A Bitter Twist

Chapter 6

-Drake

I down the rest of my whiskey and look around this smokey bar. I just need a distraction for tonight. I spent the whole damn day with Avery’s annoyingly chipper brother, Michael. Trying not to watch Liam and Avery together and trying even harder not to watch Hana with Madeleine. Avery and Liam openly touch and kiss and seeing it is uncomfortable. It’s not outright painful anymore. Hana discreetly flirting with Madeleine, now that hurts a bit. Despite his affable nature, Michael is every bit as intuitive as Avery and Gisele. The way the three of them can see past bullshit is alarming. He made a few uncomfortable comments. A throat clearing behind me pulls me out of my thoughts. I look over my shoulder. “Is anyone sitting here?” I look at the refined man clearly wealthy or a noble. He’s attractive and fit.

I kick the stool out. “You are.”

The man’s face flushes. “Much appreciated, sir. May I buy you a drink?”

I chew my lip and I have an idea where this is going tonight. “Sure.”

And two hours and several drinks later I’m balls deep in that man pounding his ass in the bathroom. He grunts and moans with every thrust. He braces himself against the sink with one hand and he works his own cock with the other while my cock shuttles in and out of him. Eventually he finds his release. He shoots cum onto the dirty bathroom floor. I pick up my pace and eventually my cock jerks and shoots cum into him. I pull out and toss the condom in the trash. I put my clothes back in order and look at him. “I never caught your name.”

He clears his throat. “It’s for the best that way as this can only be a one time thing, sir. Thank you for tonight.”

I nod and leave the bar and head back to the manor.

-Bertrand

I sit across from Josephine and King Liam as they flip through dossiers provided by Madeleine. Josephine grabs one and tosses it to the side. “I’m not introducing any octogenarians as potential marriage matches to any of my ladies in waiting.”

King Liam shrugs. “You could introduce him to Gisele. He seems to be her target demographic.”

Josephine perks up. She gets up and grabs the discarded paper. “You have some of the best ideas, baby.” I cringe every time she calls him baby or coos at him like that. It’s quite disgusting.

Madeleine smirks. “I realize his age makes him undesirable, however Duke Rosario has no heirs and is unmarried.”

Josephine nods. “Because?”

Madeleine shrugs. “It’s not my place to speculate.”

Josephine smirks. “Sounds like you have some hot goss. Spill that tea, girl!” Madeleine leans forward and opens her mouth to say something.

King Liam clears his throat. “Maybe you two can share gossip later. We should focus on the task at hand.”

Madeleine shrugs. “We are capable of multitasking.” King Liam raises a brow.

Josephine pouts. “I suppose we can gossip later then. Pencil a gossip sesh in for later, Madeleine.”

Madeleine smirks. “Sure. I’ll get right on that.” I won't lie, it's completely unnerving how well they get along when they aren't competing for the same man. Part of me wishes they didn't. Then maybe I wouldn't constantly make comparisons.

Josephine sighs and picks up a new dossier and reads it thoroughly. “What about this guy for Kiara?” Josephine hands it to Madeleine who looks it over. “Rashad. Heir to the Domvallier duchy. Kiara’s smart and ambitious, I think she’d pair well with a businessman. Seems like they both share drive and passion even if their paths are different.”

Madeleine smiles. “It may upset your brother, since he’s seemingly interested in her. But it does sound like a decent pairing.”

Josephine shrugs. “He’d never leave New York permanently for a woman, let alone leave his job. So his interest in Kiara is moot and shouldn’t really pertain to finding a match for her. She was warned that he was a player.”

Madeleine raises her brows. “And yet you did.. Left New York for a man.”

Josephine smiles brightly at King Liam. “Who wouldn't for this face?" She playfully grabs his chin. He laughs and bats her hand away from his face. "But honestly, I barely lived there. I spent more time abroad than I did there. I never even bothered to keep an apartment. I just crashed on Mikey’s couch when I was home. That only sucked when he had that mangy dog. I know the dog was an officer of sorts but I don’t think he should’ve gotten first dibs on the couch. And believe me I put up a fight, but the dog was always bigger than me and just shoved me off. He was an asshole.”

