Ghosted
Ghosted - Family Ties (Chapter Thirteen)
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 just before the end of the social season.Ā As everyone voices their concerns regarding her scandalous departure, a confession from an unlikely source turns Liam's world upside down and makes him question everything around him.
Book/Pairing - TRR - Liam x f!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. Not beta'd.
Characters belong to Pixelberry.
Tags - @choicesficwriterscreations
It's another long one š¬ššš„¹. Listen I'm only slightly sorry, lol. A lot is happening here, LOL.
A few evenings later, what would have been a polo match in Portavira was canceled, and instead, a small, intimate memorial took place for Penelope near the water. The forecast for the day perfectly matched the melancholy atmosphere, as storm clouds rolled in and painted the sky in dark hues of blue and gray, the crisp breeze causing the temperatures to drop well below average.Ā
The nobility mourned alongside the family, but whispers of what happened and why spread like wildfire. An official announcement about her death was released, but the details were incredibly vague; they wanted to withhold that information until they had someone to hold accountable. Emmaline and Landon cooperated with Ray, who worked around the clock to find some kind of suspect or a clue to lead them to one.
Liam was confident Ray would promptly produce an answer. Olivia helped him scour the crime scene from top to bottom, but little clues remained. However, Penelopeās note had fingerprints on it and her body showed prominent signs of a physical altercation, all of which pointed to her trying to fight back. The coroner extracted DNA from underneath her fingernails and found bruising and discoloration on her forearms and shoulders. He concluded this case was a homicide, which didnāt come as a surprise to anyone.Ā
Every ounce of evidence was sent off for further analysis, and everyone anxiously awaited the results. The cross reference in the national security database would surely produce a name to match those fingerprints, and they hoped it would put them one step closer to unraveling the chaotic web around them. Ray looked at the surveillance system but found someone deleted the footage from the camera positioned outside of Penelopeās room for a certain period ā no doubt when whoever took her life was inside.Ā
They had a time frame, which was at least a start, but that was the only thing they knew.
Ray did as asked and backtracked to look into Rhondaās demise. Liam was correct in his assumption that most of the damning evidence was long gone, but they confirmed the legitimacy of the second report they found; Bastienās fingerprints were indeed on the murder weapon. Although they remained unsure of where the brutality initially took place, Bastien would face charges of homicide ā and more ā as the story unfolded, and Liam intended to serve him multiple platters of cold, hard justice. He was being monitored at a local hospital under a continuous watch from three heavily armed guards and medical professionals.Ā
Liam told the guards if Bastien miraculously disappeared, they would face charges of aiding a dangerous criminal, even going as far as threatening to make them stand trial for treason. He didnāt use the term hate lightly, but he hated Bastien and was determined to make him stand before God and everyone to take accountability for what heād done. His doctors had no choice but to put him into a medically induced coma while they tried to stabilize internal bleeding from Liamās relentless assault, but when he woke, he would get moved to a permanent cell.Ā
They still knew who held that kind of control over Bastien, and that was Constantine. Liam avoided him at all costs in the short time since that revelation. He wanted to question him and knew he needed to, but he honestly didnāt know how he could remain calm and keep his head level, and this wasnāt something he could send Olivia to do; he needed to hear it, straight from the horseās mouth. However, he genuinely didnāt want to hurt the man who gave him life, but if it came out that he harmed or acted against Riley, his body might react without a second thought and he knew that would not be pretty. Perhaps he should have kept his cool with Bastien to get more information, but he didnāt regret taking out some of his aggressions; if anything, it was a release he didnāt realize he needed.Ā
Since Ray was now officially investigating the homicides, Olivia took over the search for Riley and Tariq. She wasnāt as skilled as Ray in tracking missing persons but had some basic knowledge. Her results were the same as his ā there were no traces of either. She contacted the airport and requested security footage for the date and time Bastien specified, but unfortunately for them, he told the truth when he said he dropped her off in a blind spot; the SUV wasnāt on camera and Riley was nowhere to be seen.
She watched the footage from every angle until the sun broke out and illuminated a nearly empty parking lot, but never saw a single sign of anyone relevant.Ā
They dissected the file āOperation Ghostā from top to bottom for every detail. It held no other useful information, but enough to charge Bastien with murder and prove Riley did not disgracefully leave with another suitor. Technically, it was enough to clear her name, but it did nothing to ensure her safety or help them locate her. Her phone also received a thorough examination but uncovered nothing of importance.
