#trr maxwell

"It's, uh, it's just a normal dinner party."

Liam chuckled as he settled more comfortably next to Olivia. "I think your idea of normal is slightly different from ours."

Maxwell coughed and squirmed a bit as all waited for him to continue.

"Nope. Just a normal, average, run-of-the-mill dinner party." He mumbled. "I thought with the nice weather, we could host it outside. Bertrand said since he and Savannah are going to be away, I could-"

"Hang on a sec!" Riley interrupted.

She placed the back of her hand on Maxwell's forehead. A frown formed as she narrowed her eyes in study.

"This isn't our Maxwell." She declared to the rest of them. "He'd never plan an average party."

Drake rolled his eyes. Only his wife would encourage this particularl Beaumont to act outrageous.

"It's me." Maxwell argued. Groaning softly, he got up to pace. "I just want to show that I can plan and host a perfectly, normal evening."

He grumbled mostly to himself.

"Prove I can be mature."

"Who said you were immature?" Hana gently asked.

"Who hasn't said that?" Olivia quipped.

"No one in particular." Maxwell quickly explained. "It's just been hinted at in the media. You guys know my track record with having fun and I just want to prove to everyone that I have mature ways."

When his friends remained in silent study of him, he dropped his head back in frustration.

"I'm doing it to impress a girl." He admitted.

Expressions of understanding dawned on everyone's faces. They were quickly followed by advice and concern.

"Is this the absentee duchess we've heard you talk about?" Riley asked.

"She must like you a lot already." Hana added. "You've been spending so much time together in Hollywood."

"You shouldn't change yourself for someone." Drake argued. "You'll only make yourself miserable."

"This type of change could be good." Olivia countered.

"How?" Drake snapped.

"It doesn't hurt to work on one's self when it's an attribute that you already have that can be made better." She replied in a brusque manner. "Are you telling me, you haven't attempted to be more accommodating with Riley's wants and needs?"

He hesitated before slowly conceding that she had a point.

Liam tilted his head somewhat as he looked at his oldest friend. "You must feel very strongly for Lady Amanda to give up something you truly love."

"I do." Maxwell happily admitted. "This past month with her in L.A. has been the best of my life."

He rubbed his hands over his face. "I just want her to see that I can be serious, not only in everyday activities, but hopefully lead her to realize that I mean it when I say she's the only one I want to be with."

"Does she doubt it?" Hana asked.

"Not exactly..." Maxwell mumbled. "I haven't actually told her yet how I feel."

"You haven't?" Hana and Riley exclaimed at the same time.

He shook his head. "Each time I'm about to say the words, I freeze up." He gestured towards himself. "I'm not the kind of guy girls want to go out with more than once. Amanda says yes every single time I ask her for a date!"

He slumped into a nearby chair.

"Who does that?" Maxwell asked to no one in particular.

"She clearly likes you." Riley pointed out. "That should reassure you that you can throw any type of party you want."

"You don't get it." He argued. "She's friends with a lot of people in Hollywood. They're the kind who host calm, low-key events. Not the kind of parties I'm notorious for."

He looked towards Liam to agree with him. "She must prefer that sort of thing, right?"

While the others grumbled about that not necessarily being so, Liam instead agreed with Maxwell.

"One does tend to be friends with those that share similar interests." He reminded them all.

"I still say that you ought to show her the real you." Drake added. "If you're in love with her and want her to feel the same, then she needs to see who you really are."

"I have shown her the real me for the most part." Maxwell sighed. "I don't want to run her off by revealing all the crazy things I love to do."

When it looked like his friends were going to argue once more, he pleaded for their help in planning the menu and possible music options for a quiet dinner party.

Unable to deny their friend, they reluctantly did as he asked.

****************

St Orella, Cordonia, a few weeks later...

Amanda could hardly believe that not only was she back in her home country for good, but she was finally going to an infamous Beaumont Bash. After years spent taking care of her various estates outside of Cordonia, she was more than ready to get reacquainted with those she'd only known as a child.

Plus, she was anxious to see how her relationship with a certain Lord Beaumont would be now that they both lived in the same place.

