Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 129

"What do you mean, she sent a letter to you?" Fiona asked.

out of the

Romero snorted, a sly smile curling his lips as he noticed her interest in his words. "Well... it seems quite a few

people wanted you o picture, My Lady. Unfortunately, one of them happens to be the Queen. | can't imagine how

that feels-your own mother-in-law wanting you gone.

What kind of mother-in-law does that, hmm?"

Fiona ignored the mocking edge in his tone, refusing to rise to the bait.

"She wanted

Fiona didn't continue her words. She swallowed. "She wanted you to

you to take me?

"Of course, she did. The rumors that | am injured have been spreading since... since they found you in that was it

a river or something?"

Fima ignored his question as she let out a sharp sigh. "So, she gave you access to the palace to take me? Isn't

that plain absurd? The only reason Romero could easily avoid the guards is if someone from the inside is helping

him. Elijah and the King aren't dumb. They would immediately know what happened. Unless..."

"Alaha, it sech you've finally realized it," Romero smirked. "She didn't want you gone... at least not immediately.

She just wanted to create ssuspicion around you and how you were found."

"In exchange for what?" Fiona asked. "I am almost certain that the King of the rogues wouldn't do something like

that without any appropriate payment

The payment

is none of your concern." Romero said. "It is the least of your concern. My Lady. The Queen paidenough to do

the job, and I will do it. After all, | am a man of my word."

Fiona's lips thinned. Her gaze sharpened as she stepped closer to Romero. "What do you want?" she asked. "If

you're such a man of your word, why are you even tellingthis? Shouldn't you be fulfilling your so-called

agreement?"

Romero smirked, leaning slightly against the edge of the table. "You think I'd throw in my lot with the Queen and

simply walk away afterward" I'm not stupid, Fiona. Why would I align myself with someone far less.. talented than

you and abandon a partnership that could benefitmore?"

Fiona's brows furrowed. There is no partnership between us," she said firmly.

Romero chuckled, his fingers brushing against one of the teacups on the table. "You believe what you want to

believe," he said. He examined the tea leaves with mild interest, swirling the cup slightly before setting it back

down. "Now, tell me, Lady Fiona-what do you plan to do now that I'm here!"

Fiona folded her arms across her chest, her eyes narrowing. "What do you mean?

Romero straightened and began pacing leisurely around the room "The Queen won't stay idle for long. She'll

alert the soldiers soon enough. And when they come, they'll know I've been here. They'll smell it." He gestured

vaguely around the room, emphasizing his point. "Even with this enchanted privacy, my scent won't fade

quickly."

Fiona frowned, irritation flashing in her eyes. "Are you just here to warnand letdeal with the mess you've

created!"

Romero stopped pacing and turned to face her, a glimmer of amusement in his expression. "Of course," he said

simply, "I have complete confidence in your ability to handle the rest. After all, you've proven to be quite

resourceful"

Fiona's lips pressed into a thin line as she stared at him. She couldn't tell if he was mocking her or genuinely

believed what he was saying. "You're insufferable," she muttered.

Romero gave her a small, exaggerated bow. "And yet, here | am, offering you the courtesy of a warning.

Consider it my way of... goodwil

maintaining

Fiona watched as he made his way back toward the window, his movements unhurried. It was as if he was simply

strolling around a garden! "Goodwill? Goodwill, my ass!" she chord, her frustration building. "You think this is

goodwill? You've leftwith a problem to clean up." He turned back to her at the window, his unirk never

fading. "You'll thanklater. Lady Flona. Perhaps not now, but eventually." With that, he stepped out the

window and disappeared into the night.

Fiona didn't know what to say. For a moment, she stared at the still-open window. It seemed the Queen wanted

to make a spectacle out of her! Was she doing this because of the Five Great Families! Did she know that those

envoys were coming and preparing a show for them?

Fiona closed the window with a sharp motion. If the Queen truly intended to cre

to create a spectacle, then she wasn't just cruel-she was calculated. Ruthless Fiona pressed her fingers against

the cool glass for a moment, grounding herself. There was simply no tto second-guess. She was no longer

the Fiona that she once was! She was different now!

1/2

121 PMc

Chapter 129

She marched toward the door, her heels clicking against the floor. The moment she opened it, Regor turned, his

expression alert as he stood at

"Lady Fiona," he said, stepping forward slightly. "You're not supposed to leave the room. Prince Elijah was clear."

"Is the Queen in one of the private roomy?" Fiona asked.

Regor hesitated before nodding. "Yes, The King, Prince Elijah, and Lord Thomas are with the envoys from the Five

Great Families. The Queen, however, is in a different room." He gestured down the hall to a door at the far riul.

Fiona snorted. "Of course, she is. Conveniently removed from the real discussions, isn't she?"

Regor didn't respond, his posture remaining firm as he observed her.

Fiona took a step

a step closer. "Follow me. Il be with the Queen"

Regot frowned "Prince Elijahs ordered-"

"Then | be safest with the Queen, don't you think?" Fiona interrupted, tilting her head slightly. "If anything

happens, she'll want to ensure I'm within her sight Wouldn't want anything tarnishing her spotless reputation”

room at the end of the hall, she

Regor nodded after a beat, falling in step beside her without further protest as Fiona strode toward the private ro

reached the door, glancing briefly at Regor before pushing it open..

The room was elegant, with soft lighting and a table set for tea. The Queen sat at the far end, her back straight,

her hands folded gracefully on the table. She looked up. her eyes narrowing sliglutly as Fiona entered. "Lady

Fiona, the Queen said, her gaze flicking to Regor briefly before returning to Fiona. "This is unexpected. Shouldn't

you be resting

Fiona stepped into the room fully, her presence commanding despite the tension in the air. "I thought it would be

safer here with you, Your Higliness. After all, who better to ensure my protection than the Queen herself?" The

Queen's lips curved into a tight smile, though it didn't reach her eyes. "How thoughtful of unnecessarily"

you. Do sit. We wouldn't want you exerting yourself

Fiona glanced at Regor, nodding slightly. He moved to stand near the door, his glance protective. Fiona crossed

the room and took a seat across from the Queen, her posture as composed as the monarch's.

"I couldn't help but notice the sudden appearance of the envoys, Fiona said, her tone conversational as she

smoothed the fabric of her dress. "It's

The Queen's expression didn't falter, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes-calculation, perhaps. "The

Five Great Families have always moved according to their own plans. Their presence here is an honor" "Of

course," Fiona replied smoothly. "And | imagine their interest must be directed toward the King and Prince Elijah.

Such discussions are..... far above my station"

"Indeed. It is fortunate that you understand your place."

Fiona leaned forward slaglaly, her gaze steady. "Oh, I do, Your Highness. And that's why | thought it best to stay

close to you. After all, in times of

ertainty, the safest place to be is at the side of the most powerful person in the room."

The Queen's grip on her teacup tightened imperceptibly. She set it down with care, her eyes never leaving

Fiona's. "How wise of you."

"Thank you, Your M

Majesty," Fiona said, a smile appearing on her face. "Can | get myself a cup of what you are drinking?"