The Royal Contract

Dani guessed that her father’s happiness was more important at the moment. She had to consider what was best for him than what was happening outside this room.

She could still feel the antagonism between Alex and Gerald, but she could see that they attempted to control themselves before Ethan. At least, they were pretending that nothing was amiss.

“You are simply the best,” Ethan stated as he directly looked at her mother with pride.

As always, her mother never failed to create magic. With one swish of her hands and a few spells, she could conjure an enchanting experience that could charm anyone.

“Well, I am only the best because you make me feel I can do no wrong.” Her mother responded, walking towards her father, still confined in his hospital bed.

They had set up the small table near his bed. So, he could join the conversation even if he could not eat the food. His presence was more valuable than anything else.

.....

But to her father, he seemed satisfied to be there smiling with them as they talked about her mother, who was now in the hot seat, talking about her younger days.

She was also observing Gerald if he seemed uncomfortable about the topic. However, his smile looked genuine as he had also teased her mother about it.

She had no idea if that was just a show for her father’s benefit or if he genuinely liked her mother, who he had been comfortable talking to since they had met.

But she hoped it was not just a game with him because she did not want her mother to get hurt at the end of his schemes. If that happened, she would forget that they shared the same blood.

“We better go. It is getting late.” Dani finally said goodbye to her parents, enjoying the long dinner with them.

Alex also expressed his delight with the food Laura had prepared for all of them. But he still avoided interacting with Gerald directly.

“I also better be on my way.” Gerald walked closer to their father. “I am happy to be included in this dinner.” He said, looking at Ethan. “Thanks again, Laura, for inviting me.”

She was unsure of what she saw in his eyes. Was it authentic appreciation? But she hoped that was what her father read during their short interaction.

On the other hand, seeing the twinkling in his father’s eyes, the glow on his cheeks, and the wide grin on his lips, she knew they all had made him happy. She was more than content with that.

Soon, she and Alex were on their way home. So was Gerald, who took his car in the opposite direction. She never knew where he was staying. But she recently learned that he owned many homes.

“Alex, tell me the truth.” Dani knew she did not need to specify her question. She could already see it in his eyes, his hesitation.

But she still waited, hoping that he would share whatever it was that bothered him. She could feel it in the stiffness of his shoulders even if he was laughing with them. He had a burden he was not sharing with her.

“I think Ethan would not make it.” Finally, he uttered the truth that nobody would dare say out loud. “Gerald is attacking the company from different angles.”

That last part was news to her. She had no idea that her brother had continued with his plans. Alex had made sure to keep that information from her. But she guessed she could not blame him since he had been protecting her from the start.

“Ok. What else?” She had to know everything that he had in his mind so that she could find a way to help him.

If he kept putting her in the dark, thinking that was helping her, then that would only worsen the gap between them. “You promised to share with me everything, for better or worse. Remember?”

She had to remind him what they had sworn on their wedding day and the day they had declared their love to one another. They should not keep secrets unless necessary.

But today, it was not necessary because she could take it. She could handle whatever Alex would tell her. She believed she could even help him.

“I think I need to step up in Ethan’s position.” Alex exasperatedly said as he ran his hands through his hair. A habit he liked to do when he was under a lot of stress.

She was slightly confused by his statement since he had already stepped up in her father’s position for the longest time. What else was he saying?

“I temporarily held the position for him because I hoped he would eventually return to take over. But he asked me the other day to permanently take the role.” Her husband explained to her.

She was not aware of this condition. All the while, she thought that her father had already given him that position. But it appeared they had kept this bargain from her.

“But what will change?” She still did not understand. It was just a formality as far as she could tell. “What seems to be the problem?” She again asked, still confused.

She extended her hand to his face, making him look up until his eyes directly looked at hers. She could see the conflict in them, the uncertainty of his decision.

She wanted to help him, but she could only do that if he would share everything with her. She had to stop protecting her from the world and allow her to join him in his battles.

“I love my family and my country. But you are my family now, and this has been my country for some time. He began to share with her. “Where you are is where my home will always be.” He continued, pulling her closer as his fingers nestled on her waist.

Somehow, she believed she might have a clue of what he was about to say next. But whatever it was, she would support her husband in whatever he decided.

“But I think I would rather be your King and rule this place than go home and take over our Kingdom.” He finally resolved with finality. “Do you think that is ok with you?”

She could tell it had not been an easy decision for him. He would have weighed every pro and con of that two options before coming up with that conclusion.

She had already told him once that she would stand by him with whatever he decided. If she had to be the Queen of the nation or just their home, she would gladly step up to the plate.

She leaned closer to him, almost feeling his heavy breath on her face, thinking of the best answer she could give him. “I am happy to be just a wife, your wife.”