Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 33

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Fiona blinked, her heart racing as she looked up and realized who she had collided with. The Alpha King-King Nicholas himself-stood before her, his imposing figure casting a shadow over her. She swallowed hard, unsure whether to apologize or retreat.

"Are you alright?" King Nicholas asked, his tone surprisingly soft for someone of his stature.

Fiona quickly nodded, still feeling the sting of her fall, but her pride was bruised far more than her body. Before she could say anything, the King extended his hand toward her, an unexpected gesture of kindness. Hesitating for only a second, she placed her hand in his and allowed him to pull her up.

"I suppose you're lost," the King observed, his sharp eyes glancing around the maze with familiarity.

Fiona let out a frustrated sigh and nodded. "Yes, I'm afraid so. I've been walking in circles for what feels like hours."

King Nicholas shook his head lightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "This isn't the best place to get lost. The palace gardens are notorious for trapping people."

"Clearly," Fiona muttered, half in annoyance, half in self-deprecation.

The King's eyes flicked toward her, studying her for a moment. "Why don't we take a break? Join me for tea.

Fiona opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, her stomach growled audibly, making her wince in

embarrassment. King Nicholas raised an eyebrow, and then, unexpectedly, he chuckled.

"Has Elijah not been feeding you properly?" he asked, a glimmer of amusement in his voice. Seeing his reaction, Fiona was immediately reminded of how Elijah lifted his eyebrow. They were too similar!

but laugh. "I've been

that." King Nicholas gestured for her to follow. "Dinner will be much more

had invited her to dine with him. Part of her wanted to refuse,

an opportunity, or a trap? Dining with the Alpha King could be seen as a privilege or a danger. She thought of Elijah -what would he think of her having dinner with his father? Would Carissa use this against her somehow?

the end, hunger and curiosity won out. Fiona knew she could always handle herself

the King and smiled. "Dinner sounds lovely,

clasping his hands behind his back as they walked. His gaze lingered on the path ahead, but Fiona could

first day at the infirmary?" King

still adjusting to the unexpected conversation. "It was fine," she replied carefully. "I- I never. expected to receive so

a knowing nod. "Those are soldiers-werewolf soldiers-training day and night to guard the palace from unwanted visitors," he explained. His voice was steady, almost proud, but there was a weight behind his words, a reminder of the ever-present danger that

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piqued. "I didn't realize the training was so intense," she admitted. "Many of them

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means they're pushing their limits. But they heal quickly, don't worry. Werewolf resilience is unmatched." His eyes shifted toward her, an

was... challenging, but rewarding too.

grew, though there was something unreadable in his gaze. "Good. You'll find that the palace has a way of testing people, even those who aren't soldiers." He paused, glancing around the now quieter garden as they approached

with the Alpha King. "I mean-thank you, Your Highness, for giving me the chance to work with them." "Hmmm..." Again,

thoughts raced, but she kept them to herself as they wound their way deeper into the maze. Finally, they reached an open area at the center, a circular clearing that seemed like the eye of the maze.

statue was a small seating area with a handful of elegant chairs. Roses bloomed behind each seat, adding a splash of color to the otherwise green and gray landscape. In

paused, gesturing toward the setup. "I was planning to dine here alone," he said. His voice was calm, almost nonchalant. "But since you're with me, I'd like to offer you

no, Your Majesty, I couldn't possibly-" she began, but