The Royal Contract

"How is everyone outside?" Alex asked, checking the black military uniform he chose for the occasion for an invisible lint on the fabric in front of the mirror.

He wore a traditional garb that his father and his father before him had worn during matrimonies. Besides the emblem of his father\'s house, the only medal he wore was the air force wings pin he received during his service in their military.

Other than that, he had not served in his country because he had chosen to stay away. He had opted to live away from his home to build a new life for himself.

"The place is starting to get full. I think everyone invited decided to join the celebration." Marcus stated as soon as he came back to the back room where his friend was waiting for the ceremonies.

He had run an errand for his friend and checked on the status of his bride. He knew that Dani would never stand him up on the altar. Still, he was a bit anxious that other circumstances might still happen to prevent the wedding from proceeding.

He had his men on high alert, doubling the security around the palace and the cathedral to guarantee that the threats would be neutralized.

"It is to be expected." He had no doubt of the volume of the attendees to this special event in his life. Not because they actually wanted to celebrate their union, but rather take advantage of the exposure.

He already suspected that most of their guests would use their event for their personal motives, except for a few who truly wished to share this moment with him and his bride.

"Don\'t worry about Dani. She is already in her gown with her parents, just waiting for the signal to leave the palace." Marcus wished to assure his friend that all was running according to plan.

"That is good." He rubbed his hands together, trying to get the chill he felt inside. Not that it was cold outside. On the contrary, the weather was fully cooperating with the entire celebration.

It was a sunny day. Only partial clouds could be seen on the horizon. It was a perfect day to conduct the ceremony. The sun was high in the sky but not too hot to cause any discomfort.

The breeze was just in the right amount to cool the skin but not enough to mess up a tendril on top of his head. He could not think of any natural forces that could ruin this day for them.

"Better stop fidgeting before someone mistaken that for having cold feet," David said, noticing how his friend was acting when he walked inside the room.

He could not guess what his friend was feeling, but he could assume it was worse than being in a boardroom while in a hostile takeover surrounded by sharks.

"The car is ready anytime you want to run," Evan said, following close behind David.

He still could not accept that their group was slowly changing. But he would support his friend to whatever he decided to do with his life. Either to stay or to run.

"Stop it, guys. Kidding aside, I think something is off." He clapped his friends\' hands, glad that they could join him.

He could not pinpoint where it was coming from, but he could not shake the feeling of brewing trouble. He wished it was just the nerves kicking in and nothing to do with his instincts. Because he was rarely wrong.

"You know they will not pass up the chance to mess with you." Marcus fixed his bowtie and tugged his collar to put it in place.

He would have joined the rest of their friends in taking a jive at Alex, but he already saw how serious his friend was about this threat.

He was also aware of the attempt on Dani\'s life. It was still not clear of the intention of the mastermind, whether the intent was to take her alive or to put an end to it.

"I know, but..." Before Alex could finish his sentence, another man showed up in his room. Unlike the others, he was an unwelcome sight.

If he was not part of his family, he would not have invited him to the wedding, but it was out of his hands. Besides, he still had no proof that he had anything to do with the incident.

He could not disrespect the royal family by making a scene at his own wedding ceremony. He would be keeping an eye on him, especially when he had learned that Nick also made an appearance as his cousin\'s guest.

"I think congratulations are in order, my dear cousin." Edward pranced inside the room, followed by a waiter carrying a bottle of champagne and several glasses.

He wore his military uniform from the armed forces, showing off several medals that everybody in the room doubted he actually earned.

"Thank you, Edward, for showing your support." Alex could not find any other words to say to his cousin, who he believed had an ulterior motive for visiting him.

He had to play his cousin\'s game, letting him think that he had the upper hand. He could use this to his advantage and get closer to his cousin\'s plans. If he was indeed part of the conspiracy to bring him down.

He did not mind an attack on him, but when his enemies started involving Dani in the scene, it had become a different ball game. He would be prepared for their next attack.

"We should make a toast for the groom." He handed each a glass of wine and raised his glass to his cousin as a salute. "For a fruitful future with your lovely wife."

He was indeed making a toast for his cousin and his fate. A future that did not include him getting his throne. Not if he could still do something about it.

All raised their glass to their friend, wishing him the best of married life. But all was apprehensive of the other prince\'s presence.

"Excuse me, Prince Alexander." Another voice interrupted them inside the room. "I just want to inform you that the bride is about to leave the palace." He continued when he had the prince\'s attention.

Alex acknowledged the information relayed to him with a nod, dismissing the messenger. But his mind was already working overtime, wishing to have the room all to himself.

"I guess you still have a few things to do around here. I better leave you be." Prince Edward clapped his cousin on the shoulder before moving toward the exit.

He had done what his father had asked him to do. Now it was his turn to do what he had to do to get his throne, moving out of the room.

"What do you think?" Marcus spoke once the other prince was out of earshot, directing his question to the groom.

He did not believe even one bit the nice act Edward had displayed just a few minutes ago. He suspected that Edward was assessing the situation.

"I think I need to make a call." Alex immediately grabbed his phone in his pocket and dialed a number.

He was not taking any chances. Alarm bells were ringing in his head, and he could not ignore them anymore. But if something would go down at this moment or later, he trusted his team to do their jobs.

They had already had conceived every possible scenario they could think of.. Designed and strategized counterattacks to prevent being blindsided.