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He paced in his office, holding the report that he had personally written last night. But he was not sure if he had done the right thing. He once again opened the file and reread his words.

He knew he should have consulted his team of experts on the matter but what he discovered was a sensitive matter. He could not simply share such significant information just to anyone.

“Sir, your car is already waiting for you.” His secretary called his attention when she knocked at his door.

He quickly looked up at her and smiled. “Just give me another fifteen minutes.” The Count spoke gently at his secretary.

He was currently dealing with a dilemma between telling the Council about his discovery or keeping it to himself for future use. He had to weigh the impact of this news on the Kingdom.

The King was ready to step down anytime. King Edward already expressed his wish to retire and enjoy the rest of his life as an ordinary nobleman.

.....

But before he could do that, it was better if he already had a viable substitute. The King needed an heir to name as the next in line to the throne so that the transition would be easier.

“Alexander is still the best choice.” He tapped his fingers on the table, looking at his report. “But he still had not claimed the throne.” He mumbled to himself in his empty office, shaking his head in frustration.

“My next choice would be...” He stopped and fired up his computer. Soon, he walked out of his office and to the waiting car.

Not a moment too soon, he stood in front of the entire Council, ready to share what he had in his file. The whole members of the Council were present, except for Count Wellington, who had to attend to his son.

King Edward also attended the meeting, wanting to be part of the selection process. Although he had no voting powers in the matter, his opinion still mattered to the Council.

“Since we have dealt with all other matters, should we proceed with the main discussion.” The Duke presided over the meeting and turned to him, asking if he was ready to continue.

Count Ashthorne nodded, acknowledging the King, the Duke, and the rest of his colleagues. He stood before them, carrying his report, still debating if he would tell them the truth or just half of it.

“Regarding your investigation, what would be your final recommendation?” King Edward finally asked, looking anxious to know the result.

“I still submit that Prince Alexander would be our best bet. If he would accept that throne, then we have no more issues to discuss.” Count Ashthorne spoke, always believing that Alex had the making of a true king.

“However, if my son does not take the throne, do you think Prince Lance is still a suitable replacement as heir to the throne?” Duke Frederick asked, staring at him for confirmation.

It was the moment that he dreaded, but he had no choice but to decide. He knew he had to consider not only the people involved. But what would be excellent for the Kingdom?

If he wanted the Kingdom to himself, he would suggest making his son a King, but just like Prince Edward, he was not qualified to take the crown. He would only drive the Kingdom to the ground.

“I still believed Prince Lance would be a good substitute for our King. I would still recommend him as the next heir to the throne.” He finally decided to put Lance’s name on the forefront of the list.

He still firmly believed that he had the qualities of a good King despite the accident and the things he discovered about him. But if his colleagues learned about the Prince’s secret, chances were, he would not qualify by their very high standard.

But who else would they choose as King. If only Alex would accept it soon, he did not have to face this situation. He could forget everything he had discovered about his friend’s son.

“So, the accident did not affect his body functions?” One of the Lords asked. “And his ability to make decisions?”

He could understand their concern. Choosing a King that would rule them was not an easy task. Once they placed him in power, it would be hard to take it back.

“Not at all. The doctors are very hopeful of his full recoveries.” He assured them after getting all the facts about the Prince’s condition.

“What about the rumors that he was involved with a famous reporter?” Lord Fordshire questioned since he was the one who told him about that issue.

Suddenly, his mind returned to the moment in the hospital where he accidentally heard Prince Lance’s situation. He was supposed to leave after visiting his friend and the Prince.

But he forgot something and decided to return to retrieve it. Then, when he was about to enter the room, he heard the unexpected news.

The girl was pregnant with Lance’s son. He knew if that kind of news would come out in public, then Lance’s chances would disappear, and for the good of this Kingdom, he would keep it if necessary.

He still believed compared to the other options. It was Alex or Lance that he would support, no one else. As long as Lance and his friend, Thomas, keep the news from spreading, then Lance could still become King.

“Count Wellington assured me it was just a fling and nothing more. He guaranteed that Prince Lance already considered a woman from a good reputable family to be his bride.” That was it. He finally decided, and he could not turn his back on this.

He knew it was a necessary lie that he had to make, not because Count Thomas was his friend. But because he believed that Prince Lance would be a good King.

He moved from his seat to conclude that if the King would like to retire soon, they would have to finalize Alex’s answer about the position.

“The last time I spoke to my son, he was considering it.” The Duke admitted. “But due to recent events with his father-in-law, I would have to verify his answer again.”

It was his issue with Prince Alex from the start. Although he believed in Alex’s capability to lead, his heart did not belong to this Kingdom.

He knew Alex would take the throne in greatness, but he would not be the best King for the role if he did not start to love his position. He would only feel obligated but not passionate about his role in this Kingdom.

“We hope that you can speak to him again at the soonest possible time. Although we understand his current position, you must also realize the urgency of our situation.” King Edward told his brother, the Duke.

If only the King’s son had been a good candidate, they would not be facing this dilemma. It would have been an easy transition from one King to another.

“Of course. Just give Alex some time to deal with his current issue, and we will discuss this further. Besides, Lance is still recovering.” The Duke assured everyone in the room.

That was good enough for him at the moment. He still had to investigate Lance’s condition further before making his final recommendations when the time came for the heir to be announced in public.

After an hour, he returned to his residence, wanting to relax in the comfort of his home. He had been working non-stop because of his obligation and had barely spent time with his family.

“Where is Prince Philip?” He asked one of the maids who brought him tea in his study room.

“Your son is not home yet, Sir.” The maid responded with a nod.

He quickly dismissed the maid and wished only to be alone for a little while. If only his son had been just like Alex or Lance, he would have recommended him as King, but not being a direct descendant of the Royal family, they did not qualify for the crown.

Besides that, his son had not exactly lived an exemplary life. He turned out to be a drunkard and a gambler. Something that he could never be proud of, but he was still his son.

“Grandpapa!” A small voice suddenly shouted as he gazed outside his window.

“Liam, how are you?” He asked, seeing his handsome grandson run toward him.

He believed this boy was the only good thing that his son had created in his life. The only thing that gave him hope for the future.

Looking at the little boy, he knew he was the last hope he had for fulfilling what his family had failed in the past, to bring back the throne in their legacy.

“I learned how to ride my bike today,” Liam said proudly to his grandfather, smiling with a missing tooth.

“That is excellent. Well, make sure you do well in everything you do. And it will take you far.” Count Julius tapped his grandson on the shoulders, encouraging him.

He would do everything in his power to make this boy great. Where he failed with his son, he would guarantee that this boy would excel in everything. He would gain what they lost back to their family.

His family used to have the Kingdom under their family, but centuries of a power shift displaced them from their position. But now, he could see a future for this young boy.

It was a chance for his grandson to sit on the throne and for their family to regain their former glory, and all he needed was the perfect timing to execute his plans.