A Bitter Twist

Chapter 2

-Bertrand

I look at the blonde sitting next to me. And my head is swimming and my ears are ringing. “You want what?”

“To propose a political alliance, through marriage. If you think about it, it makes perfect sense. Our two houses combined would make us a very powerful couple in court. I could help with your..financial issues discreetly and you could give me a higher status without needing my parents to pass away.”

Of all the things I thought Countess Madeleine wanted to discuss with me, I never in a million years would think she’d propose marriage to me. She’s been here helping plan the kick off engagement party for a week now. I clear my throat. “Perhaps you could give me your proposal in writing and I could get back to you by the end of the week?”

She leans forward and whispers in my ear while placing her hand on my thigh. “Or I could give it to you now..orally.” My mind drifts to the last day at Applewood when Josephine teased me during dinner in a similar way. My body reacts to the memory. Seeing that as a victory of sorts, Madeleine leans in and kisses me. Her kisses are much like you’d expect..passionless. There’s no earth shattering desperation. No fireworks. It's just enough to get the job done. There’s a part of my brain that tells me I should stop this. That this course of action will hurt Josephine. Then there’s the other part that says not to. I’m a single male with needs and if Madeleine wants to see to them, then perhaps, I should let her.. Besides, Josephine is King Liam’s fiance and her feelings are not my problem. It does bring me a perverse pleasure to know that this will hurt her. Like she has me. Over and over. And when Madeleine’s hand starts to undo my pants I do nothing to stop her.

When her mouth descends upon my member I watch her with veiled interest. Her head bobs up and down. “If you’re expecting me to accept your proposal you’re going to have to do better than this, Madeleine.” Her mouth quirks and her eyes dilate with sexual desire. She relaxes her jaw and takes me all the way to the back of her throat and begins humming. I run a finger along her delicate jaw and say. “Much better, my dear.” I find my release down the back of her throat. I pull out a handkerchief and clean myself off and put myself back into my pants. I hand the handkerchief to Madeleine to wipe her face. “Do you require reciprocation, Madeleine?”

She delicately dabs the corner of her mouth. “I wouldn’t say no, so long as we have the time, Your Grace.”

“The King and his fiance are not scheduled to be here for another hour. We have time.” I say. I both care and don’t care at the same time. The juxtaposed feelings are hard to deal with. Part of me cares deeply for Josephine. But the other part of me wants to punish Josephine for doing exactly as I told her I wanted. And for all the times she intentionally made me jealous. Well it’s her turn now. “Lay back.” I order Madeleine. I pull down her undergarments and push her skirt up over her hips and spread her legs. I run my finger through her folds and I see her shudder. My finger comes back moist from her arousal. I lean down to taste her. I run my tongue through her folds. I hear her strangled moans and see her with her fist in her mouth. I smile. Of course loud moans would not be befitting of someone of her status. My tongue enters her core and she squirms underneath me. I rub my thumb over her nub and my tongue darts in and out of her. Her legs move restlessly and her hips thrust up and back. And it doesn’t take long before her walls shudder and her release coats my tongue. I sit up. I reach down and hand her her undergarments. “I accept your proposal.”

She puts her undergarments back on. She tries to regain her composure but she’s still a little breathless when she says. “Thank you.”

I nod dismissively. “I’ll have the requisite jewelry given to you before the end of the week.”

Madeleine nods. “I look forward to it. I shall have the terms written up.”

I nod. "Upon which, I shall comb over them thoroughly."

Just then there's a knock on the study door. The new butler pokes his head in. "Your Grace? The royal motorcade has arrived." Josephine hired a full staff to accommodate the court. She is also paying for the entire engagement soiree being held here at Ramsford.

I nod. "Excellent. Thank you, Charles." Madeleine finger combs her hair. "Not to worry. There's not a single hair out of place, my dear."

Her face flushes with pleasure. "I look forward to more meetings with you, Your Grace."

“As do I.” I offer her my arm. "Shall we?"