Meeting Maxwell at a Hollywood party might be the best thing to happen to her in a very long time. She'd had a horrible crush on him as a little girl. Now that she not only saw how handsome he'd become, but also that he'd remained incredibly sweet; she lost her heart to him within minutes.

Their dates only intensified her feelings. She always returned to her hotel with a huge smile after time spent with him. How could she not when he made every effort to make her feel special?

She was trying her best to not get her hopes up that he might feel like she did. She knew his romantic history and she knew she wasn't necessarily the most exciting lady in his world.

But...

She hoped he might fall in love with her. He was so easy to love. It took all her willpower not to spill her heart to him after each and every kiss.

Perhaps tonight would be the night she could show him that she could fit into this aspect of his life. She enjoyed shenanigans. She might not participate in everything, but she felt she was a good enough sport to at least try most of it.

What if I'm still not fun enough?

Just as she began to worry that he might see her differently and not in a good way after tonight, she received a text from him.

Can't wait to see you tonight.

She smiled while quickly texting back.

I can't wait to see you either. I've missed you ♥️

Instant regret flooded through her over her sent text. Just because they hadn't seen each other in weeks didn't mean she should go overboard. That heart was too much along with her words. What if Maxwell felt smothered by her feelings? What if-

Her heart jumped into her throat as the ellipsis bounced with his incoming text.

You're all I've thought about these past few weeks 😘. Any chance you can come early and spend a little extra time with me???

She melted. How could anyone resist him?

I'll see what I can do.

Sighing once more, she hurried to get ready for the three hour drive to Ramsford.

************

A few hours later, Ramsford...

Maxwell knew he was grinning like an idiot as he reread Amanda's texts. He loved that she always let him know she missed him. No one ever said that to him.

No one had ever made him feel the way she did.

I'm in love, he thought to himself, smiling even bigger at the notion.

He'd tell her tonight. He would rest easier when she was his. Once he was secure in her love, he'd carefully reveal the few pieces of himself he was afraid she wouldn't like. Maybe he could then ease her into his type of partying as time went on.

While double checking how preparations were going in the kitchen, the Ramsford butler alerted him to Amanda's arrival.

Maxwell ran out, pausing at the drawing room doors to walk slower in the calm, cool manner he'd perfected for Hollywood.

His heart thudded when he saw her. Her semiformal blue gown that hugged a figure that made his pulse race had a few sequins sewn here and there that twinkled in the lamplight. Her eyes that had the power to lose all train of thought were unfortunately directed outside towards where the party was being set up. A slight, pensive frown graced the lips he loved to kiss.

Does she already hate what I've planned, he wondered in a near panic. She hasn't even experienced it yet!

He cleared his throat a touch nervously.

She turned around, her smile blooming with warmth and delight at the sight of him.

"Good evening, my lord." she greeted playfully with a curtsy.

He sauntered over and took her hands in his. Tugging her close, he captured her lips in a long, deep kiss.

"Hmm." Amanda attempted to keep from sinking against him. "If that's how you normally greet your guests, then I will insist on invitations to all your parties."

He laughed, wrapping his arms around her.

"I only greet special guests that way." He admitted.

"Is it wrong I hope I'm the only guest you greet with a kiss?" She asked, slipping her arms around his neck.

"Nope." He pressed another kiss to her lips. "I can promise you that you are the only one I'll kiss tonight."

"You better say that." She teased. "Or I will have to lodge some complaints with Ramsford's party planning committee."

He snorted in his laughter. His eyes met hers. The words were on the tip of his tongue, yet fear held him back.

"I've missed you so much." He instead told her.

Amanda blushed, lowering her eyes. "Not nearly as much as I have you."

Stop it, she silently ordered herself. Remember what everyone has told you. Maxwell Beaumont does NOT do serious relationships. You have to be careful or you'll run him off!

Before she made an even bigger fool of herself, Amanda gestured outside.

"Looks lovely out there."

"I'd hoped you'd approve." He took her hand and led her to the backyard.

The large area had a pool with lanterns lit. Tables were placed in neat lines around three fourths of it. Soft music drifted out from speakers. Large floral arrangements of blue hydrangeas, white roses, and star lilies along with romantic candlelight completed the elegance.