Liam knew he could not wait any longer because time was of the essence, and they needed answers; he had to corner Constantine and demand an explanation. It crossed his mind more than once that his father could know something, but he shook it off, concluding there was no way Constantine would do something of that nature. In retrospect, he was the reigning monarch at the time of the incident; something of this magnitude couldnāt have gone completely undetected, especially if Bastien was involved. The thought alone shredded his fragile heart, but he pieced it back together with bandaids and pushed forward.Ā
Liamās mental state was fluctuant, at best. He felt unending guilt for allowing all of this madness to happen, and that pit doubled in size with every passing hour. If he had been more attentive and alert from the beginning, none of this would be happening. Innocent lives were taken all too soon from a path of unrestrained fury, and he truly felt like that blood lay on his hands. Not to mention Rileyās heinous assault rested heavily on his conscience, creating wave after wave of remorse mixed in with soul-consuming rage. His out-of-body experience continued to taunt him; her screams and those vile chortles flowed through his mind on an insistent loop, taunting him with shreds of the truth, but he still couldn't put a face to that man's voice. And now, he had the added stress that she suspected he ordered her assault. He hoped she wouldnāt believe the lie, but without seeing her, he automatically jumped to the worst-case scenarios all the way around.Ā
They decided Liam and Leo would quietly pull Constantine aside and question him after the memorial concluded. There were only a few events left of the engagement tour, and now the wedding had much more at stake than only the future of the monarchy. It wasnāt a hunch they had confirmation for, but they just knew if they didnāt locate Riley before it was time for Liam to say I do, something drastic would happen.Ā
During the ceremony, Liamās heart broke for the shattered remnants of a mourning family, but he couldnāt help but feel they were on the verge of a breakthrough. If his father was involved, this couldnāt climb the social ladder any higher, meaning Constantine could hold all the answers he desperately sought. He kept telling himself he would control his emotions regardless of what his father said, but everyone knew that was a lie, especially given his unfiltered and raw reactions as of late. Leo expected a knock-down, drag-out between Liam and their father, but he would stand beside his brother through hell and high water when it came down to it.Ā
As the service winded down, Liam made a bee-line for Constantine, who was deep in conversation with Godfrey and Adelaide, with Leo hot on his heels. He made it to the group and plastered on the politest smile he could muster, ignoring a glare from the duke. āExcuse me, but I need to speak with my father.āĀ
Constantine waved him off, barely even glancing in his direction. āNot now, son. Iām in the middle of a discussion.āĀ
Liam forcefully clenched his jaw and swallowed down the ball of rage forming in his throat. āI insist on speaking with you. It is urgent.ā His eyes pleaded, but he didnāt make it too noticeable; just enough for Constantine to read because the last thing he wanted was to alert Godfrey and Adelaide. It took every ounce of willpower he had not to get irate and start screaming right then and there, but he was determined not to lose his head ā at least until after his father answered some questions.
Constantineās irritation rose, but he paused and observed Liam and within a second, his resolve weakened. For the first time in weeks, he truly took in his son and what he saw left him speechless; his sunken and darkened eyes with large bags underneath, his slouched posture, and he spotted Liam fidget with his hands, even though he tried to hide it. He knew Liam spent a few hours at the hospital recently, but since he was released so quickly, he assumed it was a farce, or someone being overprotective of the monarch. However, at that moment, he started to question his well-being.
Leo stood beside him, but wouldnāt look up to meet any of their gazes. Constantine heard he was around somewhere, but hadnāt seen him until the beginning of the ceremony. That wasnāt unusual, as Leo typically avoided his father like the plague, but he consistently interacted with Regina when he visited, and even she hadnāt mentioned him. His body language seemed nervous compared to the usual cocky demeanor Leo always wore, as he continuously bounced in place and mindlessly trapped his fingers against his thigh, raising multiple red flags.
Constantine had never seen his sons in such a way; the tension within them was palpable, making it impossible to ignore.Ā
He casually finished the rest of his wine, doing his best not to raise suspicion of their distress to the current audience. āAlright, boys, you have my attention.ā He politely waved toward the lingering duke and duchess, before following Liam and Leo away from the crowd.
Liam silently led them down the beach, away from the surrounding commotion. While they walked, he racked his brain, trying to figure out the best way to approach this. When he ascended the throne, he never imagined it would lead him here ā questioning the man he put on a pedestal his entire life about his one true love's disappearance.Ā
His heart pounded so hard in his chest that he was sure it would jump out at any moment, and the bites of finger foods he consumed tumbled in his stomach, threatening to reemerge. Every step crunched in the sand, the sounds echoing in the deafening silence. The ocean lapped against nearby rocks, but was the farthest thing from calming, white noise; every violent crash amplified the tension, the air nearly crackling from the combined stress and the distant lightning.Ā
