A Bitter Twist

Chapter 1

Prologue

-Unknown

“Sir, it didn’t work.” Bastien says.

I rub my forehead and look up at him and snarl. “What do you mean it didn’t work?”

“I’m afraid Tariq never even stepped foot into Lady Josephine’s room. She somehow managed to block his entry.” Bastien says.

I sneer at the word lady in reference to that piece of New York trash. “If we don’t figure something out, that..woman will be the next queen. She has Liam so twisted around her finger he’ll pick her against my advice.”

Bastien nods. “I’ll do my best, sir. But we are running out of time.”

-Josie

I’m standing in the crowd watching the speeches. The crowd quiets as the King begins to talk. “The moment we’ve been waiting for all season has finally arrived. It has been my great honor to serve Cordonia these last few decades. We’ve had turmoil, but Cordonia has pulled together even during our toughest times. I couldn’t be more proud to have been Cordonia’s King. And I only now the Crown to Prince Liam because I know he’ll carry on exactly as I have. I couldn’t ask for a better successor.”

Liam smiles. “Father..”

The King smiles. “It’s true. I love your brother, but you will truly be the King that Cordonia needs. Reliable, steady, wise, just. Though you weren’t born to be my successor, it feels as though this outcome was inevitable. Liam, you are every bit the King I always hoped you’d be. Today, I pass the royal signet ring to you. Cordonia is yours, my son.” I blow Liam a kiss. He smiles when he sees it. Bertrand frowns at me.

Liam steps up to address the crowd. “Thank you all for being here tonight. This is an incredible honor and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly. I only hope that I can serve Cordonia with the same distinction that my father did.” He bows to his father and the Queen. And both hug him.

The Queen smiles. “And now the time has come. Your Prince will choose his bride.”

The King nods. “First, let us thank you all for spending the social season with us.”

The Queen nods. “And particularly for all of the young ladies, thank you for your time. I could imagine any one of you being a fitting queen for my son.”

The King says. “And now, it is time for Prince Liam to make his choice.”

Liam smiles brightly. “I choose Lady Josephine.”

I smile brightly. I know all eyes are on me. I walk over to him. “It is my honor to accept.” He slides an expensive engagement ring on my finger. I smile brightly and lean in and kiss him. The crowd applauds and cheers for us. Then Liam gets crowned king. We walk around the room and are congratulated by nobles. After a while we separate and work the room. Maxwell comes over. “I knew you could do it!”

I laugh. “Thanks.”

Hana smiles sadly. “Congratulations. I’m really happy for you two. I wish you both happiness.”

I smile. “Thank you.”

Drake comes over. “Yeah congrats..and stuff.”

I smirk. “Thank you, Drake.”

The ladies all come over and congratulate me. Madeleine offers to help plan our engagement tour. I nod. I ask Kiara to join my court as one of my ladies in waiting. And even though I don’t like Penelope I ask her too. I’ll have to contact Hana’s parents to see if I can get her back for the tour. I feel bad for the way Olivia left. So when I get a moment I’ll send her an invite to join. Maybe it will give her a chance to figure out who was blackmailing her. I return to my room. And there’s a knock on the door. I open it. It’s Bertrand. My heart flips painfully. I smile and purr. “Come to congratulate me, Your Grace?”

His eyes dilate and he shifts his stance. “Indeed.” He stalks into my room and shuts and locks the door. My heart races with excitement. He pins me against the door and kisses me soundly. I feel the entire length of his body pressing against mine. I feel his erection pressing insistently against my stomach. And my whole body feels like it’s on fire. It feels like electricity is crackling around us. But he pulls back and hoarsely says. “Congratulations, Josephine.” He goes to the door and leaves. What the fuck, man. I’m supposed to be the tease out of the two of us.

Well shit. I call for the staff to bring champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. After they drop that off I change out of my clothes and into some lingerie. I hear a soft knock at the door than can only be Liam. I let him in. He’s going to benefit from another man’s kiss. Lucky him. I smile brightly. "I was hoping you'd show up." Lies. I knew he'd have to show up. I definitely teased him in the maze earlier. But for real, I was never going to have sex outside on the grass. I certainly don't want grass on or in places it shouldn't be. And don't get me started on the bugs. Nope. I'd die a virgin first. I'm an inside gal. Beds are, however, negotiable.

He looks around and smiles. "Are you trying to romance me, my queen?"

Ew. I'm going to have to nip that. My smile fades a bit. "That's the plan. But for real, in our bedroom can we just be Josie and Liam? I mean, I’m totally open to role play. I'm down for some boss secretary sexual harassment kink."

