Writers Note: This is the very first chapter to this new series that I have been working on for a while now. The idea for this came to me on the 9th of August, 2017. At first the idea was to make a one shot but then I developed a plot and a story and I just had to turn it into something bigger. It's weird to think that just a few months ago this was just an idea in my head. Now it turned into such a story and one that will be running for quite sometime. My two favorite characters off of GMW where obviously Riley and Lucas and I'm so glad they got to be together and we got to see this one of a kind relationship on tv. I just hope that I get to interpret that in my writing so you readers can understand it.
Things to know:
The kingdoms Riley and Lucas both rule over are fictional and do not exist, this is an AU and they basically live in another world where the countries we live in do not exist.
Riley is the Queen of Courtley
Lucas is the King of Mystic
They are engaged which brings their countries into an alliance. Riley and Lucas both have a common enemy which sort of was the reason they got engaged. That enemy is the King of Valemore who's name will be revealed later on in the story. The history of how Lucas and Riley's alliance was formed will play a part in the story of course. There will also be a love triangle as well, but keep in mind this story will have a happy ending. So much will happen that you guys won't see coming...you'll just need to stick around.
The cast (these are the people I envision the characters to be):
Riley Matthews: Rowan Blanchard
Lucas Friar: Peyton Meyer
Victoria Andrews-Friar: Jessica Biel
Maya Hart: Sabrina Carpenter
Farkle Minkus: Corey Fogelmanis
Theo Hepburn: Douglas Booth
(this is not everyone. More characters will be added when they appear on the story for the first time.)
Always let me know what you guys think at the end of the chapter. If all goes right this will be the last story I ever write for Girl Meets World. Aghhh! I've come a long way since my very first story. This was such an amazing two years and I want to end it with something bittersweet. So here's End Game...
End Game
.:.
"Queen Riley is here!" came the shout of an eager messenger running up the stairs through the sounds of loud trumpets. Lucas' head looked up from the planning board and to the large wooden doors that had just opened. The messenger ran in and stopped when he was just a few feet away from him. He dropped his head and took deep breaths trying to recollect his words and inform the King of the Queen's arrival. Lucas awaited the news and looked to his right where the guards stood, just then he turned to the left where some of the richest noblemen in the country were waiting to hear the news. They were all gathered for one reason. Riley.
"She'll be arriving any second, Your Majesty."
Lucas stared at everyone in the room and let out a heavy sigh. Before he could make any movements he felt the warm touch of his mother's hand on his shoulder and it immediately made him feel less nervous. His gaze went to the eyes that mirrored his own and smiled at her.
His mom, Victoria, knew how important this moment was for everyone in Mystic. Most importantly, she knew how crucial this moment was to Lucas. She placed her hand on his cheek and gave him a slight nod, "Go introduce yourself to your fiance," she muttered.
He walked out the room and the noblemen followed suit. When he stepped outside the chamber he was surprised to see that the castle was eerily empty. He didn't know why, but then it came to him.
They all wanted to see Riley.
The guards opened the doors for him and when he stepped out into the bright sun, he heard a fanfare that surely announced her arrival.
Two carriages stopped just in front of the castle by where a long trail led to. Lucas kept calm on the outside but on the inside, he was so nervous he couldn't even breathe right. He found it harder and harder to do so when he made his way to her.
Lucas stopped at a reasonable distance from the carriage and the castle. He was still overwhelmed by the fact that the woman he would spend the rest of his life with was a few feet away from him.
The only thing that stood in the way was the carriage.
The cavalcade escorting her stopped and the rider stepped off his seat. He hopped onto the ground and stared at Lucas before his hand went to the lock on the carriage door.
"King Lucas," his heavy, deep voice began, "I present to you Queen Riley of Courtley, first daughter of Cory and Topanga Matthews."
If no one had been looking as soon as she stepped out, they were definitely looking now. His expectant green eyes went to the figure that had just stepped out and low gasp escaped him.
She stepped out onto the green field and got the attention of all in the area. Her golden crown rested on her long brown wavy hair and glimmered off the sun's rays. When she looked down to step off the carriage, her swooping eyelashes made her look hopeful and happy which was something Lucas desperately needed. His eyes trailed down from her cheekbones to her dimples and then her lips.
She was beautiful.
