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!

couldn't help but laugh. "I've been a little... distracted, Your

to follow. "Dinner will be much more satisfying than tea,

believe she was walking with the Alpha King himself, let alone that he had invited her to dine with him. Part of her wanted to refuse, to find her own way out of

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? Fiona considered all these possibilities, weighing the pros and cons as

always handle herself in the presence of royalty.

a deep breath, she turned to the King and

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

first day at the infirmary?" King Nicholas asked, his

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

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

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curiosity piqued. "I didn't realize the training was so intense,"

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their limits. But they heal quickly, don't worry. Werewolf resilience is unmatched." His eyes shifted toward her, an almost teasing glint in them. "Still, I imagine it was quite an overwhelming day for

challenging, but rewarding too.

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 the palace. "But I think you'll do just fine,

"I mean-thank you, Your

only sound being the gravel crunching under their feet. Fiona's 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,

adding a splash of color to the otherwise green and gray landscape. In front of the statue

said. His voice was calm, almost nonchalant. "But since

couldn't possibly-" she began, but