Liam smirks. “Where did you sleep if the dog stole the couch?”

Josephine makes a face. “On the expensive cushy dog bed I bought for that mongrel. Ungrateful beast.” I snort and try not to laugh. Liam chuckles.

Madeleine makes a face. “Agreed. I can’t see the purpose of keeping those beasts in the house.”

Josephine nods. “I know. They’re messy and they stink. And don't get me started on cats. They’re pains too.”

Madeleine smirks and looks at the next page. “What about Lord Neville Vancoeur for Hana? His father is the Earl of Cormery Isle.”

I look over Madeleine’s shoulder at the paper she’s glancing at. “It couldn’t hurt to introduce them.” I say thoughtfully. I’ve met him once and I’m certain that Josephine would not like him for Hana. She’s very fond and protective of Hana.

Josephine looks at the dossier on him. “Well he meets the criteria that her parents have demanded.”

King Liam nods. “What about this guy for Penelope?”

He hands Josephine a paper. She peruses it. “I just don’t know. He’s a second son and Emmeline made it very clear that Penelope should only be introduced to men worthy of her status. Penelope is a tough nut to figure out. She wants someone hot and nice. I need to find someone that won’t belittle her for her poodle obsession to keep her father happy. But also has a high enough status that would please her mother. We need to keep her parents on our good side. If we don’t find her a match that treats her well and is of a high enough social status, then they may turn on us.”

Madeleine nods. “You want to keep the Duke and Duchess of Portvira on your side. And Duke Landon is very protective of his daughter.”

It boggles my mind how quickly Josephine is sliding into her role as future queen. She taps her lip then says. “I think with Penelope, I need to meet any potential suitors personally and decide if they meet the criteria before I bother to introduce them to Penelope. Or her parents.”

Madeleine nods. “That’s probably ideal. If you influence her into an unfavorable match, or one that makes her unhappy, you could lose both her parents’ support.”

Josephine nods. “I know. Juggling all their expectations is going to be quite difficult.”

King Liam smiles at her. “I have faith you can handle it.”

Josephine smiles. “Well, if that’s everything, we should call an end to this meeting. I’m meeting with the Queen Mother and Gisele for brunch before the picnic.”

Madeleine nods. “Yes, and I’m scheduled to meet up with my mother.”

Josephine smiles. "You two should join us. Adelaide is a freaking delight."

Madeleine snorts. "Perhaps to you she is. I wouldn't want to impose. Mother doesn't get along with the Queen Mother."

Josephine laughs. "Even better. Brunch and a show!"

Madeleine smirks. "Very well. I'll meet you there." Josephine nods.

We all stand up to leave. King Liam holds his hand up. “Duke Ramsford? A word in private before you leave?”

I nod even though I feel unease roll through me. Josephine looks at the King questioningly but says nothing. She kisses his cheek and leaves. Madeleine gathers some papers and leaves too. He waves me into an office off the living part of their quarters. He sits at his desk. “You wished to speak with me, Your Majesty?”

“I know.” He says simply.

I raise a brow. “What is it exactly that you know?”

The King leans forward. “I know you have feelings for Josie. I know she has them for you. So let’s not dance around the subject merely to avoid an uncomfortable conversation.”

I work my jaw. “Very well. What’s your point?”

“I’d like to know if you got engaged to Madeleine solely to hurt Josie. If you did it to benefit your house, I could understand that. But intentionally hurting her? Well that’s unacceptable.” He says.

I press my lips together. I entertained the initial idea of the relationship for the purpose of intentionally hurting her and I definitely flaunted said relationship to cause her pain or to induce jealousy. However, I didn’t accept Madeleine’s offer because of Josephine. “I got engaged to Madeleine because it benefits my house, which as you know is barely staying afloat. And because I do enjoy her..company. Whatever feelings I may or may not have, I am committed to my engagement to Madeleine. My intent is not to cause Josephine pain.”