Madeleine takes my proffered arm and we go out to greet the King, Lady Josephine, and their families. Maxwell is already out and waiting for us. Josephine eyes Madeleine's hand on my arm. But says nothing and her face is hard to read because she has a delighted smile on her face. But it doesn't quite reach her eyes. Once I've greeted King Liam, the King Father, the Queen Mother, Josephine, and Gisele, Josephine introduces her brother, Michael to Maxwell and I. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Michael." I put my hand out and he shakes it far more aggressively than necessary. He looks similar to his sister. Blonde hair and blue eyes. Except he's an overgrown oaf and she's a delicate flower.

"It's nice to meet you too, Your.." Michael trails off.

"Grace." Josephine supplies.

Maxwell smiles. "Why don't I show you and Gisele around? Everyone else has been here before."

Maxwell goes off with Josephine's family and staff shows the rest of the royal family to their quarters. King Liam and Josephine are escorted to their room by Madeleine and myself. The young King keeps Josephine firmly under his arm. As if to say she’s his. "Here you are, Your Majesty. I hope your stay is comfortable."

King Liam nods dismissively. "I'm certain it will be."

Josephine rolls her eyes. "Thanks. I'll see you both tomorrow at our meeting."

Madeleine nods. "Yes, we still need to decide on floral arrangements and seating for the dinner. I thought about having a nice garden brunch the next day, however there seems to be a bit of an infestation."

Liam coughs and looks a little horrified. "What do you mean?"

I pinch the bridge of my nose. "The peafowl Maxwell purchased months ago are now mature peacocks. They've taken over the garden. They are quite unruly and territorial."

Madeleine nods. “Those bloody birds are a nuisance.”

Josephine laughs. "Only Maxwell.. So what is the solution? Are we hunting down fruity birds and serving them for brunch?” Both Madeleine and myself chuckle. We’ve had a few run-ins with those feathered menaces.

Liam coughs. “My love.. That’s a little bloodthirsty.”

Josephine smirks. “What? Aren't they just colorful turkeys? How about we consider moving that party elsewhere? What is the next best option?"

Liam taps his lip. "We could have cocktails or wine out by the vineyard."

Josephine nods. "Good idea, baby. Let's do that instead of brunch. We could have signature cocktails and have a cheese board at every table along with various wines made from the vineyard..” The way she coos at him is nauseating. I barely resist the urge to roll my eyes.

Madeleine doesn't bother to hide her eye roll at their sickeningly sweet talk. “And we could have servers going around with an elegant array of finger foods.”

Josephine says. “Now we’re talking. In Napa they have a lot of standing tables and it makes it so that you can move around and still socialize since you're not in a seat.” I look at King Liam and think to myself that it’s a little alarming how on the same wavelength Josephine and Madeleine are.

Madeleine sniffs. “Now, if we can just get the King’s best man into a decent suit for these upcoming events, everything will be perfect. If Josie’s lumberjack brother can wear a decent suit, I see no reason why Drake can’t.”

Josephine snorts. “Gisele dresses him. She keeps both of us in designer clothes. Otherwise he’d be in something from a discount store. And that would embarrass her to no end. Plus, he's a detective and he has to wear suits for work. Unless he goes undercover."

I nod. “Then perhaps we should ask Gisele to dress Mr Walker as well?”

Josephine shrugs. “She could try. She’s not his adoptive mother, so guilting him won’t work like it does on Mikey.”

Liam shrugs. “I could just ask him to wear a suit.”

Josephine smiles. “Okay. We’ll try your way first. But if that doesn't work, we’ll sick Gisele on him.”

We leave their room and make our way to the wing where my room is. I hear Madeleine say. “That’s a good idea, baby.” She mimics Josephine’s tone and accent. It’s a terrible imitation but.. I roughly grab her arm and push her against the wall.

