The Royal Contract

Waking up back in her room felt strange since it had been years since she had been back in this room. But at least she had her husband sleeping soundly beside her.

“I love you, Alex.” A habit Dani had acquired during the time that they had been together. It was something she would never get tired of doing.

However, she felt it was weird to see her husband in a girly room like this. But still, he looked so manly with his exposed chest in her view and his kissable lips just inches away from hers.

But not wanting to wake him up, she stood up and walked towards her desk, noticing the room had not changed much since she left.

It seemed her parents maintained it just the way she had left it. “Really?” She questioned, shocked to see that all her things were just how it was. Some looked older, but everything was clean and orderly.

She scanned the room that had held many of her childhood, teenage and adulthood years. Many memories reminded her of years spent with her father while growing up.

.....

Her room was like her father’s memorabilia, with pictures of him when they were young scattered around the room. Items he carefully picked as gifts for her birthdays or other occasions were still amongst her things, in full display.

“I miss you already, Dad.” She picked up one of their photos where she was dancing with him.

She could not remember the occasion, but she was particularly fond of this because her father let her step on his toes while they were dancing.

She was afraid that she would fumble since many were watching, so he said to ride his toes, and he would teach her how to dance.

“You were indeed a good dancer.” She mumbled, hugging the frame, swaying like she was dancing with her father again as gentle music rang inside her ears.

Then, the music ended.

She opened her eyes, landing on the man, still lying on the bed, watching her. His smile told her he might have been watching her for a while.

“He must be a great teacher,” Alex commented, standing up from the bed and walking towards her. “Are you ok?” The same question that he never forgot to ask her time and time again.

But this time, she had to answer him differently.

“Not yet. But I will be someday.” Honestly? Dani had no clue when that someday would come, but it would eventually.

Then, he started humming. Well, it was not as terrible compared to his singing. He had a soothing tone. But he did not know how to hold a melody. His rhythm was out of sync. He just had no business singing.

“Then, maybe you will join me for a dance.” He took the frame from her hand and placed it where it belonged, in her memories. Then, he extended his hand to her.

“Maybe it is time that we make more memories in his honor.” Alex continued when he saw her hesitation.

Soon, she was gliding and moving, following his stride. With her cheek buried in his chest, she could hear his heartbeat, which seemed to dictate the beat of their song.

“Better,” Alex stated, which both sounded like a statement and a question.

But somehow, her heart knew what he meant.

She looked up at him, loving the smile that showed on his lips. How could she not feel better after this? Suddenly, she was grinning as if he had said something funny.

“Well, that is better.” He suddenly twirled her around, getting lost in the moment. Then, she found herself enveloped in his arms, covered with his lips.

It was a minute or more.

She had no way of knowing exactly. But it was enough to uplift her spirit before they stopped and stared into each other’s eyes. “Because you always make me feel better.” She finally responded as his fingers caressed her face, shoving the strands of her hair that fell on her cheeks behind her ears.

“Because it is my job. It is what I promise to do. And I will do my best never to fail because I love you, my Daniella Blackstone.” He pulled her again near him. Then, he kissed her forehead before finally letting her go. “Now, feed me, woman, because your husband is starving. I believe that is your job.” He teased her, making her giggle when he started tickling her on her side.

“Oh! Really?” She managed to respond as she escaped his clutches.

“On second thought. Can you show me the kitchen?” He jokingly said, bowing to her. “My lady, you have to forgive your humble servant.”

“Fine. But first, I want you to go take a shower while I check on my mother.” She instructed, slightly chuckling at her husband’s silly antics. But she knew he was only doing his best to make her smile.

She did not mind the terrible singing and the horrible puns because his intentions were always for her wellbeing. Nothing could be sweeter than her husband attempting to make her smile.

Last night, she would have cried herself to sleep. But because of his warmth and love. She had slept like a baby, with no dreams nor nightmares. It was just a good and peaceful sleep.

“Call me if you need me,” Alex responded, knowing that it might not be easy to see her mother in her wretched state.

She doubted that her mother had a peaceful sleep just like her. Not when her father was not at her side. She must have tossed and turned, missing him terribly. She might have cried herself to sleep as she initially thought she would.

Finally, she strode towards her bedroom on the other wing of the mansion. The room that she had shared with her father since they were married.

Once she entered the room, she knew she would be expecting the worse. So, when her eyes landed on the room, she was shocked.

“Mom?”