Her dark, red gown with golden details made her look sophisticated and smart which would surely make the daughter of the nobles jealous. Her feet had reached the ground by know and Lucas noticed that she hadn't laid eyes on him. She was staring at the castle and he waited patiently, not wanting to distract her.
Riley didn't realize she was being stared at until her eyes met his. He was handsome as she was beautiful. A smile graced her pink lips and their eyes met for the very first time. She took a few steps towards Lucas with her handmaid and queen's guard following shortly behind.
"You must be Lucas," she said. Her voice was sweet and smooth as silk, both comforting and gentle. "I'm - "
"Riley," he finished and their hands met. "Yes, I know."
When they were close to each other, she noticed that his eyes were green and his hair was light brown with blonde streaks. He was lean for starters and had smooth skin. His hands were soft and to her surprise matched her's perfectly.
She gave him a smile and it took a hold of him. They were both happy with what they were presented which took weight off their shoulders. Their hands were still in tact and seemed as though they weren't going to let go. Lucas made the continuing gesture and they began to walk in the direction of the castle. She stared at him for what seemed to be many seconds and managed to look away before anything got awkward.
"I'm glad we finally got to meet," he said, "I know it must've been hard leaving your country as well as your people..."
"I'm doing this for my people," she said once he trailed off. "It is my duty and bound to happen soon enough."
"And because of that I admire you already," He looked at her just in time to see her smile again. It warmed his heart, truly. Before he could look away, he noticed her golden earrings. It wasn't the gold that caught his attention but the design. It was hard to make an image out of it but he would ask her soon. "I want you to know that your stay in Mystic will be like everything you imagined. Don't be afraid to ask for anything."
Riley had only known him for a minute or so and she could already see herself being happy with him, but that would take time. She had to know him first. "Thank you."
Seeing herself ruling by his side wasn't hard at all. She had been taught about politics ever since she was little and she knew Lucas had undergone the same kind of schooling by his teachers. Together they could rule over the strongest kingdom in the world.
And those were her intentions.
But a king's love for his queen wasn't the most powerful thing. Which was why she needed to put her duty as queen above him.
And love him despite the fact that one day she might have to leave him.
.:.:.
Three Weeks Later
Riley hid behind a tree, panting and holding her grip tight on the trunk. She looked to her left and saw that the path was clear. Preparing herself to make a run for it, she lifted up her dress from either side of her legs and took a leap off the hill she was on. When her feet came to contact with the dirt, she began to run as fast as her feet could take her.
She ran past many trees, tumbling and stumbling. Forcing herself to get through.
A quick gasp escaped her as soon as she felt a strong grip engulf her. Her brown eyes were met with green one's and then all the adrenaline escaped her.
Feeling him was so riveting and exciting. Their foreheads met and she could feel his breaths.
"I found you," his hoarse voice whispered. She bit her lips as soon as he pulled her even closer to him. Lucas loved the smell she radiated.
"You only found me because I let you," she told him but he still took pride in his accomplishment.
He removed his hands from her waist and walked back to his horse, "You know it's tradition to sleep with the man who found you."
"Not this time," Riley smiled. "The games absurd and overrated."
He patted his horse and gave it a kiss before he turned to her. For a minute a silence lingered between them. Riley hated it because there wouldn't be a silence between them if he had just allowed himself to open up to her.
"Please," she finally caved.
Lucas smiled because he already knew what she was about to ask. She wanted to talk about his childhood.
"We've been engaged a month," she stated. What more reasons could he possibly need?
"You know I'm king," he suggested and she only raised a brow. "Is that not enough?"
"If we're going to get married, no." She followed him down to the river where he began to wash his hands, "The only time I'll ever describe you as king is for political reasons..."
Lucas looked up to see her brown eyes, "I'm flattered."
She walked towards him and dipped her hands in the cold river water, "Victoria told me you and your dad didn't get along before he died, is that true?"
"Whatever my mother told you about me has either been to victimize me or make me look strong in front of nobleman," he informed. "It's always one of those two."
"Well that's something we have in common," Riley said as she began to wipe some of the dirt and mud that had gotten on his skin. "My mother has been trying to perfect my image ever since I became a queen. Sometimes I feel like I am just her pawn. So she can use me for her own advantage."