They reached a small enclosure away from the gathered nobility and sat inside. As they did, Constantine quickly asked, āWhatās going on? Are you alright, Liam? Were you in the hospital?āĀ
āI was, but thatās not important right now⦠āā Liam trailed off, his voice soft; a stark contrast to the swell of emotions in his head. He remained silent momentarily before murmuring, āI need to ask you about somethingā¦ā
āAlright, well, what is it?ā
āBefore I begin, will you promise to be honest with me? I ā Iām begging you.ā Liam pleaded, but wouldn't meet his father's curious gaze. His hands trembled violently, leaving him with no choice but to clasp them tightly in his lap.Ā
Constantine furrowed his brow. āI shall do my best, son, but whatās this pertaining? Whatās the matter?āĀ
Liam glanced at Leo, his distress shining brightly, and his brother gave him a reassuring nod in return. He wanted so badly to believe his father was innocent, but deep down, he knew he wasnāt, and the thought alone made him fearful; he wasnāt sure he could stop the wrath that may ensue once the confession left his mouth, but he needed to hear it, regardless.Ā
With a deep, shaky breath, Liam began. āI think you know something about what happened with Riley. We know she didnāt leave with Tariq and the photos were fake. We found her things in Applewood with evidence to suggest she suffered an attack. Bastien has been working to cover it up and is responsible for that maidās death ā possibly Penelopeās too ā to ensure this stays hidden. He confessed and told us you ordered him to engage⦠I donāt want to believe it, but I think he told the truthā¦āĀ
He sat forward but kept his vision cast downward, dread hitting the pit of his stomach like an anvil. āI need to know where she is. I donāt care about everything else, aside from the murders. Just ā tell me where Riley is.āĀ Ā
Constantineās jaw dropped further and further the longer Liam spoke. Leo observed with a critical eye, but his fatherās confusion only intensified throughout the story. Constantine was good at a stoic facade, but he was no actor and Leo knew all his little tells ā he was genuinely shocked. However, there was guilt in his eyes; when Liam mentioned the scandal, Leo saw the flash in his gaze, but otherwise, he only showed bewilderment.Ā
āLiam⦠I āā Constantine started before he forcefully coughed, but quickly cleared his throat and tried again. āI admit to knowing of the scandal and her relocating back to New York, but I know nothing about the rest.āĀ
Liamās vision turned crimson, but he squeezed his hands into fists and used every speck of restraint to deny the urge to act on his intrusive thoughts. āHow? Bastien has been working to cover it up this entire time! I didnāt tell him to do that ā you did, didnāt you?āĀ
āI ā I did, son.ā He stopped to take a steadying breath. āI told Bastien to bury the tracks, but I only approved the scandal and her returning to the States.āĀ
āYou approved the scandal?ā He repeated, his brows nearly touching his hairline. āWhat does that even mean?āĀ
āThatās correct āā Constantine admitted with his head held high. āBut I assure you, I did not partake in any of these other things, nor did I know they were happening.ā He sighed heavily when Liam and Leo merely stared at him, disbelief etched on their features. āSon, I knew how you felt about her ā it was clear. If given the chance, you would have selected her as your queen, but I couldnāt let that happenā¦āĀ
āWhy?ā Liam demanded, his tone sharp and harsh.Ā
Constantineās shoulders slumped, an air of melancholy clouding his expression. āI was afraid, Liam. Look at me ā Iām withering faster than an apple rotting in the summer sun. I needed to do everything in my power to ensure you had a stable, capable queen to rule beside you.āĀ
Liam shook his head, the rosy hues in his complexion brightening with every sullen breath. His willpower teetered, hanging on by less than a thread. āRiley would have made an excellent queen. She thrived during the social season! She may not have been born royal, but she fit right in! Everyone accepted her! The people loved her!āĀ
āShe was inexperienced, Liam.āĀ
āShe could have learned everything she needed to know,ā Liam bit out, his patience dwindling rapidly. Leo noticed and shifted in his seat, praying with everything in him that he wasnāt about to go postal.
āInexperience equals weakness. I was protecting you.ā
āDonāt give me that bullshit.ā Liam scoffed.Ā
āLiam, believe it or not, I only did it to protect youāāĀ
āSo you made me turn my back on her to protect me? Sheās in fucking danger because of you! I ignored her because you shoved this down my goddamn throat!ā Liam yelled, not caring who heard.
Constantine winced at his volume but calmly responded, āI didnāt know she was in danger. Bastien told meāāĀ
āI donāt believe you. I canāt believe you.ā Tears blurred his vision as his entire world came crashing down. He felt a fool for giving him the benefit of the doubt, but that was a mistake he wasnāt willing to make more than once.Ā
āSonāāĀ
āNo, you ā youāre not my father, not anymore. You threw my mother in my face so much, but look at you! What youāve become would disgust her!ā Liam seethed. āI should banish you right now for lying and betraying your own flesh and blood. Do I mean anything to you?!ā
āYou mean everything to me, son.ā Constantine held his hands up in surrender but remained calm as a cucumber. āAnd I understand your anger, but I need you to listen to me for a momentāāĀ
