smile on her lips as she took in the young woman before her. Ruby was a vision in the simple white wedding dress and braided bun with delicate blue wildflowers tucked between the twists. Even the cowboy boots that had made Olivia roll her eyes looked absolutely perfect on the young bride.

It was hard to believe that this was the same child that Bastien had rescued twenty-one years prior. Back then she had thought herself weak for fleeing the country, now she knew she had made the correct choice for everyone.

“You look stunning Ruby, as beautiful as your mother on her wedding day.”

“Thanks Mama,” Ruby gave a soft smile, “was she as nervous when she married my father?”

“She didn’t have time to feel nervous, there had been a few attacks, there was one, well two on the day your parents married.

The first one was when we were getting dressed, your mother kicked ass, got dressed and went and married your father. Then in the middle of the reception your mother and I were abducted, we managed to free ourselves from our bonds, but that wasn’t the end of our fight.

Your father came to rescue your mother and together they were a force like no other. They fought back to back and won, then we all went back to the reception.

You have the same fire in you that both your parents had, I can see it in you during every tournament.

You will be victorious in taking down Bradshaw, you and Beau have the same connection your parents had. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that together you shall prevail.”

Ruby nodded, she’d long ago gotten used to her mama knowing exactly what was bothering her without asking. While she was still concerned about the fight to come she knew better than to argue with the woman who raised her.

“Now that we have that out of the way I have a gift for you. I wish I could give you one of your mother’s pieces of jewelry but we couldn’t risk returning to the palace to retrieve them. We didn’t know how long we would have to escape before Bradshaw started to look for you.” Olivia looked at the small box in her hands, “while it’s not your mother’s I did have her favorite earrings replicated for you.” She lifted the lid of the box revealing four small round rubies clustered around a tiny pearl. “Your mother’s were gold and sapphires, I thought these would suit you better. Your father gifted your mother many pearl pieces, so it felt more fitting than gold.”

Ruby looked at the earrings in awe, tears pricking at her eyes, “they’re beautiful Mama, thank you.”

- - -

Ruby gave her appearance one final cursory glance at the sound of a soft knock at the door, “come in.”

“Oh Ruby,” Ellie said with a gentle smile. “You look absolutely beautiful. Beau won’t be able to take his eyes off of you.”

“Thanks Nana,” Ruby blushed at the older woman’s words. “for everything — hosting, allowing us to use your space.”

“Don’t even mention it dear.”

Ruby shook her head; Nana would always welcome anyone into her home and family. What if I fail, never see them again? I’m taking Beau away from them … She turned away as tears welled in her eyes.

“What’s got you down today?”

Ruby quickly wiped at her eyes, thankful for the waterproof mascara. “I just don’t want to fail. I’m taking Beau away and —”

“Hush now, none of that.” Ellie soothed, hands clasping Ruby’s as she pulled her to sit by her side. “First, you are doing no such thing, I knew Beau would be the first to marry since the day he brought you here.

The way he looked at you, and you looked at him, I knew he’d follow you to the ends of the earth.

Second, you won’t fail,” Ellie raised her hand as Ruby went to speak, “you might not succeed in regaining your country, but that doesn’t mean you failed.”

She brushed at her lavender skirt, “take it from an old woman, failing is not even trying, not losing when you’ve done everything in your power to overcome obstacles.

Crown or no crown, your birth parents will be proud of you.”

Ruby gave a grateful smile, “I needed to hear that.”

“I’m sure your mother has already told you the same.”

“She has,” Ruby nodded, “I don’t know it just seems different hearing it from someone else.”

“Oh yes, it’s harder to believe a parent.” Ellie patted her hand. “Now, I think it’s about time for your father to walk you down to my Beau.”

- - -

From the second Bastien walked Ruby down the grassy aisle to Beau time went lightning fast.

As she tried to recall the ceremony she was met with flashes of colorful wildflowers lining the aisle, and tied to the wooden arch. Beau’s vows to her were the only part of the ceremony she could remember; his heartfelt words touching her deeply.

Ruby, I never thought I would meet the love of my life when I was only seventeen. You have always surprised me and kept me on my toes from the moment we met.

You are the perfect mix of sweetness and knock you on your ass. There isn’t one thing about you that I would ever want to change.

You are strong and fierce and love with your whole heart. Anyone who is loved by you knows just how special that is.

