The Royal Contract

After all, he was a man who almost had everything. At his age, he did not have much or desire more, not wealth or fame. The only thing that concerned him now was his family, especially his grandson and his newborn granddaughter.

He tapped his finger on the transparent window of the nursery room, trying to catch the attention of the adorable baby behind the glass partition. “Hello, Sweetheart! My little angel.” The Count whispered, smiling and admiring his beautiful granddaughter.

After a while, he felt a presence standing behind him. Then, the other man stepped forward, moving beside him. He could see in the reflection on the glass the identity of his unexpected visitor but was not surprised to see him.

Finally, the man broke the silence. “Congratulations seems to be in order, my friend.” Count Wellington smiled at his friend and turned to him.

“Isn’t she beautiful?” Count Julius proudly told his friend, showing his new pride and joy, observing his friend’s reaction to his granddaughter. His friend seemed genuinely happy, with no trace that the baby reminded him of something or someone.

Suddenly, he wondered if his friend even had an idea that he was now also a grandfather. Count Julius had recently received news that Eida had also given birth to a beautiful girl, but he had kept that information to himself.

.....

He believed it was not his place to meddle in his friend’s affair. Count Thomas had declared the mother and daughter persona non grata in his family and society. Therefore, there was nothing he could do about that.

However, he would keep an eye on the mother and daughter, assuring their safety and protection. After all, the child was still royalty. Despite being stripped of her right even before she was born, the little angel still carried royal blood. At least in his book.

“I am sure your granddaughter would be a great addition to the royal line.” Count Thomas said in his clipped voice, thinking that a male heir was still better than a girl.

If only his grandchild had been a boy, he would have asked that lowlife reporter to give him the child. But unfortunately, he had learned that the baby she carried was a girl.

Yes, he had them followed and investigated. After learning from the ultrasound that the baby turned out to be a girl, he lost interest in monitoring them.

He had no use for a granddaughter. A princess would have no value to the Kingdom, unlike if he had a grandson. He was glad he had been rid of them before his son learned the truth.

Now, everything was going as he had planned. He did not want anything to ruin it, especially not that woman and her baby.

Luckily, not many knew about Eida and the baby. He had made sure that they would not be talking about this secret. They had sworn to carry it to their grave when they had accepted their generous payments.

“I am sure that one day, you will also be blessed with your grandkids once Lance and Camille are married.” Count Julius clapped his friend on the shoulder as he invited him for lunch.

One more time, he looked at his grandchild, welcoming her as the new member of his family. “I love you, my Princess Althea.” He uttered by the window, blowing her a kiss as he watched the nurse take her away.

After a few minutes, he walked with his friend towards the exit, then traveled to the nearby restaurant where they could continue their conversation.

He knew that his friend did not just come to see his grandchild. He had something in mind that he wanted to discuss with him. He was not mistaken as he kept asking about the different rules in succession.

He felt it was too early to discuss the possible heirs to the throne, but he did not mind. He also had been thinking that their laws needed some modifications.

Modern times rendered many of their traditions and rituals obsolete. Maybe it was time for someone to review it and revise it. It was something he planned to confer with the new King once he was seated on the throne.

“Where have you been?” Count Julius was back at his home, sifting through his documents when he heard the door of his private office opened and closed. The little boy walked toward him, demanding answers.

“Hello, Liam.” He waited for the boy to stand before him before he continued. “I went to see your little sister.” Then, he watched his eyes light up as if it was the best news he had heard, like the first time he rode his bike or received a gift on Christmas eve.

“You did. How is my sister?” Liam impatiently asked as he moved closer to him, tugging his arms for some answers. “I wish I could have seen her too.” He uttered disappointedly as his face dropped, his lips pout, like a child about to throw a tantrum.

“Althea is beautiful. But she is still being monitored by the doctors today.” He tried to explain to his grandchild.

But how could he blame the boy when no one seemed to care for his grandson except him? His daughter-in-law could not give a damn about her kids while his son was probably in a casino, gambling away his remaining inheritance.

“When is she coming home?” Liam asked, thinking he would finally have someone else to love besides his grandfather. He could not wait to have someone to play with and care for, and hopefully, someone else who would love him.

“Why don’t I just bring you to the hospital tomorrow so you can see her?” The Count suggested, seeing his eyes light up in excitement.

“I like that. I want to see my sister.” His grandson happily jumped before him.

There was nothing else he could do for his son, but he had not lost hope with his grandkids. He would do all he could to raise them well, hoping they would not end up like his son.

Someday, they would become the future of this house, the ones to carry their name to its former glory. He would make them the future leaders of their Kingdom.