“Say it again.” She does and I kiss her roughly, her leg wraps around my waist and we’re pressed so tightly against each other. We stumble down the hall and barely manage to make it into my bedroom. I honestly should be ashamed of what happens next.. Madeleine continues her mocking, saying things she’s overheard Josephine say to Liam and I strip her of her clothes and bend her over the desk in my bedroom and I push into her from behind. I pound her ruthlessly. I feel her walls pulse around my member with her orgasm. I keep my bruising pace and when I feel myself getting close, I pull her hair and say into her ear. “Come for me again, my queen.” I feel her walls tighten around me and her moans get louder. She doesn’t even bother to muffle them right now. I find my release shortly after.

Madeleine regards me with interest before she chuckles. “That was quite intriguing. That last bit was very inspired.”

I remove my clothes and climb into my bed. “Indeed. I made an assumption. You can either get dressed and see yourself out or stay, my dear.”

She folds her dress and undergarments and places them atop a chair and climbs into the bed with me.

-Josie

I watch Bertrand guide Madeleine out of our room. His hand is at the small of her back in a proprietary fashion. Like he used to do to me. And I want to smash and destroy something. “Well that’s an interesting development, wouldn’t you say?” Liam says.

I nod. “Yeah.” I could totally make it so that fucking bitch doesn’t get her precious job.. But I’m not going to do that. I turn to him. “They are well suited.” It’s gallingly true. She’s every bit the proper Cordonian noblewoman that he’d want as a bride for the image of his house. Not some loudmouthed, shit talking girl from Queens. I push thoughts of them out of my head. I get undressed and crawl into bed. Liam climbs in next to me. I roll over into his arms and rest my head on his chest and start to drift off. I whisper. “I love you.” If I say it enough, maybe one day it will be true..

“I love you too, Josie.”

My dreams are plagued with visions of Madeleine with Bertrand, with Liam.. But mostly I see her smug face knowing she stole from me. It feels like we're trying to shove puzzle pieces together and they don't fit. No matter how many ways we turn them. The next morning I get up and get ready to meet with Bertrand and Madeleine. Liam is gone already. He had an early phone meeting. I walk down to the study. I knock and walk in. I'm not entirely prepared for what I see. I see them kissing and when they see me they pull away from each other really suddenly. I look at my phone and do my best to keep my hurt feelings off my face. My heart feels as if it's shattered and fallen to the floor. Then kicked by the unapologetic look on Bertrand's face. Fuck him. "If you two need some more time by all means don't let me get in the way. We can reschedule this meeting for later."

Madeleine's face is flushed, but she says. "Nonsense. We're all here and may as well get our work done."

Bertrand nods. "Plenty of time to finish that particular conversation later, right, my dear?" Madeleine smiles and nods. Just twist the knife you plunged into my chest.

That motherfucker. He has no idea who he's messing with. He'll pay dearly for this. I smile. But I'm silently and secretly seething through the whole meeting. Once it's finished I leave and run into Gisele of all people. She looks at me wide eyed. And she eyes the tears that won't stop running down my face. "Why don't we take a walk through the vineyard?"

I nod. We walk silently for a long while. "Why can't I just be happy with what I've got?"

She nods. "I was worried this would happen. You're far too soft hearted to deal with this lifestyle. With these people."

I drop my head and tears fall helplessly. "I knew that eventually I would have to see this, but I thought I had time."

Gisele takes my hand. "I didn't raise you to be the weak type that depends on a man for your self worth. My babygirl wouldn't shed a tear over any man. Let alone get trapped in her own web."

I nod. "How do I fix this mess?"

Gisele purses her lips. "You're going to need to kick him out of your heart. If he so callously throws you at another man, well then he never deserved his space there anyway. Liam is much better for you. He really loves you and I can tell it's real and not just you manipulating him into that feeling."

I sigh. "Really?"

"Would I lie to you, darling?" She asks innocently.

I laugh and swipe at my tears. "Yes. You absolutely would."

She sniffs mock offended. "Well. That's true. But not this time. I want you to be happy and you won't be if you continue to cling to the idea of a chance with your Duke. It's your web, darling. Kick the intruder out or end him. The choice is yours."