You are selfless and kind and take every pain those close to you feel as your own without a second thought. You are amazing and you take my breath away every day.

Who knows exactly what our future will look like, but I know that together we can conquer any adversary we may face.

If there had been any remaining doubt in her mind that Beau felt forced to leave behind the life he knew, his words pushed all uncertainty away.

- - -

Ruby smiled as she finally scanned over the barn turned reception space. She could see small details that showed how hard Mama Jo had worked to blend her and Beau into the wedding in only a month's time. The quickness of the wedding felt natural, after five years together there was no reason to have a long engagement. Mama Jo really does know best.

Twinkle lights in mason jars hung from the rafters, small centerpieces of wildflowers adorned each table, the most surprising touch was the pressed wildflowers on each name card, only her mother and father knew she saved each and every flower Beau gave her in that exact way. She wasn’t usually one to be so sentimental but she couldn’t bear to watch the flowers he brought her wither and wilt, so she took to preserving each one.

She quickly looked away before tears could sting at her eyes. Today was a celebration, the last time she and Beau would be able to see most of their friends and family for the foreseeable future.

She let out a laugh as she spotted Beau dancing like a fool with her younger brothers to a pop song she couldn’t quite place. While Beau and Lovett danced like nobody was watching she noticed that Galen was a little more reserved as always.

She quickly crossed the large barn to the dance ‘floor’, her boots thumping against the wooden floor with each step. “Come on Galen, let loose a little,” she grabbed his hand lifting over her head and giving herself a twirl, “it’s a party.”

“Only for you RuRu.”

Ruby stuck out her tongue, “you don’t get to call me that … but I’ll let it slide just this once.”

“Whatever you say Ru-by.”

Ruby shook her head, allowing herself to get lost in the music she was positive Lovett must have picked. Her sapphire eyes sparkled as she danced around with her brothers and husband.

She watched as her family, both old and new, the people she always had and those she just found enjoyed themselves. She couldn’t help but think, maybe everything would be okay.

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A – Anger (What was their first fight about? Any big or recurring arguments?)

Ana DeLuca smiled as she sat, smoothing out her charcoal pencil skirt.

When she had first received the call from the blocked number she was positive it was nothing more than a cruel prank. By the end of that call she was one of few trusted with a secret that would change everything in Cordonia.

She stared at Ruby seated across from her, her blonde hair pulled back in a perfect braided chignon, hands folded neared in her lap. She was truly an understated vision in ivory lace shift dress.

Ana was blown away with the grace and dignity she portrayed at twenty one years of age. The way she’d greeted her and politely objected to any use of titles for both herself and her husband was impressive, looking at her now she could almost believe she had been raised in the palace instead of on the run.

Beau, Ruby’s husband and true prince regent sat next to her looking slightly less comfortable than Ruby. He didn’t look out of place per say, but the slight grimace in his smile wasn’t lost to Ana. She looked down at her tablet, quickly reading over her encrypted and password protected notes taking note they’d come from Texas; it was likely that Beau was new to the world he was thrown into. She didn’t doubt that Liam’s daughter hadn’t be able to find someone who could adapt quickly to the new life and media circus that came with it.

“Your Ma— Ruby, Beau, I’d like to once again extend my gratitude to your willingness to speak to me and allow the readers and country get a glimpse into your life.”

“Please Ms DeLuca, don’t mention it. We are honored that the same woman who interviewed my parents would be interviewing us, and traveling outside of Cordonia to do it to boot.”

Ana nodded, making a note that the country’s true queen was as modest and kind as her father and mother had been. “Please tell our readers what your first fight was about, do you have any big or recurring arguments?”

Ruby smiled, glancing at Beau, “we don’t really argue, mostly it’s just small disagreements over things that really don’t matter.

It’s usually just silly things that are easily resolved and soon forgotten.”

B – Best (What would they say is the other’s best trait?)

“What would you say is the best trait your partner possesses.” Ana queried.

“Her selflessness,” Beau said, taking her hand into his, “she was ready to break up with me so I wouldn’t have to leave my family behind.

She doesn’t like to cause anyone else pain, unless it’s on the mat, she would endure every ounce of pain so others wouldn’t have to if she could.”

“His kind and understanding heart. He listens without judgement. I don’t think there is anything I haven’t been able to tell him over five years together.”

C – Camera (How do they document their relationships? Who likes to take pictures? Or videos?)