The two stared at each other eyes before Lucas leaned in to kiss her. Riley stepped back before their lips could touch. She didn't meet his eyes until she found the strength to do so. His eyes went back to cleaning the dirt off his glove. The thing that Riley was starting to hate was that he had become used to it, yet he tried so hard.
She didn't exactly hate that part. She liked it actually. She liked that he kept trying although she didn't let him. She did, however, hate that it had become something he expected.
"We have not shown any sign of affection towards one another at court," Lucas began. "People will talk."
"No, we have not," Riley showed her understandings. She had heard the whispers very clearly. "Which was why we came on this trip. It is clear we fancy one another and that is enough to ease their doubts."
"So you do like me?" he smiled. "Glad you finally admitted it."
She started to rub off the dirt from his chest and when she looked up, Lucas eyes were resting on her's. "You are handsome, i'll give you that," his smile warmed her heart. "Don't be too full of yourself I know you know you're easy on the eyes."
"I don't gloat," he informed.
"But...the reason we are on this trip is to let people think we are doing something romantic."
"Your idea not mine," he reminded.
Riley knew how to stop people from spreading lies and rumors. She had learned that from her mother. To do just that, she had to do some things she did not like. This was one of them. "Before I came to Mystic I was told you were very respectful," she informed and crossed her arms. "Where's that respect now?"
He raised his hands in defense, "I'm sorry, my queen."
When Lucas was all cleaned they rode back to the castle on the same horse. Riley's hands were wrapped around him and her head was resting on his shoulder.
They stopped in front of the castle gates and waited for the guards to let them in. Lucas hopped off the horse and helped Riley soon after. They entered the main doors to the castle and walked towards the throne room where they were expected.
Riley had finally started to gather a sense of where the chambers were located. She would get lost a first, but then she would find her way eventually. Their walk was interrupted by one of the guards standing in the hallway, he was told to send them to Victoria's office. She had to deliver important news to Riley.
She was confused as to what the news could be about and she grew nervous.
When the doors to her chamber opened, Lucas and Riley walked in. Victoria stood up from her chair and approached her. She looked worried.
Victoria was just a few inches shorter than Lucas. She was in her late forties, but very very smart. When she was queen she opened schools and hospitals to the public, she was loved by then all.
"Victoria, what is it?" Riley asked.
"Courtley," she began and watched as Riley's eyes widened.
What about it? Came many thoughts to her head. Her expectant eyes wouldn't leave Victoria and then she realized she hadn't said anything. She froze.
"What about it?" she finally managed to say. The reason she was so worried was because a few days before Riley left her home, she was negotiating with nobles from Valemore. She knew it was a horrible thing to do since Valemore was her enemy but they had agreed to end the trade they had running for generations. Riley ordered that the troops stationed at those areas, return. She could've easily been attacked.
"Courtley's borders were attacked by a coup sent by Valemore," she informed and just then Riley sighed. She should've known better.
When Lucas placed his hand on her shoulder, she had immediately began to feel better. She turned around and hugged him.
"I'll let you two handle this on your own," she informed and placed her hand on Riley's back, "If you need any help I'm always here."
The doors closed and Lucas took a seat on one of the chairs. Riley couldn't sit, she began to pace all over the room and bite her nails. This was her first obstacle as a monarch ever and she and Lucas would have to handle it alone. She was worried because she had no idea as to how to solve it.
"Riley," he called out and when he turned to face her the words almost left him. "I'll handle this."
"How?" she asked.
"I'll send gunpowder," he responded and it didn't help. "Weapons...anything you need."
She shook her head no,"I don't need resources. What I need are men," she placed her hand on the desk for support, "That has always been Courtley's problem. The lack of men to defend it."
Lucas hands were tied. They needed men for the attack on Valemore which was something the both of them had agreed on before they met. "I can't help you with that, Riley. You know why."
"I do," she sighed, but the way she said it confused him. It was like she didn't want to continue on with their attack because it was pointless. He stared at Riley and she looked back at him.
"What if we postpone the attack?" she suggested and Lucas furrowed his brows. He couldn't believe he was right. Seeing his reaction, Riley felt like he wouldn't listen but she chose to continue, "When your men come back from defending Courtley we will resume with the advances on Valemore's borders."
"That would take months, Riley. They'll make their move and who knows what troubles it will bring."
