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Besides, she gained his respect when she courageously overcame her fear, showing him that he could not push her around. Maybe she was not such a terrible choice to be his Queen.

If fate would bless them, they would probably have one or two children, hopefully, a son who would succeed him on the throne. Maybe it was something he could not continue to avoid.

“Would you like to order or prefer I do the honor?” He asked, scanning the menu for what he would like to eat. He was starving since he barely ate anything since he left the house and picked her up at her home.

He took her to one of his favorite restaurants, not far from the racetrack. The least he could do was to treat her to an early lunch after subjecting her to something she did not grow accustomed to doing.

But in his defense, he had been careful while maneuvering the tracks, knowing another life was in his hands. He would not be careless enough to put them both in danger.

“You seemed to be familiar with the place. Why don’t you choose for me?” Camille suggested as she sat tightly on her seat, still feeling the buzz of being in that monstrous car.

.....

She had never been adventurous, not for lack of trying or by choice, but his father had always been overprotective of his assets. He did not want anything to happen to her.

Sadly, she believed his father raised her as a commodity he could trade off to the highest bidder. So, she needed to remain perfect in every aspect because his father demanded it.

Why is she doing this for her father? Why was she not rebelling against his wishes? That was another long story for another time. At that moment, this was her fate.

“Ok!” He called the attention of the man in his black vest, assigned to serve their table. After ordering the best dish according to his taste, he dismissed the man, leaving him alone with his date.

He had just realized that this might be their first date that the Palace did not coordinate for them. It might be impulsive, but he believed it was long overdue. It was time that he also played the role of her fiance.

“What is the point of putting yourself in harm’s way?” She finally asked as they waited for their meal, filling the silence enveloping their table.

She still did not understand the weird fascination of men to go through the trouble of putting their lives in danger. She was not saying that it was stupid. She believed they had their reasons. Still, she could not grasp the necessity.

Although, if she was being honest, she felt a slight thrill when the car sped up, making her heart stop for a millisecond. Maybe it was for that precise reason.

“You mean, why do I race?” Lance finally looked up and confronted her. He had never stared at her face before. He knew what she looked like, but nothing in detail.

He only realized that she had expressive eyes and a matching dainty nose. Then, her lips were also small, just the right size, perfect for her small face.

She was indeed beautiful compared to the other ladies listed as his choice. But, at that time, he had let the Council decide for him, not particularly interested in picking his wife from a piece of paper.

“Yes.” Her lips barely moved as she said that single word. But he noticed the intensity of her stare as she waited for his answer. She seemed genuinely interested to hear what he had to say.

But they had to wait as the server brought their first course and refilled their glasses with the finest wine available in their cellar. Then, they had to wait until they were alone again.

“I like the feeling of my heart beating with the engine. It provides me clarity when my entire world is going chaotic.” He gazed at her eyes again, wondering if she understood the feeling.

He remembered Eida also felt the same way. It was something they had shared that made her special to him. They liked many things but were not afraid to contradict each other when they disagreed about something.

What about children? Did Eida want kids? It was something he believed did not come up in their conversation. But what used was it when he should forget about her, not comparing her to the woman he would be spending the rest of his eternity?

“I never thought of it in that way.” Camille was surprised by his answer. “I always it had something to do with acting cool.” She admitted how lowly she had thought of people who do this kind of stunt.

“I think everyone starts in that way. Until they discover their passion for the sport and its purpose in their lives.” Lance disclosed to her. He was not speaking for all his colleagues, but he knew most had valid reasons for doing this dangerous profession.

“I guess you are right. It is hard to judge people without knowing them on a deeper level.” Camille was happy that they were making progress. Compared to their other dates, it was the first time that the Prince had opened up to her about something personal to him.

“I hope we can get to know more about each other.” Lance was sincere about his intention. He was over fighting his fate, knowing that he would not win against it.

“Lance, if you want this relationship to work, at least give me a chance to prove that I can be a good wife and the Queen of this Kingdom.” Camille stretched her hand to him, placing it on top of his on the table.

She was not naive or stupid enough not to understand what her situation was in this farce marriage. She had expected to be a pawn in her father’s ambition for more power, nothing more.

“I am not asking you to love me, and don’t expect that from me as well, but all I ask is mutual respect.” Camille continued when Lance remained silent in his seat. “Maybe a friendship.” She suggested, hoping he would agree.

She only wished for a peaceful marriage with him, if not a real one. If she would play the role of a wife and Queen with this man, she would at least need his cooperation and respect.

“I agree. I will be frank. Love will never be part of this marriage.” He knew that such words were not something a couple about to get married was supposed to say.

But they were not an ordinary couple in love. They were two strangers placed in a situation where they had to fulfill their obligations to their families.

“But I will honor and respect you as my wife and Queen. That I can promise as much.” Lance extended his hand to her as if he was sealing a negotiation.