the things I do for you...

Chapter 12 - The Struggle

Book: The Royal Romance ( Drake x MC & Liam x Olivia)

Summary: Liam is struggling with the new life. Telling the world about his divorce and meeting Olivia after a long time. Media is talking about absence of Drake and speculating about Riley’s pregnancy.There is no Drake and Riley in this chapter. They will be back in next one.

Warnings: PG

A/N: I hope you and your family are safe. These are crazy times.Writing gives me peace, I hope reading this takes you to an alternate world and distracts you for a while.

PLEASE NOTE: Past chapters links are available in my bio.

Chapter 11 - Separation (NSFW)

Book: The Royal Romance ( Drake x MC & Liam x Olivia)

Summary: How Liam and Olivia decided to try for an heir. How is Riley coping with the disappearance of Drake. How is Drake settling in in his new life?

Warnings: 18+

A/N: Hi everyone, These are tough times. I hope you and your family are safe. This chapter is a little painful. Although things sometimes gets worse before they get better. So hang in there, this time too shall pass- In story as well as in real life.

PLEASE NOTE: Links to past chapters can be found on my master list on my blog.

And Kiara

Chapter 10 - The Escape

Book: The Royal Romance ( Drake x MC & Liam x Olivia)

Summary: Back when Olivia and Liam got married, the problem started from the first day. Now, Drake lefts Valtoria. Riley tries to locate him with help of Mara.  Drake meets Mona.

Warnings: PG 13+

A/N: Again after a long time… I am overwhelmed with the love and support I am getting. It is still difficult for me to take out time to write. But I can simply not ignore the lovely messages you are sending me. And if I can distract you even for few minutes from the chaos going on right now in the world, I will consider myself blessed. Stay Safe everyone. It is a storm, it will soon pass.

PLEASE NOTE; I will not be including links to past chapters in this post due to Tumblr’s new algorithms. If you need past chapters, please see my master list on my blog bio or ask me directly.

Book: The Royal Romance AU

Pairing: Drake Walker x F!OC (Alaina Gold)

Some characters and dialogue belong to Pixelberry, I'm just borrowing them.

Summary: Based on my story, By the Sea, this is a look at the night Drake and Alaina reconnected at the bar. For those who have not read that story, Drake and Alaina met while they were both working at a summer camp, only to lose touch when they returned to their regular lives. Ten years later, fate brings them back together when the guys come to her bar for Liam's bachelor party before the social season.

If Interested: By the Sea Masterlist

Song Inspiration: The Scientist by Coldplay

Warnings: Language, Drinking, Stubbornness

Word Count: 3300

A/N: Happy, happy birthday to the lovely @queenrileyrose ! I was trying to figure out what I wanted to write for you when you reblogged this story, and it felt like a sign. I wanted to add a little bit more to the ending for you 😊

Thank you for being such an incredible supporter and kind friend. I am so grateful for you and all of the stories you have gifted us, especially for introducing me to one of my favorite pairings- Leo and Riley! I hope you have an amazing day and an even better year because you deserve nothing but the best! I hope you enjoy this piece 💕

A/N #2: The biggest thank you to @alyssalauren and @txemrn for pre-reading! Love you guys 💕

That's why I got so excited to stumble across this story. It's so satisfying to have a look back at that 'monumental' night and see how everything finally worked out for Dralaina.

Alaina's reactions were understandable, but that kind of second chance didn't often come twice.. so yay Alaina for being bold!!

Chapter 9 -  Broken

Book: The Royal Romance ( Drake x MC & Liam x Olivia)

Summary: Olivia says she is okay with keeping it casual with Liam. But she cannot - It hurts her deep that she is nothing but a political alliance for Liam. Liam is drunk and rambles about Riley in front of Drake. Olivia finds some evidence about Drake’s accident and shares them with Riley. 

Warnings: PG.

A/N: I know it has been ages since I last wrote this series. But I am surprised as still people love it. Thanks for all the love :). This is for all of you. 

PLEASE NOTE; I will not be including links to past chapters in this post due to Tumblr’s new algorithms. If you need past chapters, please see my master list on my blog bio or ask me directly.

Wow. The perks of being young royals.

Poor Olivia. And Riley didn't have it any easier either.

Chapter 8 - Agony

Book: The Royal Romance ( Drake x MC & Liam x Olivia)

Summary:  Drake meets Liam and finds out that he was in love with Riley. Liam assures him that it was past. Will Drake return to Valtoria?

Warnings: PG 15+

A/N: I am finding it difficult to write with my failing business and taking care of my kids. But I will continue to write as it gives me peace and fulfills my creativity.

I am not a writer and English is not my first language. So feel free to share your feedback positive or negative.

Face Claim: Drake Walker - Daniel Di Tomasso

Riley Walker (Brooks) - Katrina Kaif

King Liam Rhys - Daniel Henney

Olivia Rhys (Nevrakis) - Emma Stone

Kiara - Bianca Lawson

PLEASE NOTE; I will not be including links to past chapters in this post due to Tumblr’s new algorithms. If you need past chapters, please see my master list on my blog bio or ask me directly.

Two Years back

Liam pulled himself out of Olivia and flopped down beside her, sweating and panting, but utterly content. He adjusted himself on a pillow, looking at the ceiling of Olivia’s bedroom in Lythikos. He tried to catch his breath, a hand behind his head and one on his chest. Olivia lifted his hand and wrapped it around her and rested her head on his chest. Her fingers ran lazily on his chest. 

‘Sometimes all these feels like a dream to me’ she smiled, trying to catch her breath. She kissed him gently on his chest. Having hot, hard sex with her was one thing, but this cuddling felt inconveniently intimate to Liam.

‘I had almost lost hope that we could ever be together.’ she spoke in a whisper, more to herself than to him. A wide smile on her face, eyes twinkling, almost overwhelmed with happiness. ‘I am the luckiest woman alive.’ she tightened her hug.

Liam remained silent, his hand moving on her arm, rubbing gently. He knew she liked him, adored him, had a crush on him, wanted to marry him. But he never knew how hopelessly in love she was with him. He only realized it after their engagement, when they shared some private moments like this one.

He was ready to commit to her completely. He would even admit that he enjoyed their sex. She was nothing like any women he had ever been with. But he was not ready to fall in love with her. Whereas she already was, he could not imagine for how long. Even though she had never told him, he could feel it. The way she looked at him, the way she touched him, lost herself completely in him, it all spelled love. She didn’t need to say it, as her every gesture, every expression said it for her.

He should have felt happy, an amazing woman like her loved him. But he was not. He was not happy. And was not in love with her. His heart was still with Riley, who was married to his best friend. He knew he was supposed to move on. But he didn’t know how. All he could do was suppress the feelings for her. But they resurfaced every now and then, leaving an ache in his heart. 

The pain now mixed with guilt. He knew how it felt, to be in love with someone who didn’t love you back. And now, he knew sooner or later, Olivia will realize that he doesn’t love her. That he can’t. He had already told her that. He was ready to be in a loveless marriage. But now, he was going to break her heart, even though he never intended.

— 

Now

Reaching the palace, Drake’s first instinct was to just enter Liam’s office as he would normally do, no protocol, just a knock on the door before entering. But his best friend was no longer just the crown prince, he was the King now. So he texted him, informing of his arrival at the Palace and asked him if he was available to meet him. This entire procedure felt so alien to him. He awkwardly waited for Liam’s response untill he replied him to meet him in his office.

With a thumping heart, Drake walked to his office, all the time rehearsing a conversation with Liam in his head. He didn’t know what to ask, how to ask him about the past of the three of them. When he stepped in the study, he found Kiara standing near Liam’s desk, listening to instructions he was giving her. She was busy jotting down the points which seemed about a meeting of King Liam with the Prime Minister of France. Liam gave a friendly smile to Drake and gestured him to wait on the sofa while still instructing Kiara.

Drake made sure not to disturb them when taking a seat on the sofa. Drake waited patiently with hundreds of questions storming in his head, while Liam was busy in discussion with Kiara. Thankfully the discussion was over soon, and Kiara walked passed Drake out of the room giving him a smile. Drake gingerly smiled back. 

Liam stood up from his desk and walked to Drake to give him a warm friendly hug. ‘How are you?’ Liam asked. He led Drake to his desk and offered him a seat in front of him. 

‘Honestly, I am not sure.’  Drake sighed as he sat on the chair in front of Liam.

‘I figured. So, no luck in remembering things yet?’ Liam offered him a glass of water.

Drake shook his head and finished the glass in a single gulp. 

‘Nothing makes any sense!’ Drake sighed in frustration with his eyes closed. He found himself relax in presence of his friend, the confusion and frustration that was building up inside of him from last week was releasing. Liam watched him struggling to find words. He gave an encouraging smile.’Go on, ask me anything. I guess you deserve some answers.’

‘Why the hell I am a Duke now? I can’t even register the fact that I am one of the people whom I have resented all my life.’ he asked, eyebrows knitted.

Liam smiled and walked to his bar. He poured a glass of apple cider for him and Drake. He handed Drake his glass and stood before him, his bottom resting on the edge of his desk, savoring the drink in small sips.

‘Drake, don’t you think this is exactly what you wanted? To change something, you need to be a part of it. ‘ Liam looked at him with a smile playing on his lips.

‘You hated the nobles because you knew them. You knew their flaws and you knew how a noble should be. You had a chance to work for people. And you did well.’ Liam assured him. Liam noticed Drake was still looking at him with questions in his eyes.

‘With Riley’s innovative thinking, Hana’s understanding of bureaucracy and politics and your compassion for the commoners, you three make a perfect team. I had believed that Valtoria doesn’t need a Duke or a Duchess to govern them. But you proved me wrong. You proved everyone wrong, who believed that a commoner should not become a Duke, that only the nobles are good rulers.‘ he kept his glass down. Drake nodded, slowly opening up to the facts.

‘I am proud of you my friend.’ he pressed Drake’s shoulder, looking him in his eyes.

‘So you don’t hate me?’ Drake asked.

‘Hate you? Why would I hate you?’ Liam asked him confused.

Drake took a deep breath,  he locked his eyes with Liam’s determined to register the slightest change in expression as he said the next words,’ for marrying the girl you loved.’

Liam pulled his hand back in a sudden motion as if touching Drake was burning his hand. He immediately regained his composure.

‘Who said I was in love with her?’ he asked with a poker face.

‘It doesn’t matter. Please answer me. Is it true? Were you in love with Riley?’ Drake stood up, face to face with Liam. Yes! I was! I am? maybe… But Liam could not say that to him. Not yet. He cannot possibly understand what three of them have gone through in just one day.

‘Drake, she is your wife now. Why does it matter who she had been with, in the past?’ Liam pressed a comforting hand on Drake’s shoulder.

‘Why didn’t you marry her? I don’t understand! ‘ Drake 

‘It’s a long story, Drake. I think we should discuss it sometime later.’ Liam waved his hand dismissing the question. 

Drake gulped and asked in a whisper, ‘Did I… come between you two?’ a feeling of guilt consuming him.

Liam looked down, shook his head. He looked at Drake with a smile, genuine smile reaching his eyes as he said to his friend, ‘Drake, it was in past. I am happy for you two.’

Drake looked at him and opened his mouth to say something when the study door flew open. Their heads turned to Olivia entering the room.

Olivia came marching in  ‘Drake!’ she stopped as her eyes landed on Drake. ‘I didn’t know you were here!’ 

‘Queen Olivia!’ Drake bowed slightly to her.

‘No need to be formal! I am sorry I couldn’t come to see you in the hospital or during the ball. You know, someone has to stay here.’ she said glaring at Liam.

‘Olivia, could you please give us a minute?’ Liam requested her. Drake could see that Liam was getting tense seeing her here.

‘I am afraid, I have an urgent matter to discuss.’ Olivia said firmly.

‘I will see you later, Liam’ Drake took the hint. He bowed again slightly to Olivia, he nodded Liam a goodbye and left them alone.

‘Olivia, is everything ok?’ Liam asked Olivia after Drake closed the door behind him.

‘I had asked you something the other day.’ Olivia glared at Liam

‘Liv, I know. Listen, Please give me some more days. I am going on a world tour. Can we discuss this after I return? It will give us some time to think’

‘I don’t need any more time to think. I have made up my mind.’ Olivia said sternly.

‘Ok. But can we please wait till we make an official announcement about…’ Liam paused, saying the next words pained him more than he anticipated,’… our separation? until I come back for my tour?‘ He was not sure why he was trying to postpone it. ‘If the word gets out before my tour…. it will just cause scandal.’ 

‘Fine. But I am moving out today.’ Olivia said walking away.

‘Liv, wait.’, Liam grabbed her wrist, but dropped her hand when Olivia glared at him.’No need for that. I will move out. I will take some other bedroom.’  Liam said.

‘Fine!’ she said walking out of his office. 

—

Drake walked down to the library. He wanted a place of solitude. Earlier it was quite easy for him. He could walk around almost unnoticed, no one cared where he was going or what he was doing. Not anymore. Everywhere he went, eyes followed him. Strange people greeted him, staff bowed to him as he passed them. All these felt weird, uncomfortable to him.

When he entered the library, it was completely deserted, but he didn’t want anyone to walk into him. He looked on both of his sides, making sure no one is there to watch him. He pressed a hidden switch on one of the pillars and the wall in front of him begin to rumble. He walked in the secret passage only he knew about. He turned on the light of his mobile to see in the dark. He pressed a brick of the wall inside the passage to close the door.

The passage was dark, a little dusty and smelled weird, but he felt relieved, away from the world. He sat down on a stair, elbows resting on knees, he stared in darkness in front of him. His life of the last three years was same, dark. Now he had some bits and pieces, like pieces of a puzzle with him, he tried to put them together to form a picture. There were pieces missing, but still, he could see a picture forming.

It seemed like a dream - or a nightmare- to him, waking up to find himself married, find himself one of the noble. He pulled out a small flask of whiskey tucked in his jacket to take a sip.

He had lost almost everyone here loved. First, he faced his father’s death, then this mother left, and one day Savannah disappeared. The only two people left in his life who cared for him were Liam and Bastien. And now he had betrayed Liam by stealing the girl he loved. Here was angry with Liam, when he suspected Liam having an affair with his wife, a wife he didn’t even remember, didn’t even remember he loved her, it still hurt like hell. He realized now, that he had hurt Liam a thousand times more by going for the women he loved.