King Liam nods. “See that it stays that way. That’ll be all, Your Grace.”

I look at him. “I’m surprised you didn’t warn me to stay away or something of the sort..”

King Liam shrugs. “She can spend her time however she likes and with whoever. I don’t own her. If she wants you as a friend I have no business stopping that. I trust her.” That’s probably an err in judgment. “So long as you’re not intentionally hurting her, I don’t care if you two are friends. She has been hurt enough in her life, and if you really do care about her, you wouldn't intentionally add yourself to the long list of her abusers.” My chest squeezes uncomfortably.

I nod and stand up and bow. “Good day, Your Majesty.” I leave his office.

-Drake

“Jo wants us to try and figure out the angle of those pictures. I searched that room top to bottom and I didn’t see any way to take those pictures from inside the room. So it has to be outside. I got a camera to try and set up those shots.” Michael informs us.

“What do you want me to do?” Hana asks.

“You’re on distraction duty.” Michael says.

Maxwell raises his hand. “What about me?”

Michael nods. “You get to pretend to be Jo or Liam.” He tosses him the key to the room. “When the time is right, sneak into the manor and go wait in the room. Try to be in the same area where the picture was taken. Text me when you're in position."

I nod. “And what about me?”

Michael nods. “You’re with me. We need to try and line up the shot.”

I chew my lip. “What exactly will that tell us?”

Michael nods. “That’s a good question. It will tell us the lengths this person went to get these pictures. They were taken in the middle of the night. And security would have been patrolling the grounds. The fact that no one saw this person every night for three weeks is concerning.”

I nod. “You think someone in the king’s guard was helping them?”

Michael nods. “I do. Now let’s get this picnic over with. I don’t know how Jo did this for months. I’m already ready to go home and get back to work.”

The four of us leave to go to the picnic. Hana goes to stand and talk with the other ladies. I look around from the fringes. I see Avery talking to the ladies and she’s making some animated gestures with her hands. And they’re all laughing over whatever she’s telling them. Then Liam and a group of men join the Ladies and it appears that introductions are being made. My stomach twists when I see a familiar face. The anonymous bathroom hookup from last night is being introduced to the ladies. Well shit. I mill around making small talk. God, I hate this. Eventually, Michael comes over. “Showtime. Maxwell is in position.” We walk over to Hana who is talking to Kiara.

I whisper to her. “Hana, now might be a good time…” Hana nods.

“Please excuse me, Lady Kiara. I must go talk to Lady Josephine.” Hana says before heading off in that direction.

Kiara looks at me. “Drake, I’m surprised to see you here.”

I shrug. “I try to support Liam and Avery when I can.”

Kiara smiles politely. “You’ve always been such a good friend to him. And now to Lady Josephine. That’s something I always like about you. It’s such a shame what happened to your sister.”

Michael leans in and asks. “What happened to his sister?”

Kiara sighs. “I don’t really know. I just know that she was very curious about the world.. She always wanted to know about the places I’d traveled to. And she was coming along so well in her French lessons, and I was surpr-”

“French lessons? Savannah didn’t speak French.” I interrupt her.

Michael rolls his eyes. “Lessons do not equate speaking fluent French.” I glare at him.

Kiara nods. “I was teaching her before–”

Just then we hear. “Lady Josephine, I challenge you to a dance off!” Shit not now.

“Oh you want to challenge me? The dancing queen from Queens? It's so on!” We hear Avery say. “Gather round folks! It’s about to go down!” I wince as she bellows out her words. She is so loud sometimes..

Michael leans in and whispers to me. “That’s our cue. We need to go now.”

“Wait, I need to talk to Kiar-” I start.

“It can wait. We have to go now while no one is watching.” Michael says.

We slip away and head to the side of the manor that Avery’s window was on. I look around. “Do you know which window it was?”

Michael nods and points. “That one there. It’s the second window to the right side.” He pulls out a camera and starts looking into the third floor window. I hold the picture up for him to compare. “The angle isn’t right.”

