His One Night Stand

Chapter 6

I hate flying. That is the thought that confounds me the moment I step on the plane. It is why I rarely take trips that require me to board planes unless it is absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, this happens to be one of them. Looking out the window, I try to calm my racing heart by focusing on the floating clouds, trying to admire the beautiful scenery before me. It doesn't work much.

The plane rumbles beneath me as I clutch the armrests, my knuckles turning white. My breaths are shallow, and my heart races faster than the engines propelling us through the sky. Anxiety tightens its grip on me, twisting my stomach into knots. Looking away from the window, I squeeze my eyes shut, pressing my back against the lush leather seats, my jumbled nerves making it impossible for me to relax.

The air hostess must have noticed my distress as she appears beside me, all smiles and professional composure. "Good afternoon, ma'am. We'll be landing in the Netherlands shortly. Please fasten your seatbelt and prepare for descent."

I nod, my throat dry as I manage a weak "Thank you." She smiles and leaves immediately, leaving me alone once again. Fastening my seatbelt, I steal a glance out the window. The landscape below is a patchwork of fields and rivers, a far cry from the familiar cityscape I left behind. The nerves intensify as the plane begins its descent.

A slight turbulence jolts the aircraft, and my grip tightens once more. My anxiety flares again, and I can feel cold sweat rolling down my back. Gnawing at my lower lip, I try to focus my attention on something else as the plane gently descends towards the tarmac. Though it is slightly bumpy, the wheels touch the runway with a reassuring thud, and relief washes over me. I exhale, my shoulders sagging as the plane taxis towards the terminal.

Gathering my wits around me, I stand to my feet, ignoring my trembling legs as I pick up my boxes and make to quickly exit the plane. As the door opens, the cool air of the Netherlands greets me, and I step onto the gangway. Letting out a shaky breath, I scan my surroundings. It's a lot different than the airport, as there are fewer people moving around. The air hostess offers to carry my bags, and I readily accept it, still trying to take in my surroundings. Once I'm ready, I take my boxes from her and walk into the airport.

My eyes scan the airport for any sign of the chauffeur who's supposed to pick me up. A familiar uniform catches my eye, and I feel a pang of gratitude as I spot the driver holding a sign with my name.

"Miss Sophie?" he asks, confirming my identity.

I nod, shuddering slightly. "My Name is Ron Beekhof, and I've been assigned by Princess Reina to pick you up. This way, please," he says, gesturing with his hands. Grabbing my luggage, he leads the way to the waiting car while I follow after him. The anxiety begins to ebb as I settle into the plush interior. The drive is a mix of nervous anticipation and the beauty of the Dutch landscape passing by.

Looking out the window, I'm enthralled by the scenery that passes me by. We wind through charming streets, past tulip fields bursting with color, and I can't help but be momentarily captivated by the picturesque scenery. I'm tempted to take pictures, but I don't want to be looked at weirdly, so I resist the urge. Maybe later, I'll take myself on a tour.

Before long, we're traveling through bare fields and lush meadows when a grand castle comes into view. Huge and imposing, it stands like a fortress, huge and intimidating. I swallow down the lump in my throat, rubbing my sweaty hands against my dress.

The grandeur of the palace comes into view, and for a while, I forget my purpose here as my remaining tension dissipates. It's a breathtaking sight, a place beyond my wildest dreams, straight out of a fairytale. We drive through a beautiful and well-planned garden, a beautiful water fountain that seems to be the central piece, and the exquisite-looking grand entrance. The car pulls up, and I step out onto the courtyard, momentarily forgetting the reason for my visit as I absorb the regal surroundings. Whatever this place is, it's been kept very well.

I look up and see a line of maids already waiting for me. Watching as the driver picks up my luggage from the trunk, walking towards them, I follow as well, doing well to keep my gaze from darting around. Once I'm close enough, the maids now their heads, surprising me.

"Hello. Welcome to the Dam palace," they greet in unison.

"Um, thank you." I answer nervously. They assist with the luggage as well, and I'm being ushered into the castle. The inside of the castle is even more breathtaking than the outside. An enormous chandelier illuminates the hall, and under it, a striking crimson and gold carpet covers the floor. The arching staircases run up to the second floor, which I assume is the banquet hall. Deep burgundy curtains are draped over huge windows, and there are also murals painted on the ceilings. I look around in awe, my mouth falling open at the breathtaking sight.

"It's so beautiful," I mutter to myself before turning my attention to one of the maids that was beside me. "Um, excuse me. Do you know where Princess Reina is?"

"You mean Princess Reina?" She asks, and I nod, feeling bashful.

"She's inside. She's been informed of your coming and will soon be out to meet you."

"Sophie!" Someone calls above us, and I stiffen before turning my attention to the direction. It's Reina, and she's already on her way down. Intense relief floods me at the sight of a familiar face. Hurrying towards me, she engulfs me in a hug, catching me by surprise.

"You came!" She says as she pulled away, beaming up at me.

"Well, I did promise I will," I say simply.

"How was your trip?"

"Oh, it was splendid." Minus the fact that I was nervous throughout. Glancing around warily, I turn to her again. "If I may ask, is this your place?"

"No, it's my fiancé's," Reina replies, and I feel my heart skip a beat. "Speaking of him, where is he?" Reina asks as she turns her gaze to one of the passing maids.

"His highness went out on a press meeting. He should be back soon," the latter replies.

"Well, there you go. To be honest, I should have been with him, but he preferred to go alone."

"In that case, I would like to rest now. I'm quite worn out from the trip here," I quickly say. I don't want to meet Marcus right now.

"Of course, I'll have the maids prepare your room for you so you can rest, and afterwards, we'll proceed with what you're here for."

Reina is about to say something else when a group of people walk in, interrupting our conversation. I look to see who it is, and I immediately wish I didn't. It's Marcus, and he seems to be with his group of bodyguards. Dressed in a formal attire tailored to fit, he looks as spellbinding as the first time I saw him. His dusty blonde hair is brushed back, allowing his chiseled features and emerald eyes to shine through. The past rushes back, a flood of memories threatening to drown me.

Our eyes lock, and I think I see him stiffen. Everyone around us bows immediately except for Reina, prompting me to do the same out of sheer nerves.

"That's not necessary," I hear him say as he approaches us, his gaze fixed on me, but I can't bring myself to look up. Reina immediately latches onto him, oblivious to everything. He speaks to her in a different language, and she responds as well, leaving me standing there, feeling lost. Once they have concluded their conversation, he turns to me, a warm smile adorning his face.

"Reina here tells me you have some business with her, hence your presence."

"Indeed, I do," I mutter, keeping my tone professional.

"Well, then." He begins, stretching his hands for a shake. I hesitate for a bit but eventually take it. "I hope you enjoy your stay here," he says, the deep timbre of his voice sending shivers down my spine. I take in a deep breath, meeting his gaze head-on.

"Thank you, your highness."

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Another chapter uploaded!
Thoughts everyone? What do you think is going to happen now?
Thanks for reading and see you in the next chapter!!!