How the hell did that happen?

Drake took another long sip. 

Liam didn’t deny the fact that he came between him and Riley. 

He had betrayed Liam, his best friend, only friend, and that too for a girl he had just met. A thought of going against the one who supported him when he needed the most was killing him, eating him from inside.  

I am an asshole

Another sip. Flask almost empty. And no sign of guilt going away. Answers to his questions making him more confused. More frustrated. He pressed his palms to his eyes, wishing all this be a nightmare. And life go back to normal like before when he open his eyes.

His train of thoughts stopped as he heard the passage wall open. He immediately stood up. He didn’t know anyone else knew about this passage. Even before he could figure out who opened the secret door, a figure entered and rushed towards him, wrapping him in a tight hug.

‘Oh GOD! Drake, I missed you!’ Kiara sighed.

Drake gingerly pulled himself away from her and stared back at her in surprise.

‘I was so worried about you! Why didn’t you call me? Have you changed your number? I tried calling you many times! but it seems that your old number is no longer working!’ Kiara didn’t notice the look of surprise on his face. She sighed and smiled softly at him. Her eyes moved to his lips, she leaned to kiss him, but Drake took a step back

‘Kiara! What are you doing?’ 

Kiara looked at him in surprise. ‘Is everything okay? I haven’t seen you in so many days. I came to the hospital, but Riley didn’t let me see you. Do you think she knows about us?’

‘Us?’ Drake asked. His brows knit in confusion.

‘Drake, I don’t understand why have you not ended your relationship with her. I think even Olivia knows now. She has asked Liam for a separation. ‘ Kiara informed him, still unable to understand the confusion on his face.

Liam and Olivia?! Getting separated? Because of Riley? This can’t be true. Liam said whatever they had was in past or… does he still has feelings for her?

Drake held his hand up to stop Kiara from further talking. His brows knit as he asked, ‘Kiara! wait! Nothing you are saying is making any sense to me. First of all, tell me how do you know about this secret passage?’

Kiara looked at him, confuse,’ You showed me! I know this place like the back of my hand by now, after all those moments we have spent here.’ 

Drake swallowed,’ Are you trying to say that we…’

‘Why are you behaving like this? I thought you would be thrilled to see me after so many days. I was so worried about you after your accident, you didn’t call! Didn’t even bothered to send me a text. ‘ her voice growing agitated, she looked down, forcing herself to calm down. She spoke almost in a whisper,’ You want to end this…don’t you.‘ her hands wrapped around her self, hugging her. 

Drake looked at her, unable to form a response.’Kiara! I think I should tell you this. I have lost my memory because of the accident. I don’t remember the last three years.’

Kiara looked in his eyes,’What do you mean?’ she looked at him for a long moment until a realization dawned on her. ‘Oh! it makes sense now! ’

But her face strained as she realized,’ So you don’t remember me? us? Any of it?’

Drake just shook his head. Kiara sat down on a stair, as if collapsing, hands on both sides, holding the stair. She looked in the darkness, disappointment painted on her features. Drake sat down beside her, keeping a good distance between them.

‘Kiara, I don’t know what we had. I am sorry I don’t remember.’

‘We never labeled it, you know. You were never proud of it. I always knew that I was nothing but an escape for you. But I…’ she paused, she turned to look at Drake,’ I care for you.’ She looked deep in his eyes.’ Drake, I don’t mind if you don’t want to be with me. I just want you to be happy.’ She placed her hand on his.

She stared in his eyes for a long moment, then looked away. She stood up,’ I will see you … around’ she turned, but stop when she felt Drake’s hands grabbing her wrist.

‘Kiara, wait!.’ 

Disclaimer: The characters belong to Pixelberry.

Taglist : @agent-bossypants , @mymandrake , @writtenbycandy , @mind-reader1 , @alesana45 , @the-excelsior , @walkerisbae , @butindeed , @notoriouscs , @speedyoperarascalparty , @stopforamoment , @andy-loves-corgis , @jenp02cutie-blog , @drakelover78 , @silviasutton1989 , @annekebbphotography ,  @stopforamoment @traeumerinwitzhelden , @blackwidow2721 , @flowerpowell,  @blubutterflyy, @mrsernestsinclaire , @liamskinkyqueen ,  @idonthaveacluesoyeah,  @cleareclipsedeputyathlete, @fluffy-marshmallow-heart , @carabeth

Chapter 7 -  The Past (NSFW)

Book: The Royal Romance ( Drake x MC & Liam x Olivia)

Summary:  Drake meets Savannah at House Beaumont. She assures him that he should not doubt Riley. 

Warnings: NSFW 

A/N: Thanks for still being with me. I thought my story was dying and had stopped writing it. But some of you urged me to write. So here it is again. I hope I do justice to the story.

I am not a writer and English is not my first language. So feel free to share your feedback positive or negative.

Word Count:  ???

FaceClaim: Drake Walker - Daniel Di Tomasso

Riley Walker (Brooks) - Katrina Kaif

King Liam Rhys - Daniel Henney

Olivia Rhys (Nevrakis) - Emma Stone

Previous Chapter: Prologue – The Fight,

Chapter 1- The Accident,

Chapter 2 - Riley’s birthday

Chapter 3 - Who am I?

Chapter 4 - Homecoming

Chapter 5 - Lost (NSFW)

Chapter 6 - Away

About Two Years Ago

It had been three months since the day Olivia and Liam got engaged. Liam and Olivia announced their engagement a month before, with their engagement photo shoot and several interviews. The interviews were professionally crafted to let the people know that both of them are in love with each other, but they love Cordonia more. A perfect childhood love story with some well-written anecdotes was published in all the leading newspapers and magazines. Liam and Olivia were all over the news last month. Business Magazines gave a promising forecast on how their economy is going to boom with Lythikos Duchess marrying the Rhys King. Fashion magazines ran special articles describing the diamond-studded asymmetric one-shoulder red dress that Olivia wore in their engagement photo shoot. 

Each and everyone in Cordonia was happy that their King has found a Queen. Every face was smiling with a new found energy in Cordonia, except one, Duchess Olivia. It had been three months since their engagement and all they had shared was some 15-20 phone calls and a few kisses on three or four dates. Liam would visit Lythikos every few weekends and spend some time with Olivia. They would go to Marcellino, have dinner, talk mostly about how they want to announce their engagement, Liam would drop her back at the estate and leave for Palace. This time, she wanted a little more. She ran a conversation with Liam again and again in her head of how she will convince him to stay the night. 

She took a deep breath when she saw Liam’s name flashing on her mobile to calm herself. She picked it up, ‘Hey!’

Hi, Olivia!’ she could almost see his smile on the other side of the phone.‘I hope you are free this Friday.’ he said as he usually did asking her for a date.

‘Liam,’ Olivia took a deep breath before saying,’ I was hoping you can stay the night this time.’

Olivia waited for Liam to speak, but she got no response for several unbearable seconds. She regretted immediately for asking  ‘I understand if you are busy.’ she said ’you don’t need to…’

‘No, I think I can… I will love to stay the night, Olivia.’ Liam said, not letting the unsurety in his mind reaching his voice.

‘We will have dinner at the estate if that’s okay?.’ Olivia said

‘That sounds good..’ Liam said. They chatted for a few minutes before disconnecting the call.

—

On Friday, when Liam reached Lythikos for their date,  his jaw dropped when his eyes fell on Olivia. She was wearing a deep V halter backless top with jeans instead of her usual dresses.  Her untied soft red curls rested on her bare shoulders. He smiled as he realized Olivia is waiting for him to say something.

‘You look amazing!’ Liam said, unable to hide his surprise.

‘Thanks. Come!’ Olivia gestured him to join her.

After a hearty romantic dinner at her dining room, She looked at Liam with a shy smile,’Want to come for a tour of my estate?’

Liam joined her,’ Is there any part I haven’t seen yet?’

‘I guess there is, come!’

Liam followed Olivia to a room, he knew was her. When Olivia closed the door and turned, she found herself face to face with Liam. She pressed her lips to his with a little more force than intended, making Liam fumble a step back.

‘Sorry, I ….’ Olivia began, but her words were lost when Liam’s lips found hers. Her arms wrapped around his neck pulling him close. Liam’s hands roamed on her bare back, sending jolts of pleasure throughout her body. She found her knees going week in his embrace. She raised one of her legs and wrapped it around his waist. Liam grabbed her other leg and helped her wrap it around his waist. She shook her legs removing her heels, all the while kissing him deeply.

He carried her and dropped her on the bed. Olivia sat up, looking at him undressing in front of her. Olivia bit her lip as her eyes roamed on his taut muscles of his abs, down to his boxers.

‘Do you need help getting out of it?’ Liam smiled mischievously seeing Olivia hadn’t started undressing.

‘Yes, I guess.’ She said, avoiding his gaze. Liam crawled on the bed to her on his fours. He gently lifted her top helping her out of it, freeing her breasts. She pressed her body against his, kissing him passionately. Liam’s lips roamed from her lips to her neck down to her breast. He sucked on a nipple a little before going down her stomach.

Liam helped her out of her jeans. His started kissing her legs just above her knees and went up to her thighs. He gently removed her panties and rubbed his fingers on her moist entrance. He licked his finger before sliding it in.

‘Liam!’ she moaned as his finger rubbed her insides. Liam rubbed her clitoris with his other hand and slid in his second finger. Olivia grabbed the sheets with her hands as his fingers filled her.

Liam moved a little up, with his one hand inside of her and other going up to her breast. He gently pinched a nipple, gaining a moan from Olivia.

‘Is this good?’ he asked her in a whisper. ‘Yes!’ she moaned. Liam kept rubbing, curling his fingers a little, making Olivia buck her hips. He kissed her all over her body as his fingers kept rubbing her till he felt her core going tight on him and Olivia shouting out his name. 

Olivia moved to get close to Liam, her hands roamed on his chest and back before grabbing his boxers. She pushed them down, releasing his length. She rubbed his length with her hand. She ran her tongue up his length. She enveloped him in her mouth, sucking him while rubbing him with her hands.

‘Liv! you are amazing!’ Liam groaned looking at her. He lifted her up by her chin and kissed her.’Are you ready for me?’ he asked, his hands teasing her entrance. ‘Yes, my King!’ she said biting her lip seductively.

She opened a drawer from her nightstand and pulled out a condom. She licked him again after sliding it on him.

‘Get on your fours for you King’ Liam commanded her which she happily obeyed.  Liam grabbed her from her waist and pushed himself deep inside her wet core filling her completely.

‘Oh Fuck!’ she screamed. Liam started moving in and out of her slowly. 

‘Harder, my King!’ Olivia moaned. This drove Liam to the edge. He started thrusting harder inside her, holding her tightly from her waist. After a few moments, Liam felt Olivia going tight against him as she screamed his name. Liam too came inside of her a few thrusts later. They collapsed on the bed, drenched in sweat, completely content. 

Liam went to the washroom to clean himself. When he returned, he found Olivia peacefully sleeping on her bed. He covered her naked body and laid down beside her. He fell asleep, keeping a little distance between them.

When Olivia woke up the next morning, she was disappointed to see a note from Liam on her bed, instead of Liam himself.

‘Sorry I had to leave early - Liam’ 

—–

Now

Drake left early from Valtoria with a security guard and a driver. He would have loved driving on the highway, but he had promised Riley that he will not go alone. He wondered if a Duke’s life had sucked all freedom from him. He slept through the drive on the back seat to keep his mind wandering off.

When he reached Beaumont house, he found it oddly empty. There was no one to be seen. He had dropped a message to Savannah informing her of his arrival. But she too was nowhere to be seen.

He ringed the bell but got no response. He found the door open and peeked inside.

‘Savannah!’ he called her. Suddenly he saw Bartie running out of a room, topless and Savannah charging behind him carrying a shirt.

Drake leaped and scooped up Bartie in his arms. ‘Drakie!’ the toddler squeaked.

‘Are you harassing Mommie?’ he asked his nephew. He shook his head innocently. ‘Mommie is harassing me. I don’t want to wear that shirt.’

‘God! he is a handful!’ Savannah said, hand on her waist, panting.

‘Sorry I was giving him a bath. Please help me get him dressed.’ Savannah requested Drake. 

‘Bartie, is there any other shirt you would rather wear?’ Drake carried the toddler to his room. ‘I want to wear my Captain America t-shirt!’ he jumped down when they entered his room. He opened a drawer and pulled out a black t-shirt with Captain America shield printed on it.

‘Daddy doesn’t like when you wear a t-shirt, Bartie!’

‘Let him wear it Savannah.’ Drake turned to Bartie.

‘You know I like Captian America too!’ he said helping him in the t-shirt.

‘You are going to spoil the kid!’ Savannah chuckled. She made an angry face to Drake although she was clearly relieved that Bartie was not running around topless.

 ‘Come, I have made coffee and breakfast for you.’ she said to Drake, holding Bartie’s hand and leading them to the dining room.

‘Savannah, Why is Beaumont house so empty? Where is your staff?’ he asked following her sister to the dining room.

‘We cannot afford staff. I have a maid who comes and cleans the rooms that we use. We have closed off many rooms.’ she said walking to the dining room. She filled Drake in about the financial condition of Beaumont house. 

‘Where is Bertrand?’ Drake asked.

‘He has gone for some business. He is working hard to sustain our lives.’

‘Savannah, is there something I can do? I don’t know, but I am a Duke. I can lend you money.’ he said with a concern in his voice, taking his seat on the dining table.

‘Bertrand didn’t accept money even from Maxwell. He wants to do this on his own.’ Savannah said giving some cereal to Bartie.

‘I am sorry to see you like this. It must be hard for you.’ Drake said with concern in his eyes. He knew Savannah always wanted a life for royalty. When he found out that he is married to Bertrand, whom he never liked, he thought at least she has a life she always wanted. But instead, she is going through a hard time.  

‘No, it’s not that bad. We are happy. We have enough money to keep us going. We still are Duke and Duchess. It’s just a hard time, it will pass.’ Savannah said waving her hand, smiling. She placed a plate of bacon and eggs in front of Drake and one for herself and took her seat in front of  Drake. 

