The Royal Contract

He was afraid that he would be implicated in the case because of his association with Nick. He did not want to end up in jail, just like his partner.

His mission to get more information to absolve him from the criminal charges failed. He did not secure any proof that would disprove his involvement in the abduction.

"So far, I don\'t think Nick had mentioned your name in the case." The older Edward replied, finally looking up from his paperwork to face his son.

He could understand his concern, but he could only blame his son for this situation. He had warned him from the very start not to do business with the shady character of Nick, but his son did not listen to him.

Instead, he continued to defy him and proceed with his plans without his blessing. Although his investment did bear fruit, he still ended up in a tricky situation.

"What if he decides to implicate me in the case?" The young prince said with worried lines showing on his face. "I honestly did not have anything to do with the kidnapping." Guaranteeing his father with his words.

He sat on the available chair in front of the desk. Then, buried his face in the palm of his hands. He was desperate, trying to find a solution to his problem.

He had not relaxed since he had learned of the news, always looking at his back if authorities were following him. He immediately flew back to his country, hoping that his father could protect him.

Although he had diplomatic immunity against a crime in another country, he was still afraid of the implications arising from the incident. He did not want to be caught in the middle of the investigation on another soil.

"We will deal with that when it happens. As of now, concentrate on distancing yourself from this case." King Edward instructed his son as he returned to his work.

He wished that this was not happening to his son, but there was nothing else he could do but try his best to help him. He could not allow anything to happen to him. He was still his flesh and blood.

He did not condone what his son had done in the past. But he believed that he was innocent in this one. This time, he would support and protect him as his father.

"What about my chance to the crown?" He knew that should be the least of his concerns at the moment, but he still wanted to know if there was even a slim chance that he could still be on the running for the throne.

He had lived his entire life that nothing could stand in his way from becoming the next king. He had proven himself wrong upon realizing the mistakes he had done now, together with the past.

As of now, even he did not believe he deserved it. But he still would like to be given a chance to change his ways and prove he could still lead his people.

"Let us just focus on keeping you out of the dungeons first before we discuss the king\'s succession." The king stared at his son.

Pity was the last thing he wanted to show in his face, but it was what he was feeling at the moment. As much as he wanted his son to be the next king, he believed that ship had already sailed.

After this horrific incident, choosing him as the next king would be out of the question. The Council would never trust someone who made a grave mistake by dealing with a known criminal.

He would never convince them to accept him as their next king. His power to choose him as his successor would be vetoed by the Council, and he would not be able to do anything about it.

"Thank you, father, for your time. I am sorry again for all the trouble I have caused you." He bowed to his father, showing him the respect the king deserved.

This time, he finally admitted his shortcomings. Asking for forgiveness was the least he could do for all the troubles he had brought to his father and the kingdom.

But it would take a lifetime before he could atone for all his sins. The people might not forgive him, but he hoped it would not be the same with his father.

"Have you seen Alex before you left the city?" His father asked before his son could step out and leave his presence.

He would have liked his son to visit his cousin and his wife. It would be better for his situation if he would be seen with his family. Suspicions might be lessened against him if he would make the first move.

"I am sorry, Dad, but I rushed to come home when I first heard the news. I did not get the opportunity to visit them." He knew he sounded like a coward, afraid to face the consequence of his action. But it felt like it was his only option.

He had been fighting all his life for a place in this kingdom. Even if it had been written in his fate to be the next in line, he still had to prove himself to be worthy of the title.

But he was tired of it all. As much as he wanted to be king, competing for it against the man who had bested him in every way was a difficult task, or it seemed to be an impossible task.

"Besides, I am sure my presence would not be welcome if I had come near them." He finished before his father could react to his earlier statement.

His presence might only cause an uproar if he visited his cousin, knowing that he was still a suspect in his abduction. The evidence still pinpointed to him. Then, he still had a motive.

He believed that no matter what he did now, he would not be worthy in the eyes of the Council and the people. He finally decided to give up his right to even think of becoming a king.

Seeing the expression in the face of his father a few moments ago, he knew that his chances were none. He was only setting himself up to fail if he kept pursuing something that was not likely to happen anymore.

"That is fine. I will just send word to the prince and the princess." King Edward said as he leaned back on his chair. Then, he watched his son say goodbye and leave his room.

He thought of a get-well-soon gift that he could send the couple. He came up with several options, but none seemed to be enough. While the others were not appropriate with the situation.

He did not want to seem like he was trying to win them over so they would forgive his son. But in a way, that was his intention all along. He just did not want it to be too obvious.

However, his mind returned to his son, blaming himself for what he had become. He always believed that his son was the fruit of his upbringing.. He concluded that he had failed to make a good king out of him.