Amanda looked about, searching for something that resembled all she knew about Beaumont Bashes. There were no weapons lying about to open champagne bottles. No places for acrobats to perform. No unusual animals to surprise guests with were anywhere near the area.

Surely those she'd talked to and all she'd read in Maxwell's books hadn't been exaggerations.

Right?

Perhaps they were. As dinner followed mingling, Amanda was left even more puzzled. She overheard many guests commenting on how the party wasn't at all what they expected.

One particular conversation caught her attention.

"It's hard to believe Maxwell planned all this." Penelope remarked. "I thought we were to have a true Beaumont Bash."

"Hmph." Madeleine's nose wrinkled. "I suppose there is a significant lack of drunken debauchery along with people doing ridiculous stunts."

"I heard he planned it this way because he invited the Duchess of St Orella." Kiara told them in a hushed voice. "She doesn't approve of such entertainment. Il doit vouloir l'impressionner."

"Then she might be a lady I can get along with." Madeleine grumbled. "It's hard enough to find someone with class now that certain people have joined the Court."

She pointedly looked towards Riley and Drake when she made her comment.

Amanda eased further into the shadows. Surely she hadn't presented herself as some snobby, cannot enjoy anything type of person. Had she somehow convinced Maxwell, a man she knew was fun loving, into thinking she needed staid evenings amongst people?

Running her hand through her hair, she slipped away, determined to find a way to make things right, when she bumped into someone.

"Oh!" Hana gently grasped Amanda's arms to help her remain upright.

"I'm so sorry!" Amanda said at the same time.

Hana smiled at her. "It's my fault."

"I doubt that." Amanda reassured her with a grin. "You're known for your grace whereas I've been dubbed clumsy throughout most of my life."

Hana laughed. Linking her arm with Amanda's she walked with her around the perimeter of the party.

"How are you enjoying everything?" She asked. "Maxwell made all of the plans with you in mind."

Amanda hesitated. Her eyes found the man she adored. She wanted so much for him to enjoy tonight too. Was he? Or was he doing something he hated? All for her?

Does that mean he might feel something more for me?

Taking a deep breath, she decided to do all she could to give him a good time.

"It's been lovely." She swallowed nervously. "Hana? May I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"This isn't a typical Beaumont Bash, is it?" Amanda asked.

Hana shook her head.

Amanda's heart broke. "Maxwell must think I'm so boring."

"Not at all!" Hana insisted. "He has said more than once that ever since the two of you began to date that it's been the best time of his life."

"He has?"

"Yes." Hana nodded towards him. "Just look at him."

Amanda did as commanded. He was watching her. When their eyes met, he smiled a touch bashfully as if hoping she liked him.

"See." Hana told her with a gentle nudge. "He's never been more anxious for a night to go smoothly as he has tonight."

Amanda looked about. She needed to repay the favor. Her eyes fell upon the pool while a wild notion came over her.

"Hana, will you help me turn this into a real Beaumont Bash?"

Hana's eyes widened. Once she saw the determination in the young duchess's face, she immediately gathered her friends and fell in with Amanda's plans.

************

"Hey." Maxwell wrapped his arm around Amanda's waist once she rejoined him. "Having a good time?"

Amanda nodded.

She could feel his tension lessen. She hoped what she was about to do wouldn't upset him. With Hana's help, she'd gotten a few more guests in on her plan to liven things up.

Now she was simply waiting on her cue.

"What the hell?" Maxwell muttered when the classical music was abruptly switched to a club remix of Summertime Sadness.

Amanda abruptly turned to face him, grasped his face, and kissed him in a manner she knew wasn't appropriate at all for a stuffy Court dinner.

She then kicked her shoes off, hiked up her skirt, and ran straight towards his pool.

"CANNONBALL!" She shouted before jumping in.

She resurfaced, laughing and encouraging others to join her.

Maxwell's jaw dropped. He could only stare as most of his friends followed Amanda in jumping into the pool fully clothed.

She pushed her wet hair out of her eyes and searched for him in the gathering crowd. A huge smile slowly formed on his face as he took a running leap.

