"I hope you don't mind signing a Divine Contract then?"
Draco's eyes darkened. "A Divine Contract? Why? You never asked the Archelins to sign."
Aeric offered a slow, knowing smile. "A verbal promise is one thing. But because this has to do with two families, I have to make sure that giving you my word is balanced with something as strong as a Divine Contract. I am the Prince after all. My word is far stronger than yours. This evens the odds and makes sure you keep your word."
Draco hesitated — but now, with the weight of every watching noble, he couldn't refuse.
A muscle ticked in his jaw. "You're a manipulative little bastard," he muttered.
Then, a glow of light appeared before him with a golden pauper materialising after.
~ ~ ~