The Royal Contract

As soon as the couple entered the palace, they were immediately escorted to one of the duke's private rooms. Inside, both of their parents comfortably rested on the couch, sipping some tea as they waited for them.

"Why don't you join your parents for a few minutes before we proceed to the next event," Antonette informed them, leaving them to enjoy the company of their parents.

"Thanks, Mom, Katherine, for such a lovely wedding. It certainly fulfilled my childhood dreams." Dani hugged her mom, followed by her mother-in-law, while they all sat around the large living room.

Although she initially was against this whole idea of a grand wedding, she certainly had changed her mind after this one. Once she stepped into the aisle and saw Alex waiting for her at the other end, she knew this was meant to happen.

"Since you are now both married, I think it is about time that you call us Mom and Dad," Katherine told Dani. "You too, Alex." She pointed to her son, who smiled and acknowledged her request.

She stared at her beautiful daughter-in-law, a bit reminiscing her own wedding. The first time she had to call her in-laws as mother and father.

"We only want to fulfill your dreams. I remember when you were young how much you wanted a fairy tale wedding." Laura began recalling the joy of listening to her daughter when she was still full of hopes and dreams.

She was glad to see the same sparkle in her daughter's eyes again. The eyes that had been void of emotion. She could see her hardened heart had entirely changed too.

She did not see any trace of the damage of what Nick's betrayal had done to her. She was ecstatic that her daughter was finally free to follow her heart to her happiness.

"I guess I have forgotten about it." She did, but she was reminded about it again by this momentous event. "What about you, Alex? Do you have a childhood wedding dream?"

She squeezed Alex's hands, who had been holding her hands since they had left the car. He had been a bit quiet since he accepted a call as they walked along the hallway.

"I'm sorry, what was that?" Alex appeared like he was barely listening to their conversation. So, Dani had to repeat her question. "There was only one dream, I guess in my mind, to be the prince charming for my damsel in distress."

He pulled her hand to his lips and planted a solid kiss on her fingers before placing it back down in between their laps as they sat side by side.

He would do everything in his power to protect her even if she believed that she did not need his protection. She might act tough most of the time, but he would still be by her side to soften the blows thrown at her.

"It is time," Antonette announced to everyone, indicating that all of them should follow her.

They all stood and moved in her direction, knowing what was next in their schedule. Each pair proceeded according to the instruction of Antonette, observing the proper etiquette in this kind of ceremony.

After some introductions, the first couple, Alex's parents, stepped outside the double door on the third-floor balcony of the palace. It was ample space outside the room that could hold a maximum of twenty people.

Then, followed by Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton, who stood on the other side of the other couple. Both parents waved to the crowd that gathered on the palace grounds.

"Now, I know what a famous celebrity feels like," Laura said, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the large crowd, waiting for the prince and the princess to come out.

She had avoided the limelight as much as she could. Not an easy task in her position as wife of one of the most successful men in their city. She was no celebrity. She valued her privacy too much.

Finally, after a concise introduction, the couple was asked to step into the limelight. As both walked hand in hand towards the open air, the two could not help the mixed emotions they felt inside.

"I present to you, our very own, Prince Alexander Princeton Blackstone and his lovely wife, Princess Daniella Hamilton Blackstone." The official host announced to everyone over the very loudspeaker.

"Remember to keep your hands entwine and wave with your other hand," Antonette instructed before ushering them outside the double doors.

When he saw the people calling both their names, he suddenly felt a sense of patriotism that he had never felt before. It was like they were not simply calling his name, but he could hear their silent plea.

He had never felt obligated to serve his people. Not even when he was young and was training to be one. But he quickly shoved the idea at the back of his mind, knowing that he still had no plan to do so.

"Wow, I never expected this many people." Daniella was slightly overwhelmed by the masses of people who attended their wedding. 

She had seen many royal weddings before in the movies or news, but not in real life. She did not expect a warm welcome after her last conversation with Antonette.

Then, she suddenly remembered the words of the king. If Alex accepted the throne, then this would be her norm. That was something she had never considered before.

"You better get used to it," Alex stated before he could stop himself. He was not exactly aware of why he had said that. As if they would be doing more of this once they were back in New York and their real life.

But this had been his life before he had moved to another country. He wondered if he could ever go back to this. He had run away from his responsibility for a reason. This was not the kingdom he would like to rule.

Before she could ask what he meant by that, the announcer was already saying goodbye to the crowd. They were also ordered to smile at all the people present and wave their farewells.

"Prince Alexander and Princess Daniella, will you please follow me." One of the wedding coordinators assisted them.

The couple was escorted to another room, where they would wait again to be called. While the older Blackstone and Hamilton couples were instructed to proceed to the party. 

The other guests were already gathered at the parlor room, where they would wait for the arrival of the newlywed couple. It was a spacious room with couches and chairs scattered around every corner and enough space in the middle to accommodate hundreds of people. 

"I must say you really outdid yourself this time," Ethan whispered to her wife, loving the entire event she had helped prepare for their daughter's wedding.

"I can't take all the credit. I have a good partner. Katherine has excellent ideas that I was able to use." She told her husband but was still proud of what she had contributed.

Besides, they had a battalion of creative experts and capable staff who had worked tirelessly to ensure the job was done. With the cooperation of everyone, the results were bound to be a success.

She believed that one idea could spearhead one massive endeavor, and everyone could produce a fascinating concept. However, she had read somewhere that to be creative.. One should also possess a wild mind and a disciplined eye.