“How do you document your relationship? Who takes the most pictures?” Ana asked.

“Beau for sure, I have a few selfies of us on my phone, a shot or two of just him. Mama and Papa didn’t really take a lot of pictures when I was growing up.”

“My parents took all the pictures and RuRu sometimes yells at me that I’m taking too many pictures.”

D – Dates (What are their dates like?)

“What do your dates look like?”

“They are pretty laid back, a picnic here and there, stargazing, he took me shooting a few times, we’ll do movie dates …”

“Movie dates at home, I learned the hard way you can’t take her to the movies.”

“Oh,” Ana arched one perfectly sculpted eyebrow, “why is that?”

Beau’s cheeks turned beet red as he realized her assumption, “nothing like that. She talks during movies, a lot, to the point we got kicked out.”

E – Early (What was the first month of dating like?)

“Please tell our readers what your first month of dating was like.” Ana requested.

“Oh god, it was awkward, at least to me.” Ruby replied, fighting the urge to bury her face in her hands.

“I was sixteen and Beau was seventeen, our first date he took me shooting on his grandparents farm.

I was tempted to downplay my skill but I didn’t.”

“She not only outshot me, she was better than my cousin’s too.

When I praised her ability she tried to deflect, something that she only did with me.”

“He called me out on it, told me I could be proud of what I could do. After that it got a little easier, but it was still nerve wracking for me.

Beau was my very first date. I was nervous as hell, but Beau was just so sweet and comforting that eventually I was dreading the day my parents would decide we needed to move and leave him behind.”

F – Friends (How is their relationship with each other’s group of friends?)

“What is your relationship with your partners friends? Do you get along with one another, or are you at odds with each other?” Ana questioned.

“I was still the new girl at school mostly sticking to myself when I met Beau. The other girls couldn’t understand why I’d purposely get sweaty so it was easier to stick to making friends at the dojo.”

“My friends were quickly won over. I think they were more afraid of Ruby kicking their ass than me if they didn’t.

But they get along well, they teased us both equally for marrying so quickly.

Thomas, my best friend, feigned being hurt that she never gave him a chance to steal her away.”

G – Gifts (Do they like giving each other gifts? What kind?)

“Do you enjoy giving each other unexpected gifts? If so what kind of things do you give each other?” Ana inquired.

“Beau gives me wildflowers out of the blue, just a few blooms, but every time I press them in a book to preserve them. I have enough that I could have used the pressed flowers for my wedding bouquet.”

“Wait, you saved them all?”

“Mmhmm, only my parents knew so when I saw that your mom incorporated pressed wildflowers into the place cards I was surprised at first.

Your mom also asked for all the ones I saved and said she’s going to use them for our wedding album.”

“I can’t believe you saved them all.”

Ruby shrugged, “they were gifts from you and I couldn’t bear to see them wither and die. Now they will live forever in our wedding album.”

H – Hugs (All things involving hugs)

Ana tapped her Stylus against her tablet as she looked at the next question. “Affection, how often do you hug one another?”

“Ruby is more of a cuddler than a hugger.”

“You are just so cozy. Beau tends to hug me from behind and rest his head on mine.”

“We aren’t overly affectionate, at least not in public, when we are at one of our houses though we are almost always touching in some way.”

I – Inside Jokes (Do they have any?)

“Do the two of you share any inside jokes?” Ana questioned.

“The only one that comes to mind includes Papa.

Beau accidentally cracked two of my ribs when we were doing duel training. So occasionally when Papa will hear Beau telling jokes he will say ‘jokes better be the only thing you’re cracking’ it’s so stupid but also funny because Beau felt so horrible after that he offered to allow me to crack his ribs.

I just brushed the injury off, if I could continue to compete with a broken nose and a bloody gi I could handle a few cracked ribs.”

J – Jealousy (Who gets jealous easier? How do they show their jealousy?)

“Who gets jealous the most often and how do you show it?” Ana asked.

Beau and Ruby shared a quick look. “I don’t think either of us has ever been jealous before.

I believe part of loving someone is trusting them. I love Beau more than anything and trust him with my life.

I truly feel if either of us ever did get jealous it would just mark the beginning of the end of us.”

K – Kiss (How do they kiss? Who usually initiates?)

“Next question, who is the one to initiate kisses more often?”

“I’d probably say Beau. He likes to kiss the top of my head, my forehead, just little reminders he loves me.”

