As I stepped into the club, my jaw dropped at the sights. People all around dancing, laughing, talking among the loud music. Off to the right of the dance floor, there was a bar shrouded in colorful neon lights of varying colors, where people sat sipping different drinks. “This is fucking insane,” I yelled to Karina who began pulling her through the crowds to the bar. “I never imagined a place like this.” Karina laughed and continued to pull me across the dance floor, whose tiles changed colors below as everyone danced wildly to music. As I walked by, I noticed several different men looking at her, causing me to blush. Finally, we arrived to the bar and the server turned to Karina quickly. “Looks who’s back,” he laughed as he wiped down the counter. “Who’s your friend?” “Her name’s Melanie. She’s visiting for the weekend so I thought I’d help her get out and have some fun since she’s always cooped up inside studying.” Karina said and winked at me, and I nodded shakily, though he wouldn’t have noticed in the dim club anyways. I’m a good liar, but she’s definitely better. So who was I really? In reality, he and everyone else here knew me better as Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess of the Kingdom of Ostrea, Valería Gutierrez, aka the next in line for the throne. For years and years, I lived my life under the microscope of my father. I was never able to set foot anywhere in the country without a full security detail and tracking devices in case some nutjobs decided to kidnap me. However tonight, whether by just the right amount of luck or negligence from my security team, I managed to fake some menstrual cramps and finally slip away this weekend, to be a real person. “Well nice to meet you beautiful, your first drink’s on me tonight.” He said to me as he handed me a small glass of clear liquid. I picked up the glass and smelled the strong scent of tequila. “What about me Jo?” Karina groaned, but he shook his head. “Don’t even try it Karina I know you got paid the other day. Plus, she’s the guest of honor tonight.” He laughed and filled a glass for her. She made a face at him and picked up the glasses and shoved mine into my hands. “On the count of three. One, two, THREE!” Quickly, I tipped the glass back and swallowed, and the alcohol burned my stomach as I set the glass down and shook my head. “Fuck I forgot how strong that is,” Karina gagged and clapped, motioning for Jo to come back over to give us more. Quickly he hurried back and poured more, but before I could pull my hand out of my purse to pay, a hand grabbed mine, and I looked up at a tall man in a black suit. “I’ll pay,” He said smoothly, and I blushed as I let go of the bills. “What did you want to get?” “I-uh-another shot of tequila.” I stumbled over my words as I looked at him. He smiled and ordered us more drinks, and sat down next to me. “Tell me more about you.” He said warmly. Despite his dreamy appearance and attitude, I had to maintain my cover. I told him how I was finally getting out after studying, which itself wasn’t a lie. I had been studying military manuals in preparation to lead a military exercise as the new Head of the General Staff. However, I did tell him about my hobbies like how I write stories based off ridiculous prompts and how I love reading even though it makes my eyes tired. He told me about his hobbies and how even though he’s terrible at painting he enjoys it. He told me about how he had started this nightclub after he left the army. “That’s crazy, but amazing. What made you leave the army though?” I asked curiously as I sipped my drink. “Honestly, I wanted more freedom. Being under the King’s thumb constantly got exhausting. It was one thing to protect the country then another to be his armed errand boy around the country. Well that, and I wasn’t thrilled about being bossed around by his daughter.” He replied with a slight scowl. Naturally I should be offended, but I completely understood what he meant. I nodded and stood up and began to pull his hand. “Where are we going?” He asked and laughed. “Shhh. Come here.” I said and pulled his arms around my waist as we began to dance. The alcohol had done its intended effect, and as his cologne filled my nose I pushed my body against his as my hands rubbed his neck. “Come here sweetheart.” He said, and pulled my hand and pointed to a hall across the room. I nodded and turned to Karina. “I gotta pee. I’ll be right back.” I told her. She rolled her eyes and laughed. “Yeah okay liar, just use protection.” She joked. I giggled and made my way over to him and took his hand as he pulled me through the crowds to a doorway that lead down a long passage. “Lucky for you, I own the place.” He said, and pulled me into an office. As the door closed, he pushed me gently against his desk and began to kiss me. My heart beat rapidly as I put my arms around his neck. I felt myself getting lighter, lighter than air almost. It was at this moment however, that my euphoric mood turned straight to horror as I saw the needle in his right hand. Before I could scream or fight back, my body became limp, the voices and may I distorted, and my vision burry. I felt him pick me up, and I felt the cool air from outside as I was put into a van. “Until next time, Your Royal Highness.”