Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 130

Queen Lama Lyanna's smile didn't falter as she set her teacup down. "Don't misunderstand me," she said, her

gaze briefly flicking toward Fiona. "But | doubt Elijah would want you to stay here withlonger than necessary.

Surely, he has arranged for your safety elsewhere." Fiona tilted her head slightly, a serene smile gracing her lips.

"Elijah wantsto be safe, and what better place than here, by your side! After all, Your Majesty is one of the

most powerful figures in the supernatural world. | can't think of anyone better equipped to protect me."

The Queen's lips twitched, her irritation barely concealed. She reached for her cup again, lifting it to her lips but

not drinking, as though she needed the act to steady herself "How considerate of him, she said after a moment.

"I imagine you must feel quite honored by his attentiveness.' "Of course," Fiona replied, crossing her legs and

smoothing the fabric of her dress as she leaned slightly forward. "Elijah's attentiveness has been a great

comfort. But his confidence in your protection is equally reassuring. It's why | insisted on coming here." The

Queen placed her cup back on the table with a soft clink, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Then let's talk about

something else," she smiled. "What do you think of the envoys from the Five Great Fantilies? Surely, their

presence has piqued your interest. Especially knowing that they chere

Fiona glance the delicate floral pattern on her teacup, her fingers tracing the rim absently. Tve only read about

them," she said, "I haven't had the opportunity to meet anyone from the Five Great Families directly, so | cannot

form a personal opinion. But from what I've learned, the Rosenthal Family-my family-has no animosity toward

them. We've always been healers, focused on aid rather than conflic "Are you cenain about that? No animosity at

all?"

Fiona's lips curved into a polite smile, her gaze steady as she met the Queen's. "That is what | was taught as a

child, Your Majesty. Our family's role has always been clear-10 heal, to serve, and to ensure the survival of those

in need. | grew up believing that was our purpose."

"Isn't that hypocritical considering the Rosenthal Family have hidden themselves for so long!"

"You are right" Fiona's smile didn't waver, "Beliefs can evolve with knowledge, Your Majesty. But the essence of

our family remains the same. Healing is what we're known for. | see no reason to assotherwise."

The Queen leaned back slightly, her gaze assessing as she regarded Fiona. "How quaint," she said after a pause.

"And yet, one might wonder if the other families see your purpose as quite so benign.

Fiona's smile deepened. "I suppose that would depend on the perspective of the other families; wouldn't it?"

"Don't you think the other families view the Rosenthals as good allies? After all, allying themselves with a healer

gives them an advantage."

"I wouldn't be so sure of that," Fiona replied without hesitation. "While it's true that we are healers, the other

families must know by now that the Rosenthals are not easily controlled. Our healing abilities don't mean we are

without teeth. "Teeth?" the Queen asked, her brow arching slightly.

1. v. Even

Fiona leaned in, key smile steady but sharp. "Surely, Your Majesty is aware of just how dangerous a Rosenthal

can be when necessary. someone who was bound to heal can choose to bare their fangs"

The Queen's

's gaze sharpened as she set her teacup down. "Because the Rosenthals chose to retreat into obscurity after the

war, many remain unaware of what they're truly capable of," she said. Her lips curved into a faint smirk. "When

you mention Tangs, | assyou mean it figuratively, current?" She tilted her head, her expression laced with

mockery. She recognized Fiona's veiled threat but dismissed it. After all, Fiona was a healer, rchant on Elgar's

protection Without him, she was vulnerable. She was powerless.

Fiona stood slowly. She approached one of the Ladies-in-Waiting. "Lady Mathias," she said, her smile warm and

polite. "The Prince mentioned you

who prepared the gifts sent on behalf of the Queen. For that, | want to thank you personally." She reached for

Lady Mathias's hand, (clasping it firmness that belied her gentle tone.

"There's no need-"Lady Mallias started, attempting to pull her hand back, but her efforts were met with

surprising strength. Her eyes widened in

she realized Fiona wasn't letting go.