āFuck. You.ā Liam growled. He got into Constantineās personal space quick as lightning and grabbed the front of his shirt, yanking him to his feet. āI hope you rot in hell, you spineless piece of shit.āĀ
Liam balled the fabric in his hands and bore his eyes into Constantine, who merely let it happen, but he didnāt recognize his son; Liam was nowhere to be seen, and he couldnāt pinpoint exactly what this monster before him was. Heād never seen him so worked up, but knew he needed to calm him down so he could plead his case.Ā
Leo approached and rubbed Liamās shoulder, gently pulling him from his enraged trance. āLi, man āā He gave him a sad smile as Liam faced him. He understood his brotherās fury over the situation, but Constantine hadnāt even started talking. Until they got useful information from him, he had to keep his cool ā for Riley. His eyes pleaded with him, but he breathed a sigh of relief when Liamās features softened as if he got the silent message loud and clear.Ā
Liam turned back to his father and held his intent gaze for a long moment before he pushed him away with a firm shove. The former monarch stumbled, but quickly regained his footing.Ā
Constantine straightened his jacket and sat back down while avoiding the judgemental glares from his sons. He took a deep, shaky breath before he softly started. āDo you remember what happened to your mother? Did you want something similar to happen to Lady Riley?ā
āLook around!ā Liam bellowed, his face red as a ruby. āIt is happening, and you fucking did it!āĀ
Constantine sighed. āI told you, I knew of the scandal and her departure ā nothing else. I ordered Bastien to send her back to New York so you both could start over.āĀ
āShe never returned to New York!ā Liam and Leo yelled in unison.Ā
Constantine furrowed his brow. ā... Pardon?āĀ
āBastien told us he left her for dead in a parking lot after Penelope drugged her, with a plane ticket, but she never went inside!ā Liam hastily explained. āShe didnāt board, and Bastien told us he later received all her forms of identification in a sealed envelope. We have no fucking clue where sheās at!āĀ
Constantineās mouth fell ajar. āBastien told you this?āĀ
āYes! Are you really trying to sit there and tell me you didnāt know any of this?!āĀ
Constantine remained silent for a long moment, gathering his thoughts, but both Liam and Leo noticed his anger escalating; neither was aware his elevating state caused his already labored breaths to shallow themselves further. His chest tightened and a strange discomfort erupted and traveled the length of his spine, but he shook it off as best as he could, and focused on the need to prove his innocence.
But Constantine was having trouble keeping his composure because he realized he'd been played and lied to ā that was abundantly clear. Someone took matters into their own hands and ignored a direct order, and he was unwilling to take the blame for that. Bastien was at their disposal but even he disobeyed his wishes.Ā
They went rogue.Ā
As he took in the deadly determination staring back at him in Liamās eyes, he realized it was time to come clean. Whatever happened that night did not go according to plan; not his plan, anyway.Ā
āLiam ā let me tell you what I know because I did not wish for any of those things to happen. As a matter of fact, I strictly forbid themā¦āĀ
Lythikos, during the Winter Ball
Constantine retired to the kingās suite much earlier than normal. Usually, he would keep Regina on the dancefloor until both of their feet ached, but he just didnāt have the energy. He insisted she stay at the gathering, as it was still fairly early in the night and one of them needed to be in attendance, but he couldnāt withstand another minute. He was exhausted and found his lung capacity was nowhere near what it should have been; no doubt from his recent cancer diagnosis.Ā
Since Liamās social season was in full swing, he knew he needed to step down and let him take the position of reigning monarch. He and Regina made the difficult decision together, after hearing his condition was fatal. However, Constantine realized in doing so, he would dump a world of responsibility on Liamās shoulders, and he remained uncertain if he could handle the pressure so soon after taking on a role that was never meant for him.Ā
Regardless, the suitors all proved themselves capable in one form or another; some more than others. He hoped Liam would make the best decision for Cordonia when the time came, but knew his heart already belonged to a specific candidate. He wanted to forbid Liam from picking her but realized he would ultimately follow his heart. And, at one point, Constantine defied his father and married Eleanor; to speak ill of their hypothetical union would make him a hypocrite, and he knew that. He tried to convince his son to be reasonable and view the situation from a governance perspective, but Liam couldnāt see anything past his puppy love.
Just as Constantine was about to begin his nighttime routine, a sharp knock echoed throughout the room. He furrowed his brow, as everyone knew not to bother him after he retired for the night unless it was an emergency. He hastily dashed to the door and swung it open to find a familiar face on the other side.Ā
āYour Majesty.āĀ
āHelloā¦ā Constantine answered unsurely. āItās been a whileā¦āĀ
āIāve kept myself rather busy these days.ā Constantineās face contorted, but before he could press, they continued. āRespectfully, Iām in a bit of a pinch for time.ā His company heartedly chuckled. āDo you mind if I come in? I have a proposition for you. One where we both get something we wantā¦āĀ
Constantine eyed his visitor for a moment, but ultimately let them inside as his curiosity got the better of him. He ushered them to the seats situated around the fireplace and took one across from his guest, a thick silence filling the air. āWhat is this proposition you speak of?āĀ
