The Royal Contract

"It would seem that your date is a no-show." Lance once again came to her side. 

Observing from afar the foreign beauty drinking alone on the other side of the room would seem not enough anymore. Lance thought that when Jacky dismissed him earlier, she would be reuniting with her date. However, seeing her still alone was an opportunity he would not let go to waste.

His date was a no-show too, but she was genuinely sick, so she had an excuse. He did not mind since he met Jacky, who seemed more interesting than the girl his parents wanted him to date.

"Well, I'm sure he is just busy." She tried to defend Marcus, who was still missing in action. 

She was glad that Evan was there earlier, she had someone to talk to, but eventually, he too found someone he was interested in, leaving her alone again. But now, it would seem she would not be alone anymore as Lance was back to bother her.

But she was beginning to wonder where Marcus was. It had been hours since she last saw him with the girl he was dancing with earlier. Her mind was debating whether Alex was still making Marcus work or if he was already working on the girl.

Either way, she had no right to get mad at him, she thought. But then again, her brain insisted that she did because he was the one who invited her to be his date. He should be giving her some attention and not just left her to deal with the party alone.

"Then, if you don't mind, I can use some company. My date also was a no show." Lance finished the drink in his hand and looked at her. "Another one?" He indicated to the empty glass on her hand.

If it were not for Alex, he would not have attended this ceremony at all. He only wanted to support his friend on his birthday and his fight against their tradition. Anyway, at least something good happened as he looked at the girl at his side.

"Sure, why not?" She answered both his question. "I don't mind another glass and your company." She was not going to end this party alone. She thought. She was not a girl who liked to sulk around. She was no loser that Marcus could discard when he found something better.

"Good," Lance said as he signaled the server for a fresh drink. "How about I tour you around?" He offered as he handed her the glass of champagne.

She knew she should not be drinking more. She already had several, but she was still mad at Marcus for abandoning her, so she took the glass and drank it in one go. "Ok. Lead the way." She gave the empty glass to the passing waiter and waited for him to do the same.

He led her out of the party and out of the palace. They waited at the footstep of the front main door as one of the valets retrieved his car from where it was parked.

"Where are we going?" She asked as he helped her in his car. 

It was a fancy-looking car that would have probably cost more than everything she owned. She sat on its plush leather seat, contemplating why she always ended up with these rich kids.

"I want to show you around, but if you have a request, I am more than happy to oblige." Lance started the engine and let the engine roared as he waited for her answer.

"You decide. Surprise me." She said since she had no idea what she wanted to see at this late of the night. 

She could also feel the alcohol in her system starting to take its toll on her. Maybe the fresh air would help. She decided to roll down the windows to allow the air to blow into her face.

"I have a better idea." He pressed a button, and the entire roof collapsed at the back, opening the upper portion of the car to the night's elements.

He did not know why he was so fascinated with her, but he felt like impressing her. He just smiled when she seemed to be enjoying the wind on her face as her hair flew behind her.

"This is great." She could feel a bit tipsy as she gazed at the view outside. Her vision was slightly hazy but not enough for her to lose consciousness. She let the wind blew the fog in her brain, and that included Marcus' memories.

Besides, Marcus was probably enjoying his time with the arm of that gorgeous princess. She was not about to let him ruin her vacation by waiting for him.

"I'm glad you are enjoying it. Wait till you see where I am taking you." He announced over the wind as he sped up the car on the empty road. The palace was located in an isolated area, away from the city, so traffic was not a problem. 

"Where do you live?" She asked, suddenly realizing that she barely knew anything about the man sitting beside her. 

Although it had not been a problem with her before, going out with strangers. This situation was different since she was in another country and nobody knew she was with him. 

"In the city. I'll show you some other time, but first, I want to show you something beautiful." He told her as they continued to drive on the empty street.

Then, they slowed down and turned on a narrower road. "Where are we?" She asked as the place lost the lights of the streetlamps. They were now solely relying on the front lights of the car. It was the only thing guiding them to wherever they were going.

She was not afraid. She could feel that Lance was not a serial killer or a rapist. But she was slightly unsure of the place they were going to. She was not used to nature. The only jungle she knew was the busy street and rough back alley of the city she had lived in her entire life.

"This is my favorite spot whenever I wanted to be alone. I told you I would show you something special." He stopped by a clearing and showed her a magnificent view of the beach. It was late, but the partial light coming from the moon slightly illuminated the place. 

She wondered what this place would look like on a full moon. It was already so beautiful at this rate, but it would probably be more spectacular with a brighter setting where she could see more of the surrounding.

"This is beautiful. Can we go down?" She wanted to feel the sand underneath her feet. 

"Of course, but wait." He went down first and helped her out of the car. He removed the coat he was wearing and placed it on her shoulders. "The wind could be a bit cold at this time." He explained.

"Thanks. What about you? Aren't you going to get cold?" She asked, seeing that he was now, just wearing his crisp white shirt.

"Don't worry about me. I am used to this." He tightened the jacket around her before moving aside to let her pass.

She could not help but feel quite extra special with the way he was taking care of her. She was no princess, but she certainly felt one at the moment.