Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 35

"You should see your face right now," the King suddenly said, breaking the thick silence that had wrapped around them. His tone was light, almost teasing. It immediately threw Fiona off.

Fiona blinked, unsure how to react. Was he joking? The tension from earlier still clung to her, and she found it hard to shake the feeling that something more sinister lay beneath his words. Her mind spun, trying to process whether the King was playing with her or if this had been his plan all along.

The King leaned back in his chair, watching her with an amused smile. "Elijah can marry whoever his wolf desires," he continued, his voice casual now as if they were discussing something trivial. "At this point, I only want him to be happy, and if the only thing that would make him happy is you, then who am I to stop him?"

Fiona felt the awkwardness settle in. She glanced at the food in front of her and, not knowing how else to respond, began to eat. The flavors were muted in her mouth as her thought

continued to race. Was the King really joking? Or was there more

to his words than he was letting on? She couldn't tell, and the uncertainty made her uneasy.

After a moment, the King's voice cut through her thoughts. "Tell me, Fiona," he said, his tone shifting back to a more serious one. "Do you know much about the Rite of Kings?"

Fiona swallowed her food quickly, shaking her head. "Not so much, Your Majesty," she admitted.

The King nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly as he regarded her. "The Rite is a tradition. Only those who are ages 25-30 can join the Rite."

Fiona nodded. She was at least aware of this rule as well as some basic ones, like needing to be a son of an Alpha to join the Rite of Kings.

King Nicholas continued. "Elijah is nearly thirty, and according to the Rite of Kings, no wolf over that age can join. That is why I had to declare the Rite earlier than I would have preferred. However, winning or losing is still up to him."

Fiona frowned, uncertain. "But, Your Majesty, what exactly does this Rite entail? And why is there a possibility Elijah might lose?" She thought Elijah would surely win the Rite of Kings. She'd heard rumors that he was the strongest contender and had the highest chance of winning.

it's a means of securing the support of the council. Without the backing of the council, Elijah's claim to the throne is weak. He may be my son, but the laws dictate that he needs their approval to ascend to the

surprise. "But Elijah is your

leaned forward, his tone growing serious. "Yes, he is my son, but the council doesn't answer to me alone. They must believe Elijah is the right leader for the kingdom. Unfortunately, as of

delicate situation. The council has their own interests, their own ambitions. Some of them question Elijah's

few supported him filled her with concern for his future. "So.... what can be done?" Her thoughts drifted back to the reasons Elijah had given for their marriage. He had spoken of silencing his enemies' suspicions, and now she wondered

my blessing of your marriage a secret. The council must believe that I disapprove of this union. It buys Elijah time to consolidate power without the full weight of the council coming down on him."

Chapter 35

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her see just how much was at stake. "You want

She blinked, confused. "Me?"

"I need you to stay by Elijah's side as his healer. During the competition, accidents happen-some are more dangerous and fatal than others. Support him, no matter what. He trusts you, and you are

unsure of what to say. But she didn't hesitate. "I adore

easing slightly as he nodded in satisfaction.

soon started to feel at ease in the King's company. She didn't know if it was because she was now fed or the fact that she was no longer lost in the maze. All she knew was that the King was different from all the rumors

was warm, always joking around. It was something that Fiona never expected from the King of

just as they started walking out of the maze. "I enjoyed

mine, Your Majesty," Fiona gave a respectful

to his right. "I will go to

know about this conversation.

her surprise, he suddenly reached out