The Royal Contract

Chapter 615: In two minds

“Are you really going to go through this?” It was the question that kept ringing in his ears until that moment. Yet, he still had no answer to it.

He was walking in the hallways of the palace on his way to the private meeting. But his wife’s words still bothered him. She had asked him that question a million times before, but this time, he could not ignore her voice as it went on and on in his head.

Soon, the guards opened the door for him, revealing the inside of the room already occupied by the other Council members. He could see that the chairs were almost complete, except for the one on the other end and his.

“What is this all about?” The Duke immediately asked the other members the moment he stood by his chair and looked at each one of the Council.

Compared to most of the meetings they were conducting, this was more private. Only the original Counsels were invited to take part in the discussion.

Although the purpose was not stated in the invitation, he still believed that he might already have an idea of what could be the subject matter.

It must have something to do with the vacant seat at his other end. His brother’s illness must have reached everyone’s ears. It might have raised alarm bells among the Council members and their people.

.....

“We all heard of King Edward’s health condition. As the Council head and his brother, we would like to know your opinion about the situation.” Count Edinburgh was the first to voice out his growing concern.

He had always supported the King and his reign. He believed that he had done his best to be a good leader in their nation. However, his loyalty would always lie in their kingdom and what would be best for their people.

He could not stand idly by and wait for something to happen when he could do something about it now. At the moment, there was a particular matter that he felt should be addressed.

“I guess it is a matter of concern for everyone around here and our people.” Duke Frederick could not deny the severity of their situation. He took his seat and contemplated the issue at hand.

It might seem like a small matter coming from the point of view of an outsider, but within their law, a King should always be in solid mind and be in good, healthy shape to serve as their supreme leader.

The King might have been diagnosed with a mild illness. It was not a terminal case, treatable with long-term maintenance. If managed well, the King could survive for a long time.

However, heart attacks were known to be traitors. It could strike without any warning. At any time, his condition could also cause paralysis and other side effects. Worse, he could end up dead.

“Don’t get us wrong. We have nothing against the King continuing his rule over us. But can you guarantee that he is still capable of performing his obligations?” Count Asthorne also spoke about his apprehension about the current situation.

He had always been against the Duke stepping down from his right to the throne. He thought that the Duke would have brought the kingdom to its former glory if he had been the King.

But now, he could see that with Edward out of the picture, Alexander, the Duke’s son, should take over as the next heir.

“The King only suffered a minor attack which the doctors are now thoroughly examining. We will know more about his condition once the results are out.” Duke Frederick released his official statement about the health condition of the King.

Regarding the other matters that he and his brother had talked about. He was still debating if he should even mention it to the entire Council or wait until he had discussed the matter with the person concerned.

“We understand his situation, but you also have to consider our fear that something might happen to him. Until now, we have no concrete update about an heir.” Count Wellington also aired his sentiment.

He had considered Prince Edward before since he was the rightful heir. But after his terrible behavior, he believed that Alexander should take the throne.

Because of Prince Edward’s involvement with a criminal and his activities, they had no more choice but to rule him out of running for the position.

However, Lance told him that Alexander still refused to accept his rightful place in their kingdom. If that was the case, they would be facing a problem if something happened to the King without an heir.

“What about your son, Prince Alexander?” Lord Bailey asked as he turned his face towards the Duke. “You know he is a perfect alternative as a replacement for Prince Edward.”

“I agree.” Count Asthorne quickly interjected. “I think Alexander is the best choice to be our next King.” He confidently stated, nodding his head in agreement.

If he had the power to convince Alexander to be his new King, he would have used it already. But Alex was still stubborn and refused his plea to accept his legacy.

He could only think of one more prince who could qualify for the position, but it would not be easy since Alexander was still alive. Under their law, as long as an heir was qualified for the throne. They could not replace him with another heir since he was not a direct descendent of the Royal family.

“I hear what you are saying, but my son had refused the throne before. And if it is up to me, I will not force this position on him.” The Duke finally spoke, expressing his true feelings about the matter.

He loved his son and would not wish for a life that he had refused to accept himself. He had grown and lived in the palace his entire life.

He had seen what the crown had done to his father and mother. He had first-hand experience of the life of being in the constant spotlight. He would not want that for his son or his sons if that was not what he wanted for himself.

“But you know we have no choice. You have to find a way to convince your son to reconsider his position about being our next leader.” Lord Fordshire, the youngest in the Council, interrupted the conversation going around the table.

He believed that Alex should take over as the new leader of their kingdom. Although he understood the Duke’s sentiment. He was a father too, and he would also do what he thought was best for his son.

Still, he could not see any other option because if they failed to have an heir if the King suddenly died. They might end up in chaos. As a member of the Council, he believed he also had an obligation to the kingdom.

“Here is what I can promise you for now.” The Duke stood up from his chair and looked at his colleagues. “I will discuss all of this with Alexander. I will tell him about our current situation.”

He respected them all for all their contributions to their kingdom. They had been tremendously cooperative and supportive during his reign as their head.

He believed that the least he could do for them was talked to his son again about the situation. “But I will let him decide.” He concluded his statement.

As a father, he believed that he should regard his son’s happiness and future. But as the Council of Elders’ leader, he should also consider the welfare of their people and the kingdom.

Eventually, the Duke was left in two minds about whether to convince his son to accept his heritage or continue with his current path and never look back.