The Orphan And The Crown

7

ALESSANDRO'S POV

I paced back and forth in my chamber trying to dial her number but it kept going to voice-mail. I felt my blood boiling and the rage in me building the more time ticked. I went back to the party and she was nowhere to be found. I needed someone to talk to and she just disappeared. She left without saying goodbye and that left me feeling perplexed.

The next morning I called to have a meeting in my father's office. I needed to clarify Beatrice's lie. Supposedly we're engaged to be married and my parents had agreed to it. I'm sure it was just another one of her lies. I found both mother and father sitting across from Beatrice and her parents. 

"My love you're here." Beatrice spoke with a wide smile.

I acknowledged her parents and sat in a chair. "What is going on?" I asked.

Mum pressed her lips in a thin line. "Goodmorning to you too." I rolled my eyes wanting them to get to the chase.

"Can someone please tell me why I'm suddenly engaged to Beatrice overnight?" I questioned them.

"This is the only way to make our monarchy more powerful and respected. Besides, our close relations with the British monarchy dates back to the 1500s." Beatrice's father, the King of Greece explained.

I shook my head. "I cannot be forced to do something I don't want to."

"Unfortunately, son, you have to. A contract was signed by your great-grandmother, pledging to strengthen the relationship through marriage." Father spoke.

I looked at them confused. "What contract are you talking about?"

"Amy, please hand it to him." Father instructed her.

She did and I read over it. The contract stipulated that the first born son of King James must marry the first born daughter of the King of Greece.

"This is bullshit." I glared at them and tossed the contract on the floor. "I will not let some stupid contract written by a dead person dictate my life."

"Do not speak so ill about the dead, son." Father's tone was angered.

"I'm not doing this." I told them.

Father shook his head.  "It's a contract that was signed long ago. It is your royal duty to abide by it."

My chest felt heavy and I felt like I was suffocating. "And if I don't?" 

"You will not be King. The throne will be passed on to Rafael." He answered.

I clenched and unclenched my fist feeling the need to knock something over. I stared at the vase in front of me trying everything not to grab it and smash it against the wall. My eyes closed for a second and I took in a noseful of air to compose myself.

"We know your brother hasn't been trained well to take the throne." Father said.

I chuckled bitterly. "I'd rather he take the throne than this."

"And put the monarchy in jeopardy?" Father questioned, clearly displeased with me.

"Did you forget my health condition, Alessandro?" He raised his eyebrows and my heart clenched. 

"And you're allowing this?" I shifted my gaze to mum who sat quietly with an emotionless expression. Her eyes softened when they met mine and I realized she didn't have a say. As usual. Her only role was to give father children and look like an ornament next to him while he made all the decisions. 

"Alessandro, it was already signed-"

"Save it." I cut her off and shook my head in disbelief. How could they do this to me? Their own son.