The Royal Contract

He was already expecting that it would be a long and exhausting day even before the day started. But like any other day, work must continue, and nothing would stop him from accomplishing his plans. 

"Please make sure that you have arranged everything by the time our guests arrive," Alex told his secretary as he continued to proceed into his office.

After a relaxing and enjoyable weekend with Dani, except for the part that he discovered what Nick did. He still believed that overall, the trip was a great success. 

He enjoyed watching her recovered from her traumatic experience with Nick. With his help, he hoped that she would eventually learn to forget her past with Nick, and they could both continue to build new memories together.

"Sir Alex, your first appointment is already waiting outside. Should I send him in?" His secretary asked.

"Send him in after five minutes." He instructed, checking first all the pertinent matters on his desk.

He better finished his first meeting quickly so that he could prepare for his next one. He felt that he would need all his wits to deal with one of the last people he would like to see.

He questioned if he was still sane for agreeing with his father and the Council. Just like Marcus said, he was leaving himself vulnerable by allowing a snake to enter his kingdom.

The first meeting went by quickly as he had planned. Fortunately, his first investor was easy to convince. His business association with Ethan seemed to work wonders. 

"Sir, I was informed by the front desk that your guests have arrived in the building. They are on their way up." His secretary informed him.

"Just send them in." He informed his secretary and closed all the files he had been working on while waiting for them.

He knew that it was too late to back out now. But Dani was right. He was the only one who could decide whether this would work or not.

A mild knock and the door opening wide indicated that his guests had arrived. At least his father and the Council agreed to several of his conditions. It was the only saving grace of this entire arrangement.

Two men, who looked like they just came out from a photoshoot, entered his office, following his secretary. Once inside, his secretary left them and closed the door.

"You have a nice office here, my beloved cousin." The man on the right was the first to talk. As expected, his cousin walked inside the room as if he owned the place, impeccably dressed for the kill.

"Alex, it is nice to see you again." This time, the other man greeted him.

Alex stood from his desk and went closer to greet them. "It is nice to see you too, Edward." He first greeted him since he was nearest to him. "Lance, I'm glad that you agreed to come over." He gave his cousins a firm handshake and a manly hug since they were family, after all.

Lance was one of the conditions he had asked from his father. He believed that Lance's presence could serve as a buffer between him and Edward. Although, he knew that his patience was long.

He offered them a sit on the couch and some drinks. It was time to discuss with them the full extent of their visit. He did not want to prolong the meeting since the sooner they accomplished their goal, the faster he could get rid of Edward from his sight.

"I gathered that the Council already discussed the purpose of your travel and your one-month stay here in this country." Alex started the conversation, observing the reaction of Edward to his words.

"Of course, we are well aware of our situation," Edward answered him as if he was the one in charge of the situation. "We are here to learn from you and follow all your rules."

He would not have agreed to this if not for his father's threat, but he would indulge him and the Council if that would mean he would get the throne at the end.

Besides, he was looking forward to seeing what his cousin had been busy with that made him turned his back on the throne. He believed that Alex had a bigger plan that he had been keeping from them.

Edward intended to figure all his secrets and divulged all of them to the Council. It would surely secure his place as the next heir to the kingdom.

"Good," Alex answered Edward, not at all convinced with his best behavior act. He could already see the wheels on his head-turning, waiting to see where he could do the most damage.

But he wished to put some sense into him, in the month they would be working together. He needed Edward to take the responsibility of being a king seriously. 

It was an impossible task, but he welcomed the challenge. If it would also help his cause, he would do everything to aid him to be the next successor to the throne.

He just needed to convince the Council that Edward was a changed man. That Edward was also the rightful heir to the kingdom. That should put a stop to the Council of Elders from hounding him to take over as their king.

"Lance, I hope you did not mind if I included you in the arrangement. I think you would also benefit from this." Alex turned to his other cousin, who sat quietly, tinkering on his phone.

He knew that having him around would make working with Edward more bearable. At the same time, they could also discuss the future business arrangement they had been planning for a long time.

"I don't mind at all. I look forward to a month of exploring this beautiful and lively city." Lance told him.

He had been here several times before, but this was the first time he came here with significant purpose. Most of the time, it was more of visiting some friends or a social event.

At the same time, he also had some personal reason why coming here was perfect timing. He could use this time to visit some friends and acquaintances.

"I hope that you two would take this arrangement seriously. I don't mean partying and socializing all night. You are both needed to report to me every day." Alex reminded his two cousins.

He was putting his life and business on the line to make Edward a suitable King, fit to rule their kingdom. He planned not to fail. But as he said, it would seem to be an impossible task, but he had to try.

"I understand," Lance answered while Edward only nodded as his acknowledgment.

Lance knew that he would benefit from studying from Alex since he had achieved so much in quite a short time. He would like to learn from him so he could also apply it to their business and improved.

"I will be giving you different tasks to perform in this office to train you for your responsibilities once you go back home." Alex continued to point to them what he expected them to do while they were under his training.

"Of course, we would do what you ask of us as long as it is reasonable," Edward stated as if he was not bothered with what Alex just said.

"The Council had instructed me to give them a weekly evaluation of your progress, and hopefully, if you work hard, that would convince them that you are worth to have the kingdom." Alex gave him an ultimatum that he needed to take this seriously or else.

In truth, he could have easily said no to his father about this entire arrangement and declined the throne altogether. But there was still a tiny part of him that tried to convince him to do the right thing. 

It was not only for himself but for his father, their family, and the people who were counting on them. They were the people who had become a part of his life.

"Of course, we understand." This time, it was Edward who responded.

"Then, I expect your full cooperation." He finalized the meeting.

Their kingdom all deserved a good king that would serve their interest and not his personal gain. He just hoped that he could create one in Edward. But the question was, could a tiger change its stripes?