Drake didn’t say anything, but Savannah seemed to read his mind.

‘Drake, I knew what I was getting into. Bertrand told me everything about his financial condition. I didn’t marry him because he is a duke. I married him because I love him.’ Savannah smiled at him reassuringly. Her eyes moved from Drake to Bartie who had spilled half cereal on the table while trying to feed himself, she chuckled and moved to help Bartie. Drake saw a content on her face, as she wiped the toddler clean and helping him feed himself. Drake’s heart warmed looking at her. 

He wasn’t sure how to ask her about his doubts about Riley. He stared at the plate in front of him, before something came to his mind.‘Where is Maxwell, I haven’t seen him since my accident.’ 

‘He is backpacking across Western Europe. He stays out of reach for days.’ Savannah took her seat in front of him.

‘Backpacking? Maxwell? is this the same Maxwell we are talking about?’ Drake quirked an eyebrow.

‘He is searching for a story. He is a writer now.’ she chuckled seeing the surprise on Drake’s face.

‘Are you kidding me?’ Drake laughed, shaking his head. His laugh faded as a strained expression took over his feature. Savannah realized he hadn’t visited her for this. ‘By the way, what was that you wanted to talk about?’ Savannah asked him.

‘I… I am facing a hard time placing my self in my new life.’ Drake rubbed his forehead.

‘I can understand.’ Savannah said placing a hand on his, ‘So, don’t you remember anything?’

‘No. Nothing.’ he said leaning back on his chair.’ And that place! it feels like a prison.’ he covered his face with his hands.

‘What are you talking about? That’s the place you called your home!’ 

Drake took a deep breath. He was supposed to feel home in a strange estate with a strange woman who was his wife. But nothing of that place felt like home. And he couldn’t ignore the things he had heard from Madeliene and from Riley. 

‘Have you talked this with Riley? About how you feel?’ Savannah broke the silence.

‘No’ Drake looked down, trying to find words to ask her.

‘You should talk to her.’ she said, trying to read his face.

‘Savannah, about her. Do you know how was our relation?’ he asked.

‘Drake, you are the happiest couple I know. I often told you that seeing you too together, reminded me of mom and dad.’ She smiled reassuringly.

‘Savannah was Riley involved with…Liam?’ he thought it was best to ask her directly. 

‘Drake, why are you having this conversation with me? You should be talking to Riley about this.’ Savannah’s eyebrows knitted in confusion. 

‘Please, Savannah, I need to know, I…I don’t think I can trust her.’ he looked at her pleading.

‘Drake, Riley came to Cordonia as Liam’s suitor. House Beaumont had sponsored her. I first met her when you came to my apartment with her in Paris. Liam was engaged to Madeliene at that time.’ 

He remembered that Madeliene mentioned Riley was Liam’s mistress when they were engaged. He swallowed as he asked her,’Was she Liam’s … was she with Liam when we came to Paris?’

‘Drake, I don’t know much, but when I returned to court, I could see that you two were already in love.’ she said. She had no clue how she can make him believe her. Then a thought came to her. ‘Wait a minute. Please watch Bartie. I will be back in a minute.’ she said and walked out as fast as she could. She came back with the same speed, with a book with Maxwell’s picture on it.

‘Read this, It should have all your answers. ‘ she handed him the book - The Royal Romance.

‘Wha’s this?’ Drake looked at the book and turned it over to read the back.

‘It is Riley’s story. Your story. I haven’t read it yet. Just completed first few chapters. It’s difficult to get time, you know, with Bartie and taking care of the house.’ she said, picking up Bartie.

‘Thanks, I guess I should take your leave now.’ he said, holding the book in his hands.

‘Drake, Riley loves you. I know it. Don’t doubt her. Just give her a chance, okay?; Savannah said giving him a short hug. ‘Everything will fall back to its place. Just hang in there.’ 

Drake kissed her forehead before leaving for the Palace.

—-

Drake sat on the back seat of the car with the book in his lap. He read Riley’s story in Maxwell’s words through the entire ride. He read through the stories of Riley moving to Cordonia and winning hearts of people at court as well as in media in Social Season. Although not mentioned clearly, he realized that Liam was planning on proposing Riley on his coronation. If the pictures of Tariq scandal hadn’t leaked, Liam would have proposed her. 

He closed the book before reading ahead. He knew that Liam always got what he wanted. He knew that Liam would not have let her go if he had fallen for her. He feared that if he read further, he would not be able to handle the truth. He kept the book on the side. He looked outside the window, Palace was still far, he closed his eyes trying to take a nap.

Just forget about it. Maybe Savannah is right. She does love me He thought

He remembered how she took care of him in hospital. Always there for him, even though, he didn’t remember her, acted with her as if they had just met. He remembered the kiss they shared in their bedroom.

She is a strong, confident, beautiful women. If Liam was interested in her, how did she end up with me?

He sat up and took the book. He read through the next chapters where suddenly the focus had changed from Riley and Liam to Riley and him. There were mentions of Liam with Madeleine, but no mention of Riley being his mistress. He read through the anecdotes of how they fell in love while trying to find Tariq. How they slowly warmed up to each other and realized that they were in love. He smiled reading about her, he realized she was a kind-hearted, confident woman. She was completely different from the women he had met in the court. He started admiring her, he could see how he could have fallen for her.  

The book had a one-line mention of Liam breaking off his engagement with Madeleine because he realized that she was not a better person to be a Queen. Everyone had speculated why Liam hadn’t proposed Riley. But they didn’t disclose it. King Liam although announced that Riley will be the new Duchess of Valtoria. 

Drake skipped through the description of the Homecoming Ball until he noticed that an assassination attack happened that night at the palace. He read the paragraph that mentioned him taking the bullet for her. His hand went to his shoulder where the bullet had hit him. He had noticed the wound earlier but hadn’t given it much of a thought. He realized he must be in love with Riley to risk his life for her. 

He was sure by now that he was in love with her. But was she too in love with him? Why would a woman as astonishing as her, who had King Liam head over heels for her, would ever want to be with him? He was a nobody. He had nothing to offer her. Then why? Why did she marry him instead of Liam? 

He hoped to find answers to these as his car entered the Palace grounds. He closed the book and looked out of the car window at the Palace he had lived most of his life. Hopefully, King Liam will have some answers for him.

Disclaimer: The characters belong to Pixelberry.

Taglist : @agent-bossypants , @mymandrake , @writtenbycandy , @mind-reader1 , @alesana45 , @the-excelsior , @walkerisbae , @butindeed , @notoriouscs , @speedyoperarascalparty , @stopforamoment , @andy-loves-corgis , @jenp02cutie-blog , @drakelover78 , @silviasutton1989 , @annekebbphotography ,  @stopforamoment @traeumerinwitzhelden , @blackwidow2721 , @flowerpowell,  @blubutterflyy, @mrsernestsinclaire , @liamskinkyqueen ,  @idonthaveacluesoyeah,  @cleareclipsedeputyathlete, @fluffy-marshmallow-heart, @carabeth

Maxwell and his "lifework":

Drakey Drake...

Chapter 6 - Away

Book: The Royal Romance ( Drake x MC & Liam x Olivia)

Summary:  Drake decides to leave Valtoria. Olivia remembers the day she got engaged to Liam. She had waited her whole life for that moment. But it still was not what she hoped for. 

Warnings: PG. Angst.

A/N: While writing for Drake and Riley, a story for Olivia and Liam took over me. There will be Drake and Riley but also Liam and Olivia in this series. Do let me know what you feel for them.

Word Count:  ???

FaceClaim: Drake Walker - Daniel Di Tomasso

Riley Walker (Brooks) - Katrina Kaif

King Liam Rhys - Daniel Henney

Olivia Rhys (Nevrakis) - Emma Stone

Previous Chapter: Prologue – The Fight,

Chapter 1- The Accident,

Chapter 2 - Riley’s birthday

Chapter 3 - Who am I?

Chapter 4 - Homecoming

Chapter 5 - Lost (NSFW)

Riley stood in her balcony looking over the river. It was way past midnight, but she was not able to sleep. She looked over at the wooden cabin. All the lights were out, maybe he had fallen asleep. She made sure the security guards that she appointed to the cabin were awake. She held her silk robe tight as she felt a chill running through her. It was a bit cold that night. She wondered if there were any blankets at the cabin. The last time they were there it was quite warm. 

The cabin was their oasis. It was very small and humble but perfect for them. They would spend their day cooking, eating, reading books, sipping coffee or whiskey, or taking showers together, making love in the bedroom or kitchen or living room. The cabin had little to distract them from each other. They even kept their phones away. Their busy schedule didn’t allow them much time together, so they made sure that they make the most of the little time they did have.  

Riley wondered how her life turned upside down in a matter of few days. She should be preparing to welcome a new member in their family, but instead, she had still kept it a secret. Only her doctor and Hana knew about her pregnancy. She still had a month or two before everyone could notice her bump. She wanted to tell Drake but he was showing no signs of getting his memory back. And somehow he was going more and more distant.

A light flickered on in the cabin, and she saw a silhouette moving. The door of the cabin opened and he came out. She could just see a faint figure, but she could tell he was only in his boxers. He stood leaning at the railing of the patio. He took a deep breath and looked up. Riley could sense that he had seen her. He watched her standing in the balcony of the estate and then returned back in, switching off the lights. Riley decided it was time she too gets some rest.

—

The afternoon, Riley and Hana were sitting in Drake’s study, replying to emails from Drake’s laptop, answering queries from the Investors from the USA.

‘So, what happened yesterday? Drake.. is he still there?’ Hana asked Riley, they hadn’t talked about what happened at the cabin and why Drake didn’t return. Hana waited for Riley to say something, but she hadn’t mentioned him the entire day.

‘Nothing, he wants to stay there. Prefers cabin to the estate. You know how he was.’ Riley shrugged her shoulders, avoiding Hana’s eyes.

‘Riley, I almost forgot,’ Hana said,’ the driver who hit Drake’s car was arrested today. He claims Drake was speeding and he lost control of his truck.’

Riley’s heart sank, guilt again clutching her stomach. This feeling was getting a bit too familiar to her. She decided she couldn’t hide it anymore, she had to tell her. She would understand.

‘It was me, I am responsible for Drake’s accident.’ Riley said, hiding her face in her hands.

Drake’s hand froze in midair, as Riley’s words reached his ears. Instead of knocking, he stood there, determined to find out the truth about his accident.

‘What?! How can you be responsible! You are not responsible!’ Hana looked at her confused. Riley looked at her, tears threatening to fall out of her eyes.

‘I had a fight with him before he left, He was late because of me! He was speeding because of me!’ Riley said, eyes closed shut with shame, hands fisted with anger.

‘Oh Riley! It was an accident! You wouldn’t have known!’ Hana said softly and walked to her, stood by her, giving her a side hug. Riley held her tight, as she tears started rolling out.   

Drake waited a little longer, outside the study, out of their view. Finally, he knocked, with a firm determination to have the conversation he came for. 

‘Hi, How are you?’ Riley’s wiped her face seeing him at the door.

‘I will give you two some privacy’ Hana said smiling to Drake. She closed the door behind her.

‘Thanks for coming back.’ Riley stood up from the chair.

‘Actually, I just came to talk to you.’ Drake said, giving a stern look to her.

‘Sure, would you like something to drink, while we talk?’ Riley offered him to sit on the sofa.

‘No, Riley. I just want you to remove the security that you have appointed for me.’ Drake stood firm.

‘Drake, they are for your safety.’ she reasoned

‘I am not comfortable with it. I don’t need them following me everywhere I go.’  Drake tried to keep his voice soft. But Riley could see that he is annoyed.

‘Drake, You are a Duke now. It is not safe for you to move around without security.‘ She reached out to him, placing a hand on his arm.

‘I heard I didn’t have any security when I met with the accident.’ he said, eyes glaring at her,  lips tight.

‘No you didn’t. And I will not let that happen again.’ Riley pulled her hand away.

‘Look, I told you, I am not comfortable, I need you to remove the security at once.’ He said sternly, eyes fixed at her.

‘I am sorry, I can’t do that.‘ she shook her head as she said softly but firmly.

‘Riley, You can’t keep me in house arrest like this. I cannot stay here like this. I need to go.’

'Where?’ she asked, her brows knitted.

‘Do I need to tell you everything?’ he snapped. He saw her winced at his reaction. He took a deep breath.

‘I was thinking to visit Savannah at Beaumont house and then maybe live at Palace for a while.’ Drake informed her with a plain voice.

‘Drake, Can you please take the security with you? At least till you reach the palace.’ Riley almost pleaded with him. 

‘Ok. I guess it won’t hurt.’ Drake reluctantly nodded, shrugging his shoulders. 

‘Drake, I will wait for you.’ Riley held his hand in hers. Their eyes met, pain in her deep brown eyes so intense, he found himself drawn towards them. He felt an ache in his heart he couldn’t understand. You can’t trust her, his head told his heart. He gingerly removed his hand from hers and walked away, not daring to look back. 

—

Olivia was sitting in their bedroom, in front of her dresser, brushing her red hair. Her eyes fixed at her reflection, but mind far away, two years in the past. 

Two Years ago

Olivia had woke up at 5 in the morning. Actually, she didn’t sleep at all the previous night, just tossing and turning around in bed thinking about the last conversation she had with Liam.

‘Are you free tomorrow night?’ Liam had called her just after she finished her meeting with her lawyer to get her marriage with Anton annulled.

‘Yes. Why do you ask?’ Liam rarely called her. Mostly for some business for the Duchess of Lythikos.

‘Would you like to join me for dinner?’ Olivia was not sure if she heard him correctly. ‘Dinner!?’ she confirmed. 

‘I am sure you eat dinner.’ Liam chuckled. Just the sound of his laughter made her heart beat faster.

‘Yes, of course. I do… I mean I will… join you for dinner.’ she closed her eyes shut, embarrassed for behaving like a teenager unable to talk to her crush.

‘I will pick you up at 5. It’s a Date.’ he disconnected the call.

A date? A date! He said a date! Her cheeks turned red, she turned her head left and right to make sure no one noticed her blushing. 