Amanda laughed in delight when he resurfaced and started a splash war with Liam. Squeals and laughter took over the previous low hum of conversations as many more dove into the water.

Bobbing for a few more minutes, she knew she'd never be able to get near him to hear what he thought about her impulsive act due to the many guests swimming and goofing off between them.

"This was a great idea!" Riley told her as she swam past.

"Thank you." Amanda replied.

Maybe now he'll think I'm fun enough for a relationship.

Smiling at those around her, she swam over to a nearby ladder and climbed out. She shivered on her way towards a table set with the towels she'd had delivered. Amanda turned back around to observe the pool party and saw Maxwell sitting on the edge, laughing and splashing people.

It was the first time since she'd arrived that he actually looked like he was enjoying himself.

I can't believe he thought he needed to be miserable for my sake.

Sighing softly, Amanda headed to the bar for a drink.

**************

Maxwell scanned the pool for his date. When she first jumped in, he thought he was hallucinating. Amanda was fun but he'd never seen her indulge her spontaneous side before tonight. He couldn't help but think that she was definitely someone who'd keep him on his toes.

Now if he could only find her so he could tell he hoped she'd always want to keep him on said toes.

"Hey!" He interrupted Hana's attempt to get Madeleine to jump in. "Have you seen Amanda?"

"Not since she climbed out." Hana replied.

"She got out?" He stood up, searching the grounds for her. "Did you see where she went?"

Madeleine pointed towards the back entrance. "Last I saw her, she had a towel and was heading inside."

"Thanks." Maxwell ran towards the door, pausing long enough to grab a towel, then dashed inside.

His eyes darted over the floor until he saw the telltale path of dripped water leading him further down a hallway.

Amanda stepped out of a nearby bathroom, almost colliding with him.

"Oh!" She gasped when she saw him in the dim light. "You startled me."

"Sorry." He grinned, propping his hand against the door jamb. "I was looking for you."

"You were?" She hoped he thought the tremble to her voice was from the cold and not her nerves. "I, um, I wanted to check my makeup and make sure I didn't look too much like a raccoon."

He laughed, leaning closer to her.

"You make a gorgeous raccoon."

"Thank you, my lord." She responded with a smile.

"By the way," he added, "that was an amazing cannonball you did."

"I have won trophies in the past for that particular dive." She teased.

He snickered, moving even closer. "I can see why."

"You cold?" He asked, taking her into his arms.

"A little." She stammered.

Maxwell ran his hands up and down her back to try and warm her up.

"Better?"

Amanda nodded. Somehow, everything was better in his arms.

"Are you enjoying yourself?" She blurted out the question right as he was deciding to tell her how he felt.

"Of course I am." He answered. He was puzzled she even thought she needed to ask. "I always have a great time when you're around."

"But you weren't earlier." She mumbled.

His eyes widened that she could think of something like that. He'd thought he'd done great at dinner, talking about a wide variety of subjects. He'd tried to be a gracious host to everyone even though he mostly focused on her. He managed not to hover around her in case she was tired of his company. He'd done all he could to make tonight pleasant.

"Maxwell?" She hesitated. "Do you think I'm boring?"

"What? No!" He exclaimed. "Not at all!"

She eased out of his arms. "I heard people talking earlier about how this wasn't a normal party for you." Taking a deep breath, she continued. "I heard them say it was because of me."

She raised her eyes to his. She knew her heart was breaking at the thought that this was the reason he didn't want to be in a serious relationship with her. He didn't think she fit in with his idea of fun.

He groaned softly while rubbing his hands over his face.

"I did plan this party for you." He admitted. "I wanted it to be something you enjoyed."

"I did enjoy it." Amanda folded her arms, hugging herself as if to ward off what might happen next. "I just didn't expect tonight to be so," she searched for the right description, "tame. I've heard of the infamous Beaumont Bashes and thought I'd get to experience one tonight."

Maxwell felt his heart drop. How had he managed to disappoint her? He thought a Beaumont Bash would run her off. He never imagined not throwing one would be what would keep her from wanting to be with him.