She took another deep sigh, "Courtley will fall if Valemore has an advantage from the inside. You do realize that, right?" Her voice seemed hesitant. Almost like talking about it was threatening.
Lucas stood up from the chair he was sitting on and walked towards her. She was worried, that was obvious. "I vowed to protect your country like I would mine, Riley. You must know that."
She did, but she felt like Lucas was putting some promise over a possibility. Riley was certain his men would help stop the attack, he wasn't, however, certain the attack would work out in his favor. She gave him a nod but he could still see that something was bugging her. She took a step back from him and said that she will be in her chambers if he needed anything but she wished to be alone. As she began to walk passed him, he grabbed onto her hand.
He hated that she was walking away with fear.
He knew what he would say next could seriously change a huge outcome. It can change what they had been working on for months. "I'll send my men to Courtley," he informed her. He didn't know how he was going to do it, but he was going to find a way.
Riley was surprised to see that he had changed his mind so quickly. As she looked into his green eyes she could see that he was concerned for her and cared about Courtley. She gave him a smile and walked out of the office, closing them on her way out.
.:..:.
Maya Hart brushed her long blonde hair and stared at herself in the mirror. She admired the way the color in her eyes seemed to stand out now that her hair was down. She fixed her dress and turned around to see how the dress looked behind her.
Squealing and jumping, Maya fell in love with the green and olive brown dress. Being Riley's Lady really helped increase her wealth and now she was wearing one of the most expensive dresses in her time.
A light knock on the door caught her attention and she went to open it.
When she did she was met with a pair of brown eyes that lighted the smile on her face. "Yes! You're back! Come in, I have some dresses I want to see you try on." As Riley walked in, Maya made her way to her large wooden closet and pulled the dresses out. "I bribed the designer into selling me five dresses for the price of two, best deal I've made so far."
Riley laughed, "Your desire in business has influenced the way you buy things."
She brought the dress closer to Riley and said that she mainly used her sultry voice to further the transaction. "This should fit you perfectly. These dresses will do before the designers arrive and measure you in three days. You'll have the finest dresses in all of Mystic."
She turned around and moved her hair so Maya could help unzip her out of the dress she wore now. When the top part was gone, she picked up a gray lace top and put it on. Maya moved to the bottom and when she removed it, Riley wore a corresponding color that matched with the outfit.
"I suggest you start looking for a husband," Riley began. "There's many of them hanging around by the main hallway in the castle. We'll head out together tomorrow morning."
"Is everything all right," she asked as she noticed the doleful expression on Riley's face. "What happened?"
"Nothing," she smiled at herself in the mirror. "It's beautiful, Maya. Thank you."
.:.:..:.
"You requested to see me," Victoria said as she walked into Riley's chambers. She closed the large wooden doors and walked towards the brunette who looked worried and nervous. "Your son agreed to lend some of his men to me. They'll be heading to Courtley." The news took Victoria by surprise and Riley could see that she found the news absurd. "I called you here because you have more experience in politics than I do."
"What is it that you need?"
She gulped and wiped some of the tears from her eyes, "I want to keep my crown. I face threats on either side of my country and ever since the king of Valemore has named me his enemy, his allies have become savages. I need your help Victoria."
"Do you want them dead or alive?" she asked. "Be careful in this decision because if anything goes wrong you will put your reign on a line."
She turned her back on the Queen Mother and struggled with what she should choose. If they are dead then she has nothing to worry about but if something goes wrong and they live, she would be in deeper trouble. "I don't want them dead Victoria there's no need for that. I have something for you," she turned her back on her and walked towards a drawer that was right beside her bed. "In this letter, there's something you can find on each and every one of these people who I think and know pose threats to my reign. Do this in secret and only let the people you trust know about this. Can you do this for me?"
"Can I let the king know?" Victoria asked and then turned her gaze towards the writing on the paper. She was surprised Riley would trust her so soon with something this major.
If Lucas knew, then that meant he would also be in danger. Riley couldn't do that especially now that he's helping her. "No," she answered firmly, "Whatever we talked about in this room is confidential and the king can never know."
Victoria gave an understanding nod and walked out of the room.
.:.:.
