The Royal Contract

Dinner had been full of strain since Edward joined them. Each one was on alert, knowing that none of them could trust Edward's presence. 

No one was sure if his best wishes were purely in good faith. But, to be honest, the couples on the table doubted any of his good-boy acts.

"I just talked to your Mom. Their flight would be later. I can't wait to see her and show her all the things we have worked hard to accomplish." Katherine proudly and excitedly shared with Dani.

As a mother, she only wanted to give her only child the best life could offer. She knew Laura also felt the same way. It was the reason they had bonded so quickly.

"I am sure that you have done an incredible job based on what I have seen so far. I am sure that the wedding will be spectacular." Dani truly believed what she said.

She could not find any fault in the way it was being handled, except for the fact that it was her wedding. She actually found everything to be exceptional.

It was the kind of matrimonial celebration she wished for when she was young and immature. Well, not exactly the same, but almost in the same category of her dream wedding.

"Just tell me if you have any further requests. I will try to make it happen. This is your wedding, and I want you to have the best one." Katherine would do anything to fulfill all the bride's wishes.

"I think you have already done more than enough, Katherine. I can't ask for more." Dani was grateful to have a dependable and adorable future mother-in-law.

She felt so lucky to become a part of this family soon. Not because they had royal blood, but because they had golden hearts.

Besides discussing the wedding and slightly a current situation in the kingdom, which was common knowledge, their tongues were tied. 

They could not share anything that could compromise their issues and plans within the family, not in front of Edward. They just could not trust him even though he was family. 

"If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to ask. My father and I will always be happy to help. We are, after all, a family." Edward offered, knowing quite well that they were not buying his honorable act.

He had heard that they had opened an investigation about Dani's accident. He did not doubt that his name would end up on the top of the list as one of their suspects.

It was indeed the first question coming out of his father's mouth when he arrived at the palace. If his father thought about it, the entire Council might be under the same impression.

"We will take note of that, Edward. Thank you." Katherine answered, still hoping that the offer was genuine and came from his heart.

She still believed in the goodness of people. She remembered the Queen, Edward's mother, who had been a good friend of hers. She knew that if she saw her son now, she would be crawling out of her grave to put some sense to him.

If she had lived long enough to guide his son to a better path, Edward might have grown up to be a better man. Probably a person that would be worthy of the throne.

"Well, it had been a pleasant dinner, and the evening is far from over. I think you, young kids, should make the most of it." Fred suggested, referring to the young couple. Finally, wrapping up the night.

He was happy to see that his son had finally figured out what he wanted in his life. In comparison to most young people, nowadays, still lost with their ambitions and looking for a direction.

He could not help but glance at his young nephew, who still had not learned his real value to the kingdom or his family. If only he would trust them that they were not conniving against him, then maybe someday, he would be sitting comfortably on the throne.

"Dinner is fabulous as always, Mom." Alex complimented his mother's handiwork. "But, I think I will take you up on your suggestion, Dad."

He had enjoyed the company of his parents, and he would have loved to stay for more. But, having Edward around prevented that from happening. 

"Thanks again for this evening and for your warm welcome." Dani addressed the older couple with a bright smile. 

"You are now part of our family. It is time that you call us Mom and Dad." Katherine insisted as she looked at her with a motherly love. 

Dani recognized the reflection on Katherine's eyes. She remembered how her Mom would look at her when she was proud of her.

"Ok. Mom and Dad." She indulged their wishes by repeating the words. It did feel good to let the letters roll out of her tongue. It felt so natural.

She stood up with Alex's assistance and finally said goodbye to the older couple and the other guest. They were the first to leave the room, hoping to make an escape from Edward's company.

But Edward also followed suit, excusing himself for something else he had to do. He caught up with them outside the dining room and in the hallway on their way to the main room. 

"By the way, it is nice to see that you are ok. I heard about the accident." Edward turned his head, looking directly at Dani on his side as he walked beside her with Alex on her other side.

"Thanks," Dani replied back, unable to think of any other snide remark to his statement. 

She could sense that Edward was up to no good, but she had nothing to support that claim. It was different to express her thoughts on another man's face, but to say it in front of a royal prince was a different story.

That was treason, punishable under the king's judgment. She was not afraid to voice out her thoughts, but only if she had something to back it up.. At the moment, all she had was speculation, just a wild guess.