The Royal Contract

She could tell it was anything but good, especially when she was dealing with the formidable Count. She would know since she had grown up with Lance. She knew how controlling his father was.

She would admit that compared to her father, the Count was much better because she could see that he cared about Lance, unlike her father, who only wanted to use her.

“Oh! Why is it so hard to sleep?” She mumbled as she covered her head with a pillow, blocking the little light from the window and the almost inaudible sound brought by the mild wind.

She had been turning in her bed, unable to sleep as different thoughts went through her mind, thinking about her friend’s current pregnancy with no father condition.

Then, her mind started nagging that it was not the only reason. A man, probably sleeping at this moment on the opposite side of this apartment, was keeping her awake.

“Ooohhh! Stop it!” She wished her mind would listen to her for once. She had been distracting herself from thinking about that incident, but it kept creeping back into the forefront of her consciousness, and it was frustrating her.

.....

“This is useless.” Amelia finally gave up on knocking herself, so she shoved the pillow out of her face and kicked the blanket off her body as she dropped her feet on the side of the bed to stand up.

She decided to get a glass of milk, hoping that would help. It was either that or got herself drunk, which was not an option. She still needed her full brain function to deal with all that was happening around her.

She walked out of the room, tiptoeing in the living room, avoiding making unnecessary noise. Then, she was lurking in the dark kitchen, moving slowly through the table and chairs.

“Ouch!” She did not see the foot of the stool that stood in her way, making her knee bump into it.

Her hands automatically touched her knees, feeling the pain going through her nerves from the impact. She should have opened the lights instead of creeping like a thief in the dark. Then, she was about to open the fridge when the lights suddenly turned on, almost blinding her. She had to cover her eyes from the brightness of the room.

“Whose there?” A man’s voice suddenly made her aware that she was not alone anymore. “Oh! Sorry. I thought there was an intruder.”

Of course, she had easily recognized his voice even if she did not see him immediately. However, she suddenly felt too aware of his presence when she heard him move closer.

Then, when she squinted her eyes against the light, she finally saw him just a few feet away, standing tall before him, making her suddenly nervous.

“No, it is just me, Evan.” She finally found her voice and answered, but she did not realize she was catching her breath.

She quickly took a deep breath to calm herself down, not because she was frightened by him but because she had become too aware of him.

“I did not mean to startle you.” He responded with concern, probably seeing her reaction to his sudden presence. He moved a little closer, placing the empty glass he was holding in his hand down the counter and standing closer to her.

“Are you ok?” His eyes scanned her from head to toe as if checking if she was ok.

“Of course, I did not realize anyone was still awake at this time.” Her eyes automatically looked at the wall clock just on the opposite wall.

“Well, I could not sleep yet.” He responded, reluctantly moving to the other side of the counter as he took out a bottle of scotch he must have hidden in the cabinet.

“I was just going to get some refill.” Indicating the empty glass. He poured himself a half glass full before turning to her. “You want one.” He offered, looking directly at her.

She had thought about it earlier but decided she should stick to her original plan. “No, I am ok. I was thinking of getting myself a glass of milk.” She excused herself, turning away from him to open the fridge.

She took out a carton of milk from the cold fridge and walked behind the counter to get a glass, avoiding bumping into him since he stood near the cabinet.

It was the first time that she found herself alone with him again. The entire day, they were either with Eida or Angela. Even in the hospital, they always had other companies with them.

“Oh, good luck with that. I don’t think milk would do much for me.” Evan said as he raised his glass and took a sip of his alcoholic drink. “So, I will have to settle with this.” Hissing after swallowing a mouthful of the drink.

“I do hope you get your much-needed rest then.” She said, pouring herself a glass full only to realize that the box was already empty.

She made a mental note to get milk early in the morning to replace the one she just threw in the wastebasket. Maybe a few groceries as well.

They could not live freely in this apartment for long, and the least she could do was contribute. But at the moment, she felt she had to get going.

“Well, I need to go back to bed.” She uttered in a shaky voice as she passed him, carrying her glass of milk.

But before she could move further away, he stopped her, grasping her wrist in a gentle grip. She could have easily pulled away from him, but she did not as she slightly turned to look at him.

“Please, stay,” Evan said in his low baritone voice. “I just want us to talk.” Then, he released her wrist, giving her the option if she should stay or leave.