The Royals of Malibu - S3 E8 - "Hotel Hook Up"

Episode Date: May 19, 2025

When the crew flies out of town for the school’s swim competition, the reality of their day-to-day life is plain for all to see. While their successes lead to celebration, the looming questions surrounding Reed’s case are no match for forced proximity.  • Follow [The Royals of Malibu on Patreon TODAY for upcoming scripts for purchase, and much more] (https://www.patreon.com/TheRoyalsofMalibu) • Follow [The Royals of Malibu on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/theroyalsofmalibu/) • Follow [The Royals of Malibu on TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@theroyalsofmalibu) • Explore more: [emeraldaudio.com](https://emeraldaudio.net/) The Royals of Malibu is a production of Emerald Audio, an imprint of Diversion, in association with Pod People. Featuring the voices of: Alyssa McKay as ELLA SINCLAIR, Chris Cafero as REED ROYAL, Nick Cafero as EASTON ROYAL, Armen Taylor as CALLUM ROYAL, Franchesca Agramonte as VALERIE GONZALEZ, Hannah Montoya as SAVANNAH GONZALEZ, Maura Vincent as DINAH / HEADMASTER BERRINGER, Stephanie Sherry as LUCY and MARGARET SINCLAIR, Jillian Kinsey as NOVA / DETECTIVE SCHMIDT / DAY PLAYER, and Daniel Lench as STEVE / DAY PLAYER. Directed by Ashton Carter, Written by Keyanna Khatiblou, Produced by Emma DeMuth, Production Management by Ashton Carter, Production Assistance by Hannah Rae Leach, Story Development by Emma DeMuth, Editorial Direction by Scott Waxman, Casting by Lindsey Ploussard, Sound Editing, Sound Design, and Engineering by Carter Woghan and Morgane Fouse, Dialogue Editing by Carter Woghan and Adam Raymonda, Theme Music by Maty Noyes, Consulting Producers: Chris Cafero and Nick Cafero, Executive Producers: Rachael King, Alyssa McKay, and Scott Waxman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emerald Audio On the previous episode of The Royals of Malibu This is a perfect Saturday tradition. Let's do it forever? You're my favorite person, but sometimes Val, you can be seriously clueless. You can't ignore me anymore or ignore this conversation. What conversation? I don't know what my label is yet, but I know exactly how I feel about you. I love you Val.

I think I've been in love with you since I first met you. I need to think. I'm sorry. Dinah can be touchy about her things, so no more snooping. You know, you seem to blame a lot of your control issues on Dinah can be touchy about her things, so no more snooping. You know, you seem to blame a lot of your control issues on Dinah. But if you're not going to stand up to her, then you're just as bad as she is. Even after I popped off at Steve the other day, he still somehow gave permission for me to fly to San Francisco with the swim team. I think we were both sick of dealing with each other. What Steve doesn't know is that the real reason I wanted to go on this trip was to spend time with.

This seat taken? Reed! Reed kisses me and my arms wind around his broad shoulders. You happy to see me or what? I can't wait to be alone with you. I remember when girls used to say that to me. Oh, whatever, Eason. Val, sit behind me.

Why? So she can watch you spoon read for the next hour and a half? No way I'm gonna find somewhere far away from you perverts. There's Nova. Nova, we're over here. Ella, stop. Come sit by us. Oh, Nova sitting in this row? Then I guess I'm staying. Val, you can't keep ignoring her.

Hi guys. And Val? And Easton, Easton. What seat do you want, Nova? Isle, window, armrest down, or up? I can sit in the middle. I don't mind. Is that okay, Val? Totally. Remind me why the middle. I don't mind. Is that okay, Val?

Totally. Remind me why the Cove has another swim meet. You already won state. It's mainly a tradition. The Bay School is our sister school, but they're pretty far away, so we usually only compete against them once a season. A couple alumni fund this trip every year so we can experience friendly competition with them outside of state championships. Okay, so this is just for fun?

Ha! Uh, no. I don't want to put any pressure on you, Al, but we take this competition very seriously. Cool. So if I suck, everyone at the Cove's gonna hate me. I want to say no, but... Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome aboard flight 447 to San Francisco.

