Royal Treatment

3 Hours Remaining

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I hesitated but at last slipped my hand into his. It would be a good opportunity to get out of this horrible situation, and Werner hadn’t said I had to stay at the party. A charming smile slipped over his face and his warm fingers closed around mine. He led me around the house through the lush gardens until we arrived at the front by the circular driveway.

“Let’s take my car,” he said and I felt relieved, as I had no idea where my driver had gone to.

He made a motion and the valet looked over, eyes widening as he saw the man. He hurried off quickly and a few minutes he pulled a beautiful silver convertible up the driveway. As the valet got out to hand him the keys my companion put his finger over his lips in a silencing motion. The valet quietly took the tip handed to him. The brown-haired man then escorted me to the passenger side and opened the door for me.

“Your chariot awaits.” he said with a laugh.

I ducked my head down as I got inside, feeling embarrassed by his carefree manner. He got in and we peeled out of the driveway, leaving the bright festive lights behind us. I began to feel a little nervous in such close proximity to him. His car was beautiful on the inside, all leather and polished.

My eyes travelled to his face. He looked vaguely familiar but I couldn’t place him. His sparkling green eyes caught my stare and he grinned, making me blush. The smile seemed so easy on his face, and I hated to admit that he was very attractive.

We arrived at a fancy looking restaurant but the lights were dimmed. I looked quizzically at my associate. “I thought you said it was open? This looks closed.”

He got out of the car and came around to open the door for me. “We’re taking the private entrance,” he said with a mysterious smirk. He then led me to the back door of the restaurant and knocked on the door.

The door opened and a hassled cook emerged. His disposition immediately changed and he became nervous. “You-”

“Shh,” the man I was with said quickly cutting off the cook. “Table for two?”

The cook looked over at me and I could feel the questions bubbling up inside him. He didn’t ask but nodded and ushered us inside. As we passed through the magnificent kitchens I could see that the staff had been cleaning up for the night. I started to feel bad.

“Maybe this isn’t a good idea,” I began but he laughed.

“Don’t worry so much, it’ll give you wrinkles.”

I became offended but didn't respond as suddenly we emerged into the dining area. It was beautiful, with a red colored décor and a beautiful crystal fountain as the center attraction. There were luxurious chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and with the lights on now they were absolutely stunning. The maître’d approached us as we sat at one of the tables.

“No need for menus,” my companion said and he ordered in a foreign language before sending him away. “I hope you don’t mind that I ordered for you,” he said with a charming smile.

I couldn’t reply to that. Just looking at the exquisite tastes of this place I doubted I would have known what to order anyway. As we were the only ones in the restaurant our appetizers arrived quickly and he stared at me until I picked up my fork and took a bite. An explosion of flavors hit my tongue and I must have looked pleased because he grinned and dug in as well.

“I know this is late to ask, but we haven’t introduced ourselves,” I began when I had taken a break from eating.

His eyes widened in surprise and then he laughed. “That’s right. You can call me Van, does that work for you?” He winked.

Van… Van? What an uncommon name. My mind drifted lazily in the haze of delicious food. The only Van I could think of was the Crown Prince of Delphino, Van Orcello. Wait a minute. I dropped my fork.

 

 It is  only two still in mystery, I wonder who they'll be? 

 

 
Otome game love
Is always ridiculous

I think battle royale would go down poorly  but I'll think about it for an outtake.

 

“Keep it a secret, okay?” he said with a grin.

The waiter came back then and cleared our plates so I waited until he had set down our fabulous looking entrees. Despite being hungry I couldn’t eat. My stomach was a ball of knots at the realization that I was having dinner with a prince.

He noticed and frowned. “I’m sorry for misleading you again,” he said. “I just didn’t want you to be frightened of me.”

I looked into his emerald green eyes and saw his sincerity. It was troubling. Unlike Prince Ian, he wasn’t intimidating, and unlike the Prince of Avyys back at Mme. Malvow’s party, he seemed entirely approachable. However, knowing that he was a prince changed things!

