The Royal Contract

Damn! That hurt.

He silently contemplated within himself as he gently touched his broken lips and bruised cheeks. He just confirmed that his friend knew how to throw a mean punch.

He could tell that black and blue would cover his skin by morning, feeling the soreness of his injuries and a few blood stains covering his fingers and clothes.

"Fuck!" He cussed, realizing he was not alone in the room, sensing a movement near him.

He had initially thought she had left with David or walked out after what had happened. But he was mistaken as he felt her presence.

She probably wanted to slap him or curse him for his unforgivable actions. He could not blame her. He believed he deserved it. His physical pain was no match for what he had caused her.

He also thought apologizing would never be enough, especially after the humiliation she experienced because of him.

"Are you alright?" He heard her ask as he felt her fingers on his shoulder.

He was not expecting the concern in her voice. He thought she would lash out at him and call him names after the earlier incident, but not the calmness he detected in her tone.

When he tilted his head and looked up, he was surprised to see hesitation, a bit of awkwardness, but not a sign of anger in her sad smile.

"If you are waiting for another apology, Roseann, I am sorry." He stated as he stared into her eyes. "But I don't think that would be adequate for making up for what I did." He admitted how wrong he was.

How could he be so stupid and careless with his actions? He should not be drinking more than his limit, knowing that irrational things happen when under the influence of alcohol.

He should have known better. Now, he could only regret the mess he had made. Still, he should not use drunkenness as an excuse.

He made a mistake, and he should own to it. But that was not all. He had to find a way to rectify it. However, how could he correct such a mistake?

He watched her wrap the ice cubes in a clean blanket while he sat on one of the stools by the kitchen counter.

"But I want to, and besides, I have some questions. I think you owe me some answers while I deal with those bruises." She also moved to his bathroom to get his first aid kit.

He could not help but agree with her. He also thought he should give her some explanation. Besides, he also had questions of his own.

Like, how did Roseann know David? He noticed how his friend had addressed her with concern, at the same time, anger. He believed they were somewhat close. Friends? Relatives?

It appeared he barely knew her much, although they had discussed a few personal things. It was apparent he still had more to discover about her.

"David?" He stated and quickly added his clarification. "How do you know him?" He was curious as she sat on the vacant chair beside him. Stay tuned with m,v le,mpyr

She dropped the pack of ice on the counter while she had arranged the antiseptic, cotton, and bandages on the counter.

"I am about to ask you the same question." She mildly made a nervous laugh as if wanting to dispel the awkwardness of their situation.

Then, she cleared her throat while she faced him with cotton and the antiseptic in her hands. He could still see her anxiousness, but she still kept her composure.

"This might hurt." She warned him as he waited for her answer.

"Ouccchhh!" That stung as he slightly winced. He had worse injuries than this before, but it did not mean he was immune to the pain.

"I told you." She pulled the cotton away from his wound while busying her other hand with the bandage.

"Anyway, David is my soon-to-be brother-in-law." She casually told him as she gently dabbed the medication on the cut on his lower lip. "What about Serena? What is her story?"

He guessed the only way to clear the air and explain things would be by telling the truth. He had to make her understand their situation.

He could only conclude that it was storytelling time for both of them.