Our flight today will be an hour and a... Our group sits together and it feels so... normal. Like we can finally have some fun and leave our problems in Malibu. On behalf of all of our crew, thank you for choosing our... Savannah walks down the aisle and throws a mean glance over her shoulder. I thought she'd be glaring at Easton, but I can tell she's staring right at me. Maybe I can repair my friendship with Savannah on this trip too. Or at least I can convince her to stop hating me.

Alright team, listen up. I understand the water polo team already won state and many of my girls walked away with medals this season. Right now, I don't give a damn about any of that. I treat every race like it's the only race. Don't get cocky. We lost badly to Bay School last year and I don't like losing. Is she looking at you? Yeah, she's gonna murder me for sure. I didn't realize how much I missed swimming until I dove in. Savannah assigned me the 100-yard breaststroke. I'm out of shape for sure, but my muscles find their way.

I can't come in last, or Savannah will strangle me with her hair extensions. I can do anything for 100 yards. I don't focus on the girls swimming alongside me. I push myself as fast as I can. You got this, go, go, go! Okay, Niko! Yeah! Go, go, go!

Yeah, go, go, go! Go, go, go! It feels like I'm in the water for three seconds, and then I'm done. Yeah! I look over my shoulder at the scoreboard. Holy shit, I got second! Another Cove swimmer took first place, but I'm out of practice. I never thought I could get second this late in the game.

Don't hit me Savannah, I just got you silver. Stay in your suit. You're doing the relay. What? I wasn't on the list. I made the list. You're doing it. Butterfly. So stretch. Ugh. You said one! Number one! Number one! The girls' relay team is now Savannah, me, a senior girl whose name I keep forgetting, and Nova. Savannah, me, a senior girl whose name I keep forgetting, and Nova. Obviously, Savannah did the first leg and gave us an advantage.

That girl really is good at everything. Come on, Sam, let's go! Sam. Her name is Sam. During my individual event, I was nervous. Now I'm excited. I can already tell we're far ahead. I just need to keep that advantage so Nova can freestyle us to gold. We've got this, Savannah. Shut up, Ella. Nova finishes way ahead. Fuck yeah! Oh my god!

Up in the stands, I hear Reed cheering me on. I find him and I've never seen him look so proud. That's my girlfriend! Sev? Aren't you gonna go watch the match? I want you on the team permanently. I'll think about it. Excuse you, I wasn't done. You're staying on the team, Ella. What if I don't want to?

I don't care. Well, maybe if you ask nicely, I'll want to spend hours each week listening to you bark orders at me. Ella, will you please stay on the team? No, I will not. What the fuck? If Breed goes to trial next year, I want to be there as much as possible. Breed's not going to be here next year, and you can write your little prison wife letters to him during our breaks. What are you talking about? He's innocent!

Well, yeah, sure, but... Oh. Nobody's told you. Told me what? I guess you've been distracted by your criminal dad showing up in Malibu. Or do you not know about that either? How do you know about my dad? Oh. Reed isn't gonna be here next year, Ella. He's gonna be in prison.

Bullshit! You're making up stupid rumors because you're pissed at the Royals or whatever. No, Ella, we've gone over this before. Look, if no one else will be honest with you, I will. You... you don't know what you're talking about. Despite my banishment from the Breakfast Club, I do check in with Easton every now and then. You heard all this from Easton? You need to prepare yourself for Reed going away for a long time. He... he's innocent. He didn't do anything. I know, Ella. Savannah hugs me and that's when I

know for sure she's telling the truth. I feel my throat closing up like... like I'm back in the pool, holding my breath till it burns. Hey! You're making shit up. I'm back in the pool, holding my breath till it burns. Hey, you're making shit up. I'm done with you, Savannah. Ella. And another block by Reid Royal, who hasn't gotten much action so far. Looks like the Stingrays have some big feelings about Royal's recent legal troubles. The boys' water polo match had already started. I watched the Cofs team avoid Reid like the plague.

They won't pass to him. They'll barely look at him. I didn't realize that everyone on campus had turned on Reed. I expect to see Reed getting angry, losing his temper, but he doesn't. This is not the Reed that I know. He's defeated. Numb. Does everyone in this room know something I don't? Is time running out for Reed? For us? Does everyone in this room know something I don't? Is time running out for Reed?