L – Love (How do they first say those three words?)

“Love, please tell us, how did you tell the other and who said it first?” Ana requested.

“Beau did, we were stargazing in the back of his pickup truck and when he said it, I was surprised. Not because he loved me, but how nervous he was.

His palms were all sweaty and he probably was terrified I wouldn’t feel the same way, we were young, he was eighteen and I was still only seventeen.

When I said it back, he just stared at me stunned.

I don’t know why he was so shocked, he’s just this sweet, amazing guy.” Ruby tucked a stray blonde curl behind her ear. “It’s one of my favorite memories actually.”

M – Movies (What kinds of movies do they watch together? Is it a regular Netflix ritual?)

“What kind of movies do you enjoy together? Is Netflix a ritual for you?” Ana inquired.

“Beau hates watching movies with me. I’ve taken taekwondo since I was five years old and developed a passion for the martial art. I even wanted to be a stuntwoman when I was younger. I always point out any inaccuracies in the fighting scenes and it can be a lot sometimes.”

“Don’t hate watching movies with you, at least anymore. I certainly had to get used to how animated you get during action scenes, now I just think it’s cute.

Ruby likes action packed movies, I love thrillers or anything scary really. One time my younger sister AnnaBeth somehow convinced Ruby to watch some sappy chick flick, Ruby’s words, and it didn’t go well.

Mostly we just pick something that we can both enjoy and avoid the rom coms.”

N – Nicknames (Things they call each other)

“Do you have any nicknames for each other?” Ana asked.

“I call Ruby RuRu, she hates it. I only use it when she’s in her head or worrying it always makes her stop and laugh.”

“I don’t really have a nickname for him.”

“You called me honey bun.”

“Once and as a joke. I was hoping it would make him stop calling me RuRu, it didn’t.”

“You know you secretly love it RuRu.”

“I’m not dignifying that with an answer.”

O – One (Tell us about the moment they realized they were with the one.)

“Could you tell our readers the moment when you realized that your partner was the one?” Ana questioned.

“When I proposed to Ruby I told her that if I had to pinpoint exactly when she stole my heart it would probably be our first date.

When I actually realized it was much later. I actually think I realized how much I cared for her when I struck her too hard with the practice sword. She barely blinked even though you could tell it hurt like hell. I was so upset that I offered to let her injure me back.

I’m pretty sure it was then that I realized I would do anything for her, we’d only been together for a little over a year and were still young so I didn’t think about it too hard, but I just knew she would be the only woman I’d ever love.”

“I realized I loved you the same day.

You were so upset you hurt me, frantic and begging me to hit you back, I remember looking at you and just thinking that I couldn’t ever cause you harm, even accidental.

The way you worried and cared about me, I just knew I wouldn’t find anyone else I’d love the way I love you.”

P – Pizza (What is their favorite food to eat together?)

“That is just adorable.” Ana said, “what is your favorite food to eat together?”

“Ruby will eat just about anything. She’s never afraid to try something new.”

“Beau is more of a creature of habit, he will try new things but prefers his favorites. Pizza is something we share a lot, although he’s particular about his toppings.”

“Pineapple is not a pizza topping!”

“It is and it’s delicious.”

Q – Quit (Do they break up? Almost break up? What happened?)

“Was there ever a time when you broke up, or nearly broke up? What happened to make you question your relationship together?” Ana inquired.

“While I thought we would have to break up, we never did.

My parents moved us around a lot, Texas was the longest we ever stayed in one place. We moved there when I was fifteen and a half and we didn’t leave again until we came here.

My parents saw how happy Beau made me and decided that we were safe enough to stay.”

“You keep talking about moving around, how often did you do that?”

“Every two to three years or so.

When I was younger I found it exciting though I didn’t understand why we always had to move, now I know it was just to keep me hidden and safe.”

R – Rainy Days (How do they comfort each other on dark days?)

“How do you comfort each other on a dark and rainy day?” Ana asked.

“We just started living together since we left Texas. Mostly it would be little texts or if one of us was really down Beau would stop by.

We started keeping a pillow and blanket in the downstairs hall closet for when he stayed over. Sometimes I’d be in such a crappy mood that we’d fall asleep with him holding me, usually on the couch, sometimes in my bed.”

S – Soft (Something one of them did that turned the other into absolute mush)

“What is something your partner has done for you that turned you into mush?” Ana requested.