She was just five when she lost her parents. They were killed, she couldn’t understand why. All she knew was that they were not coming back. She was left all alone in her estate, no one but her servants to take care of her. Her caretaker was a heartless lady who told her to be strong, every time she cried she would remind her, 'You are a Nevrakis! Nevrakis don’t cry!’ She learned to push her emotions away, at least in front of others. Many nobles visited her to offer condolences. She was taught to behave in a certain way in front of them, to mourn her parents’ death with stoicism. She was not allowed to play, not allowed to cry. When Liam visited Lythikos with his parents, the King and Queen, her caretaker made sure the king and queen are impressed by the mature behavior of the five-year-old duchess. Olivia had learned to play her part right, but she got confused when Liam wanted to play with her. She was supposed to mourn her parent’s death and behave stoically, not play around, not when the king was visiting. She avoided Liam even though, all she wanted to do was to play with him, to be a little girl that she was. She was able to hide her feelings in front of others, but nights were never easy. She missed the stories of warrior princess her mother used to tell her every night, while gently caressing her hair. Every night she would sneak into her parents’ room and took out a gown of her mother. She would cry till she fell asleep clutching the gown. One day, out of nowhere, she saw a boy entering the room cautiously. Olivia hurriedly wiped her tears away, fearing that he would laugh or judge her, but he didn’t say anything, just sat beside her and gently kept a hand on her shoulder. Olivia couldn’t hold back her tears anymore, she hugged him tight and wept for hours. Liam sat there with her patiently. The next morning, when she woke up on the floor of her parents’ room, Liam was gone, but he left a smile on her face. That day she smiled for the first time in months after her parents’ death. Liam somehow convinced his parents to take her with him to the Palace. 

She spent the next three years in the Palace, never leaving Liam’s side. Liam was her only friend. She, Liam and Drake would play every day. Drake didn’t like her, as she was often mean to him, but Liam would always convince him to let Olivia play with them. Drake and Olivia would fight almost every day over Liam. And soon it was her time to go back to Lythikos, to handle the affairs as a duchess. Liam called her every few days to make sure that she was alright. She would visit Palace once a year and Liam and Drake visited Lythikos once a year. These were the moments that kept her going. 

When they reached the teenage, Liam’s preferences had changed. Olivia longed for spending some time with him, but he was going more and more distant. Everyone, including her, believed that one day they will get married. Everytime someone mentioned this, it would make her blush, but Liam would laugh it off as a silly joke.

She had never been in a relationship with anyone. It killed her when she heard Liam hooking up with some girl. She would get jealous and would hook up with some random guy, only to end up feeling guilty for cheating on Liam, even though they were never in a relationship.

When she sponsored herself from her house, as Liam’s suitor for social season, she was sure she would win him. She knew him better than all other suitors combined. There was no one else who could compete with her. But somehow a commoner from America had captured his heart. She tried everything she could to throw her out of the competition, but she had a way to win against all odds, to charm everyone who met her. She saw how Liam looked at her, she knew he loved her. It broke her heart, but she decided to stay away from them. Liam got engaged to Madeliene and was in love with Riley. She had no place in his life. She made her mission to find out the person who had conspired against her and Riley. She wanted to do that more for Liam than for herself so that Liam could be with Riley again. She just wanted him to be happy even if it was with someone else. Along the way, somehow, she made friends with Riley. Yep, Olivia Nevrakis now had two friends, Liam, the love of her life and Riley, the love of his life.

But Riley was stupid enough to fall for the grumpy commoner. She actually declined Liam’s proposal for Drake. Olivia could see the pain in Liam’s eyes, and her heart ached for him. And it hurt her more knowing that she cannot do anything about it.

Now, Riley and Drake were on their honeymoon, and Liam had asked Olivia for a date! It was the most important day of her life! She tried on every dress in her wardrobe until it was empty. She could not find a single dress suitable for her first date, with Liam in the piles of clothes she had created on the floor and on her bed. She tried out hundreds of dresses in at least five boutiques of the top designers in Lythikos until she settled for a red one shoulder dress with side slit. Even after purchasing the dress, it took her the entire afternoon to get ready. She let her hair fall on her shoulder rather than tieing them up in a bun as she usually did. She went through her entire collection of accessories before finalizing a stunning diamond bracelet. She looked at her reflection in the mirror, still not completely satisfied, when Liam called her at 5 PM.

Her heart threatened to jump out of her chest as she walked down the stairs to Liam smiling in front of his car outside the Lythikos estate. The King had come himself to pick her up in a limo with around fifty security guards in several other cars and bikes. But all she could see was the man she ever loved standing in front of her. Liam was dressed in a blue and white suit, quite ordinary for the King, but still making him look like the most handsome man on earth. 

Olivia’s stomach somersaulted when Liam took her hand in his and open the car door for her. She was a little disappointed when Liam sat several seats away from her.  

‘You look beautiful today.’ he said as the cars took off.

‘Thanks’ Olivia’s voice was just a whisper. ‘You look handsome.’

‘Thanks’ Liam smiled. 

They soon arrive at Olivia’s favorite restaurant Marcellino. It was always difficult to book a table there, even when she tried booking it weeks in advance. But today, to her surprise, it was empty.

‘Why is the restaurant empty?’ 

‘Oh! I booked it for tonight’

‘The entire restaurant?’ 

‘Perks of being the King’ Liam smiled, he gently placed his hand on her back and led her to a table on the middle or restaurant. He pulled out a chair for her.

‘Are you comfortable?’ he asked politely as she sat.

‘Yes!’ Olivia smiled.

After they ordered, Olivia looked at Liam expectantly.

‘‘Olivia, I don’t know how to say this.’ Liam awkwardly cleared his throat. 

‘You have been my friend since I remember. We have been there for each other through ups and lows. You know me, understand me. I have never known any woman who is as strong, intelligent, fierce as you are. I truly believe that you can be a wonderful queen. ’

Olivia’s heart skipped a beat as she understood what he was going to say next, ‘Olivia, Will you… marry me?’

She had imagined this moment many times, but somehow it was not like she imagined it to be, there was something missing. She searched his eyes, for vulnerability, passion, love. But she could not find anything. 

‘Liam, aren’t you moving a little too fast?’ she asked him.

Liam sighed,’Olivia, you are aware of what I am going through. I need to get married to stabilize the monarchy. I have thought about this a lot, and no one else is perfect to be a queen other than you.’

‘A Queen!? Liam what about you? What do you feel about me?’ she asked as her heart ached, she knew what his answer will be, but she still was hoping.

‘You are my friend, Olivia. You know about me and Riley. I don’t think I can get involved in a romantic relationship this soon. I am a King. And I cannot let my emotions get in the way of Cordonia’s future. You are someone I can trust. I will be able to be proud of you as a Queen. I will be able to confide in you and share the responsibilities of the kingdom with you. ‘ Liam said. 

Olivia’s lips curled up as she understood, it was just a political marriage proposal for him. ‘So you are saying you want to marry me, and still stay friends?’

‘In a way, yes. I mean, of course, we will have … ‘, he paused for a moment, before awkwardly continuing, ’physical needs. And we will have to produce an heir and a spare. I have thought about that too. I think our children, a combination of you and me, will make a great King or Queen.’

He paused for her reaction, but she continued silently looking at him, her expressions unreadable.

‘If we will be honest with each other, we can make this work. And… if you… I mean, I will understand if you want an open marriage. We will just have to be discreet about it.’ Olivia moved her eyes away from him. 

‘Look, I understand, it is a lot for me to ask of you. You can say no. But please take some time to think over it.’ Liam finally said unsure of what was going on in Olivia’s mind.

‘Yes!’ she said in a whisper, looking at him. His brows knotted unsure of what he had heard.’Yes! I will marry you.’ she said with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

‘Thanks, Olivia’, Liam smiled as he pulled out a box, opening it to reveal a ring, with a solitaire the size of a rock. with two smaller rubies on either side. Olivia gave her hand in his for him to slid it in her finger.

Now

Olivia didn’t realize when Liam came inside the room, till he was standing right behind her. She looked up at his reflection in the mirror.

‘Good Evening, Your Majesty.’ she greeted him with a short smile.

‘Good Evening Olivia. How was your day?’ Liam asked, placing both his hands on her shoulder.

‘It was productive, How was yours?’ Olivia turned to look at him. Towering above her, in a blue suit, similar to one he was wearing two years ago. 

‘Well, the truck driver who hit and ran Drake was arrested today.’ Liam said unbuttoning his suit. 

‘And you bought that?’ Olivia asked standing up to face him.

‘What do you mean?’ Liam’s brows knotted.

‘I think you should get the accident investigated by a senior detective instead of some inexperienced cops.’ she said tieing up her robe.

‘Well, I guess you are right. I will ask Bastien to send some good detective.’ Liam nodded. He turned to see her going to the bar and followed her. She poured some bourbon in two crystal glasses. She handed him one and sat on a chair.

‘By the way, I am planning for a world tour. Planning to visit some countries to extend a friendly hand and maybe bring in some business. I was wondering if you can join me.’ Liam sat on a chair opposite to her.

‘I am not sure if I should,’ Olivia shook her head,’someone must stay in Cordonia to handle the affairs.’ 

Liam’s eyes searched her face, 

Liam could see that Olivia was hurting, he remembered their conversation the other day. He took a sip of the bourbon as he asked, ‘Olivia, are you not comfortable with our arrangement?’

Olivia looked down at her glass in front of her, her finger moving in a circle at the rim of the glass,‘What if I am not?’

‘Olivia, I had explained you my situation before we got engaged. You were aware of what you were getting into. You agreed to it.’ He kept his glass down and reached for her hand, but she pulled her hand away.

‘Yes, I did. But I am not comfortable anymore.’ she said looking into his eyes. The intensity of her gaze boring through his heart.

‘But why? I thought everything was working perfectly. What happened?’ he asked softly.

‘Maybe what we have is not enough.’ she sighed.

‘Olivia, is it about the sex? It was you who kept pushing me away. I thought you didn’t want sex with me.’ 

‘It’s not about sex.’ Olivia shook her head and looked away.

‘Then what is it? You know you can talk to me.’ Liam stood up, he sat down on his knees in front of her, looking into her eyes. 

‘I can’t pretend anymore. I am exhausted.’ her eyes searched his face. 

Olivia, you can take a break, you can visit Lythikos for a while if you want.

No, Liam, I don’t want to take a break.

Olivia, please tell me what you want. I will do whatever you wish.

'Fall in love with me.’ Olivia whispered.

Liam pulled his hands away. He opened his mouth to say something, but words didn’t form. Olivia’s lip curled up on one side. She shook her head and started walking away.

‘Liv!’ Liam reached out to grab her hand. He pulled her close and wrapped her in an embrace. She stood motionless in his embrace, hands on her side.   

'Liam, I want a divorce.’ she said. 

‘If that is what you want, I will give you…’ he sighed,’…a divorce.’

He held her tight for a while, feeling so comfortable around her. It made his heart ache knowing that she will soon be going away from him. He pulled away with a sigh. He looked at her, he brushed a stranded hair from her face and said, ‘Thank you for being there for me.’ Olivia raised her hand to cup his face. 'I am sorry.’ she whispered before going to bed.

Disclaimer: The characters belong to Pixelberry.

Taglist : @agent-bossypants , @mymandrake , @writtenbycandy , @mind-reader1 , @alesana45 , @the-excelsior , @walkerisbae , @butindeed , @notoriouscs , @speedyoperarascalparty , @stopforamoment , @andy-loves-corgis , @jenp02cutie-blog , @drakelover78 , @silviasutton1989 , @annekebbphotography ,  @stopforamoment @traeumerinwitzhelden , @blackwidow2721 , @flowerpowell,  @blubutterflyy, @mrsernestsinclaire , @liamskinkyqueen ,  @idonthaveacluesoyeah,  @cleareclipsedeputyathlete, @fluffy-marshmallow-heart, @carabeth

Chapter 5 - Lost

Book: The Royal Romance ( Drake x MC & Liam x Olivia)

Summary:  Riley comes home after a tiring day at Office to find Drake missing. Liam reaches palace where Olivia is waiting for him.

Warnings: Don’t read if not adult

A/N: Posting this again as original is lost (literally)

Word Count: 3750+

FaceClaim: Drake Walker - Daniel Di Tomasso

Riley Walker (Brooks) - Katrina Kaif

King Liam Rhys - Daniel Henney

Olivia Rhys (Nevrakis) - Emma Stone

Previous Chapter: Find the links in my Master List

Drake woke up as a blinding sunlight hit his eyes. Riley had opened the curtains. He immediately covered his eyes with his hand. His mouth was dry as cotton and he left like his head will explode with a throbbing headache.

‘Hey’ Riley said softly, although her soft voice was hitting him like a hammer in his head. ‘I brought you coffee and breakfast. But drink the water first.’ She sat down on the floor beside him, near his head, gently caressing his hair.  Drake removed the covers and sat up, his head in his hands. Flashes of memories of last night coming back to him.

Riley poured a glass of water and offered it to him. Drake took it silently and drank it in one go.

‘You shouldn’t be drinking. The doctor said to avoid alcohol for a few days.’ Riley said taking a seat beside him.

‘What are you? My mother?’ Drake groaned.

‘No.’ Riley said firmly but softly,’ I am your wife and I care about you. You vanished from the party last night. I looked all over for you. I was about to ask Mara to start an official search when I found you here.’

She offered him a cup of black coffee. Drake took it without a word. Riley gently wrapped a hand around his broad shoulders and other hand resting on his arm. He sipped the coffee as Riley talked to him, her voice just above a whisper ‘Its eleven already, you know that? Savannah and Liam left in the morning. Liam wanted to talk to you before he left. But I didn’t…’

Riley’s voice was muffled in his head. He couldn’t clearly listen to what she was saying. Just one word he heard clearly twice…Liam.

‘WILL. YOU. PLEASE. SHUT. THE. FUCK. UP.’ he shouted at her, jerking his shoulders away from her.

Riley’s hands froze where they were, just inches away from him. She looked at him in shock for a second. Drake had never shouted on her before this, not even they were fighting. She moved her hands away from him. She looked at him, Drake was breathing heavily, eyes shut, trying to calm his nerves. She waited for a moment, hoping for an apology maybe, then she stood up and left the room.

