Keeping The Royal Treaty CHAPTER 11

To readers,

I’d like to remind everybody that this is a fiction story – created from imagination.

Enjoy!

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The day finally arrives.

I’ve been staring at my reflection for far too long, and I can’t stop staring. I want to look perfect in front of everybody. But the lack of sleep and restlessness is making it impossible. With Vivienne’s help, she made the magic happened and brighten my complexion.

I’ve straightened my jacket for the hundredth time this evening. I feeling on edge, and my deep breathing doesn’t seem to work. It’s either that or this damn suit.

When Vivienne hands me the suit I told her she was mistaken. But it has my name on the tag. I was expecting something dark, not a pink slim-fit set of clothes. Whoever chose this is holding grudges on me and it’s the right time to get back.

Okay. Deep breaths. In and out. 

I hear the door open, and I can see Vince’s reflection on my mirror as he walks in. He leans on the edge of the desk and folds his arms. I turn my head, and when as I set my eyes on him, I freeze.

Vince is wearing an all-black outfit. His slicked-back dark hair accentuates his green eyes. The stubbles on his chiseled jawline bring more attraction to his handsome face. And I didn’t miss his strong shoulders when he flexes his arms.

A flattering sensation starts bubbling in my chest, and I look away. I feel the heat creeping up my cheeks.

“How do I look?” I ask, holding my arms out.

“Ravishing,” he responds.

I made a sarcastic laugh. “Why do I get to wear this and you get the cool ones?” I protest.

“You have something against pink?” He asks.

“What? No, no, I like it. But I want to look cool and attractive as you,” I grumble. 

He raises a brow, and I immediately regret what I said. “Never mind.” I look back in the mirror, pretending to fix my hair and collar. “Is it time?” I ask.

“Yes,” he responds.

I took a last deep breath and made my way to the door. But Vince pulls my arm. “Stay with me all the time. When you are asked questions, give them brief answers. Understood?”

“Yeah.”

“As you said, you don’t know any of these people, but they know you. Never leave my side.” 

I nod and he let go of my arm. “I have something to say too. When I go out there and say something stupid or anything unintentional to annoy you, please don’t strike me like last time,” I say, lowering my head.

“I don’t think I can handle that. I’ll try harder this time. I-I still want to show some dignity, especially my dad,” I plead.

“It is true when I said you reminded me of your father. But what I did was not right.” He steps closer to me, placing his hand on my chin, and lifts my head so I can see him eye to eye. “I promise,” he said.

“Thanks.” I smile.

Swiftly, his hand slips on my lower back and the other at the back of my neck. And next thing I know, his lips are on mine. He pushes his way into my mouth, and it’s intense and rough and sloppy. But I kiss him back.

I push him in the chest to suck in air. “You will be expecting some of this tonight,” he said, lust in his voice. He backs away to straighten his suit. “You are my husband, after all.”

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Wow.

Pierce did an outstanding job. He placed lit-up lanterns, different shades of pink balloons, and flowers from the start of the walkway to the courtyard – guiding guests where the event is. There is a hint of citrusy smell coming from those lanterns. I don’t know if my suit compliments all those pink colors.

 The lamps look like stars hanging on the trees. The tables are cover in black linens. Who knew black and pink go well together. I wonder if Pierce chose the colors. It explains the suit colors. 

Vince came to my view and holding a glass of beverage. “Drink this. It’ll calm your nerves,” he said.

“I think I’ll need more than this. When you said a couple of guests, I am looking at a crowd. You got your words mixed up.” I said, taking a big gulp of my drink.

He laughs and snakes his hand on my side. I quiver, remembering what happened back in my room. “Come on. Let’s get this started. And don’t hide your ring this time,” he prompts.

We walk out the courtyard, and I hear murmurs, people greeting each other, and waves of laughter. But it quiets down when they see Vince and me making ourselves in the center of the crowd. I start to be the center of attention, and I start to feel very self-conscious. Vince pulls me closer when I’m unknowingly walking slower.

Pierce came along with a big smile on his face. He began tapping a spoon on his drinking glass, and soon enough he got the crowd’s attention.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank you all for coming and being part of this special occasion.” I look around and I don’t recognize any of these people. But each one of them wore uniquely beautiful dresses. “I am truly honored to be part of this gathering and celebrating Francis- “

And.

Everything stopped when I saw his face, he changed. I don’t remember his grey hair. But I do recognize those eyes.