I nod. “Let’s try standing over there to see if that is a better view.” I point to a tree that is surrounded by bushes.

“Closer, I can see right into the room from here, but the angle is still not quite right..” He looks up at the tree. “Hmm.”

I chew my lip. “They must have climbed the tree..”

Michael nods. “My thoughts exactly. Rock, paper, scissors?”

I roll my eyes. “It’s your sister.”

He presses his lips together. “It’s your best friend slash former lover.”

I roll my eyes. “Fine.” I throw a rock and he throws paper. I grumble. “Best two out of three?” He rolls his eyes and beats me two more times. “Should’ve picked something else. You probably cheated." He laughs.

“Up you go.” He says.

I climb into the tree. “Hand me the camera.” He hands me the camera and the picture for comparison. I climb up a ways until I have a really good view into the room. There’s an opening in the foliage and I can see quite clearly. I snap a picture and compare the screen to the print. “It’s a match.” They couldn’t have found this by accident. This was planned out. I start climbing down. I see something glint in the sunlight. I grab it. It’s a lanyard. “I think I found something.” I hand the badge to Michael.

He looks at it. “This might confirm my theory. This is a security access pass.” He starts wiping it. He shows it to me. It has a picture of a woman on it. “The name is degraded. But we have a face now.”

I nod. “Text Maxwell that he can come out now.” He does. A few minutes later Maxwell comes out. We show him what we found.

Maxwell nods. “We can keep an eye out for her at upcoming events.”

Michael nods. “We should head back to the picnic now, before anyone notices that we’ve been gone.”

We head back and split up and rejoin the party. I see Hana. “Who won the dance off?”

Hana shrugs. “Josie did. She’s much more well versed in different types of dancing than I am.”

I nod. “Well, I guess practice some more and try again.”

She nods then stiffens as a man joins us. “Lady Hana, I just wanted to say that it was truly lovely to meet you.”

She nods. “Thank you, Lord Neville. It was a pleasure to meet you as well. I'm certain we shall see more of each other on the tour.”

He smiles. “That’s my hope.” His gaze turns to me and I can see he recognizes me from last night, but he keeps the surprise off his face. “And you are, sir?”

I place my hand out. “Drake Walker.”

He nods and takes my hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Mr Walker.”

Hana smiles and touches my arm. “This is Neville Vancoeur. Drake is King Liam’s best friend.”

Neville nods. “And per our future queen herself, you’re her best friend, Lady Hana.”

Hana nods. Just then Gisele comes over. “Hana, darling. Sorry to interrupt your conversation, but Josie is requesting that you help Countess Madeleine prepare Michael for the dinner with the Italian statesman tomorrow night.”

The two women walk off together. Neville turns to me. “It was quite unexpected to see you here.”

I nod. “Yep. I bet.”

He nods. “Still, you do clean up rather well, Mr Walker.”

I feel my face heat up. “Thanks. Just Drake, please.” I say.

Neville purses his lips. “Lady Josephine isn’t requiring you to be prepped for the statesman?”

I snort. “Liam doesn’t expect me to participate in politics. Avery expects her family to be an asset and not a hindrance.”

He nods. “She’s a bold choice for queen..”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Liam loves her. And if I’m being honest, she’ll watch his back. She’s tough and she’s not afraid to speak her mind. And she never backs down from a fight.”

He holds his hands up. “I meant no offense. Merely stating a fact. I’m quite interested to see how she’ll be as queen.” I nod. “You respect her, don’t you?” He says.

I nod. “I do.” It would be easier if I didn’t. If I could just hate her. “She had a hard early life. And she never let it hold her back. She beat all the odds and made something of herself without any outside help. She came here and excelled in this lifestyle even though she wasn’t used to such things. And any person not afraid to go toe to toe with Duchess Olivia deserves respect.” He smirks.

“Can I confess something to you?” He asks. I nod. “I wouldn’t be here if my father hadn’t demanded it. ‘Find a wife or don’t return home.’ So now I need to find an appropriate wife. I’ve told him countless times that I’m gay, but he doesn’t care. Bring back a wife and heir or don't return home.”