For us? What if one moment you were just trying to survive high school, the next you're the key to saving an empire in a parallel universe. I'm Ella-Jane, EJ to most. I thought I had it all figured out. But one night at a pool party, everything changed. I wake up in a world called Estinasia, an empire on the brink of collapse. Turns out, I look exactly like a missing military general. Posing as the general is my only shot at surviving. Oh, and there's a seriously complicated interdimensional crush involved too. I never wanted to be a hero, but now I'm stuck in a fight to save the empire, solve family secrets,

survive assassins, and face terrifying beasts. Listen to the Infinite Worlds of Ella-Jane on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music, or any major streaming platform. Hi everybody, this is Adriana Troggiani. Hi, everybody. This is Adriana Troggiani. I'm the host of You Are What You Read, a podcast about the books that built our souls. I have the privilege of interviewing luminaries of our times about the books that shaped them from childhood until now. Don't miss it.

We get everybody from Sarah Jessica Parker to Kristin Hannah to Jhumpa Lahiri, Susie Essman, Rainn Wilson, Amor Tulls, you name it, they come, they talk, they share. You can join us on Instagram for more behind the scenes content and giveaways at You Are What You Read podcast and at Adriana Treciani. New episodes of You Are What You Read drop every Tuesday on Apple, Spotify, or any major streaming platform wherever you listen to your podcasts. The Cove won their Boys and Girls Water Polo matches. We also placed first in the majority of the individual and team swim events. The Cove kids decided to celebrate by getting completely hammered on Vov and doing caviar

bumps. Why do these parties make me feel so old? As someone who's sober, it's because you're sober. Sofa, you're stuck in my foot again. I'm sorry, you're leading, I know. Then let me lead, girl. On the makeshift dance floor, Val and Nova dance together. They definitely look like they've worked

through their issues. They look like they're in love. I don't think Nova's gonna go to prom with me. Aww. How's it feel to know Val is more gay than you? I've been humbled. In my long career as a whore, I've only ever been bested by Val and Reed.

You weren't seriously trying to sleep with me back then, were you? I thought you were just messing around. Maybe I'm in love with you, Ella. I guess you'll never know. Are you okay, though? Why? Just because the girl I've been relentlessly pursuing for the last several weeks has completely forgotten I exist, and she's now flirting so adorably with someone else that I'm rooting against myself? Yeah, all the heck.

I'm happy for them. And I'm kinda hoping there's a threesome angle. Easton, that's so offensive. Or at least a three-way kiss. Don't ever repeat that to anyone, I swear. I'm kidding. No, I'm all right. Who are you gonna go to prom with?

I can see at least six girls in this room staring you down. I... I'm gonna go solo. No date. I love that. So you're finally done chasing women for validation? What? No. I want to go alone so I can find the biggest Prada-suited asshole and hook up with his date in the bathroom.

Please tell me you're joking. I quit alcohol, but there's no AA for casual sex. You could literally join a sex addict's crew. Well, look it up. Sounds like a good place to meet some absolute freaks. What is it you do to women that makes them lose their minds? Want me to show you? Nope.

Remove your hand from my waist. I am walking away. You liked it. Where's Reed? He said he was on his way like 20 minutes ago. Probably hiding in his room. The room goes quiet and everyone's heads turn towards the door.

It's Reed. I remember my first cove party and the way those snobby kids stared at me like I was a fast fashion wearing zoo animal. I can't let him feel the way that I felt that day. Hi. Even when he's frozen in fear, Reed is so unbelievably hot.

His white t-shirt clings to his arms and chest. I wanna rake my hands over his body, even with everyone's eyes on us. You're strong! La la la la la la! That was... You're perfect. I miss you.

I didn't want to come. But I can't miss a party celebrating my swim champion. I got silver. Yeah, you got second place after not swimming competitively for months, maybe years? It has been a long time. You kicked ass today. I'm so proud of you. Come here.

I tilt my head back, Reid's lips pressed against mine again. He moves slowly, gently, like he wants to savor every second of us together. He pulls away and when my eyes open, he's looking at me like I'm the most precious thing in the world. You're beautiful, Ella. My champion. Your teammates today... Reed, that was so unfair. Who cares about them? I don't want to talk about that. I want to celebrate you. Okay. Well, they have tons of champagne and very expensive scotch. What kind of teenagers get drunk off scotch?