"It was so sweet of you to think of me with your party." She added when she noticed how silently despondent he'd become. "But, I want to see you enjoy the night too."

Amanda cupped his cheek, waiting on him to look up at her.

Maxwell lifted his eyes and waited on the hammer to drop.

"I feel such joy when I see you happy." She admitted in a near whisper. "When I saw you smile after I jumped in, it made my night."

He wondered if she could hear his heart pounding. Now was the perfect moment to say what he'd been dying to say all night.

"No wonder I love you so much." He pressed his forehead to hers.

Amanda stilled. "You love me?"

"I have for a while." His nose rubbed against hers with his nod. "I've been too scared to say anything in case you didn't feel the same or don't see me as a serious type of guy you could trust with your heart."

"Are you kidding?" She looped her arms around his neck. "It has taken all my self-control to keep from blurting out how head over heels in love with you I am."

His smile, identical to the one she'd witnessed when she jumped into his pool, appeared once more.

"Head over heels, huh?" He cuddled her closer. "Feel free to blurt it out anytime you want."

Laughing, she tugged him down for a kiss.

"So?" He asked after a few breathless minutes. "Want to go for another swim?"

Amanda eagerly nodded.

"Good." Maxwell laced his fingers with hers. "This time, stick close to me. In fact, do that all the time."

Squeezing his hand, she rested her head against his shoulder as they made their way outside.

Someone slides gracefully into the seat next to him, temporarily drawing his attention away from the two men. 

“I took the liberty of making you some tea,” Hana murmurs, passing him a steaming mug.

Liam inhales the fragrant steam and takes a sip, the scalding tea burning his tongue and temporarily distracting him from his misery.  “Thank you, Hana,” he says, smiling at her gratefully.

“How are you?” she asks, concern shining in her brown eyes.

Liam takes another sip of tea, trying to collect his thoughts.  “This is a situation I never expected to find myself in,” he finally admits.

“I doubt many people do,” Hana replies, stifling a smile.  “I don’t envy you, Your Majesty.  Madeline is furious.”

Liam stretches in his seat, picking out a familiar head of blonde hair sitting several seats ahead of him.  He shrugs, unable to muster enough energy to care about his fiancée’s anger.  “It’s no secret that our marriage isn’t a love match,” he sighs.  “I’m not sure what she expects from me.”

“Probably for you to not openly stare at Drake and Callum as if you’re a jealous lover.”

The king turns his head to stare at Hana, shocked at her uncharacteristic boldness. 

She nervously tucks her hair behind her ears and clears her throat.  “Her pride is hurt, Your Majesty.  No matter the truth of your arrangement it is important to her that the two of you appear to be a loving and committed couple to the public.”

“It’s getting harder and harder to pretend,” he admits, slumping back into his seat.  “I see those two together and I remember every wonderful moment I’ve had with them, and I can’t help but imagine what kind of future we could have together.”

He speaks without thinking, unwittingly admitting to his previous relationship with Drake.  Hana smiles to herself, happy to have her long-standing suspicions finally confirmed, but allows the moment to pass without comment.

“But then I remember how easy it was for Callum to give up, to walk away from me without a fight,” Liam continues.  “And I see how easy it was for Drake to just fall into his arms and I feel… betrayed.  I’m furious, Hana.  With both of them.  And I don’t want to be, but I can’t help it.”

Hana levels him with a disappointed look and he squirms under her gaze.  “I would hope you know both of them well enough by now, especially Drake, to know that none of this is easy for them.  It wasn’t easy for Callum to leave Cordonia, but at some point he had to prioritize his well-being over the chance you might choose him.  For you their relationship came out of nowhere, but Drake was Callum’s rock during the social season, sometimes even more than myself or Maxwell.  They understand each other in a way we never will, because in many ways they will always be outsiders in court.  They bring out the best in each other.  Drake grounds Callum.  And Callum makes Drake free.”

Liam frowns, silently ruminating over her words.

Hana sighs, softening her tone.  “I understand that you’re angry, and that’s fair.  But you need to understand that you played a part in all of this too.  You decided to prioritize your duty to Cordonia, and you have to accept all the consequences that follow.”

“You know better than anyone that I didn’t have a choice.”