He nods. "But you don't want to be called 'my queen'?"

I shrug. "I'd just prefer Josie."

He works his jaw. "Or is it that you'd prefer 'Josephine'?"

I twist my head to the side. "Where's that coming from?"

He sighs. "It's nothing. Nevermind."

I decide to let it drop. "Anyway, I ordered all this so we could celebrate our engagement privately. And I think you're a little overdressed for this party." I drop my robe and climb on the bed.

"Is that new?" He asks. His eyes follow my progress. He begins undressing.

I lay on my side and pat the bed. I nod. "I bought it in hopes I'd end the night engaged. But not to worry, I'll buy some fun honeymoon nighties." Just then my phone starts vibrating. I pick it up and look at the message. It's a fucking schedule for the next few weeks. I groan.

Liam laughs. "What is it?"

"Freaking Madeleine just sent me the schedule for the next few weeks. It's brutal." I say. She's a real mood killer.

I hand him my phone so he can look at the schedule. "This looks busier than mine." He says. He hands me my phone. "Someone named Michael just texted you."

I nod. "That's my brother. I'll just send him a quick message and tell him to buzz off for the night."

He laughs. "Are you two close?"

I nod. "Close enough that he doesn't stay mad at me for too long when I scare off his flavor of the week."

Liam shakes his head. "Why would you do that?"

I press my lips together. "Because they clearly aren't good enough for him. So they got to go." Liam snorts. "Besides, I'm the most important person in his life and if they can't get along with me, it isn't going to work anyway."

I take a strawberry and feed it to him. "And your mom? Are you close to her?"

I shrug. "Gisele doesn't care for labels like that. She looks out for me, for my image, and for my inheritance. But we don't talk that often. She can read me like a book and I don't like that one bit."

Liam laughs. "Isn't that a little hypocritical?"

I shrug. "Who do you think I learned it from? I like to keep my secrets and know everyone else's. Is that really so bad?"

He smiles. "No I guess not." He pops the champagne and pours a glass for each of us. "To us."

I nod and clink my glass to his. "To us."

We talk and laugh a while longer. Eventually all the strawberries are gone and the champagne too. I start to feel nice and warm from the champagne. I run my fingers over his stomach. I watch his muscles move under my touch with fascination. I lean over and kiss his stomach. I see him getting erect and I slide my hand down into his briefs and teasingly grip his length. "Josie…"

I look up. "You like that?"

I free his length from the confines of his underwear. I lick the very tip then take it in my mouth. "Oh, god. Yes.." I take him as far as I can, all the while gently raking my nail up his inner thigh. I feel his hand go into my hair and he holds my head and thrusts into my mouth. Right to the back of my throat, hitting my gag reflex. I suppress that and relax. He fucks my face and I feel myself getting turned on at the way he’s taking control. It isn’t long before I feel hot cum shooting at the back of my throat leaving me no choice but to swallow. I lick him clean and move to lay next to him. I watch him and my thoughts turn to a certain Duke. Would he criticize my oral skills? I wonder if he’d fuck my face the way Liam does. If he has the kind of stamina the younger King does. Yeah, he’s a king now. My thoughts are interrupted when he turns to me still breathing heavily. “If you let me catch my breath, I’ll return the favor.”

I smile and run my hand down his chest. “We do have all night.”

He rolls on his side and gently pushes me onto my back.“We do, don’t we?” I nod then gasp as his hand makes its way to the apex between my thighs. “No panties tonight? Good choice.” He works my clit in an agonizing slow fashion. Then he removes my nightie.

I nod. “No barriers needed.” His finger slides inside of me and begins pumping. He adjusts into a sitting position and pulls on my leg until I’m rolled into a position where he can see his finger working my core. Basically balled up with my head down and knees dangling above on either side of my face. I plant my hands on his thighs and hold myself steady. His one hand is bracing my weight using my stomach to hold me. He buries his tongue into me. My whole body shudders with pleasure. I can feel him smile at the reactions he’s pulling from me. His tongue moves from my pussy and to my ass. And he swirls it around and pushes in. I’m going to get fucked in every hole tonight apparently. Not that I mind in the least. If I can say anything about Liam, he’s a generous lover. And he eats ass and pussy like a champ. He teasingly smacks my forehead with his cock. Which is at half mast currently. I angle my head and suck on the tip until he’s fully hard again. He shifts into a kneeling position and I feel him pressing against my pussy. He slides slowly into me. I feel every delicious inch. This position is really awkward for me but he seems to like being in control. And men in general seem to enjoy bending me in awkward positions like this. It doesn’t hurt, I’m flexible. He keeps his hips still and slams me up and down his length. Slowly at first. Then he goes faster and harder. Our skin slaps loudly. And I scream out his name over and over. I feel an orgasm coming.

