The Royal Contract

He looked at the piece of thick paper in his hand, reading the beautifully written, embossed letters on its surface. It was an invitation to a very prestigious event. 

"An invitation had arrived from Alex. He is sponsoring a major charity event for Dani's pro bono cases and some other causes." Fred said to his wife, who just walked into his office.

He just received the invitation for the event, and he wondered if he and his wife should attend it since it was their son's first time to sponsor such an activity.

It might not be much yet, but he was already proud of what Alex had accomplished since he started building his life on his own. He knew that he did not have the same courage to do the same as what his son did.

"I also heard from Laura that she had Ethan admitted and hospitalized for a mild heart attack," Katherine informed her husband about her conversation with her friend a few minutes ago.

She was trying to call Dani, but she could not reach her. She could not blame the child since she was always busy with a lot of things. She opted to call Laura instead to discuss some issues with the wedding preparations.

Since she met Laura, she became a good friend. So, talking had been their regular past times. But amid all the chaos, they both failed to keep in touch. So, it was only now that she learned of Ethan's condition.

"Oh! How is he? I hope it was nothing serious." Fred also was alarmed by the news. He placed down the invitation and walked towards his wife, hoping to hear for more.

Alex or his staff failed to inform him about it. Maybe the Hamilton family was keeping it a low profile to avoid the media circus. It was common practice to keep private matters away from the press.

He understood how these things work. They also did it in the royal palace when one of the royalties was ill or seriously injured. Avoiding the press was imperative to prevent complicated situations.

"Well, based on Laura, it was serious, but luckily Ethan was able to survive it with minor effects on him. They were expecting fast and full recovery if Ethan will listen to his doctors." Katherine emphasized the last words, knowing that her husband was nothing different from Ethan.

He would surely avoid any mention of having himself checked by their doctors. He had kept away from them, even if their intentions were only to guarantee his health.

"I'm sure it was just a minor incident. Ethan will surely bounce back out of it soon enough." Fred muttered with confidence, glad that everything seemed to be ok.

Although the idea of Ethan in that condition still caused concern. Even a great man like him could fall, and even kings and kingdoms could tumble down in just a snap of a finger.

But he still believed that men like him and Ethan did not give up easily to death. It was not the time to die, not yet. For either of them, it was not yet an option.

"I hope so. I can already see the pain that Laura and Dani had gone through when Ethan was fighting for his life." Katherine uttered in despair, imagining what it would be like if it had happened to them. 

"I know what you are thinking. I am not dying anytime soon." Fred stopped her from her unwanted musings. 

Sometimes, his wife had a very active imagination, thinking of things that might or might now even happen and worrying too much about it. But in some cases, she had reason to worry, but he would never admit that to her. Or, he would never hear the end of it.

"Anyway, do you think we should attend Alex's charity event?" Katherine asked her husband's opinion, trying to distract herself from going to her terrifying thoughts about the future.

In her opinion, it might be a good idea to attend the occasion, but she also wanted to hear Fred's suggestion. They were a team, and both viewpoints should matter.

"I think it may be a good idea to see our son, attend the party and visit our friend, Ethan," Fred recommended, watching her wife's reaction as he said it.

He could sense how much his wife wanted to see their son. She might not be forcing the issue about missing him, but he knew she was dying to be with him again after their last visit.

"I believe so too. Maybe it is also a good idea to participate in the fundraising and support Alex and Dani's cause." Katherine added, feeling the exhilaration of the thought of seeing Alex again.

She jumped from her seat and moved towards her husband, who was pouring himself a drink. She hugged him from behind, knowing that he was doing this for her.

"Then, you can discuss the issues about the wedding with Laura and Dani, personally," Fred added, turning around to look at her, seeing the happiness in her eyes as it sparked every time she smiled.

He would give anything to make her happy all the time, but the sad part was, he could never give their son back in her arms. Their son had spread his wings and decided to fly high and away from them.

He could not stop him even if he tried. But in truth, he did not want to limit his dream. If exploring another world was what would be his satisfaction, and then he would support him. 

"Yes, that is a great idea," Katherine said, agreeing with her husband. She would certainly love to see Laura again and her lovely daughter, Dani. 

Discussing the wedding would be a good excuse to bond with her friend and future daughter-in-law. She could not wait to see them too. Well, besides looking forward to seeing her son.

"Then, it is settled. I will plan our travel as soon as possible." Fred announced to her wife, giving her a firm hug and a tender kiss on the lips. 

He would also like to see his son and discuss some matters with him. Some issues still required his attention, even if he did not want to be part of this royal charade. 

He was still part of this family, whether he liked it or not. He was still answerable for his responsibility to their heritage. But that was the extent of what he was bounding his son.

"Then, I should also start preparing things for our travel." She let go of her husband reluctantly and made her way out of his office.

She needed to plan their itinerary while they were visiting Alex and Dani. Of course, there were the wedding preparations that needed her immediate attention.

"I'll call Alex to inform him about our decision," Fred called after her wife, who was already out the door. 

He looked at a picture of his son on his table. He was about five then. At that age, he already saw that his son had the destiny for greatness.

He would not tie him up on a throne that he never wanted in the first place. He would allow him to find his happiness and success wherever his fate took him. 

His son deserved a life not bound by their rules but freedom to choose his future.