Hmpf. Savannah's gonna give her victory speech. I'm sick of hearing from Savannah. Alright, stingrays! I want to congratulate you all for a fucking phenomenal performance against the Bay School! fucking phenomenal performance against the Bay School. My business mentor and favorite pop star, Selena Gomez, once told me in a private conversation that perfection is impossible.

I refuse to believe that in regards to my own abilities, but her opinion has allowed me to feel so proud of your imperfect, yet very much good enough victory today. There's no way she hangs out with Selena Gomez, right? Now please get absolutely trashed on my tab, but try to avoid breaking furniture because a lot of this stuff is antique. Go Stingray!

That was a Savannah classic for sure. Go Stingray! That was a Savannah classic for sure. You know how you said you wanted to... celebrate, Pink? Yeah? I'm bunking with Val, but she agreed to crash with Nova tonight. Do you want to celebrate by going back to my room? Don't rock me. Here, I'll turn you so you can say bye to Val. Bye Val. Bye Nova.

Tell Ys not to sleep with Savannah because I know he loves mean women. Don't have sex with Savannah! Savannah's warning from the locker room was ringing in my ears all the way back to my hotel room. But once we're alone, the anxiety slips away. I'm just happy to be here with him. I don't like sleeping without you.

Yeah, me either. I lay back on the Egyptian cotton bedsheets and Reid stands at the foot of the bed. His hands slide up my oversized jeans. Handbuttons then. Can I take these off? Yeah. What's next? Your bra.

Uh huh. You can leave the shirt on for now. I was just suggesting your bra because I want you to be comfortable. Oh, got it. Yeah, of course. You know, because of the wire thing. The underwire? Yeah, exactly. No ulterior motive.

Hmm. What if I want you to have an ulterior motive? Fuck hell. I love watching you get turned on. Yeah? Fuck hell. I love watching you get turned on. Yeah? As much as you like making me wait for it? I can't help myself.

Come here. Reed gets into bed with me. I run my hands down his chest. Off, please. Kiss me. I melt into Reed's touch. Then I climb on top of him, holding his face in my hands as we kiss. He holds onto me so tight that I briefly wonder if what Savannah said in the locker room could be true. Could this be one of the last nights I have with Reed?

Is he kissing me like this because he's preparing to let me go? Turn off the light. Feel the blend in me It's just a little liberty Spring is here and you can now get almost anything you need delivered with Uber Eats. What do we mean by almost? You can't get a well-groomed lawn delivered, but you can get chicken parmesan delivered. Sunshine? No. Some wine? Yes. Get almost, almost anything delivered with Uber Eats. Order now. Alcohol in select markets. See app for details. Hey guys, it's Erika from Emerald Audio.

Fans of Trom ask us a lot where they can get more content like the Royals of Malibu, and we hear you. At Emerald Audio, we're hard at work building a fictional romance rom-com universe and we couldn't be more excited about our next release. It's called the Infinite Worlds of Ella Jane and it's a nine episode series written by the award winning author, Lori D. DeVilla. The Infinite Worlds of Ella Jane is presented by Wattpad, a storytelling platform that's the home of over 80 million users. You might be familiar with their shows like The Kissing Booth, My

Life with the Walter Boys on Netflix. These are all shows adopted from Wattpad's original stories so you know Ella Jane is gonna be great. The Infinite Worlds of Ella Jane is full of heart-pounding twists and turns, beautiful sound design, and of course a romance plotline. It's a must-listen for fans of the Royals of Malibu. Listen to The Infinite Worlds of Ella Jane right now wherever you get your podcasts, or go to Emerald Audio Network on Instagram to learn more. I wish you hadn't moved out. Reed and I stay up late. We open the curtains so we can see the lights of San Francisco sparkle. I wish you hadn't moved out. It sucks only getting to see you at school.

You're the one who let me go. I know. I'm sorry. Sometimes I feel like you'd be better off without me. Reed, that's crazy. I don't know. If you weren't living with Steve, would you have tried out for the swim team again?