I can feel my heartbeat racing in my chest and my breathing getting deeper each time. My cheeks are numbing. The man I call father. I should be glad to see him again. But why do I feel dejected?

My dad stood up and raised his glass. And I heard my name. “Francis,” Vince whispers in my ear. I look at Pierce, and he said, “A toast. Cheers to health and happiness in the years ahead.” And I down my drink like water.

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“I don’t think I’m ready,” I said, walking beside Vince.

The speech was over, and the guests greeted me. Wished me happy birthdays, and excited to finally got to meet me. They’ve introduced themselves, and just as Vince said, I answered briefly. Interestingly, most of them belong in the same department- business.

And now that the introduction is over, I have to face my dad.

“Enough stalling. I’d rather you talk to him right now before he and I have ours behind closed doors. And stop drinking,” Vince said.

“What? What do you mean?”

“You know better, Francis,” he answers.

“Vince, please,” I whisper, trying to calm myself. “What do you mean talk behind close doors?” 

“Don’t worry your pretty head and go,” he said, sounding impatient.

Dominique and Zoey are entertaining my dad. And by the looks of it, it doesn’t seem to be very effective.

I tap my cheeks a couple of times to ease the stress. And I went ahead. “Hey, Dad.”

He turns around and looks at me. “My boy,” he laughs. Right away, he hugged me. My dad is a tall man, almost the same as Vince, but Vince has the upper hand – a couple more inches taller and more muscular. 

Dad rests his chin on my head. “Oh Francis, you haven’t grown an inch since the last time I saw you,” he laughs.

“And you’ve changed your hairstyle. I didn’t know you were into grey. You look like grandfather. Oh wait, you are old,” I sass back.

“I’m 46. I’m not that old.” He let go of me and held my hands. He must have felt my ring, and he stares at it for a second. “How are you? What have you been up to? Have you always been this small?” He asks. 

If you bothered to send me a mail or a text or whatever there is to get in touch with me, you would have known. I could have appreciated it if you ask me months ago, a week ago. Then I could have told you I wasn’t doing okay, that I needed someone to talk to – is what I wanted to say. 

“I’m doing good, dad,” I answer.

“Are you? You don’t look too happy and it’s your birthday. Is there something I should know?” He asks, eyeing Dominique, Zoe, and Vince.

“I’m fine. I didn’t get a good sleep last night. I was nervous about today. It’s been a long time since the last time I’ve seen you,” I half lied.

“Nervous? I’m your dad, there is nothing to be nervous about,” he chuckles. “Sorry I haven’t been in contact, Francis. But I am going to make it up to you. What do you say we fly to Switzerland for a week or so? My gift to you.”

I squeeze his hand and try my best not to walk away from him. 

It brings back old memories. When I was young, dad made a lot of promises. Be it gatherings in school, tennis competitions, award ceremonies, or even a fathers day, most of them, he never showed up. Things that I loved and am proud of. 

“That will have to wait. My husband and I will be busy onwards,” Vince interrupts.

“Husband?” My dad questions. “Since when did the two of you became close? I have eyes and ears everywhere Mr. Dohlman.”

“If I remembered correctly, it is part of the deal not to, until today,” Vince answer.

“Correct. And what now? Should I be concerned about his safety?”

“Stop it, the two of you. This might be a normal conversation to you but not for me. Can we please just drink our ass off and enjoy.” I said.

“Sounds good to me. In 5 minutes, the band will be playing on stage,” Vince replied. “Please enjoy, we’ll continue this later. If you’ll excuse us, I’m going to steal Francis for a bit.”Vince places his hand on my back and pushes me on the crowd. 

“You guys are arseholes. You’re talking about me as if I wasn’t there,” I snap. “I need another drink and the bathroom.”

“Suit yourself,” he smirks.

We head inside the house and Vince followed me in the bathroom. I still see the smirk on his face, and it’s getting annoying. “Is this entertaining to you? Why the hell would you guys argue out there? What if one thing led to another and you piss each other off? What then?”

“Entertaining? I hardly call that entertainment,” he snickers. “I’d like it if you entertain me.”

He has his hand on my chest and pushes me back until I hit the wall. He took both my hand and raised them over my head, pinning me on the wall. I feel his knee slowly going up and in-between my legs. 

“What the hell are you doing!” I shout. 

“This is entertaining for me. I’ll have you on this wall.”

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