—

Liam reached the Palace sometime in the afternoon. He knew Olivia is waiting for him. She had checked that she was ovulating. She had texted him to be home before it is over. And even though he tried everything, he still reached late than what he had promised her. Liam went straight to their bedroom.

‘You are late, my King.’ Olivia was sitting on the bed with her leg stretched, wearing nothing but a red silk robe, it was loosely tied, barely covering her body. Liam felt a heat passing through his body looking at his wife’s curves.

‘I did the best as I could.’ Liam gulped. He loosened his tie as he watched her legs move from the bed to the floor, untieing her robe as she stood before him, her eyes glaring at him.

‘Pants off. ‘ she commanded as she walked towards him dropping the silk robe on the floor. Liam felt his pants getting tight, he hurriedly removed his tie and suit and went for his belt. But before his hands reached his belt, she slapped his hands away. She stood before him, with less than an inch between them. She looked into his eyes as her hands worked on removing his belt and unbuttoned his pants. Liam’s gaze wandered on her face and paused on her red luscious lips. He leaned in a little to kiss her, but she went down on her knees, she pulled his already hard member out and started stroking it. She took him entirely in her mouth. Liam groaned and reached to weave his hands in her red locks.

‘Hands off’ she commanded again, as she removed her mouth from him, she glared at him till he moved his hands away.‘What? I can’t even touch you?’ Liam groaned as she warm mouth enveloped him again. She didn’t answer. She worked him up till he was too hard. She abruptly pulled him out with a pop and walked towards the bed. She laid down on her back and opened her legs. Liam removed his pants and boxers and joined her. His hands reached for her thighs but she jerked them away,’ I said no touching.’ He was aching for release and was getting annoyed with her games.

He hovered above her on his fours, not touching her, only his hard length touching her at the entrance of her core. She smirked and grabbed his member and thrust inside her in one swift motion.’Oh Liv!’ Liam groaned as her warm core enveloped him. His hands ached to touch her breasts, her smooth skin, or to kiss her, but he knew that she won’t let him. He closed his eyes shut and focused himself where their bodies were fused together, he started moving his hip, pulling himself almost out and deep inside her again.

He wanted to hear her moan, hear her scream his name, but she was too silent. He opened his eyes to see her. She was looking at him, her expressions unreadable, she was biting her lip and her hands were grabbing the sheet tight. They both looked at each other, eyes trying to find something in the others, as their bodies moved in rhythm. Olivia closed her eyes shut as Liam felt her going tight against him. He closed his eyes again and kept thrusting until he found his release inside of her. He pulled himself out and moved to lie down beside her.

They both laid beside each other, a distance between them. Their eyes fixed at the ceiling, an uncomfortable silence hanging between them. Liam found himself searching for words, he always fell short of words with her, only with her. Maybe it was because of her, or it was because of the relationship they had. Liam felt her moving, he watched her walk inside the washroom, she came back with a washcloth and handed him.

Liam knew something was bothering her, but he didn’t dare ask her. He knew that she will tell him when she is ready. He cleaned himself as he watched her open the closet and pull out her underwear and slipping it on. She put on her bra and a dress.

‘Going somewhere?’ Liam asked, sitting on the bed.

‘I have planned a tea party.’ she said looking in the mirror, wiping her face clean.

‘You don’t normally plan a party, unless…’ Liam paused, ‘ unless, you have a specific purpose.’

‘I have to clean the mess you created.’ she said in a plain voice.

‘Mess?’ he asked, his eyebrows knit.

‘A rumor has stared about you and Riley. I want to kill the nip in the bud.’ she said brushing her hair.

‘You know that is not true. right?’ Liam asked.

‘It doesn’t matter. If this rumor goes out of hand, it will not be good for you or me.’

‘You are right. But how this even started? and who started it?’

‘That’s what I want to know. I have invited all the women of the court. I will try to figure it out.’ she paused for a moment to apply her lipstick. ‘But you visiting Valtoria so often and us not able to produce an heir are helping this rumor.’

‘Olivia, we are trying. We will soon produce an heir. I am hopeful.’

‘I don’t hear confidence in your voice.’ she looked at his reflection in the mirror in front of her.

‘I know it is difficult for us, with you having only one….’ he swallowed his words, ‘but it is not impossible.’

‘I don’t think me having only one ovary is the problem.’ her hand instinctively went to her side where she was stabbed by Anton with her own dagger. The wound was long healed, living only a faint scar. But the dagger had injured one of her ovaries permanently. One of the reasons they were still not able to get pregnant, as the doctor said and Liam believed.

She looked at her reflection in mirror one last time. She stood up and slipped in her red stilettos. She walked to the door, paused for a moment, and turned around to face Liam.

‘Maybe the king fucking his queen, only for an heir, only when she is ovulating is not enough.’ before Liam could react, she stormed out of the room, leaving Liam alone with his thoughts.

—

After a long and tiring day at Office, Riley and Hana returned to their estate in Valtoria. ‘Gladys, Please set the table for dinner.’ Riley instructed Gladys as she entered the estate. Gladys opened her mouth to say something, but before she could say something, Riley went to the washroom on the ground floor to freshen up, while Hana went to her room.

A few minutes later, Riley sat the dinner table, exhausted. There were so many pending issues in the office to be handled as she and Drake were not able to address them for a long time. She drank the water as a server poured her a glass. Hana joined her at the dinner table soon after. But Drake was nowhere to be seen.

‘Where is Drake? Isn’t he coming for dinner?’ She asked Gladys. Gladys was standing with her head down.

‘He has not returned from his horse ride.’ she said.

‘He went for horse riding at the time of dinner?’ Riley asked her.

‘He went shortly after you went to the office.’ Gladys informed her, her head low.

‘You mean he has not returned since noon?’ Riley stood up in an instant, she was about to yell something at Gladys but found her head spinning, a darkness spread across her eyes for a moment. She stumbled back but grabbed the table for support. Hana rushed to Riley and wrapped her hands around her to support her.

‘Have you tried calling him?’ Hana asked Gladys.

‘I tried a several times’, She said,’But he didn’t pick up the calls.’

‘I later found Drake’s mobile and …. ‘ she paused for a short second,’ this in his study.’ Gladys handed Riley Drake’s wedding ring and his mobile. She tactfully hid the fact that she had found the ring under the desk on the floor.

‘Why didn’t you tell me? You should have called me.’ Riley asked Gladys.

‘First I figured he will return soon. then I tried calling you, but you were busy in a meeting. I was told not to disturb you.’ Gladys said…

‘You think a stupid meeting is more important than this?’ she pulled her mobile out to call Mara.

‘Riley, he will return soon. Do you worry he has gotten lost? I don’t think he …’

‘Hana, what if he was attacked…’ Riley said, her voice trembling. She returned her attention to the call as Mara picked up the call.

‘Mara, Drake is missing. Call for search. Ask everyone to look for him. ‘

‘….’

‘Did you not listen? I want every guard, every maid, every one looking for him. I don’t want any excuses,’  she said rushing out of the estate.

‘Riley, wait!’ Hana stopped her before she could step out of their estate. ‘You need to rest. They will find him.’

‘I cannot sit when he could be in danger.’ she turned to Hana. Hana noticed her eyes going misty.

‘You are pregnant, Riley. You need rest.’ she whispered to her. She grabbed her hand and almost pulled her in. She led her to a sofa in their parlor and motioned her to sit there. Riley unwillingly sat down, Hana sat beside her, her hand on her knee. Riley kept checking her phone every few seconds, hoping for some news, good news. Praying desperately for him. Just ten or fifteen minutes later, Riley’s phone rang. It was Mara. She immediately received the call.

‘Mara?’ she asked impatiently.

‘We have found him, Your Grace. ‘, Mara said, ‘He is at the cabin. He is alone, cooking. Should I go in?.’ she asked.

Riley let a sigh of relief. ‘No, I will go see him.’ she instructed Mara.

—

Earlier that day

Drake went to the stable after Riley and Hana went to the office. He felt better among the horses than the pretentious nobels. He walked in the stable, admiring the magnificent animal before him. He noticed a black horse cheered seeing him. He smiled and walked to him.

‘You know me, fella?’ he patted the horse. The horse rested his face on his shoulder.

‘i guess we are friends. Sorry buddy, I am having a hard time remembering things.’ He unchained the horse and patted his back.

‘What do you say? Can you show me around?’ he asked the black horse. The horse neighed in response.

He secured a saddle on his back and mounted the horse. He cued the horse to walk. Soon he was out riding alongside the river. He took in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The snow clad mountains far, near the horizon, the glistening water flowing with a sound better than any music he had heard.

‘It sure is beautiful here.’ Drake took in a deep breath. the fresh air calmed him. Suddenly he felt his stomach churning in guilt, remembering how he behaved with Riley in the morning. He realized he had made his mind up just by listening to some ladies in court. He needed to find out the truth. He knew he can not trust anyone or anything in this place. He had enough experience to know that. There were just a few people he could really trust. Right now, there were just three names that came to his mind - Savannah, Liam, and Bestien. He decided he is going to meet them, soon.

He was galloping through the river bank when he spotted some campers. He slowed down the horse near them. The campers beamed looking at him.

‘Duke Walker! It is a pleasure to meet you!’ a man approached him beaming.

‘Hi, I gather you know me?’ Drake smiled in return.

‘Everyone knows you!’ the man smiled.

‘I am Mark’, he said and introduced Drake to his wife and friends. Drake unmounted the horse and shook hands with everyone.

‘We were worried about you when we heard about the accident. We are so happy that you are well.’ Mark said.

‘Yeah’, Drake responded feeling a little uneasy.

‘I would be honored if you can join us for some snacks’ Mark invited him.

‘Sure’ Drake found himself enjoying the attention he was getting from complete strangers.

Mark set some folding chairs for them. Drake noticed that Mark sat on a log while others sat on chairs. Marks wife offered him some cookies.

‘So when will the work on the dam start?’ Mark asked Drake.

‘Soon.’ he replied in one word as honestly, he had no clue.

‘We are excited about the project. We heard you will be donating some of your lands to this project.’ Mark asked enthusiastically.

‘That will be the right thing to do.’ Drake again answered diplomatically.

‘We come here every year for camping. We wanted to come before this place is converted to a reservoir. We will miss coming here, but the dam will bring happiness to many.’

Drake simply smiled in return.

‘Is it true that Lady Riley is against this dam?’ Mark’s wife asked.

‘Rose!’ Mark glared at her, she raised her shoulders .’I have heard a rumor, I just wanted to check.’ she said looking at Drake expectantly.

‘I never heard any such rumor.’ Drake smiled.

‘Lady Riley will never go against Sir Drake!’ Mark said sternly to Rose.

‘I am sorry Your Grace, on behalf of my wife.’ Mark apologized to Drake.

‘No, that is fine. You deserve to know the truth about the people making decisions for you.’ he said standing up.

‘Thank you for the cookies.’ he smiled at Rose. ‘ Have a good stay.’ he waved at them and mounted his horse. He turned the horse back to return to the estate.

—

‘Lady Riley is against this dam?’

Another rumor! He no longer knew what to believe and what not to believe. He directed the horse to the estate but stopped at some distance from it. He looked at the huge estate that was supposed to be his home. But it didn’t feel like home. He thought about going to the estate but he felt a strong resistance stopping him from going back there. He stood there for some time unsure of what he wants to do when the horse neighed.

‘I don’t want to go there, buddy.’ he sighed, patting the horse. ‘It doesn’t feel like home.’

As if the horse understood what he wanted, the horse started galloping in a different direction.

‘Whoa’, Drake tried to stop him, but he realized the horse was taking him to a wooden cabin in the woods. He wondered how he had missed it first as it was on a clear view from the estate. The horse stopped at the tieing post near the cabin.

‘So this is home? huh..’ Drake tied the horse at the post and walked towards the cabin.

Mr. & Mrs. Walker

he noticed a hand-carved nameplate hanging outside the cabin. He smiled admiring the cabin, it was just how he wanted his home to be. He went up the short stair to the patio. He found the cabin locked. He looked around, noticing a weird shadow in the lamp outside the door. He reached in and found a key hidden in it. He opened the cabin and went in.

It was a small cabin, with just one living room, a kitchen and a bedroom. The living room had a humble couch and a coffee table in front of a bookcase. The bookcase had some books, some aroma candles and few picture frames with pictures of him and Riley. Many paintings adored the wooden walls. The kitchen was fairly equipped and stocked. There was a small dining table, fit for two. He walked into the bedroom to find a queen bed and a single closet. There was a bathroom attached to the bedroom.

He walked back to the kitchen to see what he can cook from the things available.

—

Back to present Valtoria

Riley went to the cabin, her heart beating fast. Why was he there? Why he didn’t return? The way he was behaving with her was beyond her understanding. She was afraid she was losing.

She went into the cabin to see that the living room was empty. She walked towards the kitchen when she noticed the picture frames were lying flat on the bookcase, faced down. Her heart pained, but she kept herself focused, she needs to gain him back.

She went into the kitchen to see Drake eating by himself at the dining table.

‘Hi,’ she smiled taking a sit in front of him.

‘Hi’, he said looking at her, expressions unreadable.

‘I am sorry, I forgot to inform you, I went out for a ride, wanted to clear my head. I met up some campers, they apparently knew me. I was going to come back to the estate when I found this cabin. I noticed my name on the nameplate, so I figured I should check it out. ‘

‘I know it says Mr & Mrs. Walker.’ she emphasized on Mrs. but Drake didn’t seem to notice it.

‘Yaa…I found the key hidden in the lamp outside.’

‘Oh! how rude of me, would you like some mac and cheese.’ he said standing up, taking a plate for her.

‘Drake, did you thought for a moment that I, your wife, could be worried for you?’ she asked getting annoyed by the way Drake was taking this situation.

‘Look, I said I am sorry, I don’t have a habit of people looking out for me. I have lived my life like this, carefree.’ he shrugged his shoulders.

‘Here, keep your mobile with you. So I can reach you.’ Riley kept the mobile in front of him.

‘Oh, thanks.’ Drake took the mobile to see 15 missed calls from Gladys. He kept it in his pocket.

