The Royal Contract

Official photos were taken of the lovely couple. Then, many more with their families and friends. These pictures would safeguard their memories and probably be included in the history pages of this kingdom.

"Are you ready, Ms. Blackstone? It is time to face the real world." Alex whispered in her ears, knowing that the entire experience had been like a fairytale, not only for his wife but also for him.

The moment he saw her walking down the aisle, it was like he was transported into a magical kingdom, where he was the king, and she was about to be his queen.

"I am, Mr. Blackstone," Dani still could not believe that it was finally over. Hearing her new name had a nice ring to her ears. But it was not the name she was expecting she would be using as his wife.

But, now that his secret was out of the open, there was no more use hiding in his mother\'s name. It was time to become what his husband was born to be, the son of his father, while she the wife of a nobleman.

"So, shall we just enjoy the parade and the attention?" Alex firmly held her entwined arm on his. He supported and guided her while greeting the guests along the way.

As they marched down the aisle and into the wide-open doors where the world waited in anticipation. All the two could think about was the world they would be facing together as husband and wife.

Masses of people assembled outside the cathedral to witness their union. Hundreds of media representatives lined up the front of the street to get a glimpse of the newlyweds.

The couple stood on the landing just outside the cathedral, presenting themselves to the world. People chanted their congratulations and wishes as the two waved back to them as a sign of their appreciation.

"You are doing quite well for someone who never likes attention," Alex commented. He firmly held her hand while assisting her as they descended down the massive steps, still keeping the smile on their faces.

They rode the carriage prepared by the organizers for their parade around the area. It was to show gratitude to the citizens of their kingdom who participated in this solemn event.

"I already expected that much and accepted that it was inevitable. I just want to be thankful for the hard work of all those people who made all of this possible." She smiled at her husband, happy that everything went well so far.

Alex and Dani sat side by side inside the open carriage, pulled by four noble steeds. The classic vehicle moved in a slow procession, allowing them to get close to the people lining the streets around the perimeter of the cathedral.

"I agree. Besides, it will not hurt to be a celebrity for a day." Alex raised his hand again as he smiled and waved through the crowd.

They continued to move at a snail pace, allowing their spectators to have the opportunity to see them up close or take their pictures.

At the other end of the driveway, just before they went out the massive gates of the cathedral, their carriage stopped. From there, the couple would transfer to the bridal car that would take them back to the safety of the palace for their reception.

"Finally, some privacy," Alex spoke up when they were inside the vehicle with tinted windows and a glass partition. "I have been wanting to do this since I saw you earlier."

He was not satisfied with the short kiss he shared with her earlier. He wanted to give her a proper welcome to her new role as his wife.

He abruptly pulled her into his body, not caring if the car had barely moved. With the hunger he had felt since not having her by his side last night, he devoured her.

His lips planted on hers, not caring if he would smudge her makeup. All he wanted was confirmation that they were finally married. This was not some illusion, playing tricks on him. She was now his, and he was hers.

"Me, too." She responded when she came up for air. But was unable to add more as their lips connected again in a more intense kiss.

She wished to straddle him to get better access to his lips. But her gown limited her movement, making it hard for her to heighten the experience.

She grabbed his hair, slightly messing it out of place, using them as an anchor as she positioned herself closer to him. While he held on to her waist, holding her in place.

"Excuse me, Sir, but we are nearing the palace," Ben spoke on the intercom, alerting them of the situation.

The partition was up, so he had no idea of what could be happening behind the closed window. But instinct and experienced had told him to be prepared for anything.

Reluctantly, both gradually stopped their lips from attacking each other. Eventually, they settled with a last soft kiss, stopping with their faces just inches away.

Sharing the same breath and staring into each other\'s eyes, they both realized that they had to keep their emotions in check. At least, until they were totally alone and out of their dress.

"Well, I guess that will be something to look forward to later." She touched his lips one more time with her finger as she returned to her seat and smoothed out her dress.

With a mirror inside the car and her kit, she fixed her makeup and arranged her disarrayed hair. He also tried to run his fingers through his hair, hoping to return it to its previous form.

Then, the car finally stopped, indicating that they had reached their destination. As they looked outside, the imposing palace seemed to have become enormous than before.

Or maybe it was the added elaborate decorations and the buzzing activities outside. Suddenly the place had come alive, compared to its domineering concrete structures.

"Our parents did overdo everything." He pointed out the exaggerated decorations and overwhelming crowd about to welcome them in the palace.

"You can count on my father. He always loved the attention and the drama." Dani could remember all the parties and events her father had hosted. None of them would be classified as simple or ordinary.

Soon, they were both escorted inside the palace. They walked along with the flashes of cameras as their backdrop and people shouting their names.

"Just a few more hours, and then we are home free," Alex said, holding her hands tightly.

He was grateful for the magnificent celebration their families had painstakingly worked hard to create for them. It was great, and they both sort of love it, in a way.

But he also wished that the real reason for the event was not lost in the translation.. Their wedding, which they had hoped to be solemn, would not be turned somehow into a royal circus.