Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 116

Fiona's brones furrowed as she paced the room. "He wanted to chere!" she repeated, her voice laced with

skepticism. "My father? To heal me?" She turned to Elijah, her eyes narrowing as she processed the absurdity of

the notion.

Elijah stood near the window, his arms crossed. "That's what the messenger said he confirmed, "Lord Rosenthal

claims he's concerned about your condition and that his expertise is needed to counteract the poison.

Fiona scoffed, shaking her head. "That's impossible. My father isn't concerned about me. He's a Rosenthal. He

has the sabilities ashe knows I'm not poisoned, at least not in a way he'd be able to heal" So, her father

could no longer stop himself. She snorted. Elijah rihed his head slightly, watching as she continued her pacing.

"Then why would he insist on coming! He knows you've been under my protection, and the healers here have

already confirmed they're doing everything they can."

"That's exactly what's bothering me," Fiona muttered, more to herself than to him. "He wantsdead. He

wouldn't suddenly crushing here to "help" She stopped abruptly, her arms crossing over her chest.

"Unless..." Elijah's eyes narrowed. "Unless what?"

Fiona let out a slow breath, her mind piecing together the motives. "Unless he's planning something else.

Blackmail, maybe! But no he wouldn't need to call the way here for that. She frowned, her fingers

drumming against her arm. "He could have sent someone with a message or just waited for the right

opportunity. Or he could just tell the Royals and the Council that | am merely pretending"

Elijah stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. Then what is it?"

Fiona's frown deepened as the realization hit her. "He's trying to takeback to the pack."

Elijah's expression hardened. "Under the pretense of healing you!"

"Yes," Fiona said, nodding as she began to pace again. "Think about it He knows you're not going to letout of

your sight, not in my current state. He must have sent people to end my life. It could be through poison, rogues,

or assassins. But since you are with me, that didn't work. However, if he offers to healand insists it has to be

done in the pack-where he can control the environment-he thinks you won't refuse."

"He assumes I'd be willing to hand you over

"Exactly," Fiona said, her eyes meeting his. "He's banking on your sense of duty, on the idea that if | don't

recover here, you'd feel obligated to try anything to save me, even if it means sendingback with him. Right

now, the villagers love me. The Council cannot exactly giveto the Lycans, and your mother isn't doing

anything in the open. He thought you might feel pressured to sendback. He knew everyone was currently

watching you, and he wanted to use this to his advantage."

"And oner you're back in the pack.." Elijah began.

Fiona's expression darkened. "He can finish what he started. He doesn't need to killhere. If I'm under his

roof, he has full control. No one would question him."

"He underestimates me," Elijah said. "I wouldn't hand you over to anyone, least of all him

Fiona allowed herself a faint smirk. "Good. Because I'm not going anywhere. If he wanteme, he'll have

to ch

here and face me

Elijah tilted his head. "And what do you plan to do if he does show up?"

"I'll play along." Fiona said, a calculating glimmer flashing across her face. "Let him believe he's in control, that

I'mtoo weak to fight back. But I'll be watching his every move. If he tries anything. I'll be ready" "I don't like that

idea" Elijah said. "You know he won't calone. He'll bring his people."

"That's exactly why we need to let this play out." Fiona nodded. "If he's planning something, we can't let him

think we're onto him. Let him make the first move, and we'll be ready to counter in

Elijah was quiet for a moment before he gave a slow nod. "Fine. But I'm not leaving your side for a second."

"Becaine this is go

"Good," Fiona said, her confidence returning

going to get messy." Elijah moved back toward the window, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "If your f

father thinks he can oulinaneuver us, Fiona said nothing. Her Lath

Lather is going to regret underestimating her. She will make sure of that

, he'sin fo

for a rude awakening"

1/2

1:19 PM

Chapter 116

Pilzer

is an honor," King Nicholas said as he extended his hand, his expression cordial.

"Lord Rosenthal, it is an

"The honor is all nine. Your Majesty," Thomas Rosenthal replied smoothly, clasping the King's hand briefly before

stepping back.

Queen Luna stood nearby, a soft smile on her lips as her sharp eyes assessed Thomas. Behind him stood Zach

and Elise, both slightly tense but maintaining their decorum. The grandeur of the palace, with its polished

marble floors and towering crystal chandeliers, seemed to cast a heavy shadow over the gathering.

"Please." King Nicholas gestured toward a seating area adorned with gilded furniture. "Join us for tea. We've

heard much about the Rosenthal family, and I'd like to extend our hospitality."

Thomas hesitated, his gaze shifting briefly to Elise and Zach before turning back to the King. "Your Majesty, | am

grateful for your kind offer," he began "However, | must humbly apologize. | find myself unable to focus on

anything else until | have seen my eldest daughter. | understand she is gravely ill, and as her father, my worry

has consumed me."

The King's brows lifted in slight surprise. He exchanged a glance with the Queen. "Fiona?" he asked, his tone

curious. You wish to see her immediately

"Yes, Your Majesty." Thomas said, inclining his head slightly. "I would not have traveled here otherwise. It has

been difficult to remain at ease knowing she is suffering. | must see her for myself to determine what more | can

do to aid her recovery."

For a brief moment, silence hung in the air as King Nicholas studied Thomas, Then he nodded. "Of course. | will

take you to her. She is currently in a nearby village under Prince Elijah's protection.

"A village!" he echoed as his brows furrowed, feigning confusion. "Not the palace? Forgive me, Your Majesty, but |

had assumed she would be receiving treatment here, where resources and care are more readily available"

Queen Luna stepped forward, her movements graceful, yet her expression was one of carefully crafted worry.

"Lord Rosenthal, we have tried." she said, clasping her hands together delicately. "I personally sent people to

bring her back to the palace, but it seems Prince Elijah has declined each Invitation. He insisted she remain in

the village.

"Declined?" Thomas's gaze sharpened as he turned toward the Queen. "Why would the Prince refuse such an

offer?"

The Queen sighed softly, her eyes casting downward briefly before returning to meet his gaze. "It seems, she

began carefully. That Prince Elijah believes she would fare better surrounded by the villagers she fought to

rescue. | have sent healers, countless herbs, and remedies to aid her recovery, but her condition has not

improved. | fear the poison continues to take its toll."

Thomas's jaw tightened, but he kept his composure, allowing only a faint trace of concern to show. "That is

troubling to hear," he said. "I trust the healers you have sent are the best in the kingdom?"

"Of course," Queen Luna replied. "We spared no effort, but... the healers have said that their methods are

limited." She paused for effect. "That is why we are so relieved you have come. Lord Rosenthal, you are her only

hope."

Thomas remained silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he inclined his head slightly. "If that is

the case, then | must not waste any more time. Please, Your Majesty, taketo see her."

King Nicholas nodded, gesturing to one of the attendants nearby. "Prepare an escort. Lord Rosenthal and his

family will accompany us to the village.

The Queen stepped closer to Thomas, her s provide the strength she needs to recover.

smile faint "I am certain Fiona will be overjoyed to see you," she said. "And | trust your presence will

Thomas gave a small nod. Overjoyed? Unlikely, he thought inwardly. She hid her true face for years but Lord

Rosenthal now knew who she really was. She's cunning, Wild and ambitious. He knew Fiona better than anyone.

She would see through this charade immediately. But that didn't matter. He would use the situation to his

advantage, just as he always had.