I smirk. "I sincerely hope that was a metaphor."

She smiles. "That's for you to interpret. My babygirl has shed enough tears in her life, no more. Take back your happiness and don't let anyone else stomp on it again."

I straighten and nod decisively. "You're right."

She nods and points at my chest. "And that other woman has nothing on you, darling. You've got beauty, brains, and a Queens don't give a shit attitude. Don't ever forget that. Nobody breaks us, we break them."

I nod. "Nobody breaks me. I break them. Then I burn their houses to the ground. And spit on the remains."

Gisele smiles. "There's my girl. Play the game and end anyone who gets in your way."

I raise a brow. "Metaphorically speaking?"

She shrugs carelessly. "That's for you to decide."

I shake my head. "Thanks for your pep talk."

She leans in and kisses my forehead. "Anytime, darling. I'll be with you every step and will protect you the best I can."

My phone starts vibrating. I see a message from Liam.
L- where are you at?
Me- in the vineyard with Gisele.
L- good. I couldn't find you and I got worried.
Me- silly man. I love you.
L- I love you too.

Gisele reads over my shoulder. "He knows, doesn't he? That your feelings are split."

No he couldn't possibly.. "No. How could he? And still love me?"

Gisele shrugs. "Love is complex. We can't possibly understand the depths of something like that." I feel myself softening towards Liam. He really is too good for this world and for me. "No one is too good for you, darling. It's the other way around."

I glare at her. "Quit doing that!"

She laughs. "Never!"

-Drake

I'm at the boutique at Ramsford and I step out of the dressing room to see a multitude of people. Liam, Avery, Madeleine, Gisele, and Michael. My irritation is ratcheting upwards. "How's this one?" I growl out.

Gisele says. "Oh, he's a surly one isn't he?"

Avery laughs. "Oh, yes. Sir Grumps Alot is quite the krabby patty."

I roll my eyes. "Just tell me we're almost done."

Gisele circles me and runs her hand down my arm and nods her approval. I'm starting to feel like cattle at the fair. She's picked out all the suits I've tried on. And the tuxedos we're all wearing at the wedding. "It's acceptable." Madeleine says.

Avery nods. "Yes. The colors are very complimentary for your skin tone."

Ugh. Thank God. I never knew she could be so damn particular about fashion. Gisele nods. "This is the last piece we needed for you, Mr Walker. Thank you for your patience."

I nod. "Yeah, yeah. Can I take it off now?" I've been trying on suits for hours now and they've picked a different one for each event. They've made Avery's brother get fitted too since he's walking her down the aisle. Also Leo and Maxwell are Liam's other groomsmen. Every person in the wedding will be in matching attire. The girls, Hana, Madeleine, and Kiara will be getting their bridesmaids dresses from a designer in Paris. Avery apparently has it all picked out already. The team up between her and Madeleine is very efficient. They've planned everything out to letter all the way up to the wedding and honeymoon. It's crazy.

Liam claps my shoulder."Yeah. Go change. We should go get drinks, just us guys. We can take everyone in the limo."

Avery smiles. "That sounds great! Have a good time!" Out of the corner of my eye I see him lean down and kiss her.

After I change we get in the car and head to the nearest bar. Liam, Maxwell, Michael, and myself. Bertrand declined to join us. Once we get to the bar we grab a booth and order drinks. I look at Maxwell. "What's going on with your brother and Madeleine? They've been…cozy lately?" I shudder at the thought of anyone being cozy with her.

Liam nods. "Yes. Seems like it came out of nowhere."

Maxwell shrugs and he looks just as horrified as I feel. "He doesn't tell me anything."

"What's wrong with this Madeleine chick? None of you seem to like her." Michael asks.

I cough. "She was engaged to Liam's brother and then when he abdicated she became a suitor for Liam. And she was a top contender."

Liam shakes his head."She was never an option. Not after how she treated Leo. And all her ladies in waiting. None of them wanted to even come back to court after that tour." Liam smiles at Avery's brother. "So tell us. What was Josie like growing up?"