“So last night was a fling before you settle down?” I ask curiously. I wouldn't be upset about it either way. It was just a random hookup to me.

He sighs. “Sort of. I was in a relationship with someone for a long time. And when I informed him that I needed to marry a noble woman and have a child with her, he didn’t take that well. I was open to having an arrangement with whoever I marry. He didn’t see that as an option. So I guess it was a bit of a rebound encounter. I apologize if that makes you feel used.” I wished Liam had been open to that sort of thing. But he just ended our relationship without even considering it. Avery has his balls in a vice and she wouldn’t be open to anything like that. She's too self absorbed to be willing to share.

I nod. “Thanks. You have your sights set on Hana?”

He looks to where Hana is talking to Avery, Gisele and Madeleine. “It was a thought. I sense that she’s the type with romantic notions though. And that’s not going to be an option for any woman I end up marrying.”

I nod. “I hear that.” I’ve had relationships with both women and men, and honestly women are just too dramatic for long term relationships. When I left Cordonia and went to college, I dated a few different people. Up until then, I hadn’t been with anyone other than Liam. Even when I first came back we didn’t immediately fall back into our former relationship. That was more of a gradual thing. And even at that it didn’t start out serious. It was more lighthearted then. And we were in our twenties so we experimented quite a bit sexually. After being back for about two years, we made the mutual decision to be exclusive to each other. It was strange even though he loved me, Liam has always wanted a wife and kids.

He clears his throat. “Would you be interested in joining me in my room for a drink?”

My gaze drifts to Hana then back to Neville. “Sure.”

I follow him to his room after the picnic ends. He pours me a drink and hands it to me. “Whiskey on the rocks, if I remember correctly?”

I nod. “Perfect.” I take a sip. “Oh, this is the good stuff.”

He smiles and nods. “It’s my favorite label.”

“So was there a reason you invited me here, or is it just drinks for sex?” I ask.

He purses his lips. “You like to get straight to the point.” I nod. “Well, I had a thought when we were talking. I noticed that you have an interest in Lady Hana and she you. And if we’re being honest, her parents would never approve of you and her. But they’d approve of me. And I’d be more than happy to..”

My brows go up. “Share her with me?”

His face flushes. “Heavens no. I’m gay. I wouldn’t and I couldn’t sleep with her, but I would be open to sharing a partner with her. That is if you were open to that sort of relationship..”

I work my jaw. “How would you intend to get an heir?”

He shrugs. “Medical intervention.” Oh.

I chew my lip. “I’m not certain we should make any kind of plans without her input.”

He nods. “That’s true. I didn’t really think about that. I’ve never been good with women and my father is old school. The, they should be pregnant and barefoot in the kitchen, sort of man.”

I smirk. “He sounds fun.”

He smirks. "He's literally the worst. Coming out to him was probably the worst decision I ever made."

I think about my own father and wonder what he'd think of my sexual preferences. "Why? What happened?"

Neville shrugs. "Oh you know. No son of mine is a homo what will everyone say. Our house will be laughed out of Cordonia. Blah blah. You are not gay. Go find a wife or don't come back. Never say the word gay again."

My eyebrows shoot up. "Ouch."

Neville sighs. "I certainly didn't want to come out. My significant other was the driving force on that front. I was fine with things the way they were. Everyone knew except for my father. It wasn't like I was keeping him a dirty secret.."

I nod. Everyone close to us knew about me and Liam. But Constantine wanted it kept from the public. So in the palace we were together and outside were just friends. "The older generation seem to have some seriously outdated thinking."

He nods. "I hear that. My ex was a commoner like yourself. He wasn't quite as rugged as you are. We had different backgrounds but we always found a middle ground. But he didn't grow up in this lifestyle. He never understood that nobles don't have romantic marriages. Most are political alliances. No love involved."

I feel a tingle of jealousy. "You loved him?"

Neville sighs. "I thought so. But he didn't love me enough to stay and try to make it work."

