The Royal Contract

"If I could have all your attention." The host of the celebration started speaking on the stage placed in the center of the ballroom.

Everyone, including Alex and Dani, had turned around to look at the source of the voice. It was somehow a welcome distraction from what just happened between them. Both were still unable to fathom how to handle the situation.

Alex still kept his hands on hers, keeping the act of a happy couple. The music died down as everyone stayed still in their places, waiting for what the host was about to say.

"What is happening?" She whispered to him as a commotion stirred inside the ballroom.

"My uncle just arrived." He answered her indifferently. He was not particularly glad to see him on this occasion. They might share the same blood, but just like his son, they never did see each other eye to eye. 

"And that means?" She was still unaware of what the fuss was all about. Then, it clicked in her still slightly muddled brain. "Oh! Your uncle is King Edward." She mumbled under her breath, answering her question.

It made sense since his cousin, Prince Edward the III, was the future heir of this empire. That was if her understanding of their family tree was correct.

"I would like to inform everyone present that King Edward the II has just arrived." The host spoke over the entire room as a loud horn started creating its sound, signaling the entrance of the leader of their kingdom.

The center of the room slowly parted, giving way for King Edward to pass through as he moved amongst the crowd. Then all the royalties and the guests greeted and bowed down to him as he passed by.

When his uncle reached their position, Dani was surprised when Alex only greeted him but never bowed down to his king. "It is nice that you were able to attend my celebration, Uncle," Alex said as they faced each other.

His uncle smiled at Alex. "Happy birthday, Alexander." It was not left unnoticed by the king, the blatant disrespect that Alex did.

"Thanks, Uncle Edward," Alex responded, not acknowledging him as the king but a mere relative and a guest in his celebration.

"I am happy to be here to celebrate your special day." The king looked at his nephew with a subtle warning. He did not want to make a scene. He would deal with his nephew later, but for now, he would play his game.

"And this must be your date?" The king turned to Dani, who silently observed the strange exchange between the two men near her.

"This is my girlfriend, Ms. Daniella Hamilton." He introduced her to his uncle.

Unlike him, Dani bowed down to the king and greeted him. "It is nice to meet you, Your Highness." She tried to be polite since she was just a guest in this foreign land.

"King Edward, please join us," Alex's mother immediately came to their side and guided his uncle towards the awaiting other guests. 

Alex knew what he was doing. He was aware that he had just declared a silent war against his uncle. But Alex already had been fighting this kingdom all his life. He did not want to be a part of it, but they seemed not to believe him.

He knew if not for the title and their claim to the throne, both father and son would be nothing but useless fools who knew nothing about the world they ruled. They were only in position because of their birthright and nothing more. He never wanted that kind of life for him and his future family.

"What just happened?" Dani could not contain her curiosity anymore. She asked him as soon as the king left their side.

Based on observation, Alex seemed to have a lot of family issues. Just like hers, it appeared that he also had a very unusual upbringing.

"It is a long story and something that did not concern you." Alex was not about to broadcast to her what was happening to his family.

He was a very private person, and matters of the family should always remain within the family. Dani was not part of his family and would never will.

"I'm sorry. I did not mean to pry." She chastised herself for losing control of her tongue. Her natural nosiness usually placed her in trouble. Now she had placed herself in a very awkward position.

"No. I don't want to include you in the family drama. You don't have to worry about this. It is not part of the contract you signed with me." He assured her, not wanting her to feel bad about it.

He looked at the crowd that was building around the king. He could not help but be disgusted with the men and women who wanted his uncle's attention.

If not for his father and the rest of the royal family, this empire might have long crumbled down to the ground. The incompetence of his uncle to rule and managed the kingdom's affair was laughable in his standard. They should not be reaping the fruits of other people's labor just because they were declared the next in line.

"So, what happens next?" Dani asked as they watched the crowd around them.

She had witnessed a lot of family dramas in her short life. Her life was also one big soap opera. Therefore, she concluded that despite what Alex said, she was already a part of his life. Whatever was happening in his life for the duration of their charade, she could expect that it would also affect her life. 

"We officially announced our engagement." He looked at her, studying her reaction. 

It would seem that this would be the longest six months of his life as he gazed into her eyes. He suddenly realized that this arrangement was not as simple as he had imagined. 

He was beginning to regret entering into this agreement, seeing that she was at a disadvantage. She had entered into something more than she had bargained for, and now she was trapped with him. 

If not for his parents, he would have nothing to do with this kingdom. It was the main reason he left and started a new life in another country. He did not believe in their ways. Now, also because of them, he and Dani were bound to a contract.