The Prince's Leased Bride

The Agreement

He was crazy.

Alice studied him, as far as her pacing heart allowed her to do so. Yes, he exuded an aura of someone important… but to declare something like that, she’d have to believe that he actually had some sense of humor. She finally took a step back out of discomfort, only for him to align his gaze with hers when she looked up.

“You hadn’t been wearing the ring.” His grey eyes were dark and piercing.

“What ring?” She prayed he would believe it, her stomach fluttered at the mere pose of the question. It was if they were already married.

“A silver band, decorated with a tiny diamond gemstone.” He directed his gaze at the chandelier. “It’s rather simple, understated and yet still very classy.”

Her eyes would have bulged out then and there, it was an actual diamond! Thank heavens she hadn’t shown it off.

“Your silence seems to tell me that you do know that it has been with you.”

“How’d it ended up in my finger?” Her lips formed into an unconvinced pout.

“I left it with you while you were asleep.” Blake shrugged, as if it was the most normal thing to do with a woman you just met.

“That’s a rather dumb move.” She took it out from her pocket and held it out to him, “I could have sold it you know?”

“I had hoped that you would take more responsibility to it, even more- actually remember the events of last night.” He took the statement jewelry from her hands.

She sighed, “I… it’s just a crazy dream. Maybe this money is actually from the government, I just turned twenty-five you know?”

He pressed his lips together; she wasn’t the absolute carefree girl that most people assumed she was. Of course she had her own limitations to what seemed crazy.

“All of it was true, that ring is already a good example.”

“But- what if I decide to not marry you?” She chewed on her lip, they didn’t discuss of penalties for this right? “I’m sure you were aware of how wasted I was?” Which reminds her, that could have been taking advantage of her.

“I shall allow you to make your own decision.” Once again he gives her a shrug, “Alas, I have to take my money back.” Blake doesn’t give her much of an option though.

She fell silent, apparently she knew how contracts go. Alice needed not to overreact, but she’d be stuck living with Lizzie if he decides to withdraw the money. Her best friend Lizzie who was always there for her, the one who was there on her happiest moments, the one who held her up when she wanted to sink down…if that happened, she’d have to rely on her friend again. She’d be a burden to Elizabeth and her parents would be disappointed.

“Fine.” She breathed out and pinched her nose, “I take back what I said. As far as I can remember, it will only be awhile till we get a divorce?”

“A few years, give or take. Scandals are after all very dangerous.” He motioned for her hand.

“Why would you be worried about gossip?” The woman’s cheeks tainted red as he returned the ring to her hand, not in her left ring finger but somehow the thought still made her feel hot.

He merely raised his brows, somewhat surprised at her reaction.

“A clean name is better than a tainted one. One’s reputation can lead to one’s downfall don’t you think?”

Alice glided her finger over the diamond as her thoughts began to piece the events one by one. He didn’t seem to be the one who’d personally be affected by such things. It could only mean that his line of work or position would be at risk. Her throat felt parched and dry. Where was the desert? She wanted to stumble back on her chair now. Curse her reactions.

“Are you by any chance the prince?” She settled on a laugh.

A small smirk formed on the male’s lips, “You have some perception after all.”

“You don’t say eh?” Alice held back a sigh. He seemed right on for a prince, handsome yet a douche.

“Well then, since you have accepted your role… I would like to thank you.”

The woman gives a curtsy, “I am more grateful for the opportunity bestowed upon me to serve you, your Highness.” Somehow, she was sure that it seemed sarcastic. His eyebrow was twitching when she looked up at his visage.

“Regardless, I would not accept your services for free.” Right on! She wouldn’t be accepting this if it meant being some sort of trophy figure for the man. “This position shall be tiring after all.”

“Is that so? Your Highness?” Alice frowned, weren’t most princess just girls who looked pretty and waved around. Weren’t they someone who laughed at a diplomat’s joke and appealed to every young girl’s fantasy?

“I’d like to see you keep up with me.” Blake turned away from her and began to stride out of the private room. The doors already opened up by people waiting from the other side of the room.

Her face heated up, how dare he?

She still hasn’t even seen the dessert here yet!

“Wait up your royalness!” she dashed after him.

She thudded on a hard taut surface, and as she gazed up, a familiar pair of brunette hair and eyes stared at her.

“It appears you’re here to play with his Highness.” Daniel shook his head and began to walk out, “Come with me.”

She stared at the back of the prince disappearing from another passage, he went out into the sunlight with a bodyguard awaiting for him.

“Aren’t I supposed to join the man?”

He chuckled and looked at her from top to bottom, “It’s understandable why this is a covert meeting.” Her eyes narrowed at him as he merely ruffled her head. “I’ll be your fairy godmother today.”