"Oh, | know," Fiona said, her sunile never faltering as lier gaze flicked briefly to the Queen. "But I'd still like to ask

a favor."

Jarly Mathias besitated, glancing nervously at the Queen, who gave slight nod of approval. "What, what would

you ask of me, Lady Fiona? If it's

to Trave. Fin afraid Irannor Irave Queen Luna unattended-

Fiona's larad tired slightly as she shook her head. "Leave the Queen! Why would | ask something so foolish, Lady

Mathias" i know exactly how skilled you are. As the wife of a councilman and someone trained since youth to

defend the Queen, your presence assuresof my own safety an well" Her sole carried an easy ralin, bint the

subale shift in Lady Mathias's posture betrayed the tension brewing within her. Something about Fiona's

demeanor set hier mastiri is on edge, the wolf inside her stirring uncomfortably.

1/2

Chapter 130

Laily Mathias's lips pressed into a thin line. There was nothing outwardly wrong with Fiona's words, yet they felt

charged with a quiet, dangerous Fiona leaned in slightly, her eyes steady. T'd like to ask for your assistance, Lady

Mathias," she said.

The Lady swallowed, her discomfort apparent. "What.. what is it your need?"

Fiona's smile widened, her gaze flicking to the Queen before returning to Lady Mathias. "It seems Her Majesty

isn't entirely convinced that the Rosenthals possess any fangs-figuratively, of course," she said lightly. "Would

you allowto use you to demonstrate what | mean? | promise no harm will cto you. Besides, if something

does happen, | can always heal you." Her smile remained serene, but her words hung in the air like a challenge.

Lady Mathias stiffened, her wolf bristling at the undertone she couldn't quite place. She glanced at the Queen

again, as though seeking guidance as Fiona waited patiently for her response.

"Of course," the Queen said, her smile poised as she glanced between Fiona and Lady Mathias. "Why should we

fear Lady Fiona? She is, after all, a healer. Whatever may happen, she can simply use her abilities to set things

right. Isn't that so?" She paused, her gaze settling on Fiona before turning back to Lady Mathias. "And let us not

forget, you are not just the wife of a councilman. You are my personal Lady-in-Waiting, someone who has stood

bysince we were young. How could you easily be scared of something like this, Mathias!"

The Queen's smile lingered, but the meaning of her words was unmistakable. The message was clear. if Fiona so

much as harmed Lady Mathias, the repercussions would be swift and severe. She would face not only the wrath

of a council member but the Queen's own retaliation.

Fiona met the Queen's gaze steadily, her expression calm as she inclined her head slightly in acknowledgment.

"Because the Rosenthal Family has been away for so long, she began. "Many have forgotten what we are truly

capable of. They think of us only as healers, but they fail to see the other side of that coin. Her lips curved

faintly, her eyes glinting as she added, "On the opposite side of healing is harm. And on the opposite side of life.

is death"

The Queen's smile didn't waver. She nodded as if she was silently challenging Fiona to continue.

Fiona released Lady Mathias's hand with deliberate precision, her expression unreadable as she stepped back

and returned to her seat beside the Queen. She smoothed the fabric of her dress, her movements calm and

unhurried, as though nothing unusual had just occurred.

"Now, watch," Fiona said, her gaze resting on the Queen, who was studying her intently. "In just a moment, her

stomach will begin to hurt. Then she'll start vomiting blood. Her insides will turn against her, tearing at each

other in chaos. And she-to overcwith pain-will lose control. forced to transform into her wolf, hoping it might

be enough to save her. Sadly, it wasn't. So, she will bleed.. your majesty. Bleed until she die," Fiona smiled. "How

fun is that?"

The Queen's gaze flicked to Lady Mathias, who stood frozen in place, confusion and growing unease etched

across her face. Her breathing. quickened as her hands trembled faintly at her sides. She took a hesitant step

back, clutching her stomach instinctively.