“That’s right, baby. Squeeze me. Fuck.” He says. He always cusses during the throes of sex.

“Oh, god, Liam. Harder I’m almost there.” And he slams me harder and faster. His fingers bite into my hips with every thrust. I picture Bertrand’s judging sneering face and it sends me over the edge. Once I come, Liam does too. We’re both breathing heavily and he’s still buried deep inside me. He looks up at the ceiling. I clear my throat. “Uh, Li..can we uh change positions here or make an adjustment? All the blood is rushing to my head.”

He chuckles and pulls on my hips until we’re in a more comfortable doggy style. The position change causes my walls to flutter around for a second time. “Better?” I give him a thumbs up. He runs his hands over my ass and thighs. Still buried inside me. His thumb glides over my bottom and circles the pucker backside. My body reacts and my pussy clenches around him. He never pulls out right away. The ‘afterschocks’ as he calls them are his favorite part of sex. The trembles from post sex and from his cock still being inside me. He has impressive stamina and recovery time. He usually recovers before he pulls out. He slaps my ass hard. Then again. I start adjusting my position to give him better access to what he wants. He pulls his cock out of me and I feel the tip pressing against my asshole. He pushes inside me almost effortlessly. I’ve been getting anal often enough that I don’t need as much preparation. “Fuck, Josie. You’re always so fucking tight.”

I smirk over my shoulder at him. “Fuck me hard, Liam.” He begins moving and it feels really good. I reach down and begin fingering myself.

He growls. “Are you touching yourself?” I nod. He changes our position so that he’s sitting and I’m bouncing on his cock and he’s watching us in the mirror across from my bed. He tucks his hand under my thighs and arranges them so that they dangle on the sides of his thighs and I’m spread wide open. In my ear he says. “As you were.” I smirk and continue. I throw my head back and let the sensations wash over me. After a while I feel myself getting close and I moan as my fingers get coated in my own release. Shortly after I feel Liam’s cock jerk in my ass and spill inside of me. As we both catching our breath he threads his fingers in my hair and kisses me roughly. Without breaking the kiss he slides his hand down my abdomen and he fingers me until I come again. “I love you.”

I nod. “Me too.” Is all I can really get out.

He chuckles. “Let’s shower and go to bed.”

I groan. “Okay, but you have to do all the work. My legs are noodles right now.”

He laughs and scoops me up and carries me into the bathroom.”Your wish is my command.” I squeal and laugh.

-Drake

I watch Liam filling his plate with breakfast. And he’s humming. Yes fucking humming. Leo watches him with amusement on his face. It’s just the three of us in a private dining room. “Did you get a good night’s sleep, little brother?”

Liam’s face flushes. “I had a good night. Sleep wasn’t really on the agenda though.”

Leo laughs heartily. “Dayum! How was it?”

I cough. “I don’t think Avery would like you talking about her like that..” But more than that. I don’t want to know.

Liam shrugs. “I doubt she’d care as long as it’s positive.”

Avery walks into the room and Liam stands up and gives her a kiss on the cheek. His face is a little reddish. “Hey, you.”

She looks at him. “Hey, you?”

Liam laughs. “Drake was just saying that I shouldn’t be talking about our sex life.”

She purses her lips. “Like bragging about how good I am?”

Liam laughs. “Yeah. And how flexible.”

She smiles. Well I should have known. As long as it’s about her and complimentary she’s fine with it. “Well I mean it’s a little insensitive to Drake’s feelings. But I'm okay with complementary commentary. Brag away.” Both mine and Liam’s faces flush beat red.

Leo ignores the comment about my feelings and looks at Liam. “How flexible are we talking?”

Liam makes her a plate. She sits down beside him and starts eating. “She was a ballerina, she can bend in ways I’ve never seen before.”

I’m intrigued despite myself. “Like pretzel girl?”

Liam shakes his head. “More bendy than her." Liam leans over and whispers something to Leo and Leo’s face gets red but also takes on an intrigued expression.

Pretzel girl was a yoga instructor that worked at the palace for a while. Everyone had a turn with her. She was bendy but not very enthusiastic. She just wanted to snag a rich man. “Who is pretzel girl?” Avery asks.

Leo shrugs. “She was a yoga instructor that worked at the palace several years ago. She was flexible but not very good in the sack.”

Avery looks confused. “How is that even possible?”

Leo shrugs. “She just wasn’t into it, and couldn’t fake it very well.”