That's huge, Elle. I guess, but it's not as important to me as you are. That's not good. What do you mean? You can't let your life revolve around me, Ella. It doesn't revolve around you. But you are very important to me. I don't think that's a bad thing.

Well, what if I have to... go away for a while? That's not going to happen. Ella. You didn't do anything wrong. I've done a lot of things wrong. So what? We're teenagers, we're going to fuck things up, but you didn't kill anyone. That might not matter.

No, no. You told me that this would not happen. You said you would never leave me and that you would always protect me. You're my family, Reed. I don't know what Malibu is without you. Listen, you're gonna be okay. Are you going on the run or something? Going into witness protection like Steve?

Ella … He said he was going to talk to the FBI, so did he do that? You can't just give up! I am doing everything I can. No, you're not! You have to be strong, Ella. I'm tired of being strong. You can't leave me.

Please, Reed, you can't leave me. I'm sorry. No! I still haven't heard back from that caterer, but I can call him again. I can reach out to the people who were at Brooke's funeral. I mean, maybe the police haven't questioned them yet. It's too late. You... you have to let me go. I have those letters I found in Dinah's purse.

You said the letters were a dead end. Oh, I didn't read all of them. I only read the one addressed to Brooke. This one is addressed to your mom. It doesn't matter. It's talking about great remorse, something about her death and Steve being with her when she died. That's not even true. She was alone when she died. Wait. Let it go, Ella.

Wait. This letter says Steve had an affair with Maria. What? Read. Daina is apologizing for hating Maria after she found out about her sleeping with Steve. Here. I… I can't. Just tell me what else it says. It says Steve gave Maria the drugs that killed her. That's… no. Dinah's crazy. That can't be true.

But what if it is true? If Steve is hiding a secret like that, I mean, what else has he been lying about? The police will want to know about this. They're not gonna care. What if Steve is covering for Dinah the same way Dinah covered for Steve? At the very least, one of them is bound to become a suspect, don't you think? No, Ella, the investigation is over. That's not true! It is!

I haven't been honest with you. I wanted to keep you out of my legal stuff. I didn't want you to have to deal with it. Reed, what did you do? What did you do? You're not going to like this, Elle. Reed looks as guilty as I've ever seen him. I finally found a lead, something that at least hints that there might have been more

to this murder investigation than Brooke's vendetta against Reed, but the look on his face makes me think I was too late. Maybe it doesn't matter what Steve and Dinah are hiding. Maybe Reed has already lost. On the next episode of the Royals of Malibu. The prosecution has offered a manslaughter plea deal, a 10 year sentence with five years served. What the hell are you doing? You're questions bringing up all this past stuff?

Are they going to do that? Yes, Reed, they are. I'm going to find the real killer and I'm going to tell the police. It's too late for all that. You can't give up. You cannot give up on yourself, Reed, please. You told me we were going to be together forever.

You promised me you wouldn't leave me. Open this door! You disobeyed me. I told you to stay away from the Royals. The Royals of Malibu is a production of Emerald Audio, an imprint of diversion, in partnership with Pod People. Starring Alyssa McKay as Ella Sinclair, Chris Caffero as Reed Royal,

Nick Caffero as Easton Royal, Armin Taylor as Callum Royal, Francesca Agrimonte as Valerie Gonzalez, Hannah Montoya as Savannah Gonzalez, Daniel Lynch as Steve O'Halloran, Maura Vincent as Din Steve O'Halloran. Maura Vincent as Dinah O'Halloran. Stephanie Sherry as Lucy. Gillian Kinsey as Nova and Detective Schmidt.

Directed by Ashton Carter. Written by Kiana Kadiblo. Produced by Emma Dumuth. Production management by Ashton Carter. Production assistance by Hannah Rae Leach and Audrey Leach. Story Development by Emma Dummuth. Editorial Direction by Scott Waxman. Casting by Lindsay Plousard.

Sound Editing, Sound Design, and Engineering by Morgan Foose and Carter Wogan. Dialogue Editing by Adam Rimanda and Carter Wogan. Dialogue Editing by Adam Rimanda and Carter Wogan. Theme Music by Mattie Noyce. Consulting Producers, Chris Caffero and Nick Caffero. Executive Producers, Rachel King, Alyssa McKay and Scott Waxman. For more information, visit DiversionAudio.com