‘And, here is your wedding ring, Gladys found it in your study.’ she held the ring for him. Drake took it and kept it on the table. Riley looked at the ring, lips pressed. She was unable to process her own feelings.

‘Riley, I think I will stay here for a while. In the cabin. That estate is not me. This feels home.’ Drake said in a straight voice.

‘Drake, what happened? I thought you…  ‘, Riley found her voice choking. ‘I mean I understand it is difficult for you…’, she looked at him pleading, ‘believe me, no one else knows you like I do. But if you will not try to not try to come back to routine, you might not remember…’

‘I am not sure if I want to remember’ Drake blurted out.

‘What? Why?’ Riley asked him, standing up in front of him.

‘Look, yesterday was a little too overwhelming for me. I just need to be with myself for a while…’, he said not meeting her eyes, ‘I promise I will be back, soon.’

‘You can talk to me, you know, ‘ she said putting her hand on his shoulder, ‘if something is bothering you. ‘

‘I… I will’, Drake nodded. Riley’s hand dropped back.

Riley stood there unsure of what to do, what to say. How to win him back. She had thought she would return to the estate with him, holding his hand. She had thought, rather convinced herself that he must have lost his way back. She watched him shift his weight on his feet, trying to say something.

‘I wanted to say, I..  I am sorry for yelling at you in the morning.’ he said looking down, both his hands in his pocket.’I was way out of line. I guess It was my hangover. ‘

Riley looked at him, tears threating to fall out of her eyes.

‘I am not trying to justify it. I will make sure it never happens again.’ he added.

Riley silently nodded. She turned her back to him as a single tear rolled out. She walked out of the cabin, without looking back.

Disclaimer: The characters belong to Pixelberry. 

Chapter 4 - Homecoming

Book: The Royal Romance ( Drake x MC & Liam)

Summary:  Drake is back home. Savannah tells him about Bartie and Bertrand. He is getting fond of the stranger he found out he is married to. He has to convince the nobels that he still remembers them. But in the middle of all this, he hears some gossip that he cannot ignore.

Warnings: PG 15+ for language. Future Chapters will be tagged accordingly.

A/N: I am sad as TRR ended yesterday. But it has not ended for me. I will try to keep it alive in my fics. This is my first series. Please like, comment or reblog. I can use all feedbacks, positive and negative.

Word Count : 4200+

FaceClaim: Drake Walker - Daniel Di Tomasso

Riley Walker (Brooks) - Katrina Kaif

King Liam Rhys - Daniel Henney

Previous Chapter: Prologue – The Fight,

Chapter 1- The Accident,

Chapter 2 - Riley’s birthday

Chapter 3 - Who am I?

Drake tried to ignore the threat he saw on his way back. But he couldn't ignore Riley’s reaction. He was sure she saw the poster, but still, she pretended to have not seen it. He wanted to confront her but thought it best to ignore it.

Soon they arrived at their estate in Valtoria.  ‘This place is huge!’ his jaw dropped looking at the huge mansion. ‘Are you sure this is where I live?’  

‘Ofcourse! Now come, there are people waiting for us.’ Riley smiled, grabbed his hand and led him to the inside of the mansion.

‘Drakie! Drakie!’ a toddler of about four years ran towards Drake and hugged his leg as soon as he entered the hall. ‘I missed you.’ He said looking up to him.

Drake sat down on his knees, looking at the kid,’ Hi there.’ He smiled, as Bartie hugged him.

Drake looked at Riley and gestured her to ask who the kid was. His eyes followed hers and noticed Savannah trying to speak.

‘He is Bartie, Drake. Your nephew.’ Savannah said hesitantly.

Savannah’s son? He looked at her in confusion for a moment. He noticed she was looking at him apologetically. So this is the reason she left.

Drake stood up, trying to ask Savannah something when Bartie grabbed his hand, ‘Drakie, come, I will show you what Riley got me!’ he said pulling him. Drake stood frozen, looking at Savannah.

‘Bartie! Drake will come soon, first let me show you what more I have for you.’ Riley offered her hand to Bartie, who excitedly ran towards her. Riley led the toddler away, giving Savannah and Drake some time to talk.

Savannah filled Drake in with why she moved to Paris, how Maxwell Helped her with finances, how Drake and Riley found her in Paris, and that last year she got married to Bertrand. Drake listened to her story silently. He was not sure how he should react to it. Savannah assured him that she is happy with him, and led him to Bartie’s room where Riley was playing with the toddler.

As soon as Bartie saw Drake entering the room, he ran towards him and started showing his new toys and books excitedly. Drake tried to smile and show surprise to amuse the toddler, but his mind was wandering off. He never liked Bertrand, he never understood why Savannah was impressed by the Beaumont brothers. Now he was his brother in law. and Maxwell knew, he knew and didn't tell me. He knew how worried I was for her. 

Savannah saw Drake’s knuckle turning white as he was holding Bartie’s toy tightly in his hands, his eyes focused far. ‘I guess it is time Drake takes some rest.’ She said requesting Riley.

Riley kept her hand on Drake’s shoulder bringing him back to present. ‘Come I will give you the tour of the estate.’

They walked down the corridor on the second floor, towards their bedroom, Riley pointed out several doors mentioning what was there behind them, Drake walked behind her, not paying any attention to her. He almost bumped into her as she stopped abruptly in front of a door.’You look lost more ways than one.’ She said holding his arms. ‘No, I am here.’ He shook his head.

‘This is Liam’s room. We redecorated this guest room for him.’ She said pointing to the door she stopped in front of. She pulled him with her further to the other wing of the mansion, Drake again got lost in thoughts about Savannah. He felt anger boiling inside him, he felt he could kill Bertrand if he came in front of him. But she is married to him now. She said she is happy.  He thought, trying to calm himself down.

‘And this is us’ Riley said opening doors to a huge master bedroom. She smiled turning to face Drake who was still standing at the door. She again held his hand and pulled him in. Drake looked around the huge bedroom, it really was fit for a Duchess. He had seen such lavish rooms before, but one wall caught his eye. It was filled with pictures of him and Riley, taken at different places, at a beach, on the mountains, in wild. He could recognize himself but still couldn’t believe that the person who was smiling in all of the pictures, who was kissing, hugging, holding hands with Riley was really him. He never liked taking pictures. He actually hated them. Maxwell had about a hundred pictures of Drake in his mobile, where he had covered his face with his palm. But these pictures were showing a different story. Here he was happy, smiling from ear to ear, having fun with Riley, his wife.

He looked at Riley, who was looking at him biting her lip. He still didn’t know much about her but was getting fond of her. He gave her a short smile. 

‘Come, let me show you your favorite spot.’ she reached her hand out. Drake despite his instinct to ignore her, held her hand. She led him to a nearby room. It was a study, two walls completely filled with books neatly stacked on wooden racks. A large window on one wall looking at the mountains. One wall that had the door and a couch with a coffee table. In the middle of the room was a desk with one chair.

Drake ran his hand on the books. Some were of his favorite writers, some on diplomacy, courtly etiquette,  public speaking, management and some on pregnancy and parenting too. ‘Do I read all these?’ he said pointing to them.

‘This is all you.’ she said, ‘I only came here to distract you.’

Drake sat down at his desk. There was nothing on it. He opened the drawers and rummaged through the papers when something furry brushed against his hand. He reached to pull out black furry handcuffs. He realized that Riley is looking at him. He stuffed the handcuffs back in the drawer as his cheeks turned red.

‘I never imagined myself getting into such stuff’ he said shyly, rubbing the back of his neck, looking down.

'Umm… Actually… They were a gift …from me.’ Riley said blushing.

Drake looked at Riley with amazement, he tried to say something when they heard a knock.

‘Come In.’ Riley said turning towards the door.

Hana opened the door and walked in with a small box in her hands. ‘Hey, How are you Drake?’ she gave him a friendly smile.

Drake looked at her for a long moment, trying to remember her. ‘I have seen you somewhere. Were you one of Liam’s suitors? From China?’ he asked.

‘Yes, but now I am Riley’s best friend and your friend too. I live here and help you both with your duties.’ she said handing him the box.

‘This is your new phone. Your old one was destroyed in the accident. We have synched all contacts in this. We have changed your number, though, we don’t want others to bother you right now. ‘ she said as Drake kept the phone on the desk. 

She approached him and opened a drawer of the desk, she took out a small bag from it. She reached inside the bag and pulled out a ring, a wedding ring. She placed it in her palm and offered it to Drake. Drake looked at her and the ring, unsure if he really wants to wear it. Riley slowly recoiled sensing his hesitation. But Drake grabbed her wrist and took the ring and put it on his wedding finger.

‘No point denying the fact that I am married.’ He said with a smirk.

They heard a knock and turned to see Liam at the door.

‘Welcome home Duke!’ he smiled at Drake.’Are you not going to get ready for the Ball tonight.’

‘I have not told him about the Ball yet.’ Riley pressed her lips.

‘A Ball? What for?’

‘For your Homecoming! You are the Duke. You have returned home after the accident. Everyone wants to meet you.’

‘Everyone as in nobles?’ Drake frowned.

Liam laughed, ‘Nobels, Bureaucrats, and businessmen associated with you. And your King. ‘ he said pointing to himself.

Drake chuckled, shaking his head.’I keep forgetting that you are the King now. ‘

‘Thats ok.’, Liam waved his hand dismissively’ Just never forget that I am your friend first.’ 

‘So, all these people want to meet me and they have no clue about my amnesia?’

‘No, and I want it to remain a secret. I am hoping that you regain your memory soon. Till then it is better for Valtoria that we pretend everything is fine.’

‘What if I never regain my memory?’

‘I will wish that it doesn’t happen. But we will cross that bridge when it comes. Right now, we need to work on you.’

‘I am not sure how we are going to convince a bunch of people that I am a noble and I know them?’

‘You do know most of them. You just don’t know that they respect you or at least notice you now. And they will not be with you all the time. You will just have a few minutes or seconds with each of them. I am sure if I guide you, you will be able to pull it off. And your assistant John will be there to help you if you need.’

Liam sat down on the couch and pulled his mobile phone out to show Drake some pictures of the invitees to the ball. 

‘This is going to be a long session, I guess we should leave you, two gentlemen, to work.’ Riley said and gestured to Hana join her. Liam looked at Riley leave for a long moment, he didn’t realize when Drake came and sat beside him till he heard him say,’So, let’s get started.’

—

After an hour of an exhausting session of introductions of more than two dozen V.I.P.s, Drake gave up. He didn’t want to look at another picture of some stuffy noble and try to understand how he was important for Valtoria. He assured Liam that he will do his best and he will just imitate what he saw Liam do around nobles all the time. He found his way to his bedroom but hesitated at the door.  He knocked and waited for Riley to respond, but even after knocking three times, there was no reply. Maybe she is not in, he thought and slowly opened the door. The bedroom was empty. He opened a closet hoping to be his, but it had women’s dresses and accessories. He opened the second one to find some suits hanging. This should be mine. He considered wearing the comfortable white t-shirt and denim jackets which were stacked on the bottom shelf but went for the suit instead. I need to pick a suit. Which one would Liam pick? he asked himself and chose one. 

He had just removed his shirt and belt when we heard a door close. A strong smell of coconut reached his nose. He took a deep breath enjoying the intoxicating smell as he turned to look Riley coming out of the bathroom after a shower. Her hair was tied in a towel on her head and another one barely covered her dripping body. His eyes lingered on her figure as she removed the towel wrapped in her hair. Brown wet locks fell on her shoulders. Water droplets trickled down her smooth skin and vanished in the towel covering her breasts. She walked sensuously towards him. She locked her eyes with him as she wrapped her arms around him. Drake found himself leaning towards her as she pressed her lips to his. The whole world melted as their kiss turned from soft to fierce. Drake wrapped his hands around her, pulling her close. Their hands exploring each others body. An overwhelming feeling enveloped Drake. This was definitely not his first kiss, but somehow it was something he had never experienced before. No one had ever kissed him pouring their love and passion in it. 

They broke the kiss gasping for air, their chest raising and lowering. Drake looked into her dark brown eyes, big and beautiful. His eyes wandered on her face. ‘You are beautiful!’ he whispered. She smiled as her cheeks turned red. Drake realized this was the first time he saw her without her makeup. He brushed the back of his hand on her cheeks.

‘We are going to be late.’ she whispered. 

‘Oh, the ball! Yeah! we should get ready.’ Drake said as if coming out of a trans. He took a reluctant step back.

‘We can sneak out of the ball later if you want.’ she said, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

‘Are you sure? Won’t they miss the host?’ Drake said running a hand in his hair.

‘Wont be our first time.’ she smirked. Drake watched her pick a dress and walk back to the changing room. He felt a rare smile on his lips.

—

Drake has attended a lot of balls in his life. But every time, he would hit the bar, order a whiskey and sit in a corner enjoying his drink. Tonight, it was simply not possible. Every eye in the room turned to him as he and Riley entered the ballroom. Riley stood by her side for a long time as many nobles came to greet Duke Drake Walker. She would sense when Drake was getting confused about a noble. She would whisper their names or posts in his ears surreptitiously. 

‘I should mingle with the guest now.’ she said when almost everyone had greeted Drake. 

‘Yeah!’ Drake sighed. He was exhausted. The nobles that never gave him a second look came to greet him standing in a line. He shuddered at the thought that he himself had turned into one of them, pretentious, selfish and snob.

‘Duke Drake Walker without a drink! That’s something I never expected to see at a party.’ Drake turned to see Liam approaching him.

‘Frankly, I could use a drink now. But the doctor has asked me to stay away from alcohol for a few days. It will help my memory, so.’ Drake forced a smile.

‘Want to try a virgin Mojito?’ he asked but didn’t wait for an answer as he ordered a waiter to bring a virgin mojito.

‘So, Your Majesty, I hope you are enjoying our hospitality.’ Drake said and immediately shuddered.

Liam laughed, ‘You know you don’t have to be formal around me. At least not when we are alone.’  

Drake smiled.

‘Any luck remembering?’ Liam asked.

‘None yet! I have so many questions, nothing makes any sense. Savannah married to Bertrand. I married a beautiful duchess. What the hell happened in the last three years?’ Drake said picking up the glass of virgin mojito the waiter brought him. 