Avery nods. “So I just found out this morning that Gisele and Michael will be arriving later today. And no one bothered to tell me until this morning, but he got shot a week or two ago and his arm is in the sling.”

I look at her. “Why didn’t they tell you?”

She shrugs. “They didn’t want to distract me from this.” She waves around. “I would have been on the first plane home. And apparently I overreact.”

Liam smiles. “I’ll let the staff know to get rooms ready for them. Will they be on the tour with us?”

Avery nods. “Yeah. Gisele is gonna want to soak up the limelight.”

Liam nods. “I’m sorry I couldn’t meet her when she came here the first time.”

Avery waves her hand dismissively. “You didn’t miss much. Just her embarrassing me.”

“What time do their flights get in? I can go get them for you.” I offer.

Avery smiles. “Three. Thanks. If you pick them up in a junker, can you snap a pic of her face? I bet it would be hysterical.”

I cough and laugh. “Is she uppity or something?”

Avery nods. “Mikey won’t care. He went undercover as a homeless guy about eight months ago. It was super gross and he smelled terrible. But it was funny because I threw food at him and yelled, ‘get a job, bum!’ And his coworkers would laugh at him. I loved messing with him, they had him stationed outside the bar.”

Leo laughs. “You're terrible. What was he investigating?”

She shrugs. “I believe he was surveilling meth dealers. It’s prevalent in that area.”

Liam smiles. “How was your meeting with Madeleine?”

Avery makes a face. “And the Queen Mother. It was alright. They tried to gang up on me. They wanted the first leg of the tour to be at Fydelia. And I put the kabosh on it. We’re going to start the tour at the Beaumonts’ estate. Then Applewood to do the traditional barn raising thing.”

Liam stiffens at the mention of the Beaumonts. Hmm, that's weird. “Are you sure you want to go to Ramsford? I mean you are going to have your own duchy.”

She nods. “They brought me here, it’s the least we can do. I’m having Madeleine coordinate with Bertrand on the kickoff engagement party. I promise it won’t be crazy like the bash they had. Madeleine promised to rein all of Maxwell’s wild ideas.” Liam relaxes and nods. So maybe he just doesn’t want something wild like the Beaumonts are known for.

Avery finishes eating her breakfast and her phone vibrates. “I have a meeting with the King Father. He wants me to sit in on a call with a foreign vendor. He asked me to read the vendor and help get the best deal possible.”

Liam nods. And she leaves the room. “They are going to run her ragged.” Leo says.

“How come you’re not on that call?” I ask.

Liam shrugs. “He wanted Josie on it.”

I nod. “Are you moving her into the Queen’s room?”

Liam nods. “Yeah, eventually. I need to have the bathtub removed and a large shower put in before that happens though.”

I make a face. “I’m sure she’ll appreciate that.”

Leo looks confused. “Why would she like that? I thought all chicks loved to take baths.”

Liam sighs. “One of her foster mothers..”

“Drowned her in a bathtub when she was like eleven.” I finish for him.

Leo rubs his chest. “Poor kid.”

Liam nods. “So, I’m just trying to make her feel comfortable. As luck would have it, her current room has a really nice walk-in shower. And I picked her room at Applewood for that reason.” Liam looks at his phone. “I have a meeting with some advisors. I’ll see you both later.”

-Josie

I’m shown into the office where the King Father is sitting. He waves me forward. I curtsy. “Your Majesty.”

He smiles. “Lady Josephine, thank you for coming.”

I smile. “I understand we’re to be talking to a fertilizer vendor? I took the liberty to check the going rates.” I pull out a file and he looks it over. “And if you look here, this is a list of the deals this company struck with all the neighboring countries.”

He looks over the figures with a critical eye. “Excellent. Lady Josephine.”

I nod. I knew it. This was a test. “Thank you, sir.”

He presses a button and a face appears on the television screen behind me. I turn to watch carefully. And the King waves to me and introduces me. He has me haggle with the vendor until we get to just a little under the price we wanted. After the call ends. The King turns to me. “That was very well done, Lady Josephine. I had my doubts about you, but you’ve really impressed me.”

I nod. “Thank you for giving me a chance. I can understand the skepticism.”

A guilty look crosses his face, but it’s quickly covered with a jovial smile. “Thank you, if you have another meeting to get to, I won’t keep you any longer.”

I nod. “I have a meeting with Madeleine. Thank you for your time, Your Majesty.” I curtsy and leave the room.

