The Royal Contract

“I received some news,” Alex said as he shifted in his position and decided to lay on the mat, resting his head on her lap.

Somehow, this position had become one of his favorites when they were together. When they were simply lounging in the living room on the couch. While watching a movie or reading a book.

“What kind of news?” She asked, placing one of her hands on his forehead while he continued caressing the other with his hands.

She had never heard anything since they left the city. But in fairness, she barely looked at her phone lately or even checked the internet.

She had promised that she was devoting her entire time to him during their renewed honeymoon. He also did promise not to touch a phone while together.

Then, she wondered where he might have received such news. Maybe from Marcus, she concluded. She just continued to stare at him, waiting.

.....

“Father called earlier while you were in the shower. He wanted me to know that the Council had convened the other day about a delicate matter.” He knew he should just spell it out, but he was also conflicted by the things his father said.

He was not expecting that he would feel differently about his news. Suddenly, he was confused about how he should react since this would affect his plans and future. Well, their future.

“Go on.” She did not want to push him, seeing that he chose his words carefully about this topic. It might be a sensitive subject that he had difficulty discussing with her.

She understood that not everything was easy to share, especially with him. She did hide a few things from him, not knowing how to tell him. But it did not mean that she was trying to keep it from him. She just needed the right time to say it.

“Father called to say that the Council had finally chosen me as the new heir. It was final since my cousin, Edward, had disqualified himself with his recent activities.” Spilling out the news. Finally, getting it off his chest.

He wished that his wife would have some kind of word of wisdom that she could impart to him to make it easier for him to digest this new information.

Although he adamantly told his father and the Council that he never wanted anything to do with the crown. Currently, he was not too sure anymore if it was still his stand.

“How do you feel about it?” She asked, seeing the conflict in his eyes.

She remembered how he was against taking over the reign in their Kingdom. Precisely, why he had built his life with her in the city.

She contemplated if he suddenly changed his mind. Did he have a change of heart about ruling his people? Now, how would she feel about it if that was the case?

She had no idea since it had never entered her mind before. When she started a life with him, the only thought that came to her mind was building a home with him within the city.

“In truth.” He paused, unable to answer her right away. “I am not quite sure.” He finally admitted to her.

He looked at her for a reaction, checking if she would find his answer unacceptable or would she like the idea of being his queen. Not that he was already contemplating becoming King.

However, presently, it was a possibility he was not turning his back immediately. He wanted time to think about it. To weigh his options. The advantages and disadvantages.

“Whatever you decide, I will be here. As your wife, I will stand by it. As your friend, I will support you one hundred percent.” She ran her hand through his hair, always marveling at how it felt between her dainty fingers. She could see that his eyes were still analyzing what she said. But his love was clearly the overpowering emotion in them.

She believed that when she had agreed to marry him and vowed in front of God and their entire family and friends, it also included the better or worse part. Besides, she completely trusted him with their future.

“How did I ever become so lucky to have you as my wife?” He looked up at her, staring at those beautiful eyes. “But still, I want us to discuss this thoroughly.” He knew that he could not decide on his own.

“I need your opinion on this because this is not just about the Kingdom. It also involves our plan to build a family.” Alex continued as he also caressed her cheeks with the back of his palm.

He hooked his fingers through her hair and gently pulled her down to him. As soon as their lips touched, he knew that there was nothing in this world that they could not face together.

Whether it was running an empire in the middle of the biggest city in the world. Or reigning a kingdom in an isolated land. As long as they were together, anything was possible.

“Hey, not again.” A female voice once again broke into the silence. The sound of a horse’s gentle gallops echoed on the ground. “You guys should really get a room.” Jacky continued with her taunting.

She watched the royal couple emerge from their kissing activity. Thankfully, still fully cloth this time. It was private land, but still, it was an open area.

“What took you so long? We were getting worried about you guys.” Dani responded, ignoring the teasing. She believed she was getting used to it, although she still did feel her cheeks were hot and not because of the sunlight around them.

“Well, my passenger here kept telling our friend here...” Marcus indicated to their horse. “...to stop in every bumpy ride.”

He felt the need to stop every time she would agitate the horse because she thought they were going too fast when they were barely speeding up.

“I was not used to riding a horse. So, excuse me. I am just worried that Lightning might hurt himself,” Jacky exclaimed, showing his sympathy for the horse who had to carry them on a rough, rocky road.

The three tried to control their laughter, not wanting to offend Jacky. But she was right. She still had a few things she needed to learn about horses.

“Come on, guys. Join us and let us eat.” Alex beckoned the two, who slowly dismounted their ride.

However, Jacky was still correct about worrying about their animal friends. He stood from his position and took several bottled water in his hands.

Then, he placed them on the makeshift drinking keg positioned on the pole where he tied the horses earlier. That should hydrate the horses in the meantime. Until they were back again to the stables where they would be fed and allowed to rest.

They might not be as helpful as they used to be during the time of their ancestors, but they were still mighty, gentle beasts that had roamed this land, wild and free.