His companion took a short moment to collect themself but soon began with utmost certainty. āItās clear who your son intends to choose at the end of this⦠Lady Riley.āĀ
Constantine noticed the hint of distaste in their tone. āYes, I believe that as wellā¦āĀ
āAnd youāve done nothing to stop it? You and I both know Madeleine is the one who rightfully belongs on the throne.āĀ
āReally?ā Constantine challenged. āIām not sure I understand whyāāĀ
āShe is a commoner, sir ā nothing good will come from that for anyone.ā
āI agree with you to an extent, but what am I supposed to do?ā Constantine shrugged. āIāve tried speaking with Liam about it, but heās not listening.āĀ
āHeās thinking with the wrong head.āĀ
āI concur, but again, how am I supposed to remedy this situation? Itās not like I can send her home before he has the chance to choose her!āĀ
āPerhaps you can.āĀ
His visitor smiled, and Constantine had never seen such a chilling sight. āPardon?āĀ
āI have a plan⦠We set her up.āĀ
Constantineās interest rose. ā⦠How so?āĀ
āWe get her alone, send someone to her room, and have a photographer waiting to capture a scandalizing scenario⦠Iām not sure where just yet, but we can dispose and erase all traces of her after.āĀ
āDispose?ā Constantine shook his head when his comrade nodded, completely stunned by the suggestion. āNo, we will not be doing that.āĀ
His guest winced. āPerhaps not dispose, but only ensure she leaves and can never return.āĀ
āAnd how do you suggest we do that?āĀ
āWe detain her somewhere ā perhaps use the tunāāĀ
āNo.ā Constantine sternly interrupted. āI will not allow you to do such things to her. Staging a scandal I could agree with, but I will not let you imprison her simply because of her origins.ā He scratched his chin, deep in thought. āPerhaps a ticket back to New York would suffice, instead.ā
āWe canāt just send her back to New York! She will surely find her way back, or Liam willāāĀ
āIf Liam is heartbroken, he will let his duty guide him; thatās the only way he will leave her behind.ā Constantine returned but kept his vision locked on the floor.Ā
āWe canāt simply rely on breaking his heart!ā
āI know my son ā heās emotionally driven. If heās devastated, heāll keep goingā¦ā Constantine admitted in a low voice. He felt guilty about even entertaining the idea; to manipulate his son and the situation, knowing how he felt about Riley, but the past would always be there to haunt him and he couldnāt let it go, no matter how hard he tried.Ā
ā... So, youāre agreeing to the scandal?āĀ
Lady Rileyās presence was pleasantly surprising and she had undeniable chemistry with Liam. In another universe, he would eagerly support their relationship. However, the throne was not to be taken lightly; it was a dangerous position that would put not only her but Liam at risk as well. Heād already lived through one assassination attempt and buried his mother after her demise, yet he still entertained the idea of letting a commoner rule beside him. He didnāt understand this weakness could bring Cordonia crumbling to the ground, taking his heart and man-hood down with it.Ā Ā
Constantine briefly thought back to the torturous months after Eleanorās death ā how heartbroken and hopeless he felt. Those were the darkest times of his life, and he truly didnāt know how Cordonia wasn't brought to its knees then. He wanted to protect Liam from experiencing that type of pain at all costs. A harmless scandal and sending Riley back to New York was a decent option; he would ensure Liam continued for the greater good of Cordonia and, eventually, she would become a distant memory.Ā
His country and his son would be safe, and Constantine could rest in peace, knowing he did everything to protect what was important to him.Ā
However, he didnāt know if he could genuinely trust the person before him. The solutions they suggested were extreme, and he did not wish for those to come to fruition. On the other hand, he recognized his time left dwindled rapidly, and as it was, he physically could not make any plan come to fruition and he couldnāt step away at such a crucial moment either. He needed to ensure the transition from monarch to monarch went smoothly, especially after Leo's sudden abdication. Ā Ā
There was no other choice than to take a chance and hope for the best.Ā
āWill you be present during the operation?ā Constantine questioned with a curious eye.
āYes, sir. I will make sure everything goes according to plan and theyāre removed from the premises after.ā The response came immediately, with not even a single second of hesitation.
āThey? Whoās the other?ā
āLord Tariq ā heās the perfect candidate. Heās naĆÆve enough to go along but still noble. The goal is to photograph them in a compromising position.āĀ
āCompromising how?āĀ
āThat will depend on how the situation flows, I suppose, but something to disgrace her and make your son and the nation believe she left to be with Tariq. Weāll find a media outlet or something to leak the story and soon, her name will leave a bitter taste in everyoneās mouths ā including Liam.āĀ
āAnd how will we enlist this photographer? We canāt do it ourselves ā itās too risky.ā
āI'll request the aid of Lady Penelope.āĀ
Constantineās brows rose. āAnd you expect she will agree? What will you offer in return?ā
āDonāt worry about her,ā His guest smirked. āI have my ways, sir⦠She will comply with the request willingly.ā
After a moment of deep consideration, Constantine slowly nodded. āI can agree to this, but perhaps we should let her finish out the season to avoid raising suspicion.ā