“Ruby very rarely turns to mush.”

“I really don’t,” Ruby nodded in agreement, “I’m not overly sentimental, with the exception of keeping all the wildflowers.

Your proposal, the way you refused to see my title as the end of us when all I could think about was that I couldn’t take you from your family, that turned me to mush.”

T – Texting (Do they text each other a lot? What do they usually talk about over the phone?)

“When you are apart how do you stay in touch, do you text or talk on the phone more often?”

“We started dating when we were still in high school so we spent a lot of time apart.”

“We’d send texts between classes if we couldn’t walk to the next class together.”

“We also sent a text at night if we couldn’t call.”

U – Unique (Tell us about some of their odd habits that surprised one another.)

“Do either of you have any unusual habits that may have caught the other off guard?” Ana questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“Well, we met in high school, most of the girls were all boy crazy and obsessed with the latest fashion. Ruby didn’t really care about what the other kids thought, she wore what she found comfortable, I’m pretty sure most of the time she had her hair up in a messy bun with zero makeup on and still blew all the other girls out of the water.

It was the way she didn’t allow all of the high school bullshit to change who she was that really surprised me.”

V – Vanity (Something they’re proud of in themselves and their partner)

“What is something that you are proud of in yourself and your partner?”

“The way Ruby will change her entire life just to help others.”

“Beau …”

“What? No one expected you to save an entire country, but you took on the problem without a second thought, you just care so much about people even those you haven’t met, I love that about you.”

W – Wedding (Tell us about your wedding head canon if they’ve gotten that far. Or if not, have they talked about it?)

“We know you got married before returning home, could you tell us a little about the ceremony?” Ana asked.

“It was small, very simple.”

“We held it on Beau’s grandparents farm. We were married outside under an arch of wildflowers. Only close friends and family.”

“My mom planned it.”

Ana’s piercing blue eyes widened in surprise. “You didn’t plan it together?”

“No, Mama Jo has been supportive of us going to Cordonia from the beginning, the only thing she wanted was for us to get married before we left. She knew that Beau and I would be busy trying to find any weakness to exploit so she offered to plan the wedding for us.

She took such care in weaving both of us into a laid back farm wedding — you could really see that she put all her love into planning our wedding for us.”

“Do you feel like you missed out by allowing Beau’s mother to plan it for you?”

“Absolutely not. She planned that wedding in a month, I never could have done that myself. Plus it was even more special, she really took in account both of our likes and wove them into this beautiful wedding.”

X – X (Something they hate about the other)

“Is there anything that bothers you about the other?” Ana questioned, poised to jot down the answer.

Ruby pursed her lips in thought, “Beau’s a little messy.”

“I’m not messy, you just like everything perfect and precise and I’m more casual in my cleaning.”

“I’ve seen your room! You have clothes all over the place!”

“I just forgot to put them away.”

“Oh so is that why our room in the suite looks like a hurricane came through on your side?”

“Okay, fine I’m messy. But you have to admit you are super organized and get upset if something picked something up and didn’t put it back exactly right.”

“You’re actually neater than Galen, if I can live with him living with you will be a cakewalk.”

Y – Youtube (What are they like online? Do they post about their relationship constantly?)

“You are both rather young, what is your online presence like? Do you post a lot about your relationship?”

“Ohmygod no. You would think that maybe having parents who constantly make sure your safe would make you rebel and go against them but I’m really a very private person.”

“Ruby doesn’t have any social media account. I have a private Instagram account that I barely use.”

Z – Zoo (Are they into animals? Do they want pets? What kind?)

“Okay, last question, what are your feelings on pets? Do you have any? Want pets? What kind of animal would be the perfect pet for you?”

“Ruby hates animals—”

“I don’t hate animals, I just don’t want a pet. Your golden retriever Sampson would be my only exception.

Mama and Papa never let us have any pets as children, and it never bothered me. I would probably go crazy with all the shedding.”

“Does that mean that the future princes or princesses will forgo pets?”

Ruby felt annoyance bubble up at the roundabout way Ana asked about having heirs. “We are still young, and while we do want to have a family some day we aren’t worried about it at the moment.

Personally I think the pressure put on all newly married or engaged couples to immediately have children to be ridiculous. The pressure put on royal couples is that much worse, everyone watching and waiting for that telltale bump, claiming the stability of the country is counting on a child.