“There is always a choice, Liam.”  Hana tentatively lays her hand over his and gazes at him earnestly.  “Drake and Callum chose happiness, it’s not too late for you to do the same.”

“I…” Liam hesitates, the very thought seems overwhelmingly daunting.

Hana squeezes his hand reassuringly.  “I will remain your friend whatever you decide, Liam.  But bear in mind that if you do marry Madeline you run the chance of losing them both forever.”

“To be honest, I'm not sure yet. But I will discuss it with Madeleine, since she is open to compromise, and make a statement when the time is right.”

Maxwell nodded, and turned his attention to Rayne. “And you, blossom? are you returning as well?” He sounded a little forlorn at the prospect.

“I could,” Rayne said, glancing at Liam, “but as I discussed with Liam last night it might be better to lay low for a while.”

“It would give me the chance to lay the groundwork for your return.” Liam reached for one of her hands, taking it in both of his. The way he gently squeezed was enough to communicate how much he wanted her to be there with him. Rayne held his gaze, then looked to Maxwell.

“I was hoping I could stay here until then.”

Maxwell looked surprised, then smiled warmly. “Absolutely you can! We will have so much fun… we can go riding and to the sauna and for runs together and…” he paused at Rayne’s bemused smile, and continued a little sheepishly. “I mean we can relax and watch movies and go for reasonable length walks…”

“I would love all those things, Max.” Rayne grinned. “But maybe we can start with the movies and walks.”

“I'll contact your doctor,” Liam noted, “see if she could be persuaded to make a house call. Everything discreet, of course.” Rayne had seen this doctor a few times whilst in Cordonia at Liam's recommendation and approved of her.

“So this is all a secret for now then?” Maxwell queried.

“Yes,” Liam answered, squeezing Rayne's hand again and releasing her. “For now at least, this news doesn't leave this household.”

— —

The sky was overcast as Rayne and Maxwell left the Beaumont estate several weeks after the decision to stay. Nerves built inside her as they climbed into the back of the SUV sent to collect them and approached the open gates of the estate. The car was silent for a few minutes, and Rayne focused on the outlines of the trees and vines bordering the gravel road.

“I left a charger cable in my room.” Maxwell sighed. She turned to him.

“At home?”

“No, at the palace. I'm looking forward to getting it back.”

Rayne smiled, breaking some of the tension in her face. “Don't you have other chargers?”

He shrugged. “Technically yes, but this one's my favourite.” The words were followed by a wide grin that made her laugh.

“Glad you can finally get it back then,” she remarked fondly, and turned back to the window. It was starting to rain now, gently, but it was predicted to get heavier as they approached the city.

“I hope I have the same room…” Maxwell commented. As he had previously assured her they would have the same rooms, Rayne didn't respond, but thinking of the rooms inevitably led back to thoughts of Liam.

Her hand subconsciously moved to her belly, which now was aligned with her breasts. The last time the doctor had visited had been the most surprising, but made the most sense. At ten weeks, her baby should not be showing so much - but twins did.

Twins were not uncommon in Rayne's family, she'd had a twin sibling, but it didn't make the prospect any less terrifying. Having one life growing inside her for the first time was enough, but she was still reckoning with the idea of two.

A loose shirt and open coat would do little to hide the reality from prying eyes, so she was not looking forward to her hospital visit…

“Liam will be there.” Maxwell's voice cut through Rayne's reflections. She turned to him. “He will make sure everything goes smoothly. You'll be okay, blossom. No need to be stressed.” His eyes flitted to where her hand trembled against her belly as if in recognition of her nerves. She let her hand fall, and he reached for it.

“I know,” Rayne muttered. And she did, but it didn't take away all her anxiety.

Maxwell squeezed her hand to bring her focus back to him. “There is no benefit in worrying about would could happen or what people might think. You have a lot of good people to support you, my wonderful self included, and we will all make sure that you are safe and comfortable.”

Rayne felt tears prick her eyes, smiling at the unusual earnestness from her jovial friend. After a moment holding his gaze, she nodded.

“I know,” she said again, “thank you, Maxwell.”