“I’m not frightened,” I said boldly and felt myself beginning to redden. I quickly stuffed a piece of food in my mouth and was delighted to find the rich bold flavors coursing over my tongue.

Van looked unconvinced. “I can see now his interest in you…” he murmured under his breath, so low I barely heard him. He had turned his full attention to me now and was staring at me as if searching for something.

“Pardon?”

Van laughed and promptly changed the subject. The rest of dinner he eased me back into conversation and I slowly began warming up to him again. As the night winded down I realized belatedly that payment would be required for the meal I just partook in. Looking down at my handbag I felt a sense of dread.

“Shall we split the check?” Van teased as he followed my line of sight. He rose from his seat and grabbed my arm. “Perhaps we’ll dine and dash?”

I was mortified. Van’s teasing was going too far. The maître’d opened the front door for us and Van walked us straight out without paying. I was confused as Van helped me into the car. He entered his side and sat down, driving away from the restaurant.

“The check…” I began.

Van’s eyes glimmered in the dark car. “What about the check?” he said with a tone of finality. I closed my mouth.

He drove a little ways and then parked the car. I realized that I hadn’t told him where I was staying. “Ah… I’m staying at the Calla Hotel,” I began.

Van had unbuckled and suddenly draped his body over mine. I gasped in surprise as his warmth radiated into my body through his clothes.

“You’re warm,” he said softly in my ear, echoing my thoughts. His breath tickled my ear and made me shiver. His arms were wrapped loosely about my neck as he nestled his head in my neck.

I couldn’t understand what was happening. “Please stop,” I begged, pushing at him lightly.

He pulled away confused. “You don’t like me?”

I stuttered unable to reply. It wasn’t that I didn’t like him, he was gorgeous beyond belief, but he was still a stranger! How manipulating to use his charm like this. I couldn’t move, captivated by his gaze. His bright green eyes searched mine and he placed his hand upon my thigh and leaned forward his perfect soft pink lips coming towards my own.

My cellphone rang loudly just then and broke the spell. I reached for it quickly and answered in relief, catching Van’s disappointed look.

 

“Hello?” I answered, my heart beating so loudly I could barely hear my own voice.

“Ms. Werner?” came a familiar voice.

“Who is this?” I asked, all too aware of Van’s hungry gaze. I turned slightly to put him out of my line of sight.

There was an awkward pause. “This is Nathan,” he said slowly. Nathan? I hadn’t remembered giving him my number. “I took your number from your phone earlier, sorry.” He explained as if reading my thoughts.

Van began running a hand lightly up my knee and towards my thigh. My eyes widened. “Oh, I see, hello…” I said, trailing off, distracted.

“Are you busy?” Nathan asked after another pause. He sounded worried.

Van’s eyes narrowed as I brushed his hand away. I knew I was being rude but I was in such a bind I didn’t know what else to do. “No…”

“Can we meet tomorrow? I have this reservation at that café…” Nathan said.

Van grabbed my wrist that was holding the phone and kissed it. My skin felt hot and Van’s eyes sparkled in the dark car. He grabbed my phone suddenly and disconnected the call. “Hey!” I cried.

“It was rude to cut me off when I was in the middle of something,” Van said with a laugh. He must have felt tension in the air and he settled back into his own seat after a moment. “Sorry,” he said quietly. “I think I drank a bit too much wine. How embarrassing; I’ve never acted this way before.”

Van’s lips tightened and he drove me in silence to the hotel. He helped me from the car without any of the passion from before.

“Please forgive me,” he said gently with the same smile he had had earlier at the party. “I don’t want you thinking badly of me. There was too much excitement tonight.”

He took my hand and kissed it and before I could reply he got back in the car and drove off. I stood there a moment before realizing that even in the cold air I felt warm. Then I realized I still had his jacket.