The Royal Contract

Alex was on his way back to the party after his private conversation with Tyra when his father stopped him in the hallway.

"Alex, I was looking for you. Can I have a word with you?" His father asked Alex to follow him in his study.

"What is this all about, Father? I need to get back to my party." Alex was not particularly fond of their talks, especially when it was just the two of them. It always ended up in a disaster. It was different if his mother was here to mediate between them. 

"This will not take long. Please take a seat." Fred instructed as he also sat on his chair.

He meant to talk to his son alone ever since he arrived, but there was just no time earlier. Now, it was the only time they could spare before they formally began the celebration. He wanted to talk before announcing the engagement of his son with his chosen fiancé.

He already heard that Prince Edward had already arrived. Soon enough, the king, his brother would follow. He had to settle his concern before they continued with the festivities.

"Then, let us talk. What do you need?" He was anxious to go back to the party. 

He had been away longer than he wanted. He was not expecting that Tyra would do that. He always thought that when she left him, it was the end of their relationship. Alex only maintained his connection with her because of their long friendship. Other than that, he wanted no intention of getting back with her. 

She had broken his heart before. He was not going to allow that to happen again. His focus now was to build his business and turn it into his empire. His ambition was his only priority, and nothing was going to stop him from reaching the top.

If not for his father and mother, he would have ignored this outdated tradition, but he still respected and loved them, which was why he was indulging their whim. But as soon as he found a solution to stop this marriage from happening, he would be done with it.

"Are you sure that Daniella Hamilton is the one that you wished to marry? Do you truly love her that much to commit yourself to her?" Fred seriously asked his son. 

He had no qualms with the identity of Miss Hamilton. Her traits assured him that she was more than qualified as a suitable wife for his son. However, it was her background that concerned him. He was wary of the result of this union between his son and her.

He had learned that she was the only heir of Mr. Hamilton. Then, she had been practicing her career as a lawyer for the masses in her country. Quite a noble dedication that he did admire about her. However, these circumstances could also be a problem for him and his family. 

"I am sure that I am committed to her." He was not lying about that. Although, the context of that sentence was different from what his father might think.

He knew that there was a slight chance that his father might object to this arrangement. He had foreseen it. But the rule only said that he had to marry someone suitable. Not someone that his father had to approve. Besides, he had no plan to marry Dani anyway, although his father would never know about that.

"But your mother and I believe that Tyra will be more appropriate to be your wife. You know and love her. She knows our ways. She will be the perfect wife for you." His father tried to make him see that he was making the mistake of choosing someone not accustomed to their ways and with their traditions.

His legacy relied on his son, returning home to take his place at his seat. As his only son, Alex was the sole heir of his name and his house. 

He needed his son to come back home to take over his position as head of this family. And he believed that the wife he needed was someone who would sit by his side. He feared that it would not happen if he continued to pursue marrying Daniella Hamilton.

"What does Tyra had to do with this? What we had was over? I am marrying Daniella, and that is final." He stood up from his chair and fixed his clothes. "I think we have nothing more to talk about, so if you will excuse me, Father, my guests are waiting for me."

He bowed to his father and walked out the door. He did not wait for his father to stop him. Although, he was sure that his father had no intention to since he already made his case.

Then, he realized why Tyra was here in the first place. She knew all about his plans to marry because his parents arranged for her to be here, hoping that they would rekindle their relationship. They were hoping that he would change his mind and marry Tyra instead.

He immediately went back to the ballroom in search of his bride-to-be. However, he was not expecting what he saw when he got back. His fiancé was in the arms of another man. Well, not just any other man, but his cousin, Edward. 

"Alex, I had been looking for you, but you seem to be missing. I hope you don't mind if I already introduce myself to Dani." Edward greeted him as soon as he was closed enough to them.

Edward had been looking for his cousin since he had arrived. He knew that Alex was planning something when he had heard about his intention to introduce his wife to be. He always thought that when his cousin renounced the empire, he did not intend to be part of it anymore.

However, this latest development contradicted that. Edward thought that when he refused to take any part in their tradition, he was sure that Alex would never return. However, his participation with this very crucial tradition was him making a statement. 

This act would put him back to the lineup as a possible successor to the throne. Edward would not stand idly by while his cousin made a move. He was not going to take his chance that Alex was not interested in what was rightfully his.

"Well, I am here now. If you will excuse us, Edward, I want to dance with my fiance." He could not stop himself from announcing to his cousin and anyone nearby that she was his future wife. He felt that he needed to stake a claim on her and put Edward in his place.

From childhood, he and Edward never did get along. Edward always felt threatened by him for whatever reason. Although he was next in line with Edward as the future king, just in case Edward could not fulfill his duty as king, he never wanted the position. 

He never wanted to be king of this kingdom, and he already expressed that as much. But Edward seemed determined to make sure that he would never be able to take his place. His cousin always wanted what was his.

Edward could have this entire kingdom. He did not care one bit about that, but he was not taking away his bride this time. Then, Alex corrected himself. He was not allowing him to hurt another girl in the process of getting back at him.

He planned to protect Dani from Edward's twisted scheme. He was going to be her knight in shining armor.