The Royal Contract

The royal staff, wearing formal burgundy velvet vest and black pants uniforms, served assorted horderves as appetizers together with some cocktail drinks to the guests.

In the meantime, this was the opportunity for the guests to socialize with the others before dinner was served. Many formed groups according to their interest, either in business or politics, among other things.

"Congratulations to the proud parents." A loud voice suddenly joined the group, consisting of the groom's parents, the bride's parents, and several other guests.

The group turned to the source. But the duke had already recognized the voice even if he had his back turned to the man. He was indeed expecting his arrival soon enough.

"Thank you, Your Royal Highness," Laura, who was facing the newcomer, vowed her head as a show of respect to their guest. Katherine also simultaneously greeted her brother-in-law once she saw him.

"I am glad that you can join us, Edward." The duke acknowledged his brother, their king. 

He expected that his brother would be attending the wedding. But a critical matter had come up and needed his immediate attention, Edward had explained to him earlier.

It did not stop his mind from wondering if his brother or nephew had anything to do with the ambush he had just learned a few minutes ago. 

But if he would guess, he was more inclined to believe his nephew might be involved. It could be the critical matter that his brother was talking about. He might be cleaning up his son's mess.

"You know I would not have missed the ceremony. But duty called," King Edward said, but he did not supply additional details.

He was in no obligation to explain to anyone his reasons, not to the Council or to his brother unless it was a national emergency. But he could choose to do so if he wanted, but not today.

He had heard about the incident earlier. He was glad that no one was hurt. It would have been a big scandal and disgrace if the Hamiltons were ambushed in their homeland.

His mind was flooded with several questions regarding the encounter in his kingdom. He had to be on top of this situation. Especially when there was a chance that his son might be implicated in the crime.

"The night is young. We have all the time to enjoy the union of our families." Ethan announced to the group, not wanting anything to ruin the mood of the celebration.

But he was not putting his guard down, not after what happened earlier. He had alerted his own security to double their surveillance of anything unusual. 

He was not in his territory. This was not his playing field. He could not afford to play it safe or take the threat so lightly. He could not trust anyone, at the moment, except his own security and his family.

"Attention!" The master of ceremony announced on the loudspeakers. "Please escort the guests to the main room." He instructed the coordinators of the event.

Everyone gathered in the massive ballroom, where many large round tables were perfectly synchronized on the spacious floor. On the front and center was the presidential table that would be accommodating the newlywed couple, their parents, and special guests.

The best dishes, cutlery, glassware, napkins were carefully set with even spacing on the table. With some decorative flowers in an exquisite vase and intricate golden candle holders on the center of the table, the lavish banquet looked nothing less than extravagant.

Nothing looked out of place, and not even a speck of dust could be seen in the shining glassware. One could look at the spoon as if looking at a mirror. Everything would seem to be perfect.

"Would you please follow us to your seats?" The royal staff assisted all the guests to their respective places. 

Arranging the guests was not an easy task. Placing each guest at the appropriate table was a delicate undertaking that Antonette took seriously. 

She had to guarantee that each table arrangement would give them a lively interaction, less the drama. Putting the wrong person in a group could seriously ruin the entire evening.

When everyone was settled on their seats. The parents and the most important guests, including the king, were seated at the presidential table. Antonette signaled the beginning of the next event.

"Please stand up and let us welcome with a round of applause, the newlywed couple." The host announced for everyone to hear.

At that moment, the double doors leading to the grand ballroom opened. With a piece of live music playing in the background, Alex and Dani finally made their appearance.

As expected, Alex looked dashing in his tailored-made tux. While Dani sparkled in her white halter top, sleeveless gown, made to showcase her beautiful figure.

"Isn't the bride and groom looking quite a perfect match?" The master of ceremony asked the crowd. Wherein he received a resounding agreement from everyone.

The program continued as the newlywed joined their family at the front table, where they could see the entirety of the ballroom.

Their faces were wearing a constant smile on their lips, not because they wanted to please everyone. The truth was, they could not stop smiling because they were finally bound to be together forever.

"They do look like perfect together," He casually whispered at the woman next to him, carefully studying her face for a reaction.

The entire wedding ceremony, he had waited for her to break down and cry. But she appeared to be calm and collected. He was not expecting that, but he was glad.

Now, he wanted confirmation that she was sincerely over him. He did not know why it was important to him. Maybe because he wished he had helped her move on just like him.

"I agree." She said as her eyes continued to stare at the couple at the front. "Troy, you don't have to worry about me. I think I am over him." She smiled at him, feeling lighter than she had ever felt before.

She recognized the look he was giving her. But she believed she did not need it anymore.. She could genuinely wish good things to the happy couple without feeling any hard feelings.