The Royal Contract

He was pleased to know that Dani had no desire for the title. Just like him, she was more than content for them to live in the tiny Kingdom they would build together.

“All I need is you.” He whispered in the air, glancing at the moon outside, shining upon them all who were still awake. But his plea referred to the woman sleeping peacefully on the bed behind him.

Their home was the only castle they needed. It did not need to occupy acres of land. All it required was them and their future kids. Then, it was the only Kingdom he now desired.

It was not even to rule what Ethan had built, but he would surely safeguard it for his future kids. He would try to protect his father-in-law’s legacy.

“Hey, why are you still up?” Dani tapped him on the shoulder as he sat on the edge of their bed, staring at the window outside with his feet fully planted on the floor.

He slowly turned around to gaze at her sleepy face, smiling, hoping she would not make a big deal of this. She was already through a lot. Reloading his burdens on her would not be fair.

.....

He felt most of the things that weighed on his shoulders had subsided. Still, he knew that the fight was far from over. On the other hand, it was just beginning.

In truth, life was a never-ending battle, a different field, various times, numerous enemies, and an assortment of struggles with only one finish line.

Death.

The first to give up would undoubtedly lose.

“Just could not sleep.” He reasoned without giving his emotions away.

But in truth, he could not explain how he felt because he was a man built to keep his emotion hidden. It was just that all his life, he had to grow up strong, always in control of everything around him.

Although his parents never expected much, still the entire nation watched him. Even the present King anticipated much from him, constantly comparing him to the Crown Prince.

But he always knew that no matter how much he had worked hard and excelled, he would not be King. For simply not being the son of the present crowned King.

“What is bothering you still?” She asked, already reading his expression. He could not get away that easily with her. Not that he wished to lie to her.

“Just some memories of the past.” He finally confided in her. Telling about the old days, his childhood that he never liked discussing. A past that he just felt was old news.

There was a time.

He hated his father because the Duke had the chance to be King, but he gave it up. He, as his son, would have been King if that was the case.

They only considered him, King, as a replacement, that was, if the Crown Prince died or had gone astray. He was only the second choice.

“Well, we all have to go through them whether we like it or not,” Dani assured him that he was not alone in this situation. “But I think you did quite well for yourself.”

Considering the things he had gone through, his wife was right. He had achieved most things that others could only dream of, not because he initially had power, wealth, or privilege handed to him, but because of his perseverance.

He had worked through where he was today through sheer determination. Build his name not through his family’s connection but by using his credentials.

“I guess you are right,” Alex answered his wife, slightly glancing at his back as he stared at his wife, who had crawled closer to him. “But I fear that I will fail you.” The only thing that scared him the most.

Somehow, he found himself in this strange land, different from his hometown. He found a new Kingdom to dominate, to show why he was the best. In this place, race or blood did not matter. Anybody could become King.

He found a new home in this place, a land that welcomed him. More than that, he found his Queen. And a Kingdom far different from what he had in his mind. But the Kingdom that had fulfilled almost all his dream.

This beautiful woman, inside and out, kneeling at his back, wrapping his skinny arms around his shoulders to comfort him, had given him everything he needed in this lifetime.

But like everyone else, he was still a man, subject to human emotions. As much as he wanted to appear as the most resilient man alive, he could not. He still felt pain. He was no superhero.

“Don’t be too hard on yourself. I don’t need you to save me all the time. I can be the hero next time.” She hugged him from behind, tighter.

He could tell she was trying her best to lighten the mood, and he appreciated it since he could already feel the stiffness in his body disappear.

It was not easy to live alone and carry all the burdens.

He was lucky that he had found a terrific partner, willing to share them with him. His wife was correct again. He did not have to fight his battles alone.

“That is also true. Maybe next time, you should wear a cape.” His eyes sparkled with a bit of mischief. Finally, showing signs of life. “And a nice sexy outfit to match.” He pulled her until she was lying on his lap, covered by his body.

She was about to protest at the suddenness of his movements. But his lips silenced her with a deep kiss, rendering her immobile in his arms.

He believed fate had orchestrated their meeting, and when the first time failed. Again, destiny intervened in their lives, knowing they were a match made in heaven.