The Royal Contract

On the other side of the world, back at Alex's hometown, the head of the Blackstone House, the Duke, together with the Duchess, would be entertaining some special guests for dinner tonight.

Inside the office, Duke Frederick waited for his guests to arrive. When he received the request by Mr. Hamilton for a formal meeting, his interest spiked up. He had heard of his name, being the head of many of the most successful businesses worldwide.

"Just send them in when they arrived." He instructed his secretary who interrupted his musing as he brought him a cup of tea. When he was alone again, he went back to reviewing the reports he just received earlier. Information that would give him a thorough insight into his guests.

He still wondered what kind of business Mr. Hamilton was about to discuss with him when his emissaries were a bit vague of the details. Mr. Hamilton, with his wife, requested a personal visit with him and his wife. Quite an odd request, but not unusual.

If not for his curiosity to meet the legendary man, he would not have entertained such a meeting without the full details. But he appreciated the gift he sent as good faith. An Arabian stallion breed that would add to his collection nicely.

He always loved his horses, but he favored that breed because of their strong, smart, and fast characteristic. Something that he associated himself with.

From the reports he just read, the man had a high reputation for being successful in all his endeavors. Maybe he was interested to invest in his business. Well, that would be interesting and probably quite profitable.

Although Mr. Hamilton seemed to be a legit businessman, he was still being cautious, knowing that the man could also be ruthless when it came to his business dealing. He was not about to let his guard down because he simply gave him a beautiful trinket.

"Your highness, your guests have arrived. I am sending them in now." His secretary informed him before opening the door of his office wide enough to allow them entry. His secretary moved to the side and signal for the couple to enter the huge room.

"Good evening, Mr. Ethan Hamilton. Welcome to my home." The duke offered his hand for a shake, knowing that it was the custom of his American visitors. Since his guests did not know their ways, he decided to adjust to some of their practices.

"And you must be Mrs. Laura Hamilton." The duke took her offered hand and gave it a slight kiss on the knuckles as a sign of his respect.

"Good evening, Your Highness." Ethan gave the duke a firm handshake, showing him that he came here for a friendly visit. However, he was not about to vow to him since he believed that they were just equal.

Although, Ethan also knew that the duke was a well-respected man. Well-loved by his people. He did not come to this position by simply inheriting the title. He had fought for it and work hard to get to where he was now. A leader and successful businessman who was great at his job.

"And this is my wife, Duchess Katherine." The duke introduced the beautiful woman who just entered the room with a welcoming smile.

The duke also only smiled at the way the man carried himself in his presence. He was a man who did not simply bow down to anyone. It said a lot about his character, a man that he could not simply ignore and look down.

The duke was sure that he did not come with the title of The King if he easily let people walked all over him. He earned that title because of what he had accomplished and proven to the world. He was able to ward off his enemies because he was capable of handling them at bay.

"Shall we sit down?" He offered, being the host of the small gathering, ushering them to the sofa on the other side of his office.

"Dinner will be served shortly, for the meantime, can I offer you some tea?" The duchess offered to the couple.

"I'll have one. Thanks, but can we forego the formalities. You can call me, Ethan, and my wife, Laura, if you will allow it." He suggested, not minding that he must be overstepping the duke's hospitality.

"Of course, you may call me, Fred, my wife Katherine, if you wish," Fred answered with a curious smile.

Fred was not sure of what his guest's intentions were, but he was willing to give him a benefit of the doubt that it would be fruitful. His interest was certainly at its highest peak as he studied the man in front of him. From the way he saw this situation, this man did not fly this far just to make a casual visit.

He was a man of action and he came here with a solid motive. Bringing his wife with him meant that it was not purely business. He could not wait to hear what he had to say. But like any business arrangement, he had to be patient.

"With the formalities out of the way, I will go straight to the point." Ethan looked at the duke, making sure that he had his full attention. "I came here because I want to discuss the future of your son and my daughter."

Ethan had no idea if the duke had any clue that his son was dating his daughter, but the way he saw it, he could not pass up the chance to create an ally.

"What do you mean?" This was completely unexpected. He was surprised to hear that his guest's reason for coming to his home would have something to do with his son. He started to think if this had something to do with his son's upcoming birthday where he had to present them to his fiancé.

But if his memory served him right, his daughter was not included in the list of his chosen bride. Although, he could not deny that the union of their children would certainly make a good match.