Prologue

I'm right in front of the one who has to give me my plane ticket.

-Madame Armis?

-Yes?

-Your passport and your ticket to Istanbul, she said, handing me my things.

-THANKS.

I take them, then leave with my bag. Ever since I was young, I have dreamed of visiting all the major historical cities. Today, I have the opportunity to go and stay there for a long month. Istanbul. I should smile all the time and jump around, but I've learned not to let my emotions show. That's what my mother and my job tell me. Being a lawyer requires self-control.

Anyway, I'm sending a photo to my sister who can't wait for me to send her another. For now, she has the right to an airport where everyone sleeps in their seats. I should, since it's three o'clock in the morning, but the adrenaline prevents me.

I type on my phone, casting furtive glances to know where I'm going. Suddenly, I'm going into something hard. Stunned, I drop my phone on the floor and look the person I hit in the eye. The man looks up at me. He stares at me, irritated. I do the same; a businessman look, a look so cold that I have shivers, a neatly combed black hairstyle, a well maintained body. Following my analysis, I pick up my cell phone. Wow, no scratches. I mumble sorry as I prepare to go back to where I have to wait for my flight. The man with the icy gaze challenges me:

-Hey! I have the right to a more sincere apology! he said arrogantly.

I turn back to him. Fists clenched the way he talks to me.

-Excuse me, but it's not my fault if you find my way of doing things not good enough for you, I articulate, advancing towards him. I've forgiven myself and you should too, sir. You didn't stop on the side, but right in the middle of the path. So you are at fault.. More than me, even!

A bitter laugh escapes his mouth. His olive green gaze cuts through me like knives. His behavior does not affect me. I keep my head up and my back straight. But, under his gaze, a part of me wants to curl up on myself.

-Do you know who I am miss? he asks the simplest in the world.

- I refer the question to you.

-Maybe, except I asked you first.

I sigh.

- No, I have no idea who you are.

His gaze darkened. I quickly look at my watch.

- I... I have to go. Otherwise, I will miss my flight.

I turn on my heels and walk as fast as I can. I feel his gaze following me.

I rest on a seat of the plane. In the first class, there is always almost no one. I prefer that. Absolute calm. My headphones in my ears, rocking me to the sound of one of my favorite songs; River. I close my eyelids savoring the lack of sound.

Suddenly, I feel that the seat beside me sinks and a presence spoils my haven of peace. I take off my headphones to observe the person who disturbed me.

-YOU! I say loudly.

-Yes.

His eyes stare intently at me.

-What the hell are you doing here? I ask.

-I am coming back home.

-Do you live in Turkey?

-Yes, in Istanbul. And you?

-I'm going on a trip.

-Or so?

-In Istanbul.

His eyebrows furrow. I come back to my senses.

-Why not go to one of the other free places?

-Because I am here for a simple reason.

-Are you always so ambiguous?

-I would like to make you a deal. A contract to be more precise.

-You have to go to court?

-No. Nothing to do with your profession. In fact, I would like you to be my girlfriend for a while.

I blink several times. Is he serious? That I become his girlfriend for a while. It makes no sense!

-You are not serious?

-Very.

-In what honor should I accept?

-I knew it wasn't going to be easy with you...

-I'm waiting.

The flight pilot announces to fasten our seatbelts, because the flight is about to begin. As a matter of fact, I get attached.

- When you look at me, don't you find me repulsive? he asks me seriously.

- You are a handsome man. It's certain.

-You will be paid. The only thing I ask of you is to sign up to hold my hand in public and show off to my older brother.

-How much?

- $15,000 per month.

I stare at him.

-$20,000 per month?

- Good, I nod. And for what reason?

- I am the younger brother. If I don't prove to my father that I'm responsible and that I have a stable life, Silvio will be the default king. Believe me, my brother must not become king.

I'm not moving. What is this king thing? Seeing that I do not answer him, the man speaks:

- My name is Éloys Bastra. One of Nork Bastra's sons. THE...

-King of Istanbul, I complete.

My eyes widen. How could I have missed this information?

-Finally! You know me! Eloys exclaims.

-I am confused. YOU? Nork's son?

-In the flesh.

-Why not leave the throne to your brother?

-He did horrible things that only I know about. It is better that you do not know more.

- Basically, you pay me to play your girlfriend? Thus, you would have a much better chance of acceding to the throne. That's it?

-Yes.

-For how long?

-As long as it takes.

- You know I have a job and...

-It can be arranged with calls.

I remain speechless. Is it me or did he plan it all?

-Why me?

-Because you know how to keep your cool, you're the only one who didn't recognize me, we knew it was going to be totally platonic...

-Got it.

-SO? You accept?

-I accept.

He smiles at me. Oh. My. God. His smile.

What did I get myself into?