‘A lot!’ Liam sighed. ‘ You will learn everything soon.’ he said raising his glass.

Drake raised his. 

‘Well, see you around. There are few guests I need to meet.’ Liam pats Drake on his shoulder and walked to a group of people Drake barely knew.

—

After dodging a few more enthusiastic guests, he found himself alone. He sighed a breath of relief. He walked to the balcony to breathe some fresh air. He stood in the balcony, leaning against the railing, facing the hall. He could see almost the entire hall from here and nobody seemed to notice him there. He had spent his life in shadows and he was feeling comfortable in the shadow. He would spend entire parties observing people. He was a very good observer. His eyes roamed to the beautiful women who somehow was his wife. She was standing there with Savannah and some other nobles. Bertrand couldn’t attend the ball due to some of his prior commitments. His eyes roamed around other nobles he knew, Madeleine, Kiara, Hana chatting in one corner and Neville and Rashad discussing something in another corner. He saw Liam chatting with some businessmen he didn’t remember. A normal pretentious ball with pretentious people and pretentious food. He sighed. He was getting bored. But suddenly he noticed something he didn’t expect to see.

He noticed Liam sneaking glances at Riley. He ignored it for the first two times he noticed. But couldn’t ignore it anymore. He had known Liam since birth. If he was interested in a girl, he was the first one to know. Even before Liam told him. He noticed how Liam’s eyes sparkled every time he saw Riley. He saw Liam walk towards Riley. Riley smiled and curtsied to him. He saw them talking. His eyes fixed on them trying to get more information from their body language. But he didn’t find anything inappropriate. Just the glow on Liam’s face, that was not there before. 

No this cannot be true. I am imagining things. He said to himself turning his back to the hall, focusing on the river flowing below. Liam would never do that to me. He assured himself. He took a deep breath to clear his head. When he heard his name in a conversation.

‘Looking for Drake?‘. A woman’s voice. 

‘What? No! I was just….’ another woman, a familiar voice. He tried to remember who’s voice was that.

‘You won’t find him near Riley when Liam is around.’ the first woman said. Drake leaped behind the door to eavesdrop on their conversation.

‘What are you implying, Madeleine?’ asked the second woman.

‘You are too naïve! Kiara. Can’t you see how Liam looks at her still? He still loves her, he always has.’ Madeleine said as if stating the obvious.

‘But he is married. And so is she. I thought she loved Drake!’ Kiara asked. 

‘Oh! She can never be satisfied with one man. She was sneaking around with Drake when she was Liam’s suitor, she was sneaking around with Drake when she was Liam’s mistress, you know… when Liam was engaged to me. And now, she is still his mistress even when Liam is married to Olivia.’ Madeleine said. Drake moved a little trying to get a view of the two ladies as he listened to them hidden behind the balcony door, his hands in a tight fist, lips pressed.

‘I don’t believe it.’ Kiara said shaking her head.

‘Oh yeah! Then tell me why Liam visits Valtoria twice a month every month! He even has his own room here.’

‘That doesn’t prove anything!’ Kiara waived her hand rejecting the argument.

‘You can’t have certain proofs for such things. But there are clear signs, Tell me why Olivia is not pregnant even after one year of marriage? Why all the proposals from Valtoria get cleared right away when all other duchy’s proposals have to wait or get rejected.’

‘I always thought she would get married to Liam’ Kiara said.’ But she fell in love with Drake!’

'Or maybe, Liam thought she was not fit to be the Queen. Olivia is a much better queen than she would ever be.’

‘Do you think Drake knows?’

‘I don’t know, but I don’t think Drake can stand up to Liam even if he knew. He is under a lot of debt of Liam. ‘

—

Liam’s suitor

Liam’s mistress

You won’t find him near Riley when Liam is around.

I don’t think Drake can stand up to Liam.

Madeleine and Kiara’s conversation kept swirling around in his head. This cannot be true! Liam wouldn’t do this to me. He kept saying himself as he walked down the deserted corridor. Trying to ignore what he heard, but he couldn’t ignore what he saw. Liam was very good at hiding his emotions because of his training, but Drake could still read him like a book. There was no denying that his gaze was always searching for her. 

Drake stopped as he realized he was standing outside Liam’s room. He looked on his both sides making sure that no one was there. Everyone was at the party, this was his chance.

Before he could talk himself out of it, he turned the knob and entered Liam’s room. He closed it behind him and looked around. He opened the closet door, Liam’s many suits were hanged on the top shelf. He opened the drawers to find his ties, watches, cufflinks and other accessories. He searched the bottom shelf, to find his shoes lined neatly. There was nothing in his closet that could confirm his doubts. He closed it and walked to the study table. 

His laptop was sitting on the table. He tried to open it but it was locked. He tried a few passwords that he knew Liam used, but none of it worked. He closed the laptop and opened the drawer of the table. He found Liam’s diary. He opened it and skimmed through the pages, but it only had appointments and notes. He was about to put it back when something fell out of his diary. He bent down to pick it up. But his hands froze as he realized they were pictures of Liam and Riley.

One picture was at the beach, Riley was kissing him on his cheek. Another one of them dancing at a ball clearly lost in each other’s eyes. One more of them kissing, maybe on the Ney York street.

Drake found his heart beating fast. So everything that I heard was true. She was with Liam. Maybe she still is.

He kept the pictures back in the diary and put the diary back in the drawer. He sat on the chair, like a broken man. His hands holding the arms of the chair, head resting on the head of the chair, eyes looking up at the ceiling. Part of him wanted to deny all this, pretend he never found any of this. He trusted Liam. And knew he would never betray him. But he knew Liam, Liam could get any girl he wanted, if he liked Riley, there was no way he wouldn’t get her. There was no way she would choose him over Liam.

Does she even love me? Or she married me just to show the world a perfect picture. A picture, she and Liam could hide behind.

He opened Liam’s laptop again and entered the password: Riley. The laptop unlocked. He locked it again and placed it just as it was before.

He got out of Liam’s room and walked to his study. He flopped down on the couch. his hand in his hair, eyes searching for answers, focused at the ceiling. He found his body burning in rage. He wanted to shout, to throw everything away. His best friend betrayed him. Or maybe he knew, and couldn’t do anything about it. Maybe he watched his best friend fuck his wife in front of him.

He pushed the coffee table hard with his leg. He had to get these thoughts out of his head. NOW! He frantically searched the study for a drink until he found a whiskey bottle. He poured himself a glass and gulped it down. The burning feeling of whiskey in his throat was still soothing compared to the burn he was feeling in his body. He loosened his tie and threw it on the floor. Soon his suit, shirt, and pants joined it on the floor. He looked at his hand, the metal ring on his finger. He pulled it out and threw it at the window. The ring collided with the window and bounced back on the floor, rolling away.

He sat down, wearing his boxers, leaning against a wall with the whiskey and glass in his hands. His eyes teared with anger as he gulped down two, three or maybe five, six glasses till he realized he had emptied the entire bottle. But the thoughts still didn’t leave him. He could see Liam kissing Riley, Riley dancing with him, looking happy right in front of him. He stood up, trying to shout at the hazy figures of Riley and Liam, but the whole world started spinning around him. He took a step or two and passed out on the couch.

Disclaimer: The characters belong to Pixelberry.

Taglist : @agent-zephyrkah , @mymandrake , @writtenbycandy , @mind-reader1 , @alesana45 , @the-excelsior , @walkerisbae , @butindeed , @notoriouscs , @speedyoperarascalparty , @stopforamoment , @andy-loves-corgis , @jenp02cutie-blog , @drakelover78 , @silviasutton1989 , @annekebbphotography  ,  @stopforamoment @traeumerinwitzhelden , @blackwidow2721 , @flowerpowell

Chapter 2 - Riley’s birthday

Book: The Royal Romance ( Drake x MC)

Summary: Its Riley’s Birthday, and she have some surprises coming up. Drake getting better and soon it will be the day he wakes up.

Warnings: PG. Future Chapters will be tagged accordingly. 

A/N: My first series. Please comment. I can use all feedbacks, positive and negative. 

FaceClaim: Drake Walker - Daniel Di Tomasso 

Riley Walker (Brooks) - Katrina Kaif 

King Liam Rhys - Daniel Henney

Tag list:  @agent-zephyrkah @mymandrake @writtenbycandy @mind-reader1, @alesana45 , @the-excelsior , @walkerisbae , @butindeed , @notoriouscs , @speedyoperarascalparty , @stopforamoment , @andy-loves-corgis , @jenp02cutie-blog , @drakelover78 , @silviasutton1989 , @annekebbphotography ,  @stopforamoment

Please let me know if you want me to remove you or add you to the tag list.

Previous Chapter: Prologue – The Fight, Chapter 1- The Accident

Riley woke up with her phone constantly buzzing. Her notification was filled with birthday wishes from all over Cordonia. There were few best wishes for Drake too. She didn’t feel like replying to any of them. But one message caught her eye.

Liam had stayed the night in the estate. Riley and Drake had redesigned the largest guest room for him. The room mirrored his own room at the palace. Although it was much smaller, it had everything Liam would need. They had converted many of their guest rooms as permanent rooms for their friends, keeping their needs and style in mind. One for Savannah and Bertrand, One for Bartie, One for Maxwell, and of course one room for Hana, who lived with them at their estate. So all of their loved ones always feel welcome at their home.

After taking a shower, Riley was standing in front of her closet, wrapped in nothing but a white towel, looking through her collection of beautiful dresses. She had collected hundreds of them, but she didn’t feel like wearing any of them today. She sighed and closed her closet and opened Drake’s. On the top shelf, his suits were hanged. He didn’t like wearing suits, but still, she had got at least a dozen for him, as his life as a Duke needed him to look his best on many occasions. She brushed her fingers on the suits, trying to feel how she felt when she brushed her fingers on his arms or chest when he was wearing them. Her eyes roamed down to the lower shelf where his white t-shirts and blue denim jackets were stacked. These were his favorite outfit and he had a dozen of the same pair. She pulled out a white t-shirt, bunched in her hands, brought near her nose and took a deep breath, it really smelled like him. Her lips curled in a soft smile. She put it on along with one of her jeans. The jeans still fitted her perfectly. She ran a hand on her belly, there was no visible sign of pregnancy, none yet. 

—

She went down to the dining hall for breakfast. Hana, Savannah, and Bertrand were waiting for her at the table.

‘Hey! That’s the birthday girl.’ Hana instantly stood up to pull Riley in a warm embrace. ‘Happy Birthday, Riley. Everything will be alright. He will be alright. I wish you both, all the happiness in the world.’ She whispered in her ears.

‘Thanks, Hana’ Riley said with a sigh. She turned to Savannah.

‘Happy Birthday’, Savannah gave her a hug squeezing her gently,’ I am so glad that you came into my brother’s life. I can see He is truly happy now. I wish you a long and happy life. ’

Bertrand extended a hand for Riley to shake, but she gently pushed it away and gave him a sisterly hug. ‘Oh!’ Bertrand was startled at first but returned the hug almost immediately. ‘Well, I suppose I could give you a hug on your birthday, but don’t make it a habit.’ Riley chuckled.

‘Happy Birthday Riley’ she heard a familiar voice calling her from behind.

Riley turned around to see Gladys standing with a tray, smiling. ‘Thanks, Gladys. What is this?’

‘This is something that should cheer you up’, she said gently placing the tray in front of her. The tray had a note with a rose placed on it and a plate covered with a silver cloche. She opened the cloche to see her favorite breakfast, chocolate chip pancakes.

She opened the note. It was handwritten. 

Happy Birthday my love,

I know you are mad at me for canceling your plans. And as much as I enjoy making up to my angry wife, I am not there to do so. So just pause your anger for a while and enjoy these chocolate chip pancakes.

Missing you,

Your Busy Husband

Riley looked at Gladys with a question in her eyes.

‘His grace gave me this note last week and asked me to make this breakfast for you.’ She gave her a warm smile.

Riley felt her heart full of love. Drake always showed his love through such small gestures. She smiled as a single tear escaped her eye.

—-

They had just finished their breakfast when Gladys returned with a large bouquet and two boxes. ‘Riley, these parcels were just delivered for you.’

Riley took the bouquet and saw a card in it.

You are my weakness and my strength. With you, I am happy as I can ever be. Happy Birthday my love - Your Grumpy Marshmallow

She hurriedly opened the two boxes. The larger one had a red dress. The small box had a pearl necklace. 

‘Wow! these will look so good on you!’ Hana said with wide eyes.

‘Why don’t you try them on, Riley.’ Savannah said.

Riley changed into the dress. It was an off-shoulder dress with a slit running down her left leg from her thighs. The dress hugged her body perfectly, beautifully enhancing her curves. She put on the pearl necklace, completing her look. Drake loved red on her. She felt her cheeks turning red, imagining how Drake would have reacted seeing her in this. He wouldn’t have said much, but his eyes would have done all the talking.

‘You look lovely!’ Savannah told her as she came out of the changing room. 

‘Did he took your help shopping these?’ Riley asked her.

‘Well, he did ask for my opinion, but I would say that this was his choice.’

‘Riley, I was not supposed to tell you this till the evening, but now, as the circumstances have changed, I need to tell you. Drake had booked a table at Dvor for you two.’

Riley smiled,’ Tell them, we have changed the plans.’ 

—–

Riley reached the hospital with a cake, dressed in the red dress that Drake gifted her. She went to his room and placed the cake on a table.

‘This is a beautiful dress!’ she said and turned around to give him a complete look at her as if Drake was looking at her. ‘Your choice is getting better.’ She smiled. ‘And this necklace! It’s lovely!’ She said brushing her hands on the shining pearls.

‘By the way, I canceled the reservation at Dvor. I thought we should celebrate my birthday here.’ She said opening the cake box. She cut the cake and held it up for Drake. ‘Thanks for making me feel so loved.’ She bit a small piece on the cake. She placed the remaining piece in the box and sat beside Drake, who was still sleeping in his coma.’ I am not going to cry anymore. I know you will get well soon. I know we will be happy again. You, me and the baby.’ she said putting a hand on her stomach,

She wiped off a tear that escaped her eye. ‘I also promise you to tell you how I feel immediately. I am not going to bottle up my feelings till they erupt in an angry volcano.’ She chuckled.