“Any time.” He smiled, releasing her hand, and they fell into an easier quiet. Rain pattered on the roof and windows of the car, they exited the gravel drive onto a sealed road, and she reflected on the words he had used. Maxwell was more intelligent than he was given credit for, but he spoke in simpler sentiments.

“Liam told you to say that, didn't he?”

He frowned, the shrugged. “He suggested I be more openly supportive - me being so much a master of subtlety and all - but I didn't need to know how to comfort one of my best friends, particularly given I've technically spent more time with you over the years than his royalness.”

“True, very true,” Rayne conceded, hiding a smirk and turning back to the road. “Especially during the hard times. And more recently whilst I've been… well…”

“Finally appreciating the excellence of my company?” Maxwell finished for her.

“Sure.” Rayne turned back to his wide smile. “And hugs. I appreciate your hugs.”

Several instances passed through her mind of Maxwell holding her. As she wept; as she sat nauseous beside the toilet; as she fell into him barely able to breathe; as she expressed just how much her heart ached, how much she wished Liam were with her, and things had turned out differently…

Eventually Rayne fell into a restless doze. She imagined reuniting with Liam and it brought her comfort. He had visited, once, a few weeks before. She had tried to be composed through the hormonal shifts but he had found her mostly short tempered. She hadn't properly said goodbye. There were some things she regretted saying, and she imagined having to resolve some tension before even entering the palace. Her new home.

— —

“Rayne.” A voice broke through her reverie, and a nudge of her shoulder. “Rayne, are you awake?”

“Nng,” she responded, less coherent than intended. She tried again. “Yes.”

“Good.” It was Maxwell's voice. “We're almost there.”

Rayne registered the thick rain and slow movement of the car over more gravel and lifted her head to see out, wiping drool from her chin and sleep from her eyes. Her back and neck ached from the awkward angle and she resolved once again never to sleep in a car.

“You can finally get your phone charger cable,” she remarked, watching the palace as they approached. Maxwell laughed.

“My whole reason for accompanying you is complete!” The lightness in his voice made her smile, despite the growing nerves.

“I hope you can stay for a while though,” she said, “I'll miss your company.”

Maxwell reached for her hand again. “Don't worry blossom, I'll make sure you're all set up before leaving. And you know how to reach me after that.” He looked up past Rayne, then, and grinned. “Welcome home.”

Rayne turned to see the palace slide out of view past some tall hedges. Her palms were sweaty and her chest tight, then the hedges opened out to reveal a familiar figure waiting under cover by the entrance, and her heart leapt.

— —

Liam waited by the door with Drake and two of the palace staff, rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet with an umbrella in hand as they watched the SUV approach. It moved so slowly, but the time was finally nearing when he would see her again, and see her every day from now on.

“Bit excited there, Li?” Drake teased from just behind him. It only made Liam smile wider. His heart thumped in his chest and he stood so close to the edge of the portico that some of the rain began to reach him.

“Absolutely,” Liam responded, unphased. The car was so close he thought he could make out Rayne’s face through the tinted glass. It pulled up alongside the palace, and he leapt into action with his now open umbrella. She always sat on the right side, so he opened that door just as she reached for the handle, and there she was.

“Liam,” she breathed, wide eyed as he met her gaze. How was she even more beautiful than he remembered?

“Welcome home, love,” he managed after a few moments, holding the umbrella above them both with his other hand out to help her up. As she stood, he breathed in her scent, and all the tension in his body and mind relaxed. “I missed you.”

Rayne looked up at him as he closed the car door behind her. She opened her mouth to speak, closed it again, and wrapped her arms around him for the first time in too long. He held her in the rain on the gravel driveway, holding the umbrella above them in one hand, heedless of the staff and friends moving around them.

“I missed you too,” Rayne mumbled into his chest, and held him tighter. Liam kept his touch gentle, not wanting to strain her, and after a while he pulled back and moved a loose curl away from her face. She sniffed, wiping her face with a coat sleeve, and started to apologise for her appearance. Liam shook his head to halt her.

“I wish you could see yourself the way I see you,” he said, smiling softly, “there is nothing and no one else so perfect in this world.”

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