The Royal Contract

Eida was at work while Amelia was at a foundation she had been helping, leaving Luisa in her room with Bea as her sitter. It had been a welcome surprise that he came even without notice.

She missed him dearly, his only grandson. She remembered many memories of their family and just the two of them as they flashed before her eyes. Maybe she was becoming a sentimental fool as she stared at the remaining heir of their bloodline.

She hoped that someday, he would have a son or a daughter that would brighten his life just like he had shed light on hers. But, of course, she wished it would be soon so she could experience a new life placed in her arms.

“Would you stop spinning like a top, Evan?” Angela ordered, remembering how he was like a child. He had always kept her on her toes.

Her grandson was the spitting image of her departed husband. He had been a constant reminder of what was great and sad in her life. The day she met and married her dear beloved and eventually lost him, leaving here to wait for their reunion.

But she was not in a hurry. As long as her grandson needed her, she would stay. She knew her beloved would wait until she was ready to reunite with him.

.....

“I am sorry, Grandmama.” He moved toward the bar, where they kept a few bottles of fine liquors for guests since they rarely drink now as Eida still breastfeeds her child.

Then, he poured himself a glass as if he was in deep thought. Perhaps, thinking of a serious problem. But what could be bothering him? Angela hoped it had nothing to do with the wedding.

He already had his chance to walk away, but he pursued her. She would not allow him to have second thoughts and renege from his commitment to Amelia. That was just not acceptable.

“Do you have something you want to share?” She had always been a good listener. He had confided in her many times, more than she could count or remember.

They had been best friends since fate stuck them together. They had lived together for so long they had learned to love each other and respect who they were, even their weaknesses.

“It is nothing. I am just tired.” He finally sat on the chair and let his body recline on the soft cushion.

He pretended not to be bothered even if his mind was swirling in his head. He did not wish to burden his grandmother, who was already going through a lot with her health.

“Tell me it had nothing to do with your proposal with Amelia.” Her concern was evident in her jittery voice. She could tell when he was keeping something from him. He was lying to her face.

She knew her grandson had always been responsible regarding her needs and his obligation to his work. But when it came to women, that lay his flaws. No woman could tie him down except for Amelia. At least, that was what she believed.

“What made you think that? Nothing is wrong with our relationship.” He assured her, seeing the worry lines on her forehead.

He quickly moved to her side, covering her hands with his before looking into her eyes. In his stare, he swore to her that it had nothing to do with the woman he loved but something he could not share with her.

“I promise, Grandmama. I am here to set a date with Amelia and fulfill all your dreams.” This time, he genuinely smiled at the second woman he fell in love with, at least next to his mother. And the only woman he could commit to besides Amelia.

He was not lying about that. Truthfully, it was the first reason he visited Amelia. He also wished to discuss the details of the wedding. He knew that with his grandmother’s failing health. He had to expedite the wedding.

But there was another reason he had come today. His conscience had bothered him since he had seen his friend that night. He knew he had to do something before it all became too late.

“Oh! Is that true?” Amelia begged the Gods that he was not just saying that to appease her. She extended her hand to his face, feeling the roughness of his growing hair on his jawline. “Promise me that I will see my grandchild before you bury me in the ground.”

She knew it was morbid to talk about death, but she accepted it a long time ago, but if God would allow her a few more years, then who was she to decline it?

“Speaking of grandchild...” Evan said as he heard the sound of a wailing child. “I think Luisa wants some company.” Thankful for the distraction.

He never wished to talk about death, not when it meant his grandmother would be leaving him for good. She was the only person left in their family. He did not want her to part, not just yet.

“Of course, she will always be my eldest grandchild, my dear Luisa.” She uttered with so much tenderness, seeing Luisa come out of the room, carried by her sitter.

“Let me take her while you rest,” Evan informed Bea, who smiled, glad for some time for herself. He held Luisa in his arms, missing the young rascal.

Besides, it was just a matter of a few hours, then Eida would be home to take her child. In the meantime, he could use the time to spend with his only goddaughter.

“I miss you, my Princess.” Slowly, learning a few tricks on how to handle her. It seemed it worked because she stopped screaming and started giggling. “I promise to protect you as long as I live.” He whispered in her ears.

Angela watched his grandson play naturally with their young princess. She could tell he would be a good husband and a father if he would only give himself a chance. He did not need to be afraid of committing since it was an inherent trait already ingrained in him.