Michael shrugs. "She was like a stray cat. Skittish, untrusting, and likely to strike if you got too close. She wasn't a bad kid. Just distant and she only cared about ballet." His face takes on a wistful look. "I used to walk her to the community center after school but before practice. She was so exceptionally talented even when she was only six."

I nod. "Did you see many of her performances when she was in the troupe?"

Michael nods. "Yeah. She was pure magic on stage. She could just light it up. You knew you were seeing a star. You should've seen some of her ice skating performances too. It's a shame the way her career ended. She was ready to retire but way too stubborn to admit it. The fall really did a number on her confidence. But it forced her hand. She came back home to lick her wounds. And to throw that attitude of hers at anyone who looked at her wrong."

"You two must be really close. She always talked about you during the season." Maxwell says.

Michael nods. "I saved her. I gave her CPR after Evelyn killed her. I'll never forget her cold lifeless body. It still haunts me to this day. I cried, man. She said she saw her parents. That was the first thing she said when she came back. And after that she was like my shadow. She followed me everywhere and I already really adored her. She was precocious. And we look like siblings. It's a dumb kid thing. But it was like I saw her once and just knew that that was my little sister."

I look at him curiously. "Who is Evelyn?"

Liam says. "Evelyn Church. She's the one that drowned her in the bathtub."

Maxwell nods. "I didn't know that. She always just called her the Church Lady."

Michael nods. "It's a system thing. We all talk like that. We spread the word about who's a hitter or god forbid a molester. Or who doesn't feed you regularly. Nobody looks out for foster kids except other foster kids. The Church Lady was one of the strictest fosters we've ever had. They placed us with them because we were basically really good kids. I mean Jojo was basically an angel. Straight A's. Ballet prodigy. She was focused on her goals. I was into sports and had good grades too. But that doesn't matter and it never matters to abusers. Good or bad they're gonna hit you regardless."

Liam nods. "She has said basically the same thing a time or two. She also mentioned how difficult it was to face her when she was called to testify."

Michael nods. "She shook like one of those little Chihuahuas for months after the incident. But when push came to shove she was brave. I had to testify too. Their family harassed us quite a bit after the trial. Gisele had our names legally changed to her maiden name, Avery. Once our names changed and we moved to Manhattan for a while they eventually stopped trying to contact us. She got revenge. Jo burned their house down to nothing but ashes. She's not a delicate flower. She's strong and will burn anyone who tries to get in her way."

Liam straightens. I smirk. "Second thoughts about marrying a little firebug?"

Michael laughs. "Believe me, I know she's a pain in the ass. Deep, deep down she's a good person who was dealt a shitty hand in life. She protects herself first above all else. That's a product of being in the system for so long. But I could understand hesitation in putting a crown on her already big head."

Liam shakes his head. "Not second thoughts. More of an epiphany. I'm going to give her Valtoria. It seems far more appropriate. She's more of a phoenix than a rabbit. The other duchy's sigil was a hare."

Just then a gorgeous top heavy brunette stumbles over. "Oh my God! Are you Chris Hemsworth?"

Michael shakes his head. "No. But I could pretend to be him for one night."

The girl smiles and drags him out of the booth. We watch them dance on the dancefloor. Maxwell smiles and finger guns us and heads out there too. A petite redhead approaches him and they start dancing. "Avery told you quite a bit about her childhood.."

Liam nods. "We do talk sometimes."

I nod. "Well, I hope you two are happy."

Liam smiles. "We are. Thank you for that. I know that the way things ended between us was abrupt and it wasn't easy on you and it wasn't what you wanted. I appreciate that, even after all the things that happened in the past, that you're still my friend."

I roll my eyes. "Don't be getting sappy on me. I'm going to find a friend for the evening, are you going to hit the dance floor?"

Liam laughs and shakes his head. "No. I've got my beautiful fiance back there waiting for me. You guys have fun."