My parents are proof that an heir doesn’t secure your country, they were killed because an egotistical tyrant who held a centuries old grudge couldn’t handle hearing ‘no’.

To answer your question about having pets, I would be perfectly content not having any, but I could probably be swayed to consider having one.”

“Thank you, it was wonderful to learn more about Cordonia’s heir and her husband. I’m sure our readers will love getting to know the long lost heir and her husband in such an intimate light.” Ana stated, gathering her things up to leave. She glanced down at her encrypted notes, in a few days time she would be releasing the story of the century ...

A/N: I would love to say the next chapter will be next week but I’ve been in a funk where I can’t be bothered to read or write so I can’t make any promises. I have finally been making some progress on the next chapter this past week and I hope it continues but no promises of when I’ll be posting.

Feedback fuels me, please like, comment reblog or send an ask. Feel free to scream, I promise I can take it.

Masterlist can be found in my bio.

Faceclaim is Skylar Samuels

Ruby Rys

How tall are they?

5’5” heels with dresses are a must but she’s just as comfortable in a pair of sneakers, cowboy boots or sparring boots. Yea she’s not really short but Galen towers over her and Lovett is almost taller than her.

How do they tend to dress?

She goes for comfort and ease in day to day life, easy to move, and nothing that an attacker could use to their advantage.

She loves the beautiful easy look of bohemian, but she analyzed every piece of clothing she buys in terms of if it could be used to render her at a disadvantage.

She never wears anything that could be used against her even when dressed up and can sprint in her heels.

Do they like how they look?

When she was little she hated it, she hated her blonde hair and sapphire blue eyes, she wanted with all her heart to match her mama with emerald eyes and fiery red hair or her papa with jet black hair and smoky grey eyes. She wanted to look like her family and hated that she didn’t look anything like either parent like all of her classmates. They sat her down and told her she was very special because she looked exactly like both her parents whom she never had the chance to meet but was so much like them. They told her she was so lucky because she resembled four people instead of two even if some of it wasn’t superficial.

Are they an only child or do they have any siblings?

She has two younger brothers. Galen is five years (and a week) younger and Lovett is eight years younger. She loves them both dearly. They are both very protective of their big sister. There have been questions in the past, Ruby has long flaxen blonde hair and bright sapphire blue eyes, both of her brothers have dark smokey grey eyes, Galen has black hair and Lovett has a deep dark Auburn, so people have questioned how they could be related, Ruby certainly takes after her mother with her sharp tongue and always replies “have you never heard of adoption?” Which always gets the other person to stutter and apologize before running while Ruby, Galen, and Lovett double over in a fit of giggles.

Are they a morning person or night owl?

Neither, she enjoys her sleep but she’d prefer to get up early and get an early start on her day, maybe get in a run or an extra sparring session than stay up late.

Are they a cat person or a dog person?

Neither, dogs are loud and a pain in the ass, and cats are indifferent little assholes. Well now that she thinks about it, cats are a lot like her mama, but she likes things to be neat and in order and would hate pet hair on everything. She’ll stand by neither. Though she did have a soft spot for Beau’s golden retriever she’d prefer to own no pets herself.

Got any favourite foods?

Chocolate cake! Her mama’s stew. When they moved to Texas Liv was a lot happier despite the heat because hunting was prominent in the region.

How about favourite drinks?

She just turned twenty-one. Her mama let her have wine with dinner when she turned eighteen, “we may live in America, but we are still Europeans.” She really wants to try a martini like James Bond.

She loves hot chocolate.

What are their favourite movies/tv shows?

Action! Give her movies like Top Gun any day. She can’t stand sappy dramas or romcoms, probably something she got from her mother. Though she will point out any inaccuracies in the fight scenes or anything else.

Do they have any hidden talents?

She’s a black belt in taekwondo. She is extremely skilled in self-defense and weapons.

She can use her heels as weapons.

Do they believe in love at first sight?

She’s too pragmatic for all that. Love is something that happens slowly over time. Love happens little by little until one day you wake up and can’t believe you didn’t see it before.

Who is their love interest?

Beau Larkin (OC)

What are they afraid of?

Letting her parents down. (Wow didn’t mean to get that deep.)

What are their guilty pleasures?

She has pleasures but she’s not guilty about any of them. She loves taekwondo and hates when she can’t train. She loves sweets, particularly chocolate, and allows herself to indulge whenever she has a craving. She loves to run and to weapons train.