Lucas tripped on a rock and fell frontward. He was sure he scraped his knee but he didn't show it. He mentally cursed himself and picked up the wooden sword in which he was practicing with. As he stood up he heard his cousin laugh and shake his head in minor disappointment. He was on his two feet now, he felt more intimidated and he was sure his cousin would never let him see the end of it. "Who puts a rock there?"
"Earth," his cousin, Theo, answered the king and silently laughed once more. "Are you just going to stand there or - "
Lucas tightened his grip on the sword and it clashed with Theo's. They both pushed against the other and then he used his leg to kick Theo in the back of his. He fell down to the ground and Lucas pointed the sword at his sternum. "Guess I won this one."
"Whatever," he extended his hand and Lucas helped him up. When he was on his feet, Lucas took off his gloves and handed them to the guards standing nearby. Theo did the same.
"How is Riley?" Theo asked. He asked mainly because he was aware of the whispers going on behind their backs. If it hadn't been for the gossip going on in the last place he visited then he wouldn't have known that Riley and Lucas slept in separate chambers. The news sounded stupid to him but he couldn't form his own opinion without knowing the reason.
"Riley's beautiful," he responded. "Smart, kind, caring...my fiance."
"Sounds like you don't believe it," he joked and patted the guard on the back.
"Well, a lot can change," Lucas felt the need to say. "The alliance can always end and so can our engagement..." he picked up his sword and propped it on the side of his waist. He noticed the lasting silence between the cousins and decided to tell him the trouble he and Riley faced, "Courtley was invaded a couple nights ago..."
"So soon?" Theo was stunned.
"Well, they have an endless amount of soldiers. It was only a matter of time because they actually used them." They entered the castle, "I trust that you won't tell anyone."
"Of course not, cousin. You're secrets are safe with me.
"I sent troops to support Courtley. Did I do the right thing?"
"They're an alliance. Mystic and Courtley are one and the same. Do you trust Riley would do the same for you?"
Lucas smiled because he knew the answer to that. For the time he's known Riley he's learned that she would do anything for the people she loved or truly cared about, he knew she would do the same for him. "I guess I did the right thing."
.:.:.
Riley was on her way to find Lucas when she bumped into someone that was taller than her. His hair was thin and combed to the side and his eyes were blue, she had seen him before standing next to Lucas but never met him. She gave him a smile and he slowly stepped back from her, "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I wasn't looking."
"That's nonsense," she assured. "I'm the one that had my head down."
Riley's eyes met him once more. He was handsome and looked to be respectful. Different from many of Lucas' friends who were kind when they were with him, but only showed their true colors when they were away. From the way he stood and spoke, the guy seemed formal. "I'm Queen Riley."
He smiled, "Trust me, all of Mystic knows who you are. My name's Farkle, I'm a friend of the king."
"Well, any friend of the king is surely a friend of mine. It was nice meeting you, Farkle."
"You too, Your Majesty," he bowed low before walking away.
She continued to walk and when she rounded the corner, she spotted Lucas. He was walking with someone who was his height and looked just as muscular. Were all the men in Mystic such good looking?
She continued to approach him and when he noticed her, he beamed, "Would you mind if I took you away from - "
"Theo," he introduced himself and bowed to her. "I'm Lucas' cousin."
"Your Theo," she said with eyes widened. She wanted to give the impression that she was happy to meet him for many reasons, "My fiance here talks about you all the time."
Lucas furrowed his brows, "What do you - ?"
"May I speak with you?" Riley asked him, this time she was serious. When he said yes, she grabbed his hands and they walked away together.
Lucas was confused, he had never spoken about Theo to Riley. "What did you mean by that?"
"I've known you for weeks and you've never once mentioned a cousin. I couldn't just say I never heard of him. First impressions count, Lucas." They continued to walk until they were alone. She looked both ways and when she realized no one was near, she looked at him. "I just wanted to inform you that your men have left, safely."
"That's good news, but...you could've just told me back there," he jerked his thumb toward the hallway behind them.
"Lucas, you're not understanding me," she said. "I am a queen who faces many, many threats. I have angered the most powerful king in the world and he won't stop until my head is on a pike. The last thing I need is people thinking I am weak and can't handle the problems created in my own country."
He held out his arms for her to take and when she did, he leaned his forehead against hers, "I'm sorry. I should've known. I promise to keep the negotiations we make a secret."