His visitor tensed. āRespectfully, I donāt see that as a viable option. If someone has the chance to get to her, they may convince her to stay. It has to happen before the end of the social season ā at a random moment, without notice.ā
Constantine stared off into the fireplace as he pondered that statement, but ultimately knew it was true. He could admit Riley was kind, funny, and incredibly smart, but those features couldnāt grant her the specific birthright she needed. He couldnāt let it happen; it wouldnāt end well for anyone involved, especially Liam and Riley.Ā
This had to happen.Ā
āI suppose youāre correct.ā Constantine finally agreed with a heavy sigh.Ā
āShe has to leave beforehand. Itās the only way we can make it work.ā
Constantine bowed his head, overcome with a rush of various emotions, as their plan snapped itself into place. ā... Alright, Iāll allow you to oversee the operation.ā
āMarvelous!ā His company grinned. āPerhaps you have a few guards to spare? Just to ensure everything runs smoothly⦠Maybe ā Bastien?āĀ
āAlright ā you have Bastien at your disposal to assist in whatever you may need and he will report to you, but he is to be in charge of Lady Rileyās departure at the end of the night.ā
āAs you wish, my liege⦠Just to clarify, youāre putting me in charge of this operation?āĀ
āI ā am.ā Constantine reluctantly agreed, but quickly added, āDo not make me regret it⦠Now, what of Tariq?āĀ
āI'll handle him. You and Bastien deal with the commoner.āĀ
āOkay, but neither of them is to be harmed in any of this, and I shall tell Bastien the same ā do you understand?ā He eyed his visitor critically, searching for any signs of ill intent, but found none.Ā Ā
āI do, sir.ā His guest snickered, a small notion the monarch didnāt notice.Ā
Constantine mindlessly nodded, sufficed by the answer. āThis needs to happen fast ā perhaps in Applewood, as itās an older estate and itāll be easier to have all of this go unnoticed.āĀ
āI agree.āĀ
Constantine inspected the person across from him once more, causing his cohort to shift in their seat. āRemember what I said ā neither of them is to be injured, only removed ā that is an order. And you had better make this quick and quiet ā nothing thatās going to end up causing more harm than good.āĀ
āUnderstood, Sir⦠Now, what can we do about Duchess Olivia?ā
āI ordered Bastien to ensure she went back to New York ā safely, and he told me he did. I pushed the scandal on you because I assumed the plan came to pass as instructed. It wasnāt until this conversation that I realized they played me.āĀ
Liam couldnāt believe what heād heard. It hurt him in a way he didnāt know was possible, to know his father acted against the woman he loved in such a way, even if he says his intentions were pure. Plus, the manipulation he suffered at the hands of the person who shouldāve shielded him from the animosity shredded the frail remnants of their relationship. He felt the tear within his chest, as that father-son bond crumbled into a million pieces. He truly didnāt know who the man sitting across from him was, and couldnāt conclude if he could trust his confession. Constantine looked genuine, almost remorseful, as he spoke, but he knew his father could shift and mold himself to adjust to any situation.
Thatās what snakes do best.Ā
āI donāt believe you,ā Liam suddenly declared, breaking the tense stillness.Ā
Constantineās shoulders sank. āLiam, I āāĀ
āNo!ā Liam shouted as he shot up from his seat to tower over his father. āYouāre lying and I demand to know the truth!āĀ
āLook at me, Liam!ā Constantine breathlessly pleaded. āWhat do I have to gain from lying at this point?! Iām dying! I never wished for harm to come to her ā I only wanted to remove her from the situationāāĀ
Liam sardonically laughed. āYeah, well they fucking did, alright!āĀ
āLiam, I apologize. I trusted the wrong person andāāĀ
āMe too ā me too.ā Liam shook his head, tears of rage burning his eyes. āHow could you?āĀ
āSon āāĀ
āYOU LET THEM HURT HER!ā Liam wailed, not caring if anyone could hear their altercation.Ā
āI didnāt! I specifically told them not to!āĀ
āBut yet ā you ordered Bastien to go along with it?āĀ
Constantine winced. āI did, but he never mentioned any of the additional things you speak of. I told him to cover up the scandal ā nothing else. His job was simply to escort Riley to the airport and ensure it stayed quiet. Anything additional, he did under the supervision of someone who was not me.āĀ
āBut you told him to clean it up?ā Leo questioned.Ā
āYesā¦ā Constantine swallowed thickly, followed by a small coughing fit. He recovered quickly and continued, āBut I didnāt knowāāĀ
āYeah, well, for once, Bastien understood the assignment ā maybe even a little too well.ā Leo retorted, completely blown away by Constantineās admissions. He regained himself rather quickly, however, and a light bulb suddenly went off inside his head. āHave you ever heard the names Anton and Claudius before?āĀ
Liam froze, but centered his death glare on his father, watching for any waivers in his facade butĀ Constantineās face only contorted, his confusion showcased brightly. ā... Who?āĀ
Liam scoffed. āKeep lying and see what happens.ā He laughed indignantly, his hands balled into fists at his sides. āIām not playing these games. I want to know the truth, and I want to know now.ā
āI am being truthful with you. Listen to me, Liam ā I never should have gone along with it and I am so incredibly sorry,ā Constantine pleaded, but as he finished, his lungs screamed for air. He inhaled deeply, searching for oxygen, and found just enough to continue. āI never should have agreed, but I was afraid, and I let that fear guide my decisions in the matter.āĀ
āI do not accept your apology! Youāyouāre a monster!ā Liam yelled, his voice cracking on the last syllable as one lone tear traveled down his cheek.Ā