What was their dream job as a kid? Is it still their dream?

A stuntman. She started taekwondo when she was five and fell in love with the martial art. She would watch the stunt scenes in action movies sitting on the edge of her seat. She wanted so much to do the crazy dangerous stunts she saw in the movies.

No, she has a more important job to do now.

Have they ever broken a bone?

Yes, she has broken her foot, hand, nose, and cracked two ribs.

Broke her foot shortly after turning 10, she was casted and had to pause her training which devastated her.

Broke her hand when she was 13.

Broke her nose during a tournament when she was 15. She howled in pain and gushed blood all over her gi but she wouldn’t give up and ended up winning her match.

Cracked two ribs when she was 17 training with Beau. Beau felt horrible and offered to let her do the same to him.

Have they ever been in trouble with the law?

No.

+ three other random facts about them!

She’s fluent in Greek, and French, still working on Italian, but she could get by.

Her early interest in politics shifted her career goal from stuntwoman (though she’d still love that job) to get a degree in PolySi

She’s a Virgin. They both are. She loves Beau and they mess around a bit but she also has her priorities and she doesn’t want to risk sidelining her life and he would never push.

Faceclaim is KJ Appa

Beau Larkin

How tall are they?

6’

How do they tend to dress?

Jeans, comfortable tees, flannels or hoodies when it’s cooler. Converse or cowboy boots are his favorite shoes.

Do they like how they look?

He’s never had reason to dislike his looks. He’s tall, fairly fit, though he’s in better shape since he started training with Ruby.

are they an only child or do they have any siblings?

He is the second of three children, and only son. Carlyn is three years older than him and AnnaBeth is six years younger.

Are they a morning person or night owl?

More night owl than morning person, hates mornings but he will get up early to jog with Ruby.

Are they a cat person or a dog person?

Animal lover though he only ever had dogs as pets.

got any favourite foods?

Twizzlers, fried chicken, meatloaf, and potatoes au gratin.

How about favourite drinks?

Sweet tea

What are their favourite movies/tv shows?

He loves thrillers, sitting at the edge of your seat, dying to know how it will end oh yea. He had to learn how to watch any action or movies heavy on stunts with Ruby cause she will point out every inaccuracy.

Do they have any hidden talents?

He can lasso a calf and hogtie like it’s no-one’s business.

Do they believe in love at first sight?

Love at first sight, no, an instant spark that grows into more, yes.

Who is their love interest?

Ruby Johnson Rys

what are they afraid of?

Losing someone he loves. Heights.

What are their guilty pleasures?

Reading. His good looks have had people peg him as a dumb jock but he loves reading. He will read almost any genre but he really enjoys historical fiction.

What was their dream job as a kid? Is it still their dream?

Big animal veterinarian or Physical Therapist, well he was set to finish his training in physical therapy in three and a half years.

have they ever broken a bone?

No, though he asked Ruby to crack his ribs to repay him for accidentally cracking hers, she didn’t.

have they ever been in trouble with the law?

No, he would not like to face his mom or Nan after.

+ three other random facts about them!

He’s closer to his Nan than his mom. He’s close with his parents but he’s always had a special relationship with Nan. He was her first grandson and she showered him with affection. He still loves helping out Nan, and he and Ruby have dinner with his grandparents every weekend.

Though he was semi popular in high school it took him some time to finally get the nerve to talk to Ruby. He admired the way she was unafraid to ‘act like one of the boys’ and wasn’t as boy crazy as the other girls.

He’s a very experienced horse rider and actually competed a little in junior rodeo.

CoRu taglist:

When I first saw her I could barely tear my eyes off of her. She was new, sure it was the beginning of the school year but I surely would have remembered someone like her.

She was unlike any girl I’d ever met. She had this air about her that had me completely captivated and dying to know more.

Most of the other girls put far too much time and thought into their appearance, sure they looked pretty but she was an effortless beauty.

Her long golden hair sat piled on top of her head, and her nose was buried in a book, but still she captivated me. Every day at lunch it was the same, she would tuck herself away either in the cafeteria or out in the courtyard.

She didn’t seem too interested in making friends with the other students. She knew who she was and wasn’t concerned with proving herself.

Her self esteem took my breath away. I had moments of doubt at times, she looked like she never second-guessed herself.