I nod. I feel that. "So what's your plan for approaching Hana?" I ask.

He rubs his chin. "I was thinking of a straightforward offer followed up by us courting her."

My brows go up. "Court her? Us?"

"You can't expect her to just jump on board. She probably wants some sort of romance." He says. "If she's going to accept this sort of offer, we're going to have to entice her into it..with dates, flowers and gifts. If you have a better idea I'm all ears. My insight into dating women comes from romantic comedies."

I sigh. "When should you or I guess we approach her?"

Neville shrugs. "No time like the present."

I text her to come to Neville's room. A few minutes later we hear a knock on the door. "Drake? You wanted to talk to me about something?"

Neville smiles. "I may have an offer for you."

Hana stiffens. I sigh. "You're creeping her out, man."

Neville sighs. "My apologies, Lady Hana."

She nods. "What sort of offer?"

Neville nods. "I'm just going to come right out and say it. I'm gay. I don't like women sexually. I never have and never will. I need a wife. You need a husband with a title to keep your parents happy. It seems like we both have an interest in Mr. Walker. We could be in a relationship. All three of us."

Hana's eyes widen. "Ugh.."

Neville holds his hands up. "I understand it's a rather shocking proposition. Perhaps think about it. We would obviously court you. I could court you publicly and Drake could do so privately."

"So you're saying..me and him..and you and him. But not you and I?" She says.

Neville smiles. "Indeed. I understand if you need time to think about it."

"How would such a relationship even work? Like are we having a set night when you or I would…" She trails off and her face is red.

I sigh. "The sexual stuff can be worked out later. Usually in a polyamorous relationship all parties are present. It usually only works if everyone is involved and everyone keeps things honest. No sneaking around behind one person's back. And fidelity within the triad or however many participants are involved."

She nods. "That makes sense. What if I developed an interest outside of this?" She moves her hand, indicating the three of us.

Neville shrugs. "If we talked things out before you acted and discussed comfort levels and such.. It wouldn't be an issue for me, but I don't think Mr Walker would get in the way of your happiness."

She nods. "While I'm thinking over my decision, will you two be together without me?"

I purse my lips. "We might. But we don't have to hide it from you."

Neville nods. "If you wanted to, you could be present during intercourse."

Hana's face flushes and she gets an intrigued look on her face. "Like watch you?"

I shrug. "If that's what you want."

"Ugh..are you planning to tonight?" She asks.

Neville smirks. "You can say the dirty words here. We won't judge you."

I cover my laugh with a cough. "Right."

Neville moves behind me. I feel him press against my back. He makes eye contact with Hana. "Do you want to see me balls deep in his tight ass?" His hands roam from behind me. He cups my groin and rubs until I'm hard. I look at her flushed face, her eyes are watching his hand on me. He begins unbuttoning my pants. He pushes them down and they fall to the floor. He starts working my cock. I can feel his erection pressing insistently against my ass. I arch my back into it. "See how much he wants it?"

"Fuck." I say it feels really good. My head falls back.

I pull him in front of me and kiss him deeply. Both of us make eye contact with her, so she knows we haven't forgotten that she's there. We strip out of our clothes and get on the bed. I lay on my stomach with my hips propped up by a pillow. He pulls out a bottle of lube and starts preparing me to take him. I feel him pressing then he pushes inside me. I groan. All I hear is the sound of our moans and skin slapping. I make eye contact with Hana and she's flushed and fidgeting in her seat. I feel him hit my prostate over and over. It eventually culminates with me coming all over the bed. Neville's cock jerks and spills inside me. We lay there catching our breath. Hana stands stiffly. "I'm not saying yes to your proposal, but I shall think about it. And I would like to be present for intimacy but I'm not ready to participate. And I'd like to be told about spontaneous events afterwards." She leaves the room quietly.

Neville smiles. "That went better than I thought it would."

I nod. "I should probably call it a night. We're leaving for Italy in the morning."

I kiss him one last time and throw my clothes on and leave.