I have thirty minutes to kill before meeting with Madeleine so I go to my office. Yeah, they gave me an office already. They don't fuck around here. It’s temporary. Liam said there’s some renovations being done on the one that will be mine. He's also basically living in my room while the king and queen bedrooms get overhauled. They're supposed to be finished by the time we get back from the tour. He said the decor was outdated, but I think he's fixing the bathrooms to make me feel more comfortable. I absolutely appreciate that. I pull up the information on Hana’s parents and call them and request she return to court as a member of my ladies in waiting. It takes some convincing. But her mother eventually agrees. After I finish the call Madeleine comes in. At least this meeting will be interesting we're planning out outfits for the upcoming events and a designer is taking my measurements and making my wedding dress. We comb through racks of dresses and get them sorted and labeled. Then the designer shows up. I pick a modest long sleeve lace gown. The crazy thing is Liam and I are getting married a week after we get home from the tour. Madeleine is cold and unfriendly so we don't really shoot the shit. All business and no fun with her. No wonder Leo ran for the hills. “Well, I think you chose appropriately, Lady Josephine.”

I nod. “Thank you, Countess Madeleine.”

“How did your meeting with the King Father go?” She asks. I can tell that she’s digging to see if I messed up.

I nod. “It went well.” I open my official royal email and see about thirty meeting requests. I sigh. “Can we get a secretary to help manage my schedule?”

Madeleine nods. “Yes. I’ll start looking now.”

I nod. “Good. Please pick someone professional with a good amount of experience. If I see emojis in an email I will probably fire them.”

Madeleine laughs. “I’ll pick someone that I’d hire for myself.”

I nod. I need help, not friends. “Excellent. Now, let’s talk about what you want for yourself. I know you’re not helping me out of the goodness of your heart.”

Madeleine nods. “Astute. Very well, I’d like a position in the administration. Royal Communications Director.”

I nod. “I’ll talk to Liam and see what we can do.”

Madeleine’s surprised face is comical. “Just like that?”

I shrug. “We’re not competitors anymore, Madeleine. If you’re really interested and want to serve your country in that fashion, then I have no reason to stop you. I do recognize your value. Besides, this tour will be a good test for the job you want. If everything goes well, it would be easier to convince Liam you deserve that position you covet.”

Madeleine nods. “Well, thank you.” She examines her nails for a moment. “Do you think Duke Ramsford would be interested in a political match?” Uh, not a chance in hell. But I can’t exactly say that now, can I?

I keep my expression neutral. “He may be open to something of the sort. You’d have to ask him.”

She nods. “Now that I’m not in contention for queen, I need to examine my marital options.”

I nod. “I can see that.”

Madeleine smiles. “What would be the best approach to take?” My heart squeezes painfully.

I cannot believe this. “I would suggest a straightforward offer. Put your cards on the table.”

“Excellent. I’ll be working closely with him for this tour. I should have ample opportunity to put forth my offer.” She says primly. She picks an invisible piece of lint off her dress then says. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I really must take my leave, Lady Josephine.”

I nod and wave her off. Fuck me. Is she really going to go for Bertrand? He’s a grown man and not mine. I need to let it go. Pining for a man that didn’t choose me, when there’s a man that did, well it’s a waste of emotion. I’m marrying Liam and will be queen.. “Rethinking your life decisions, Darling?” I look up and see Liam, Michael, and Gisele.

I roll my eyes. “No. Don’t try to stir up trouble.”

Gisele shoots me a faux innocent look. “I would never.”

I roll my eyes and smile at Liam and Michael. “Hey Mikey, Liam.”

Liam smiles and walks in and kisses my cheek. “If you have a break in your schedule we could give your family a tour and then have dinner.”

I smile. “That sounds lovely.”

Liam takes us on a palace tour. He shows us the throne room, the armory, all the assorted artwork, and the old throne room. It’s cool and stone. But drafty. I plop on a throne. “So, does anyone really come down here?”

Liam shrugs. “Not really. We reserve this for ceremonies.”

I smile and wink at him. “We should totally break these chairs in..”

Liam’s face flushes. “Uh..”

Gisele smirks. “Now, Darling. You shouldn’t embarrass your fiance. At your age, you might not be able to pull in another if you lose this one.”

I roll my eyes. Michael says. “And I’d prefer to assume you’re like a nun.”

I shake my head. “Yeah, well this nun has all the fun!”

The next two weeks fly by in a blur of meetings and dinners. And I spend what free time I have making sure Gisele and Michael know how to talk to nobility. I go over etiquette and cutlery with Michael with the help of Madeleine. I can’t promise he will use the correct fork or spoon, but it’s the best we could do with so little time. But now we’re one week away from starting the tour and we’re traveling to Ramsford to finish overseeing the preparations for our engagement party.