The Royal Contract

But he did not stop for anyone as he continued on his way towards the long staircase that would lead him to the left-wing side of the palace. It was the part that housed the King and his staff.

“How is he doing?” The Duke asked once he was inside the room of the King. He faced the doctor, who quickly met him by the door.

He could see his brother rambling against a nurse that was only trying to put a needle on his arm. He seemed to be far better than he expected.

When he heard that his brother, the King had a heart attack, he quickly rushed to get to him. But judging from the way he was acting, he hoped it was not that serious.

“Luckily, it was just a mild attack.” The doctor stated, looking over his shoulder to gaze at their supreme leader. “He experienced shortness of breath and dizziness.”

The doctor also explained that the King had to undergo further examination to confirm their initial diagnosis. They had to guarantee that the King would remain in good health.

.....

“Do what you have to do?” Duke Frederick instructed the doctor in charge of the medical health of the King and the royal family. “Make sure to run all the necessary tests.”

He did not want anything to happen to his brother. They might have some disagreements, but he was still his flesh and blood. He wished that he would still live a long life and continue to rule them as their King.

But there was another concern that was bothering him. Once the Council heard about this, he was sure they would insist on naming an heir to the throne. With Edward, now out of the picture. He was conflicted about what to do with the situation.

“Fred, would you tell them to stop?” King Edward finally noticed him talking to the doctor and beckoned him to his bedside. “Please, explain to them that I am in good shape.”

He did not like how they were fussing around him as if he was some sort of cripple. He only had some dizzy spells and not what the doctors were insisting happened to him.

He was not ready to step down from his throne or die. Not yet. He had several more things to do. There were things he had initiated that he wanted to be accomplished before he left this world.

“You did have an episode, Edward.” Fred began defending the medical staff. “Let them do their jobs. Besides, I am sure that they would find nothing and declare you with a clean bill of health.”

He could sense his brother’s concern. If it was him in his condition, he would also feel nervous. Not for his life but for the people he would be leaving behind.

In his brother’s case, he could only assume that he was afraid for the fate of his son if ever he stepped down as the King of their nation.

Since he was his big brother, he was still responsible for him even if he was the King. He had promised their mother that he would always stand by his younger brother just like he also stood by his side.

“Fine.” The King finally conceded to go take the examination. He could not say no to his brother anyway. “But stop acting like I am paralyzed. I can still go to the bathroom if I have to.” He insisted. “Without any assistant.” He added.

Besides being his brother, he was also the head of the Council. He needed the support of the Council and his brother in the future of the kingdom and his son.

His son might have done terrible things against their law, but he was not a criminal. He did not deserve to be punished as such. But he understood that he could not follow in his footstep.

“Don’t worry about that. I will tell the doctors to take it easy on you. But try to follow them because it is for your health.” Fred knew that his brother was acting out because of his own fear.

Under normal conditions, he would be rational and be compliant. But in his situation, the stress and the tension in the palace might be getting into him.

He concluded that it could have been the cause of his mild heart attack. However, his brother had to stay strong and healthy if he would continue to rule over them.

“Do you mind leaving us alone for a few minutes?” The King announced to everyone. But the staff only looked at each other, afraid to leave the King to his own devices.

“You see.” King Edward pointed out to his brother. “They would not even give me some peace. I am your King.” He hissed in frustration, putting his arm across his face to block the light from shining on his eyes.

If he was being honest, he was shaken by the experience. He always thought of himself as healthy as a horse. But sickness could come at a terrible time, whether he did all his best to stay in good shape.

“Give us a few minutes.” Fred finally asked the doctors and the rest of the staff inside the room. “Don’t blame them. They are only here to assure you are not about to drop dead at any second.”

He sometimes teased his brother, just like in the old times. They would run around the palace and make some silly faces. Unlike now, there were no modern technologies or gadgets to entertain them. They had to improvise to pass the time.

“Well, it will take more than that to take me down, my brother. I assure you.” King Edward responded with a laugh, enjoying the banter they were sharing as the people finally left them alone.

Enough of the joking around, he thought. Although he loved to go to memory lane to reminisce some old happy childhood events, he had a more serious matter to talk about.

“So, what is it?” Fred knew that he had a reason for wanting everybody gone. He could see in his brother’s eyes the concern despite the tough, strong, and cold front he had displayed in front of the staff.

“You know I can be stubborn as an ox, but you always put me in the right place. Thank you, my brother, for not leaving my side.” Edward stated as he brought down his arm to look his brother in the eye.

He shifted in the bed until he was in a sitting position. Then, he tapped the side of the bed for his brother to sit down. He did not want to keep tilting his head as he talked to him.

“Well, you have been a good brother. A little misunderstood sometimes, but still, you do your best as our King.” Fred said, changing his tone into a more serious one.

He was unsure what this was all about, but he could guess it might have something to do with Edward, the prince, and Alex, his son.

“It is time for your son, Alexander, to take over the throne.” King Edward announced, not in a tone that suggested the Duke had a choice. It sounded more like a royal decree.