Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

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20:47 Sat, Nov Chapter

23

Elijah faced his mother with the same calm demeanor he always maintained, his wine glass in hand. Queen Luna Lyanna sat across from him, her piercing green eyes locked onto his Beside her, Carissa sat silently, her posture stiff, clearly uncomfortable with the tension in the room.

"A mate!" Queen Luna repeated, her frown deepening. "Elijah, understand your desire for independence, but you're not just anyone. You're a prince, participating in the Rite of Kings. Your choices have consequences, not just for you, but for the entire kingdom. Why would you bring a woman here, one you intend to marry, without informing your father or me

Elijah sipped his wine, letting the rich liquid linger on his tongue before swallowing. He met his mother's gaze, unflinching, "Because it was a decision I needed to make on my own. I'm not a child, Mother I'm fully aware of the responsibilities I

carry

Queen Luna's expression softened slightly, but her eyes remained stern. "This isn't just about you, Elijah. The Rite of Kingst is about proving your worth, your ability to lead and to make alliances that will strengthen the kingdom. Bringing a woman here, one who hasn't been vetted, who comes from a family with its own complexities-this is not something to take lightly."

"I'm not taking it lightly." Elijah replied, his tone steady. "Fiona is not just any woman. She's from the Rosenthal family, yes, but she's also more than that. She's strong, intelligent, and capable. She's someone I've chosen because she complements me, not because of her family's status or connections."

Queen Luna's brow furrowed as she considered his words. "And what of Carissa?" she asked, glancing briefly at the woman beside her. "The Montego family has been a close ally for years. They've supported our kingdom in ways that cannot be ignored. Carissa herself is well-known and respected. You know the implications of your choice, Elijah."

Elijah didn't look at Carissa, keeping his focus on his mother "Miss Carissa and I have known each other since we were children, but that's all there is to it. She's a friend, and I value that friendship. But I'm not going to marry someone because it's expected of me. The Rite is about finding a true partner, not fulfilling old expectations."

Carissa remained silent, her gaze fixed on the floor, but a faint blush crept into her cheeks. Queen Luna sighed, a mixture of frustration and concern in her eyes. "You've always been stubborn, Elijah, but this is different. You're a prince, and with that comes the duty to ensure the kingdom's future. Marrying someone like Fiona-someone who brings uncertainty-could have repercussions we can't foresee."

on the table with a soft thud, leaning forward slightly. "Repercussions?" he snorted

her brows furrowing deeply. "You seem to be saying that marrying someone else besides Miss Carissa is going to become at problem. It makes me wonder if this

"I didn't mean for it to sound

to his mother, ignoring Carissa's apology. "Father promised me that I could marry who never I wanted. An arranged marriage is not something I will agree

would strengthen your position It would secure alliances that are

arms. "Even if I don't marry. I will still become King once I win the Rite of Kings. My position

Mother. Tomorrow, Fiona and t will be paying an official visit. I expect you to

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Sat, Nov 30

Chapter 21

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anger, her hands clenched into fists. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Elijah

of the room, leaving his mother and

the hearth. The warmth of the flames did little to ease the tension that lingered from his confrontation with his mother.

Highness, Regor answered, his

into the fire. "What do you think

over him, a rare and ominous legend in their world-According to the ancient texts, certain wolves were destined to

that could heal him.

had been his secret-his curse-until he

moment they met. His body had reacted in ways it never had before, his desire immediate and overwhelming. At first, he hadn't understood it. He had tried to dismiss it as mere attraction, but the intensity of his