She had this magnetic energy that just drew me to her.

Every time I passed her in the hallway my heart would race, by the time I got the nerve to speak to her it was nearly winter break. I couldn’t understand what it was about her that had me so flustered and nervous, I'd talked to other girls, been on more than a few dates.

There was just something about her that was different, special.

I knew that it was coming but I didn't see it coming now

Little did I know you had the finger I'd be wrapped around

One look at you and I saw everything I'd ever need

And you don't know what you do to me

I'm down to give it all up

If you're up to tie me down

If you're up to tie me down

I wasn’t even the slightest bit surprised when she pulled her blonde waves back into a ponytail. I knew I had been taking a risk with this unconventional first date, but I also couldn’t see taking someone like her to the movies.

It felt too played out for someone as special as her. She deserved a guy who actually got who she was. I might not be the guy for her, but I’m trying to be worthy of her.

She was always beautiful, but she looked absolutely breathtaking as she picked up the rifle. Her hair shimmered in the afternoon sun reminding me of gold. No, it was more like a halo, she was so angelic.

Damn the way she took my breath away.

Her form was perfect, if I didn’t know any better I would have sworn she’d spent her entire life in Texas.

She was completely at ease with the gun and the target practice, it was me who seemed to make her stutter.

I got it, she made me nervous too. It was second nature to reassure her.

Damn I sound like some kind of lovesick fool. It was too soon to know, but maybe someday it would be, if I was lucky.

I knew that it was coming but I didn't see it coming now

Little did I know you had the finger I'd be wrapped around

One look at you and I saw everything I'd ever need

And you don't know what you do to me

I'm down to give it all up

If you're up to tie me down

(Treat my heart like a secret)

If you're up to tie me down

(Promise me that you'll keep it)

(Treat my heart like a secret)

(You're the reason it's beating)

Panic flooded my veins the moment the wooden sword hit her ribcage with a deafening crack.

My heart dropped to my stomach and I felt like I might be sick. I hurt her. I actually hurt her. The thought made my heart ache.

Would she ever trust me again?

How would I possibly ever make this up to her?

I was frozen in fear, my heart pounding in my chest.

I never wanted to hurt her. Never wanted to be the person to bring tears to her eyes.

As I watched her clutching her ribs I noticed something, she wasn’t crying.

How was she not in pain?

I had watched her stumble backward and while I’m strong she could flip me over her head if she wanted, there is no way that I could have been the sole reason she was knocked off balance.

From the sound alone I could tell that I hit her hard. I knew it had to hurt like a bitch. Hell, I probably would be crying if it was me.

It should be me.

The thought barely even caught me off guard. It didn’t even surprise me as the next thought rang clear in my mind. I love her.

I knew that it was coming but I didn't see it coming now

Little did I know you had the finger I'd be wrapped around

One look at you and I saw everything I'd ever need

And baby you don't know what you do to me

I'm down to give it all up oh

I'm down to give it all up oh

I'm down to give it all up oh

If you're up to tie me down

If you're up to tie me down

It’d been weeks since the mishap with the sword.

The way she brushed it off like it was perfectly normal to have two busted ribs only compounded my feelings for her.

Every day I feel just a little more sure. There will be no other girl like her.

I still haven’t told her, I don’t even know if I could put the way I feel about her into words.

‘I love you,’ while the truth those three little words just don’t feel like enough.

She is the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. She stuns and amazes me every single day, and I feel like the luckiest guy in the world when she looks at me.

The way her brilliant blue eyes light up when she smiles. No other girl could ever compare. The way she makes me feel. I just know, she’s it, my one in a million. No other girl could make me feel the way she does.

I looked down with a smile as I felt her shift closer to me.

Out here in the bed of my beat up old pick up just leaning back and watching the stars. Nothing too special, except it was her. Everything feels perfect with her.

I felt the overwhelming urge to voice my feelings.

I’m a little nervous, what if she doesn’t feel the same?

I’m eighteen and I’ve already found the love of my life. The thought of anything shattering the perfect picture in my mind terrifies me.

God, I’m head over heels for her.

I love her and tonight I will tell her those three little words.

You won't see it coming but one day you're gonna turn around

And I'll put a ring on the finger I've been wrapped around

Feedback fuels me, please like, comment reblog or send an ask. Feel free to scream, I promise I can take it.

Masterlist can be found in my bio.