The Royal Contract

The entire Kingdom was excited about the union of two powerful and influential houses. The Wellington Clan, who used to hold the throne before the Blackstone took over, could finally reclaim the crown that once belonged to their generation.

The McKinley Family possessed a high political position in the Country and owned many businesses in key cities in different parts of the world, making them one formidable ally of the crown.

But were the groom and the bride as excited as everyone else for this upcoming union? But it made less significance because their interest did not matter to the crown. Their obligation to the Kingdom and their families trumped their desires.

“King Edward is here to see you, Prince Lance.” His secretary announced and opened the double doors wide when she entered his office and then stepped aside to make way for the King.

The King immediately entered the room together with his assistant and security. The King continued until he stopped at the center while the others stood by the door.

Prince Lance immediately dropped his pen and stood from his seat to welcome the King, bowing low to show his respect to the highest leader of the land.

.....

“You should have sent for me, and I would have come to your office to see you, Your Highness,” Lance said as he stood straight before the King, staring him in the eyes. “You did not need to come here.” He quickly added.

He was not expecting that the King needed him or would be visiting him because King Edward did not send words of his intention. However, it was not unusual for the King to personally call on his Councils and members without notice.

“I am here now, so there is no need for forewarning.” The King candidly said as he firmly tapped him on the shoulders, squeezing him tightly as an assurance that it was fine.

“Shall we sit down, my King?” Lance offered the couch on the side of his office, ringing the bell for his assistant to bring them something to drink. “Will you like some tea or something stronger?”

“Something strong should do fine.” King Edward told his secretary as they waited for their drinks and for her to exit the room, including the King’s entourage to wait outside.

“I am sure Your Highness did not come here just for a social call.” Prince Lance addressed the King as he swirled the drink in his hand. He watched the amber liquid as he waited for the King to speak about the purpose of his unexpected visit.

“Shall we forego the titles?” The King said, taking a large sip of his drink before sighing a loud gasp of satisfaction, liking the aged scotch the Prince offered. “Soon enough, it would be me who would be bowing to you.” Pointing the glass in the Prince’s direction.

It was the truth, and he had to learn to accept his impending fate. He had tried to be the best King he could be during his reign. So far, the Kingdom did survive extinction compared to other Kingdoms that had perished due to modernization.

“You are still my King and my Uncle. I will never ask you to bow to me when I take the throne.” Lance could never even imagine that his King would lower himself to him. “But I will settle to call you Uncle Edward if that is what you wish but let us wait till I wear the crown, Your Highness.”

He knew that the Council members and the other member of the courts would disapprove if he abruptly changed many protocols of the Royal tradition.

“That is all I ask.” The King raised his glass to him, drinking another mouthful of the delicious liquor. “Anyway, I am here out of tradition. As expected, the King should somehow pass his counsel to his successor.”

The King leaned on his seat, resting his back on the soft backrest of the couch while he crossed his legs to a more comfortable position. Then, he glanced at the office the Prince occupied and landed on the portrait of him and his parents.

“I know the Kingdom is forcing you to marry, an arranged marriage to I am sure to be a beautiful and deserving lady.” He lowered his glass to the table beside him and leaned forward to stare the younger man directly in his eyes.

“Yes, it is already set.” Prince Lance had also accepted his fate in this regard. “We have a date of the wedding.” He thought that might be the reason for the King’s visit.

“Good.” King Edward looked like he approved of this news. “I am sure that you understand the necessity of this arrangement.”

He knew that marrying out of love had been their tradition passed through different generations. Their ancestors used this method to forge an allegiance with another influential and wealthy house to protect the Kingdom.

“I am well aware of my obligation to the crown.” Lance had known about this since he had learned of their tradition. Although, he had never thought that he would have to go through it.

“I know this is a big sacrifice, but once you hold your son in your arms. Everything else would seem so insignificant. All you did for the Kingdom would be all worth it.” The King could still remember holding his son in his arms the first time he saw him.

It was the happiest day of his life. He might not have loved his wife, but he adored his son. His only regret was not raising him as the King he should have been.

He only wished that Prince Lance would do better than he did once he had an heir. A Crown Prince that would be worthy of the crown in the future to continue the legacy of their Kingdom.

He had been a good King.

Unfortunately, in doing so, he failed to be a father to his only son. He had devoted his life to the crown, forgetting that he also had a son who needed his guidance. Prince Edward was his only son, the Crown Prince, but now a disinherited heir.

It would always be his greatest failure.