The Royal Contract

In the middle of the city, a private party was in full swing. All guests were men wearing expensive clothes, accessories and driving high-end luxury cars.

"Congratulations, Prince Alexander Princeton Blackstone," Evan announced to everyone as soon as Alex entered the premises. "...or was it King Hamilton now?" A wisecracked that Alex did not find funny but had to go with it.

"Just Alex." He corrected, waving to all the guests who arrived to celebrate the night with him. 

The bright, sparkling lights in a darkened room and the loud noise reminded him of what it was like when they were all still young. 

The many years of bonding and getting through tough times with his buddies had been memories he would cherish forever. But this time, he would be entering a new life and creating new memories with an extraordinary person.

"Congratulations!" Another set of friends greeted him, while others wished him luck. As if he would need luck when he felt like he was the luckiest man in the world.

After a short introduction, the party continued. The boost and the scantily clad girls flooded the floor. Strippers jumped on their poll stand, entwining their bodies along with the music.

"For the last couple of days of your bachelor's life." David raised his glass to the entire guests present in the room, dedicating the toast to their friend. 

David had long given up his bachelor's life ever since he got into a committed relationship with Rosella. He even brought her to the wedding as his plus one.

He had been contented to have her by his side since they settled to date exclusively. Correction, he decided to stop going from one woman to another for affection.

"I know how much you wanted this, and I am very happy for you." Marcus was the second to make a toast for him. "As your best man but not your only friend, I hope you like my small presentation."

He knew it was his obligation to come up with this bachelor's party. The old him would thrive in a party like this, but the new one would settle for a simple get-together.

"Thank you, man," Alex appreciated what his friend had done for him. Actually, he had been expecting this kind of stunt from him.

He could see all his friends enjoying the gathering. But unlike before, Marcus seemed to be satisfied just drinking with them. He did not even mind the girls that kept looking his way.

"Well, my turn." Evan tried to catch everyone's attention. "In my opinion, this is your time to split. Put on your running shoes and get on your plane and fly as far away as possible." Evan was still convinced that Alex was making a big mistake.

He did not want Alex's plans to precedent a chain of reaction. He could already see that David was about to follow him in the holy vow of matrimony. He just did not want their group to disband this soon.

"Sorry, but I already tied my shoes to hers. There is no way I am running away from her, nor am I letting her get away from me." 

Alex clarified his young friend's misconception.

He understood Evan for thinking this way. He was young and the only one left in the group who still had to meet his match. He still had much to learn about love and relationship.

He still enjoyed his young and single life. But they believe that he would soon enough realize the errors of his way just as they did once he met the right one.

"But seriously, how do you feel? Share it with us mere mortals who still have to find the right one." Marcus finally came out of his mood swing and decided to join the fun.

He could not keep sulking around just because he had let the right one out of his grip. He had to move on and find a new life, meaning a possible new girl to love if that was even possible.

"Oh! Do share." Another voice interrupted the conversation, joining them in the table they were occupying. "I am interested to hear the answer to this one."

He was a bit disappointed that the best man had failed to mention to his assistant about this celebration. It was an utter disrespect to his persona and his title to be ignored deliberately.

"Edward." He simply acknowledged his cousin, who he still suspected to be part of the conspiracy that caused the accident of Dani.

He knew that he could not make a scene in his own party, accusing him of any wrongdoing without sufficient evidence. He had to hold his tongue and gather more evidence before coming after those responsible.

"I think my invitation got lost in the mail. Luckily, I still have many pigeons flying around, informing me of the latest happening." Edward announced to the group purposely.

He had no idea if Alex had something to do with it, but he was not taking this lightly. It was only fortunate that someone from his team heard about this event that made him aware.

"Oh! That is a shame." Marcus responded but also whispered behind his back. "You should know when you are not invited."

He had enough of his scheming and trying to get rid of his friend. Alex only wanted to help him get his throne. But in return, he stabbed him in the back by teaming up with Nick.

He believed Prince Edward should not be here, celebrating something that he would like to stop from happening. He might be blood-related to Alex, but he had not been a family to him.

"But I do deserve to be here." Edward pointed out, saying it to his face. Then, he turned again to Alex. "Don't stop on my behalf. I think you should continue with your story."

He walked away from the group and greeted some mutual friends and allies. He drank with them while Alex and his buddies continued with their conversation.

Alex and his friends had undermined him for far too long.. But he would make sure that he would have the last laugh at the end of this grand scheme of things.