āI ā I know, sonā¦ā Constantine hung his head. āI regret the things Iāve done, even more so now that I know Lady Riley is potentially in danger.ā He hacked again, but then forcefully clenched his jaw. āI told him not toā¦ā He grumbled to himself, which Liam nor Leo heard.Ā
His lungs burned with every shallow breath, and his pulse steadily rose, causing his hands to shake and turn clammy. He wanted to blame his sudden change in state on nerves for being caught, but realized it ran deeper than that; something was wrong. A tight sensation in his chest made him feel as if a weight sat on top, growing in pounds by the minute, and every breath seemed to do the opposite of what it should. His windpipe slowly narrowed, and the erratic thump of his heart was so forceful, that he felt it from the tips of his toes to his temples.Ā
Leo interjected himself. āYou donāt know where she is? Or Tariq? Really?āĀ
Constantine didnāt answer but stared off into space with furrowed brows as he recalled conversations, while simultaneously trying to catch his breath and settle his elevating state. He and his conspirator spoke only a few times regarding the ordeal, but every time, they subtly asked for insignificant details regarding a specific location within a few of the duchies. He never thought much of it because the areas were abandoned, never used, and inaccessible; but it would be possible if someone knew where it was, and heād practically given them a detailed road map to it.Ā
His eyes widened as he slowly turned to Liam and spoke just above a whisper. āThe tunnelsā¦ā
āYou mean that old wivesā tale about underground passageways?ā Leo returned.Ā
āItās not a tale, but very real,ā Constantine replied, matter-of-factly.Ā
āAnd you think thatās where she is?ā
āIt's a huge possibility. If you go deep enough, the passageways lead to cells, almost like a hidden dungeon. Our ancestors used them as torture chambers when someone spoke out of line against the monarchy, but those accusations are mostly hearsay. He kept asking about it when we spoke, but I didnāt make the connection.ā Constantine coughed again, trying his hardest to hide his rapidly deteriorating state.Ā
Liamās heart rate involuntarily quickened, the light at the end closer than ever before. āThe tunnels?āĀ
āYes⦠If you believe Lady Riley is still in the country, I would almost guarantee thatās where she is if you havenāt found her by now.ā Constantine answered through a wheeze, but neither Liam nor Leo noticed, as they processed this new information.Ā
āWhere? Which estate?āĀ
āIām not entirely sure which duchies still have one. A lot of the dukes and duchesses opted to have them filled with cement long ago to erase the remnants of what their ancestors used them for. All I know is they are only accessible through a hidden door, likely on the outside, but it wonāt be easy to find without knowing what youāre looking for. It will take you underground, but the chambers will have concealed doors as well. I know for a fact the one at the palace remains open, but Portavira and Ramsford are closed.āĀ
āWhy is the one at the palace still open?ā Leo demanded. āAnd how do you know so much about this if youāre āinnocentā?ā He air quoted.
āMy fatherās father brought forth plans to fill it, but uprisings started and it got lost in the hands of time. As far as my knowledge of it, I was young and curious once as well. There is a book in the library that has a lot of useful information on it, and I know for a fact that it has not moved from its spot on the shelf.ā
āHow?ā
āMaybe I knew in my subconscious that something wasnāt right, and I wanted to ensure it was there so I knew it wasnāt being used to gain access.ā Constantine shrugged. āAs long as it was there, I didnāt have to face the possibilities of what I allowed to happen, I suppose.āĀ
āYeah? Howād that work out?ā Leo rolled his eyes but centered his attention on Liam. āApplewood, maybe?āĀ Ā
āYeah⦠Yeah ā that makes the most sense, right?ā Liam responded, his mind racing a million miles an hour. Every muscle in his body shook as wave after wave of adrenaline rushed through him. āPerhaps Iāll send teams to all the duchies.āĀ
āNot a bad idea ā knock āem all out at once, and we canāt leave any stone unturned. And I think we should check all of them, despite what he claims.āĀ
āI agree, boys,ā Constantine hoarsely interjected.Ā
āDonāt even act like you helped us at all. You knew about all of this and never said a word to me about it! And you had Bastien fucking me around this entire time!ā Liam bellowed.Ā
Constantine let out a slow breath and spoke in a low, quiet voice. āI understand youāre upset. However, I truly thought she safely returned to New York. Bastien mentioned none of these things to me, nor you. Granted, perhaps I should have stayed more on top of the situation. I was aware of the deaths, but you never told me there was foul play involved or that you suspected Bastien. If you had come to me sooner, I would have told you what I knew.āĀ
āYeah, I bet you would have.ā Liam huffed.Ā Ā
āI would have, Liam. I never meant for this to happen ā all I wanted was to ensure you and Cordonia would be safe after Iām gone. It was my duty as Cordoniaās kingāāĀ
āNo, it wasnāt! And youāre behind Olivia leaving too?āĀ
āSheās far too irrational to sit on the throne, Liam. I knew if you had her as an option, you would choose her.ā Constantineās face contorted as the knife in his chest suddenly twisted. He somehow pushed through it, but the pain only flourished, alternating between sharp, sudden jabs and a dull, throbbing ache. āYou still tried to select her, but I assumed she would speak to you and not leave without saying a word.ā He breathed, his face turning a bright shade of pink.
