Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 126

The banquet full retained its understated elegance, a reflection of the hasty arrangements. The golden runners

and floral centerpieces added a sense of charm despite the simplicity. It was not a grand celebration but an

exclusive gathering, with council members and their families occupying the long tables set parallel to the hall's

walls. Small groups clustered together, wine glasses in hand, as the chatter elbed and flowed.

At the head table, Councilman Lacson handed a glass of wine to Thomas Rosenthal, his smile polite. Yet, how

could Lord Rosenthal just ignore how calculating this person looked "Lord Rosenthal, your presence here is most

welcome. It shows a father's devotion, staying to ensure Lady Fiona's Tecovery. Lacson said.

Thomas accepted the glass "How could | not! She is my daughter." His words carried an air of duty rather than

sentiment, his gaze flicking briefly to the main doors. When would Fiona arrived! Will she skipped the event

because of their little confrontation? How weak, Thomas inwardly

thought.

"Lady Fiona has gained quite the reputation," Councilwoman Mariya Weeson said as she joined them. She

adjusted the drape of her gown. "Her abilities are rare. All the abilities of the live great families are naturally

rare, but healing.. is a cut above the rest. Thomas inclined his head slightly. "Her strength has surprised many, it

seems. He had always hated socializing with these people. Yet, tonight, he had no choices.

Councilman Haldred chimed in "Speaking of strength," he began, "has there been any word on Rogue King

Romero's condition! The rumors are growing wilder by the day"

"Last | heard, he was wounded and in critical condition. Perhaps it's the goddess's will that he finally pays for his

crimes." Mariya's expression hardened

"Wounded, not dead." Lacson interjected. "The difference is significant. Romero has been in similar situations

before. He always manages to slither back from the brink. Luckily this time, he didn't succeed in taking Lady

Fiona to heal him." "That monster shouldn't have made it this far, Mariya snapped. "The damage he's caused is

incalculable."

Haldred nodded. "Indeed. His survival risks emboldening the rogues further. If the rumors are true, his forces

may be regrouping, waiting for his

recovery.

"Recovery?" Lacson scoffed, his grip tightening on his glass. "He's a stubborn beast, but even Romero can't

cheat death forever. He's old, and his wounds were severe."

"But not fatal," Thomas finally said, his tone flat. "Wounded or not, as long as he draws breath, Romero remains

a threat"

His

nalone carried a

The council members exchanged uneasy glances. For all their confidence, the rogue king's resilience haunted

them. H weight that stirred fear and anger in equal measure. "Do you believe the King will take action soon?"

Mariya asked, her gaze shifting to Lacson

"The King acts with precision, Lacson replied. "Romero's forces will crumble, but it must be done strategically. A

premature move could rally the rogues under a new banner "Or Romero's own" Haldred added grimly. "If he

lives."

Before more could be said, the herald's voice echoed through the hall, silencing the murmurs. "His Royal

Highness, Prince Elijah Voss, and Lady Fiona Rosentul!"

All leads turned to the grand doors as they opened with a slow creak. Elijah entered first, his stride commanding,

his black suit adorned with silver Hornt that gleamed under the chandeliers. Fiona followed beside him, her

emnerakl green gown flowing gracefully as her gaze swept across the room. Her expression was poised,

unreadable.

Ao Elijah and Fiona entered the banquet hall, a wave of movement rippled through the crowd. Council members

and their families gravitated toward them, their steps deliberate, their smiles fixed with precision. and her, "It is

an honor

an honor to see

"Prince Elijah, Lady Fiona," Concilwoman Mariya Werson was among the first to approach, her gown trailing

behind her. "It you both in such good spinns. Lady Fiona, your resilience has truly inspired us all."

Fiona inclined her head slightly, offering a polite sinde. Before she could respond, Councilman Haldred stepped

closer, holding a glass of wine toward her. "Lady Fiona, migla | say how rate it is to meet someone with your

abilities. Truly, the Rosenthal family's legacy has never shone brighter."

Sering this. Thomas slowly walked away from the group

Soon enough, more voices joined in, each council member competing to secure Flona's attention. Elijah

remained by her side, his gaze watchful as

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Chapter 126

le on her face

the council members exchanged subtle glances, each angling for favor. Despite this, Fiona answered their

inquiries with a smile

As the far side of the hall, Elise approached Thomas Rosenthal, who had settled into a chair near the head table.

She pulled out a chair beside him. her movements quick.

"How long are we staying here?" she asked, leaning in slightly. "Fiona's healed. There's no reason to stay any

longer. This place is unbearable."

Thomas sipped his wine, setting the glass down carefully before responding. "We will leave when it is

appropriate. Until then, keep smiling and entertaining those who approach you."

Elise's expression tightened. "Entertaining them! These people are insufferable. And you know Flona won't come

with us. She's as stubborn as ever. You can see it in the way she carries herself. She won't change her mind."

Thomas turned his gaze toward her, his expression unreadable. "Smile, Elise. You are a Rosenthal. If you can't

see the opportunity in this, then at least pretend."

Elise clenched her hands beneath the table. "I don't want to stay here," she mattered. "I want to go home. This

place isn't for me."

Thomas didn't respond immediately. Instead, he straightened in his seat, his eyes scanning the room briefly

before settling back on Elise. "We will discuss this later, be said.

Elise's frustration was evident in the sharpness of her movements as she shifted back in her chair. Her gaze

drifted to Fiona, who was surrounded by council members, speaking effortlessly with a calm demeanor. Fake,

Elise thought inwardly. Fiona must have been loving all the attention that these people are giving herf

Irritation flashed in Elise's eyes as she turned her head away. She didn't know if she should be happy that Fiona

was receiving such insincere attention or angry that she wasn't receiving the sreception. She was a

Rosenthal too-the future clan head of the Rosenthal family. She could heal them if she wanted to. Why were they

only approaching Fiona and not her!

These people are not only fake. They were stupid

This was the first tFiona had received such widespread attention-except for the tshe'd been framed.

Even so, she refused to let it unsettle her. If these people wanted to cloak their insincerity with fake smiles and

flattery, why should she care? She returned their smiles and answered their questions, embodying the image of

a patient little princess.

"It seems you're already tired," Elijah suddenly whispered: They had been talking and mingling for a few minutes

now. wearing heels and that standing and walking for so long wasn't comfortable, quickly smiled as he glanced

at the people around them. Elijah, aware that Fiona was

"Lady Fiona isn't feeling well. Please excuse us, I'll bring her to the private rooms," he said politely. "There's no

need to mind us," a councilman replied.

Elijah took the opportunity without hesitation, leading Fiona away from the gathering of foxes

Since the private rouens were located on the sfloor as the banquet hall, it didn't take too long for them to

find one room. Elijah opened one of the doors for Fiona, only to find people already inside.

"Elijah." It was the Queen

"I didn't know this room was already occupied, Elijah said sternly. Each room was protected by enchantments to

ensure privacy for its occupants. This explained why he hadn't sensed anyone inside. He held Fiona's hand,

intending to lead her out, when the Queen interrupted them.

"Is there need in treat each other like this?" Queen Lima said, amusement evidem in here. "Since Fina shouldn't

invite her to stay with me."

a wanted to rest, | see no reason why 1

Fan looked at the Queen, suspicious. The woman had never liked her. Why would she invite Floha to share th

the sroom?

"There's no need to worry, the Queen said as she rose to her fert, smiling at Fiema. "I don't typically bite the

people | like."

Fions narrowed her eyes.