The Royal Contract

"Hey, Jacky. Are you ok?" Dani asked, finding her friend looking like she was still in shock while Lance held her.

She was late to witness what happened earlier. Unaware that Jacky's current state was not due to the press outside, but something else she was not expecting to happen.

Jacky finally snapped out of it. Even Lance seemed surprised by the sudden turn of events. "Yeah, I think I am," Jacky answered her friend, releasing herself from Lance's grip on her arms.

She quickly turned to her friend and faced her, avoiding looking at Lance, afraid that he might read something in her eyes. She had to get her bearings in order. After that short kiss, it felt like she was drowning.

What happened with the press seemed so insignificant compared to the awkwardness and confusion she currently felt.. She did not know what to think of that gesture. But she knew she could not ask Lance why he did that.

"I think you also did a great job. You certainly impressed the press." Dani jokingly said, encouraging her that she had nothing to worry about with her debut on the red carpet.

Still, not having any idea that the real problem had nothing to do with what she thought. She hugged her friend, seeing the smile on her face. Happy that she was finally taking it lightly.

"Yeah, I did," Jacky answered back, forcing a smile on her lips, not wanting to alarm Dani with her present predicament.

Should she even give much thought to that single kiss? For all she knew, it did not mean anything to Lance. But a simple reassurance that she did well, just liked what Dani did.

"So, shall we proceed inside?" Alex interrupted their conversation as he and Lance waited for the two of them to finish.

Alex took Dani by the waist and proceeded towards the entrance of the ballroom. Lance also did the same thing with Jacky.

Lance was also surprised by his action. He was caught in the moment and unexpectedly found her lips irresistible. It was too late to realize what he was doing until he felt her lips on his.

It took all his willpower to stop himself from going further, remembering where they were. But he certainly enjoyed the few seconds that he felt their connection.

"It seemed that your first time to host such an event would be a huge hit." His mom approached them with a big smile on her face, accompanied by his father.

They arrived only last night but decided to visit their friends, Dani's parents, earlier that morning instead of meeting with Alex and Dani.

So, it would be the first time they would see them.

Alex's parents felt sad that Ethan had a health issue but was glad to know that he planned to remedy the matter soon. They certainly did not want anything worse to happen to any of them.

"The night has barely begun, Mom. We will know tonight if all of these people came here to participate in the event or just going for the ride." Alex extended a kiss to his mother and a nod to his father.

Her mom shifted her attention to Dani and Jacky, complimenting them with the beautiful gowns they were wearing. Alex excused himself to get them some drinks, leaving them temporarily behind.

"How are you doing, Lance? We hope you are seriously taking your training with Alex into mind." The duke turned his attention to Lance, who was not far from Dani's side.

His uncle looked at him, studying him. Then, his eyes also spotted the girl that was standing at his other side. She had seen her before. She was a friend of Dani, if not mistaken.

He was suddenly curious if her presence here was because of Dani or was it because of Lance. But he would look into it later if something was happening here that needed the Council's attention.

"I am, Uncle. I am learning a lot from Alex." Lance assured him, knowing that the Empire always wanted to expand its business outside the country.

Now that Alex penetrated the international market, they would like someone to represent them in the expansion plans. It was the only reason he was sent here in the first place.

He did not mind since he always wanted to try to expand their business outside. But unlike Alex, he wanted to stay in their country and helped it grow back to its former glory.

"Well, your father is very proud of you for doing this. You are bringing so much honor to your family." Fred said to Lance, watching every reaction his nephew had to his words.

There were many reasons why the Council was dead set on having Lance trained under Alex. If worse came to worse, and they still find Edward unsuitable to be king.

Alex would have no choice but to step up to the throne. If that ever happened, unrest would surely come to the kingdom. He would need Lance's alliance to stabilize their Empire against those who would try to take it down.

"Well, I am here to serve the Empire and our King," Lance said, knowing quite well his mission.

But what he did not expect to find was the woman next to him. She was the only problem that he was having difficulty finding a solution to this entire equation.

"Then, that is good to hear. I will surely inform your father of your progress. I think you are doing a good job." Fred stated with a bit edge on his tone as he glanced again at the girl beside Lance.

"Thank you, Sir." Lance acknowledged his compliment, but the double meaning of his words was loud and clear.

He noticed the way his uncle was looking at Jacky. He knew that he was already suspecting something was happening. He wondered what his uncle would think of it if ever he decided to pursue a relationship with Jacky.

How would his father react to his situation? If he found out that Jacky did not come from noble birth or money. What would be the action of the Council and the King if that ever happened? 

"I'm sorry it took me longer to get back." Alex walked back to Dani's side, carrying nothing in his hand. "I've been stopped several times that I was not able to make it to the drinks."

Who knew that having a party this size would be hard? Well, he knew now. Next time, he would leave this to the expert, like his mom. He suddenly wondered if Dani would be good at this.

But from what he had seen so far, she was no better than him.

"I think we better move on and leave these kids to enjoy the party," Katherine stated, putting her hand on Fred's arms.

She was happy that she had seen her son and Dani. Now, it was time to meet the rest of the guests. It was a rare occasion nowadays to meet new people since they hardly conducted events lately.

He finally returned his attention to his wife and moved away from the young kids that would be the future of the next generation.