Friday, Atlantean Royal Palace

Today I have a meeting with the show's producers and representatives from ABC who would be airing the show. They would be flying to Atlantis. The show will be aired here, of course, as no tourists have ever been to Atlantis yet, and all are curious about 'the nerd New Yorker who became a Prince'.

When I entered the conference room, everyone, reporters and all, gaped at me. Immediately, they began tripping over themselves, asking if I would give my autograph to them, if I would stand for a picture. Inwardly I sighed as I acquiesced to their requests and signed every scrap of paper that was pushed in front of me, and getting blinded by persistent flashes of light.

After ten minutes, Pollo pushed them all back and pulled up my chair for me. Which was weird, considering I was a guy and all. Sigh. I don't like special treatment.

The director of the show began, "Like we had negotiated earlier, he must be able to choose which one likes him for him, and not just for his title or money."

I frowned. "I'm not seeing an upside to this."

"The upside, Michael, is that it will be filmed in Atlantis. It will capture how high-tech Atlantis is, compared to the whole world. It will make Atlantis a great touring country," Uncle Roy said.

I looked carefully at the contract before me. Why do I have a bad feeling about this?
"So, your highness, what do you think? Will you do it? Your uncle's already sighed it. He's gone over the contract with his own lawyers and they have approved the conditions," the producer urged.

"Excuse me, but I never had any of my input in this," I said icily, effectively wiping the smile off his face. "Before I sign anything, I want to read through this contract carefully with my own lawyers, add some of my own revisions, and then perhaps negotiate some terms that I deem questionable." I declared in my most authoritative voice. Hey, I had studied laws before, I'm a nerd. Plus, I'm a minor, even though I'm effectively not really a New Yorker, but I haven't updated my passport yet.

"Of course, your highness," the producer said hurriedly.

"Oh Michael, this is ridiculous. I looked over the conditions and I found them perfectly acceptable. Just sign it already!" Uncle Roy argued.

"Uncle Roy, with all due respect, whatever you find acceptable might be the opposite what I think is reasonable. I will not sign unless my demands are met," I said firmly, indicating the matter is dropped.

"Micheal…" Uncle Roy began.I stood up with my hands on the table in my most menacing glare. "Uncle Roy, I'm not going through with this unless I get what I want. Besides, what are you scared of, anyway? I'm going to get engaged in the end anyway, when I decide that the terms of the contract are fine." I looked at my watch and faked yawn. I winked at Lia and she nodded."Well, if there's nothing else you'd like to tell me, I've really got to go. I have an engagement after this, right, Aurelia?" I asked, looking at Lia. Lia asserted my statement. Uncle Roy looked like he was going to blow up. The producer shook his head. "No, your highness. That's all."I gave everyone another smile for the photographic effects, took the contract and walked out of the conference room, Lia and Pollo behind me.

I was with Andrew, my Greek lawyer, and we were carefully combing through every clause that was written in the contract.I was shocked at Uncle Roy's audacity. He actually expected me to kiss these girls when the director said. Reality TV? Yeah, right. I'm only thirteen. In fact, I haven't even had my first kiss yet. Oh, I'm sure the sixteen and above girls are experienced. What about the innocent eight-year-olds?"So you want me to change that?" Andrew asked."Yes. And change the one about cameras in the bathroom. I don't want anyone knowing my hygiene habits."Andrew chuckled. "Embarrassing, huh?"I glared at him. "No, it's a thing know as 'privacy'."Andrew held his hands up in defeat.After we had revised all the terms and conditions, I smiled and stretched. "Alright. Now all I have to do is show these to the producer and get Uncle Roy to sign the new one and it's a deal."
Andrew looked at me in concern. In all the hours I've known him, he was a great guy and actually cared for me. "Cal, are you sure you want to do this? I've heard nothing but bad things about these kinds of shows and I don't want to see you hurt."
I sighed. "What can I do? It's a tradition to choose a bride when you reached thirteen in Atlantis. I have to deal with it. I'll be fine."Being surrounded by loads of girls trying to win my heart was any guy's fantasy, right? Especially if you're a nerd and haven't got any chance in reality. I'm 'lucky' enough to be a prince. Wrong. What if I really did end up giving away my heart and she just wanted the throne?Well, I'd always have Lia as a backup. Stop, that's wrong. She's

your friend and you don't treat friends like that. Like they're backup. I'll give her an equal chance, too. Wait. Do I like Lia?

I gave the revised contract to the producer at the meeting the next day. "I think you will like this version of the contract Andrew and I drew up," I announced confidently as I walked into the conference room, and slid the paper across to the patiently-waiting producer and an impatient Uncle Roy.They looked through it for a few moments. Then the producer looked up and smiled. "Sure, I'm fine with this. What about you, your highness?"
Uncle Roy frowned and glared at the paper. "I supposed I have to go along with it."
"Great!" I smiled. "I already signed, just you two left."They both signed, and the deal was done. I am now a bachelor. (A teenager being made to go on the Bachelor show, I mean.)