The Royal Contract

"Where can I find this Council? Show me to their office, and I will file a complaint." Jacky stood up from her chair, ready to bolt to the location of their offices.

She was not about to back down from expressing her opinion on the matter. If she had to knock on someone's door or fall in line in some office, she would because she believed in what she was fighting for.

"I think we can handle this from here." Marcus finally intervened after being silent for the entire interaction between the two. 

He had watched Jacky and Antonette discuss the value of their tradition. In his opinion, it would seem that both had equal reason to argue their cases.

But, he agreed with Antonette. The royal family had never broken their tradition ever. Despite what Alex said, he believed that Alex would not be the first to violate any of it for his parent's sake.

"Thank you, Antonette. We will contact you if we have any further questions." He bowed to the other woman as a sign of respect.

"I think we should go to our rooms and get changed. We'll talk about this more later." He whispered calmly to Jacky before she could respond, not giving her time to challenge him.

He grabbed Jacky in her arms and guided her out of the room before she could protest any further. He knew if he did not interrupt her, the situation would only worsen.

He knew how important the traditions were in this kingdom, and no amount of intimidation coming from Jacky would change that. She was only causing a scene unnecessarily.

"What are you doing?" Jacky complained, still struggling to get free from him after they were several feet outside the door. "I am not allowing her to get away with that."

She was not sure why Marcus seemed to be siding on her side. But it would not stop her from doing what she had to do. She would find the Council, file a complaint against her and modify their tradition.

"Jacky, stop it." Marcus finally stopped in his tracks and let go of her. "This is nonsense. You can have your party anytime you like. It doesn't have to be that particular time."

He thought that she was acting irrational, arguing about a simple conflict in schedule. Under normal circumstances, Jacky had always been clear-headed, agreeable, and friendly.

"Fine." She looked anywhere else, avoiding making eye contact with him. She suddenly felt like she was losing control of her emotion. But she did not want him to see it.

"What is wrong? Why are you acting like this?" Marcus did not move from his place, but he focused all his attention on her. "Don't give me that bullshit about being ok because something is going on. I can see the wheels in your head turning very fast." He had known her for quite some time. He had learned a few of her little quirks. 

He noticed the way she looked away from his stare. Her face suddenly changed, indicating that her mind was working overtime on something weighing heavily on her. 

"I am just feeling, I don't know." She wished she could easily explain what she was going through. It made Jacky pause and stay quiet for a while. 

She was indeed acting like a New York brat. It was not her intention, but this wedding was finally getting to her. But it was not right to take it on Antonette, who was only doing her job.

She could only think of one thing that might be causing her to be like this. The uncertainty of her friendship with her friend was hanging on the balance. "I am afraid that I am losing her." She finally admitted to Marcus what was troubling her.

She was not thinking straight as her anxiety increased. Marrying Alex meant the possibility of losing her friend eventually. But what about her. She would finally be alone again.

"Hey, don't be like that. We are not losing our friends. On the other hand, we are gaining another." Marcus could sympathize with what Jacky was going through. 

He also felt the same way, at some point when he first heard that Alex was getting serious with his relationship with Dani. But in time, he had learned to realize that he had nothing to fear.

"I guess you are right." She finally acknowledged that she could not monopolize Dani for herself anymore. On the contrary, she would probably see less and less of her outside the office.

But Marcus was also correct. It would not mean that their friendship would end just like that. They would always be sisters whether the red liquid in their veins did not share the same component.

"Let me take your mind off that grim thought. Why don't we work on your plans for the party? I am sure I can help." He suggested instead, hoping that would divert her mind to something else.

Although he would not know anything about a ladies' party, he figured it could not be that hard. He had battled in courtrooms and boardrooms. Planning a simple party should be a piece of cake.

She was surprised by the offer, unable to tell if he was serious or making fun of her. "Please, I am not your charity case." Jacky turned around, away from him. 

She walked back to the main building to find the room assigned to her for the remainder of her stay. But she was not so lucky as Marcus continued to follow her behind.

"I am not. I am sure that I can be a big help. You just have to give me a chance." Marcus confidently stated as he quickened his pace and blocked her path. "Come on, I know my way around here."

He hoped he was convincing because he could use a few more of her company. From the moment he picked her up from her apartment, he had never felt so alive and happy.

He did not want that feeling to go away just yet. He would fight tooth and nail to keep that feeling a little bit more. But he would not force himself on Jacky if it was not wanted.

"I don't know." She stated. She had no choice but to stop in front of him before she bumped into him. She looked around the place and realized that she was not in her element. She was not back home, where she had many resources at her disposal.

Marcus was correct again. It would be easier if she had someone who would know how to move around this place. The palace was massive, and the rules were different.

She could use his experience and knowledge of this kingdom to perform her duties appropriately. She did not want to embarrass Dani because she acted foolishly as her maid of honor.

"I assure you that I will act honorably and no dirty business." He knew adding that would not guarantee her accepting his offer, but he had to try.

"Ok. As long as you promise that you will treat me to a decent pizza or burger later." She was hungry and tired. She could not take the barely-there food that the gourmet chefs kept preparing for them.

She needed real food.. The greasy and meaty ones.