āI donāt understand somethingāā Leo spoke with furrowed brows. āWhy was all Rileyās stuff in Applewood?āĀ
āI didnāt have any part of that. I was not interested in taking things from her ā I only wanted her to leave.ā He wheezed. Liam and Leo both continued to glare at him, but their fury and curiosity blinded them from seeing their fatherās deteriorating state.
āOne more,ā Leo went on. āIf you were behind the scandal, whyād you drop it during the coronation of all moments?āĀ
āThat was the only hiccup in the ordeal that I knew of; the timing. I realized Liam would have an adverse reaction, but it was supposed to be released early enough to give him some time to let the general shock wear off.ā Constantine rasped, and thatās when Leo finally took notice of his fatherās struggles. Despite his sideways feelings, a surge of concern bolted through him.Ā
āWowā¦ā Liam spoke before Leo could address their father's state. He shook his head, tears of rage and devastation stinging the corners of his eyes. āYou played me like a goddamn fiddle and I let it happen. You had everything planned out, down to my emotional needs.ā He indignantly laughed, the sound sending waves of uncertainty through everyone.Ā
āI ā Iām sorry, son. I regret what Iāve done, and I hope one day youāll be able to forgive me for getting caught up in thisāāĀ
āDonāt hold your fucking breath.ā Liam snapped.Ā
āIām willing to do whatever I can to help you find her, Liam.ā Constantine held a shaky hand over his chest as the pain intensified, momentarily taking his breath away. Leo rose to his feet, torn between his brother's wrath and his father's struggles, but Liam continued before he concluded what to do.
āHow can I trust you? You knew about all of this! I think you know much more than youāre leading on, too!āĀ
Constantineās mind raced so fast, but he tried with all his might to fight off whatever was happening within his body. āIāve told you all I know, son. I will gladly assist you in any way possible from here on out.āĀ
āYouāre going to be lucky if you donāt wind up in the infirmary next to Bastien, or worse,ā Liam snarled as he slowly rose from his seat. āWho?āĀ
āPardon?āĀ
āWho was it? Who came to you that night in Lythikos?ā Liam stalked toward him with his hands balled into fists at his sides, his steps loud and menacing. He didnāt even notice Constantineās struggles ā all he saw was the monster who destroyed his life and decimated everything heād ever cared about. āThis is your only chance to come clean because if I have to ask again, you wonāt like how I get the answer.ā He scowled.Ā
Constantine stumbled upright and took another ragged breath, but realized he was no longer getting any airflow. He coughed, but his hands flew to his neck after, helplessly clawing at his throat. He suddenly gasped for air and grabbed at the front of Liamās shirt, his knees buckling under his body weight. His eyes were nearly black as the dilation swallowed his iris, but his sclera was tinted with a bright shade of pink.
āWhat theāā Liam started, but soon recognized the problem. Constantineās complexion somehow went from a shade of red to white within an instant, his gasps becoming more panic-laced by the second. One moment they were face-to-face, but the fear Liam saw staring back at him momentarily took him aback; it wasnāt a terror rooted around being caught, but something much deeper. His body tensed, the hands securely holding onto his jacket turning white and shaking from the intensity of the seizing. Constantine choked on his saliva, struggling for air, but soon let out an anguished, blood-curdling cry.
The next instant, Constantine crumpled to the floor, his entire body going limp.
Before Liam or Leo could register what happened, the guard stationed close by was already on site. The man spoke into his earpiece and summoned medical professionals to their location, a frenzy of lights approaching in the distance nearly instantly. Constantineās eyes were open but nobody was home, and before too long, the man had no choice but to start CPR.Ā
Liam could only stand, frozen in place, unable to focus on anything else. He wanted to look away so badly, but couldnāt gather the strength. He felt every push against his fatherās chest as if it were his own, and his pulse soon matched the rhythm of the compressions. An overabundance of emotions filtered through him; betrayal, fear, anger, regret, and guilt. Constantine shredded their bond into a million pieces, and he couldnāt find it within him to be sad; he desperately wanted to feel any inkling of remorse that his father might have just taken his final breath right before him, but he wasnāt, and that made him question if he was a monster in disguise all along, too.
He fixated on the fact that Constantine knew who did this and, right now, he wasnāt sure he would get to hear that tale. His heart yearned for Riley, but every time he got even a drop of information, he only met an abrupt wall. Heād almost grown accustomed to having the tiny shrivels of hope dangled in his face and then yanked away, but this time, he couldnāt simply shake it off and pretend like they had the situation under control, because they didnāt.
The abyss of insanity Liam teetered for so long pulled itself dangerously closer. His father had aggressive, end-stage lung cancer, and something like this should come as no surprise. But ā for his clock to stop ticking at that exact moment seemed too convenient and at some point, the term coincidence just couldnāt apply anymore. Any other time, he wouldnāt have questioned it, but he instantly fell into a pit of madness as he internally debated the facts.
He couldnāt decide if this was nature taking its course, or a different force pulling strings.Ā


















