Chapter 4. A Sudden Trust

* Dorina *

I am not sure what almost made me smile. Despite the heavy burden I am carrying, the thought that my plan is almost achieved gives me a bit of relief, yet still I couldn't help but be worried deep inside.

For someone who looked as though he spent more time throwing punches than holding conversations, he seemed strangely pleased that I had finally asked for his name.

"Well?" I leaned one elbow against the counter. "Your name, Mister?"

He picked up the glass Randal had placed before him and took an unhurried drink. I noticed his strong arms despite the jacket. He must be over six feet tall, being handsome is an added bonus not to mention this man is very skilled in fighting. I could pay him really good and it would be worth it.

"You can call me Ivan."

He let the silence stretch out just enough to annoy me before adding,

"Ivan Cross."

I repeated it quietly in my head. His strange name. Ivan Cross. It suited him just fine. A bit rough but something tells me he could be a gentleman if he wanted to.

"So..." I swirled the amber liquor inside my glass. "You own this beerhouse."

"I do." he answered in a low but deep voice, which instantly reminded me of my coz chamber in the Palace.

"No wife?"

"Not yet."

"So, you haven't found your Mate?"

He snorted. "No. Women come and go in my life, but not one I would consider as my mate."

"Family?"

His expression didn't change. "None."

I blinked. I felt sorry that he doesn't have a family but it's perfect, I'd have less explaining to do.

"No one?"

"Just Randal." He jerked his chin toward the bartender, who was wiping glasses while pretending not to listen. "He's been stupid enough to stay around with me."

Randal laughed and give us a glance.

"And you've been too ugly to get rid of me, Ivan. Even my salary is not enough."

Ivan answered by throwing a peanut at him fast. The bartender caught it neatly and ate it. I couldn't help a tiny smile that formed on my lips.

"So it's just the two of you?"

"It has been for years." Something about the answer felt a little lonely.

I wasn't sure why that bothered me. I took another drink feeling the liqour warmed my body. Then another. The whiskey burned less each time I took it in.

Perhaps because I had never really tasted alcohol before, but now I am just in the mood.

Or perhaps because tonight I wanted to forget that I was a princess expected to marry a man chosen only for politics.

"So, Ivan." I asked again, my words already feeling lighter than before, "what kind of husband are you going to be?"

Ivan nearly choked on his drink after I asked him that.

"I haven't officially even agreed to it yet."

"You didn't refuse." I looked at him with a slight worry now that he isn't fully convinced.

"I also didn't say yes, Princess."

I pointed at him dramatically with my brows furrowed.

"That means... negotiations."

He laughed under his breath. But there was no humore in it. Despite everything it is still pleasant to her, it means I could still convince him to agree.

The music inside the beerhouse grew louder while another round of drinks appeared in front of me. I honestly couldn't remember asking for them but Randal just keep them coming. He looked between us.

"You sure about giving the Princess another one?"

Ivan glanced at me. "I didn't if I were you."

"You didn't stop her either."

He sighed. "Fair point."

"I can hear both of you," I complained while squinting my eyes. Neither of them answered me.

Which somehow made me drink the liqour even faster.

Hours later and I felt lighter. The beerhouse had become quieter. One table started to get emptied. Then another.

The musicians packed away their instruments when I looked up. Several drunken wolves stumbled toward the exit while laughing loudly. Someone has even shouted good night to the bar tender.

One by one. Everyone left. I blinked slowly.

"When, did it get so quiet in this place?"

Ivan looked at me across the table.

"About thirty minutes ago, Princess."

"Oh." I nodded wisely. "I knew that."

"You've said that five times too."

"I did?"

"You also challenged Randal to an arm-wrestling match."

I frowned. "Did I lost?"

"You fell asleep before the match started."

"That doesn't count, then."

Randal burst into laughter. "Oh! I like her."

Ivan shot him a warning look and he stop.

"Lock the front door, Randal. I think it's about time we leave."

Randal raised both hands.

"I'm going." He grabbed his coat before stopping beside Ivan.

"You'll manage, boss?"

Ivan looked toward me. I had rested both arms on the table. My head followed shortly afterward.

"I'm, perfectly fine." I mumbled. A yawn interrupted me.

Randal grinned. "Sure she is."

A few seconds later the heavy front door closed behind him. Silence settled over the beerhouse. Only the lanterns remained lit.

Ivan stood.

"Princess Dorina."

No answer from me but I heard him. He walked around the table.

"Princess."

I blinked at him. "Hm?"

"We're closed let's go."

"Oh." I tried standing. The room immediately spun around me.

"But. Why is the floor moving?"

"It isn't." he said.

"I disagree." Before I could take another step, my knees gave out. Strong arms caught me before I reached the floor.

I frowned at his chest. But I suddenly felt warm and secured.

"You... smell like smoke and cedar. And whiskey."

"I own a beerhouse Princess."

"That explains the whiskey and smoke, and I don't like kissing m*b who smoke."

A reluctant smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

"Who said we are going to miss?...You've had enough."

"I don't think so. Ivan. I did not say I would kiss you."

"You definitely have."

That made me groan. He looked down.

"How many fingers am I holding up?"

"Ivan. You are impossible." I whispered seriously then answered.

" you aren't holding up any."

"Exactly."

"I win."

He shook his head. "Moon Goddess. You are a handfull."

My eyelids felt heavier with every passing second.

"I don't... want to go back to the Palace."

"I know. We can't go back tonight even if you want to."

"I don't want Alex." I remembered my father's voice telling me to marry him. My thoughts are going crazy.

"Oh trust me, you're not marrying that Alpha."

My head slipped against his shoulder. Within moments, I completely give my safety to a man I just met. A stranger, because everything around me went dark.