The Royal Contract

"Wake up, sleepyhead." Alex nuzzled his nose on the side of her neck to wake her up.

He knew that it was late when they slept last night, but he planned a quick getaway for the two of them for today until tomorrow. He believed that both of them needed to unwind from the pressure of their jobs.

She partially opened her eyes, checking the time, but the first thing she saw was the dark sky outside the window. It was still either very late at night or quite early in the morning.

"Is there something wrong?" She asked, confused as to why Alex was waking her up when the sun was still not up.

She stretched her body like a kitten as she tried to untangle the stiffness of her muscles. It had been a long day, and sleeping on the table had taken a toll on her body, especially on her neck and shoulders.

"I just thought of inviting you on a weekend getaway." He shifted in his position, laying back on the pillows. "We need some alone time, away from all this stress." He suggested as he placed his hands behind his head for support.

He woke up almost half an hour ago with the idea of sweeping Dani on her feet and dashing out of the city. Maybe somewhere they could be alone and enjoy each other's company.

"Oh! What are you planning?" She moved on a sitting position, turned around, and looked at him. The idea of a weekend together sounded exciting.

She was suddenly very awake and alive, guessing his plans. She checked his face for any hint, but as usual, his expression was unreadable.

"I think you should pack light and bring something to wear on the beach." He smiled at her, finally giving her an idea of what he had in store for them.

This time, he did not want to surprise her but included her in the planning process. As a couple who would soon tie the knots, he needed to share more of his plans with her.

"Are you saying we are going to the beach?" Her excitement had doubled once she heard of his plans. She looked expectantly at him as she waited for his confirmation.

The weather temperature had considerably decreased in this last couple of weeks, and soon it would be too cold to do anything else outside.

But the prospect of being under the warmth of the sun was too tempting to pass up. She would give anything to be on the beach and with him at the same time.

"Yep! Do you like us to go?" Alex removed his hands from behind his head and grabbed Dani towards him, making her straddle him in the process.

Last night, after she had gone to sleep. He found himself thinking of how to help her with her situation. He knew that the pressure of work was getting into her. She needed something to ease her mind.

After thinking about it, he finally concluded to take her out of the city. He searched for a place that could offer them a different kind of environment.

"Of course, I do." She answered him without hesitation. She rested his hands on his shoulders for support as she studied his face.

She could see that he was serious about his plan to visit the beach. Where? She had no clue, but she did not care as long as she was with him.

She leaned closer to him, entangling her fingers in his hair, before letting her lips guide them to a sweet kiss. But she did not linger long as she jumped off of the bed and walked towards the bathroom.

"Hey, where are you going?" Alex felt deprived of the kiss as he started complaining.

He would like her to finish what she started, but she was gone before he could deepen the kiss. Now, he was left wanting more but could only wait for the next opportunity.

"I am preparing for our early departure and packing for our things." She told him, moving further away from him.

She could not help but taunt him a bit. Not giving into him made the chase more exciting. It was a simple game that they played to spice up their relationship.

"Fine. But prepare yourself for some retribution later." Giving her a fair warning to what was to come.

He enjoyed their little banters. Sometimes he won, but most of the time, Dani did. But it did not matter who won or lost. What was important was the fun they got from the game.

He quickly followed her and started preparing for their impromptu trip to the island he had picked on this trip. It was a three-hour flight from their current location, but it would be worth every minute of it once they were there.

"I am looking forward to it." She replied to him with a sweet smile on her lips.

She wondered if she could keep him at bay until they had reached their destination. But she doubted it. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. That was for sure.

She still had no idea of the entire picture of their trip, but she was not going to ask any questions anymore. It was enough that Alex gave her a glimpse of his plans. She wanted the rest to be a surprise.

A few more minutes, after a fast and short ride to the airport. They entered a private hanger where the company's private jet was already waiting for them.

She did expect them to fly since the beach in their area was not conducive for sunbathing and swimming during this season. She did wonder if they were flying west or east.

She kept her thoughts to herself as they boarded the luxurious plane. This kind of lifestyle was not new to her. It had its convenience, but she would prefer to travel by coach.

The captain walked out of the cockpit and greeted them. "We are ready to take off anytime, Sir." The head pilot informed them.

Alex already had the plane prepared two hours ago, even before he woke her up. He wanted it ready anytime she agreed to go with him.

"If that is the case, then take us on the air," Alex instructed the pilot which saluted as he returned to the front of the plane.

Alex sat beside the comfortable chair beside Dani, fastening his seatbelt and preparing for the takeoff. He also assisted Dani on her seat as he helped her with the seatbelt as the plane revved its engine.

"I hope you will love the place." He leaned towards her, resting his head on her shoulders.

He looked outside the still darkened sky. But on the far horizon, he could already see a small glimpse of light. The sun was about to show its magnificence and strength.

"I am sure that wherever you are taking me will be something great and special because you are with me." She mumbled to him as she also stared at the window outside, looking at what he saw.

She could look at the sky and never get tired of it. Its beauty had no bounds whether the sun was high in the clear sky or the clouds covered them with their thick cottony patterns.

"I'm glad to hear that." He took her hand and continued to stare at the slowly glowing sky with its hues, mixing with the blue sky.

After a few minutes of putting his arms around her and with the steady hum of the plane engines, he found himself dozing off. Still tired of the previous day.

Dani also found herself sleepy. After being lulled by the steady rhythm, not by the plane's engine but of Alex's heart, she started to close her eyes and lost consciousness.

He woke up after half an hour, seeing Dani in an uncomfortable situation. He immediately fixed the chair, reclining it so that Dani could lay comfortably.

"Sleep tight, my darling. We have a long day ahead of us." He whispered in her ears before planting a soft kiss on her cheeks, careful not to wake her up.

Then, he also fixed his chair so he could lay next to her. In more than an hour, they would be landing in the paradise he chose for them.

Somewhere where they could relax and enjoy a peaceful vacation. It was a place Alex had never been for a long time but had a special place in his heart. He would like to share this place with her.

As soon as they landed, a car was already waiting for them, which would take them to their final destination. "Are you excited?" He asked her as they settled on the back seat of the car.

"I am very excited to see your surprise." She sat comfortably alongside him as they watched the scenery before them.

The greenery of the enormous trees was a big contrast to the jungle they left behind. The birds produced a melodic sound compared to the horns and the noise of engines Dani usually encountered in the street.

The breeze that blew her hair when she opened the windows had a fresh and aromatic scent, while the one in the city was smug and polluted.

"Then, close your eyes because we are almost there." He instructed as he peeked outside the window.

He placed his hand over her face, then covered her eyes, forcing her eyes to close it shut. He wanted her to enjoy the entire experience of the surprise.

"Is this necessary?" She touched his hand that was covering her face, but he would not badge. "Fine. I will not look." She promised, feeling the giddiness in her, just like back when she was a schoolgirl.

"No peeking," Alex whispered as he removed his hands, trusting her not to look.