She continued talking to him, holding his hands, for hours. 

—

Liam went back to the Palace after the Investors Meet. Bertrand went to the Beaumont house. Savannah stayed back with Bartie.

Riley made a routine for the next two weeks, going to the office in the morning, replying to potential Investors queries and doing other work with Hana. After lunch, she would go to see Drake. She would just sit there, talking to him, about her day or tell him how much she misses him, or about their future. Savannah joined her in the evening before the visiting hours are over.

After dinner, she would play with Bartie, giving some breather to Savannah. Riley loved taking care of Bartie. They had set up a room dedicated to Bartie for when he visits. It was filled with his favorite toys and a crib. There were a lot of storybooks. Few of them were old, the ones Drake used to read when he was a kid. It was so much fun with Bartie now as he can talk in his baby language. She loved how Bartie’s eyes lit up when she animatedly told him stories. She would put him to bed after reading a story or sometimes singing him to sleep.

As the days went by, she watched Drake getting better. His bandages going small, some wounds healed to just a scar. Colour returning to his face. Dr. Green too told her that Drake was making good progress. She was getting hopeful every day, as every passing day brought her a day closer to the day when they will pull him out of the coma. When he will be again with her.

— 

Finally, the day came when he was coming out of Coma. Riley texted Liam as soon as the doctor informed her about that. Liam canceled all his meetings for the next three days and took his private jet to Valtoria. 

Riley was so excited, she couldn’t sleep the entire night, thinking about what she would say when he finally wakes up after more than 2 weeks. Sometimes a fear would get her about some permanent damage to him, but she had decided to keep all negative thoughts away. She told herself that everything will be perfect. 

Dr. Green had predicted that the drugs will wear off around 10 AM and he would wake up any time after that. Riley reached the hospital at 9 AM. She wore the red dress and the pearl necklace Drake gifted her on her birthday. 

Savannah wanted to be there, but her baby sister canceled at the last minute. She promised to reach there as soon as she can arrange a babysitter.  Dr. Green had asked Riley to not bring visitors with her as she didn’t want Drake to feel crowded. So Hana too stayed back. 

She sat beside Drake, waiting, with his hand in hers, slowly caressing the back of his hand by her thumb. He was looking much better than the day she saw him first after the accident. He was off the ventilator today, but some of the tubes were still there.  

Liam joined her at about an hour later.

‘Hey’, he greeted her as he entered the room.

‘Hi. Good to see you again. I thought you wouldn’t be able to make it.’ Riley looked back to give him a welcoming smile.

‘There are very few people I consider family. And family comes first.’ he smiled warmly.

They waited for about two more hours when they saw Drake stirring awake. Riley called Dr. Green to inform.

‘Please don’t crowd him, he will be slight delusional when he wakes up.’she said gently as she entered the room.

Riley stood up and walked to the end of the bed at his feet. She stood there besides Liam. Dr, Green stood on the other side at the foot of the bed.

Drake slowly opened his eyes and let out a slight groan. His eye roamed around his surroundings for a while, not focusing on anything. Riley felt his gaze brushed past her. After a moment, his gaze fixed on Liam.

‘Liam!’, He gave a pained smile. ‘What happened?’

‘Drake! It is okay. You are in the hospital. You were in a car accident. ‘ Liam said slowly.

‘Oh!’ Drake said trying to sit up. ‘Please your Grace, do not try to sit up at this moment. We have kept you asleep for a while. You will need some time before you can sit.’ Dr. Green said

Drake looked at the doctor confused, but he obeyed.

‘Hey! How are you feeling?’ Riley asked  She noticed that Drake was not looking at her. She felt her heart beating fast. Is he mad at me? Does he blame me for the accident?

‘Feels like the worst hangover!’ his brows pinched. He looked at her. But there was no familiarity in his gaze. It was a cold look he was giving her. 

Riley looked at Dr. Green, ‘Don’t worry, I will give him something for that.’ Dr. went to get a medicine.

‘How did it happen? The accident?’ Drake asked Liam

‘Oh! You don’t remember? We too don’t have many details, but we found your car smashed against a tree. You had slid down the road.’ Liam said.

‘My car?’ 

‘Yes. But it doesn’t matter. What matter is that you are alright.’ Liam said wrapping his hand around Riley’s shoulders.

‘Aren’t you going to introduce me to your friend, Liam?’ Drake asked looking at Riley.

Riley looked at Drake and then at Liam with shock and confusion. Liam was as confused as she was. Dr. Green returned with the medicine. She overheard their conversation. 

‘Your Grace!’ the doctor called but got no response from Drake.

‘Ummm… Sir Drake! ‘ She called again, Drake turned towards the doctor as he heard his name.

'Do you not recognize Duchess Riley?’ the doctor asked

'No, I do not recall meeting her before.’ Drake said shaking his head.

‘Drake! Why would you say something like that? Is it because of what I said? Are you mad at me? I didn’t mean anything I said. I am sorry…’ Riley tried hard not to let emotions get better of her. 

'I have never seen you before. I know all the Duchess of Cordonia, you are not one of them.’ Drake said.

Chapter 1 - The Accident

Book: The Royal Romance ( Drake x MC)

Summary: The silly fight turned ugly. Drake was in an accident. Riley could lose everything and it is all her fault.

Warnings: PG 13+. Angsty. Future Chapters will be tagged accordingly.

A/N: My first series. Thank you all for the overwhelming responses. I hope I can live up to your expectations. Please comment. I can use all feedbacks, positive and negative. 

FaceClaim: Drake Walker - Daniel Di Tomasso

Riley Walker (Brooks) - Katrina Kaif

Tag list: @agent-zephyrkah @mymandrake @writtenbycandy @mind-reader1 , @alesana45 , @the-excelsior , @walkerisbae , @butindeed , @notoriouscs , @speedyoperarascalparty , @stopforamoment , @andy-loves-corgis , @jenp02cutie-blog , @drakelover78 , @silviasutton1989 , @annekebbphotography​

Please let me know if you want me to remove you or add you to the tag list.

Previous Chapter: Prologue

Drake was on his way to the airport, driving alone, to receive King Liam and investors from the USA when his car slid down the road and hit a tree. Liam had called Riley to inform her about the accident. Riley felt her head spinning, trying to take in what Liam just told her on the phone. Liam didn’t give her more details and although his voice was calm, she could still sense the tension hidden behind it.

Prologue - The fight

Book: The Royal Romance

Summary: Setting the mood for the series. This series happens 2 years after Drake Walker and Riley Brooks get married and settle in their Duchy Valtoria.

Pairing: Drake X Riley.    

A/N: Trying my hands on a series. Let me know what you think. Positive / Negative both feedback welcome.

Word Count: 1300+

Warnings: PG ( I guess!). Future Chapters will be tagged accordingly.

FaceClaim: Drake Walker - Daniel Di Tomasso

                    Riley Walker (Brooks) - Katrina Kaif

Tag list: @agent-zephyrkah @mymandrake @writtenbycandy

Please let me know if you want me to remove you or add you to the tag list. 

When Drake came rushing into their bedroom, he saw Riley sitting on their bed, wearing his T-shirt. Drake gave her a smile, ‘How are you, my love.’ but without waiting for her response, he opened his wardrobe looking for something suitable to wear.

‘Drake, we need to talk.’ Riley replied in a plain voice trying to hide her resentment. Drake pulled out a suit to wear, ‘Can it wait? I am really running late. I thought I would have time to take a shower. But I have barely enough time to change.’ Drake said getting out of his clothes.

'Of course, you are busy. That is all I hear lately. You don’t come for dinner, you leave early in the morning. I don’t even see you anymore.’  She said getting annoyed.

Last two months were like this, she only got glimpses of Drake. Duke Drake Walker. Drake was working hard on a project to build a dam on the river in Valtoria. This dam would solve the water problem and would provide clean electricity to Valtoria and to some parts of neighboring duchies. He was working day and night on this, almost every day, even on Sundays. He had employed several teams to handle the project, but he was the one working the most. Riley too helped him in this, although now she wanted him to drop it. 

'I know, Mrs. Walker. I really underestimated the efforts this project needs. And last week has been total chaos - arranging the Investors Meet, perfecting the presentation, making sure their stay is comfortable and arranging for their never-ending requirements for their hotel room and food preferences. You should see the list of their demands, and here I thought the nobles are picky’ Drake smirked, still not looking her in eyes, putting on his suit.

'The Project! The Investors Meet!? That’s all you care about. Even when I asked you to drop it!’

‘Since when do we care about such silly threats?’ he shrugged, not meeting Riley in her eyes.

They had received a threat note, someone dropped in their mailbox.

Mr. Walker,

Drop the idea to build a dam on the river if you love your life.

it read. 

Drake had just torn away the note addressed to him like a scrap paper. She knew that he would not have ignored it if it was for her. She can now imagine how he felt when she was in danger. She tried to ignore it at first, but things changed last week. She spent the last week with her heart in her mouth. Waiting till late for him to return, falling asleep exhausted only to wake up in a panic later to find him fast asleep beside her. Calling him or his assistant all day under different excuses to just make sure he was ok.

She tried convincing him to drop the project. But all her efforts proved to be futile. So she had stopped pestering him. But there was something else in her mind right now. 

‘You planned your Investors Meet on my birthday!’, Riley stood up, walking towards him, trying to get his attention.‘ I told you I was planning a getaway on my birthday. But you still planned the Investors Meet on the very same day’ her voice getting louder.

'Love, you know I would have planned it any other day if it was possible. These investors from the USA are our only hope. We need funds for this project. ’ he said as he put on his shoes, put on cologne, picking up his wallet and mobile, ready to leave.

'I can’t do this anymore. This is not working.’ Riley almost shouted at him.

'What do you mean? What is not working?’ Drake paused as he looked into her eyes. They were red with anger, tears forming.

'Our Marriage! I don’t think it is working anymore! ’

Drake took a step towards her, stunned by her outburst. Before he could say anything, his phone rang, it was John, his assistant. He picked up the phone, eyes locked with Riley, 'Sir, we are getting late. If we don’t leave now, we will be late to receive King Liam and investors.’

'John, you get going. I will join you at the airport. ’ Drake disconnected the call and kept his phone in his pocket and walked towards Riley, cautiously. 'Riley, please don’t say that! ’, he said in a soft whisper, ’ you know I love you. I know I haven’t been around much lately. But I promise I will make it up to you. Just give me a few more days. I can’t back out now…’

‘This is not getting over in few days, Drake. Do you remember the last time we actually talked?’ Riley said in a soft voice.

‘We talk everyday…’ Drake started but Riley cut him short,’ Not about the project or Valtoria, about us, about our future. Do you remember when we talked about us?’

No. He realized. He didn’t remember. He had drowned himself in the work so much that he almost forgot about his wife. He loved her but forgot to show that to her. Forgot to make her feel loved.

‘I… I am sorry… ‘

‘Do you remember the last time you touched me? Made love to me?’

‘I… ‘, he didn’t know what to say. ‘It was about a month ago!’ Riley said as a tear rolled down her cheek.  

Drake softly wiped her tear with his thumb, his hands cupping her cheeks, ‘I am sorry I never realized…‘ he kissed her softly, ‘I broke my promise, I should have never let this happen. Please give me few more days, we will have a getaway the way you want. Just you and me. Just a few more days….’ He pleaded.

She didn’t want to give a few more days, she wanted him now, wanted to talk, wanted to love. She was getting tired of this. She jerked his hands away, 'Do what you have to do.’, and walked out of their bedroom.

Drake sighed as he saw her walk away slamming the door. He hated leaving her like this, but he had to be somewhere else. He looked at his watch, ’Fifteen minutes to get to the airport.’

–––

After Drake went, Riley went to their bedroom, to their balcony. Her favorite place in the estate, their favorite place in the estate. She stood there for some time, thinking about their fight. This was not how she wanted it to go, she was regretting walking away from him when all she wanted was to hold him tight.

She thought about how things have changed after they got married about 2 years ago and settled in Valtoria. The place where they found their home. 

Although initially, it was difficult for Drake to accept himself being a Duke, he had taken up his duties very well. Drake really cared about the people, he even mingled with them, as a commoner. He was a commoner at heart. The title of Duke just meant that he had the opportunity now to make the life better for the common people. He was happy now, they both were. Riley was the most important thing in his life, with Valtoria coming at a close second. Liam too was surprised at the speed with which Drake took matters in his hands. No other Dukes cared so much, worked so much. Drake had finally found his life’s purpose. Riley and Hana were always there to support him. Riley was so proud of him. Everything in their life was just perfect.

But today, she was not feeling perfect. Things were changing, and she was afraid of this change. Last few days were really stressful for her. All she wanted to talk to Drake, wanted him to tell her that everything will work out, that he will always be there to support her. But instead, she found him always busy. 

The more she thought about the fight, the more she felt guilty. I should have waited a few more days, she thought. She decided that she will plan a perfect gateway after the investors meet. But first, I will apologize for being so overdramatic. What is happening to me? Why am I getting so angry? …so emotional? Are these hormones?

She snapped out of her thoughts as she realized her phone was ringing in her bedroom, she went in to pick it up, thinking Drake must have called. But she was disappointed to see Liam’s name flashing on her screen. She again felt anger boiling up inside her. Why is he making Liam call me?

'Liam! Welcome to Valtoria.’ she tried to be pleasant.

'Riley! ….umm… Drake…’ Liam’s voice was shaking. That was unusual.

’ Look, if you have called to vouch for Drake, I do not want to talk.’

'Riley! Drake was in an accident.’

Okay I know the Big Thing™ in this conversation was the “you know you’re mine” and the “you’re the only girl for me” thing but to me this is so much more important???

Like. Drake hates this kind of shit, he doesn’t like hanging out around nobles, he’s especially out of place at a tea party, but he’s doing it for her. He’ll do basically anything to help her, but he knows she’s strong and independent and doesn’t need his help- but he’s there just in case. He knows she can handle herself, but he still wants to be there to watch out for her.

Episode #1.05

"The Criminals it Deserves "

He might put sugar on his grits, but when it comes to writing a story he tells it like he sees it. No sugar coating, just truth.