The Royal Contract

"Dad, have you heard of the Council's decision?" Edward barged into his office chambers without any announcement, interrupting his meeting with a guest. 

He did not care who heard him because he was done with his father and the rules of their kingdom. It seemed it was no use anymore when his own father abandoned him. He had tried to follow him and look where he landed.

"Watch your tone, young man. Think of who you are talking to." The guest sitting on the opposite chair across the king reprimanded him.

He had high respect for the king, but not about his son. The prince's behavior clearly proved that he had no regard for decorum. 

"Who are you to talk to me like that?" Edward changed his direction and faced the other man.

He did not notice him before when he walked into the room. His rage had him seeing red when he first heard of the rumor. Although he believed gossip would not have spread like wildfire if it had no fuel to feed it.

"Edward, sit down." King Edward called his son's attention. "Would you give us some privacy?" He directed his command to one of his loyal subjects, looking at him for understanding.

Upon hearing his father's voice that demanded respect, he decided to sit down on the other available chair. While the other man excused himself and left the room.

The king walked towards the side of the room and poured himself a good amount of whiskey. He felt he would need it to deal with what was to come.

"Do you have anything to do with the decision of the Council?" He repeated what he had asked earlier. 

However, if the rumors were indeed true, then his father already had a say on the matter. The Council would never go behind his back and conclude among themselves.

Whatever happened, the Council would always seek his blessing. But his father, being a foolish king, would hear them out and eventually grant them their wishes.

"The decision of the Council had not been officially announced." He had known where the Council had been inclined to go.

But he could not tell his son about it. Not right now when the wedding of Alex was in a couple of hours. He could not risk his son making a scene. He could not scandalize their family any further.

"Don't give me that bullshit about technicality. The Council might not have vocally announced it to the entire world, but they already told you their decision." The prince stood up from his chair and started pacing the room.

He could not understand why his father was taking this lightly and doing nothing about it. He should be calling his scholars by this time. Looking for ways to overturn the Council's decision.

"We have discussed it in passing in one of our meetings, but nothing is set in stone just yet." King Edward told his son, hoping that would suffice.

He wished he could do more for his son, but he had dug this big hole and buried his crown in it. There was nothing he could do to reverse the situation.

"But you have to do something about it, Dad. You can't let them get away with my birthright." He demanded from his father, still not convinced that his father was doing enough.

Alex was already getting married. If his father could not stop the Council, he could kiss the throne goodbye. He was still not buying his cousin's act that he was not after his position.

"Let us talk about this after the wedding. We could not do anything about it now." King Edward had to calm him down.

He could not afford not to attend the grand celebration. Everyone would be expecting his blessing to the marriage. But many would question if his son decided not to grace them with his presence.

"Fine." The young Edward finally conceded, knowing that there was nothing else he could do at the moment.

But he would make sure that the topic was not yet over. His father would have to deal with the Council and give him back what was originally his.

"Good." The king felt satisfied with his answer. He had not had much time to argue with his son. He had to prepare for his appearance at the wedding soon and so was his son.

He downed the remaining of his drink, wanting to clear his throat. "One more thing." He turned to his son, making sure that he was listening.

"What is it, Dad?" He knew his dad would tell him to get ready for the event.

What his father did not know was? He had all intention to attend the ceremonies. He would not miss it for the world. He had to be there to support his cousin and his lovely bride.

"I know that your business venture with this Nickolas Travis is doing well. I also heard that he is one big bad news. Your association with him could only lead us into trouble." The king stated as he stood up from his chair and moved towards the door.

"I assure you that his business is legit. Those are only rumors from competition who wanted a piece of his company." Prince Edward tried to defend his partner and investment.

He had to find out who was supplying his father with that information. He knew he went into bed with a shady person, but he had run his underground operation without a hitch.

He could only think of one man who could ruin all his plans. He was the only one who could have a motive to do this to him. He believed his cousin would not stop until he had taken everything away from him, just like when they were young.

"Still, I want you to end all your transactions with him and cut all your connections. I don't want our names to be dragged by this man to the mud once the authorities start snooping at his illegal activities." If he could save him one last time, this was it.

His son had to listen to him before he ruined his life forever. He still had a chance for a future. He might not turn out to be king, but he was still a prince.. He could still maintain his status symbol and live a comfortable life.