The Royal Contract

"Are you sure that we are in the right place?" He asked his assistant, who coordinated with his prospected new business associate.

Nick repeated the question when they parked in a dark alley in the dimly lit corner of the street. He would never set foot in this place if not for this important meeting. 

It was dirty and smelly, but he knew the relevance of the secretive meeting place. His enemies were less likely to look in a place like this and learned of his plans.

While their enemies were busy, it was the perfect time to make new allies to help with his cause. And who was he to turn down a possible solution to his problem offered in a silver platter?

"It is the address written on the note." His assistant said, even his bodyguards agreed that they were in the right place.

It was relatively late, and the street was empty, except for them and the cats that littered the trash on the streets.

It just rained, so the narrow path had several potholes of water scattered on the ground. With the battered buildings surrounding the area, Nick was starting to have second thoughts. 

But his eagerness to meet this mystery man was weighing heavily on his curiosity. He would like to hear what he had to say. Then, he would judge it if it would be beneficial for him.

"Fine." He covered his nose as the stench of the trash on the corner began to penetrate his nasal cavity. He was rich. He never did have a reason to come to places like this.

His assistant and bodyguards surrounded him as they knocked on a metal door. A slit opened, and his assistant dictated a password given to him earlier. After a few seconds, the door opened, revealing a large bouncer inside.

As they entered another narrower path, the noise of the place started to indicate that it was an underground club. In the end, a big door guarded by another man opened it for them, showing them what they already suspected.

"Now what." He asked, checking the high-end casino and strip club behind the disguise of an old building. 

He had been in such places, but not this one. He never even knew this place existed until now. He wondered who operated this joint. From his point of view, it looked like it was doing well.

He did not wait long as a female hostess, clad in a few strips of clothing, guided him and his companion inside. As they passed by the tables full of men and women enjoying the night, his eyes scanned the place for the man that he was supposed to meet.

His men were ready for any eventuality. He was not taking his chances if ever this man tried to double-cross him. He knew that he did not reach his position in the industry without making some enemies in the process.

At the other end, they climb the balcony where the VIPs had a special place, an exclusive portion only for the wealthy and powerful.

"Please sit down." The beautiful hostess indicated the available seats. "Your highness would be with you in a short while. But for now, let me offer you our best drink on the house." 

She started pouring him a scotch and placed it on his hand. "If you need anything else, just tell Ginger and Ester." The hostess pointed to the two ladies who sat beside him. "They would take care of all your needs for the night."

The hostess excused herself and went down and disappeared from his sight. Although he was thrilled by the two ladies on either side of him, he knew he had still yet to meet the man who sent for him.

His assistant and bodyguards stood at his back as they all waited for the man in question. He wondered who he was and what kind of information or help he was willing to give.

But judging from the welcome wagon he just received so far, he was not a man that he could easily manipulate. The man wanted to show him that he had the upper hand.

But the word your highness was not lost in him. It was a clue that he was meeting someone who had a relationship with his enemy, which made the situation more interesting.

"So, do you girls have any idea who I am meeting today?" He grabbed the one on his left and pulled her closer to his side as he nuzzled his nose on her neck, just below her ears.

"I'm sorry, I don't." The girl answered him as her hands moved to caress his chest.

"What about you?" He asked the other girl, doing the same thing he did with the first one. But he also got the same answer.

He decided to watch out for whoever was going near his table. As the clock ticked, so was his patience. He might want to know what this man had to offer, but he never was good at waiting.

At least the two girls were managing to entertain him, but if in a few more minutes, his mystery man still had not shown up. He could kiss this meeting goodbye. He was not waiting like a fool because of his ego trip.

Then, he saw a man. He did look familiar. He believed he had seen him before, but not sure where. From the way he carried himself and the elegance of his walk, he was not just anybody.

"I'm sorry if I was a bit late. But I hope that my friends here made your wait more comfortable." The man indicated to the two ladies still wrapped around in his hands.

The newcomer extended his hand for him to shake, but Nick only nodded to him, not planning to give him the satisfaction after making him wait. 

"I will shake your hand, but my hands are busy at the moment," Nick answered back to the man who was yet to introduce himself to him.

It was now his turn to show him that he was also somebody this man should not be messing around with because he did not like the game he was playing.

"I see. Well, I understand." The man took the opposite seat from Nick and crossed his legs as he laid comfortably on the couch. 

In a few seconds, another two ladies joined him on his seat. One of the girls handed him his drink, while the other just sat closer to him. But he never laid his hand on them, keeping his free hand on his lap.

"Sir, I believe he is Prince Edward, a cousin of Alexander Princeton." His assistant interrupted him as he whispered the new information he just gathered.

He dismissed his assistant, glad that he now knew who the man was in front of him. He had heard of the name and the stories surrounding the relationship of the cousins. 

Now, he was more intrigued by the veracity of the rumors. If there was any truth to that, then this prince might have a good use for him. This alliance might prove to be fruitful in the end.

But be warned, he could be cruel to his enemies but a very generous friend to his allies. But if his allies betrayed him, then nothing would stop him from exacting revenge.