Riley caressed his cheek and stared at his eyes, "If I knew you, I would definitely kiss you right now."
He kissed her forehead, "I guess that means it's time I start telling you more about me."
She smiled. "It's night. Walk me to my chamber?"
He nodded, "Anything for my queen."
.:.:.
After Farkle had bumped into Riley, introduced himself and then walked away, he made his way towards Victoria's chamber. Her room was located towards the end of the castle and it was a nightmare to get to. The hallways were dark and rats ran freely. She took shortcuts to get to her room faster, but only she was allowed to do that. She had sent out for him because they needed to talk about something. He didn't know what that something was but she didn't make herself specific. When he knocked on her door and she let him in, Victoria showed him a paper. "This is the letter Riley gave me. In it, rest secrets powerful noblemen are hiding. They can defile anyone and some of these noblemen have alliances with us," she hung her head, "She knows more than I expected."
"Why do you have this?" he asked.
"She wants me to threaten them all," the Queen Mother informed. "She's a Queen because of her powerful uncles, most of which are dead. She's the only queen in history to screw a once in a lifetime opportunity. The point is, she wants to perfect her image and the only way she can do that is by making sure no one comes after her throne. If she hadn't placed this burden on me I would've had mad respect for her."
"I don't - I don't understand," Farkle said. "Why am I here?"
"Because I trust you. I know you aren't foolish and I trust that you'll keep this secret." She sat down on her chair. "You're the only friend of Lucas that knows about the loophole in the alliance he and Riley have. Your his friend and you run my errands."
"What do you need me to do?"
"For starters...you're going to help maintain my alliance with Riley's enemies," she said and stepped closer towards him. Farkle was stunned into silence when he heard this. What they were doing was illegal. It was treason and they could be killed if they were caught. "And then..." she continued, "You're going to help me destroy Courtley."
.:.:.
Riley stared at the moon and leaned on the railing just outside her room. There were so many stars. She grinned when she felt Lucas' warm touch, he leaned his chin on her shoulder and wrapped his hands around her. They stood like that for minutes and they would've stayed like that for an even longer time if she hadn't turned around to look at him. "I've spent approximately twenty-three nights in this country. I am beautiful to many, weak to noblemen, a bargaining chip to my own mother...and to my fiance..." she didn't know what she was to him. Ever since she was a queen - which was her entire life - Riley knew that people stayed in her life because it benefited them. She wasn't just Riley to people.
"You're a promise," he finished for her and she smiled. It truly warmed her heart to hear him say that. "When I look at you I see hope."
Lucas meant every word. "I know we are surrounded by chaos and I most certainly know many people want you dead, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to be with you. You're going to be my wife someday. We're going to have children and live separately from the castle just like you want to. By then our worries and fears will be at ease. The only thing we'd need to worry about is misplacing our specs."
She laughed.
"We're going to rule by each other's side until our very last days..."
Riley placed her hands on his cheeks and stared at him. Tears of joy in her eyes, "You're my hope too."
The day ended with Lucas leaving her chambers that night. Riley went to sleep on her bed with a smile plastered all over her lips. She liked that Lucas has had such a calming effect on her, one that she so desperately needed and dreaded. Her hand went to the candle beside her and she brought it closer to her in order to blow it out. When the room grew dark, she snuggled herself under the covers and closed her eyes.
If Lucas promise was a possibility, that they would overcome anything in their lives, have beautiful children and love them with all their hearts, live separately from the castle and rule till their very last day,
then long live the Queen
...and long live their rule.
.
.
.
Writers Note: That concludes the very first chapter of End Game. Now I'm doing this thing again where all the chapters are updated weekly. I am writing this on December 31 very early in the morning. This should be up by January which means chapter two should already be written. Mostly every chapter has been planned just not written. As I mentioned, the story is set in the 16th century and I'm sure I let something slip that seems modern rather than something that was invented a long time ago. Just to give you a gist of the length of this series: there are approximately seven chapters planned and ready to be written and I'm no where near to closing up the series.
This series is heavily inspired by the CW show's Reign. Anything familiar is not mine.
Thank you guys so much for reading. If there is anything that you guys know about the 16th century and about monarchs or anything historical that you find interesting, let me know. I hope you guys liked this and continue to read.
Updates come every Wednesdays.
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