Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 39

"What you did back there was crazy," Kariana said as Fiona walked back into the infirmary. Fiona still had about two hours left in her shift, and even though exhaustion tugged at her, she had no choice but to return.

"I know," Fiona said, her voice flat with fatigue.

"No, you don't." Kariana narrowed her eyes, clearly more serious than usual. "Do you even realize how influential her father is?" She shook her head. "Right, you probably don't." Kariana sighed, gesturing for Fiona to follow her. "Come, let's have some tea. The soldiers just left, and I asked Cillian to take a break too. He chose to leave early."

Fiona followed her to a small table where Kariana began brewing tea. The smell of the herbs filled the air, calming but not enough to ease the tension.

"Miss Carissa Calyrre is the daughter of Elder Calyrre, the King's right-hand man," Kariana explained, her voice low and cautious. "You embarrassed her in front of everyone, and now the whole palace is buzzing about it." Fiona raised an eyebrow. "Elder Calyrre?" she asked. "I've heard the name, but I don't know much about him."

Kariana poured the tea, glancing around as if making sure no one else was listening. "The Calyrre family is one of the most powerful in the kingdom, and there are rumors that Miss Carissa is supposed to marry Prince Elijah." Fiona's hand paused over her cup. "Marry Elijah?" she repeated, her voice tinged

With disbelief.

Kariana nodded. "That's what everyone's been saying for years. Now, thanks to what happened, everyone is laughing at Carissa and her family. They're saying you humiliated her, and she's lost face. Do know what that means?" marry

Fiona frowned, thinking about the implications. "If she's supposed to Elijah, why hasn't it happened yet? Doesn't that seem strange?"

Kariana shrugged, her eyes serious. "No one knows for sure. But what you did do today? You made enemies, Fiona. And if the Calyrres decide to come after you... well, let's just say people who cross them don't usually fare well." She hesitated before adding, "There was a maid who disappeared not too long ago after a run-in with Carissa. There were rumors."

Fiona's stomach clenched, but before she could respond, the door to the infirmary swung open, and a group of women entered. Their elegant gowns and haughty expressions marked them as nobility. Kariana stiffened beside Fiona, her fingers tightening on the teacup. Without warning, one of the women stormed toward Fiona and slapped her across the face. The sound echoed through the room. Fiona's cheek stung from the impact. She got up, surprised at the sudden attack. Why does it feel like this is a scene from a TV show? "How dare

you

humiliate Miss Carissa like that!" the woman seethed, her eyes blazing with fury.

Kariana quickly stepped forward. "Miss Arlena, violence is not permitted in this place. You have no right-"

away. "You're nothing

with shame and anger, but she didn't back down. "I

woman, who had been standing nearby with a sneer, stepped forward and raised her hand to slap Kariana,

wide with shock, as Fiona shoved her backward, sending her sprawling onto the floor. She landed with a heavy thud,

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Chapter 39

room fell silent, all-eyes on

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deliberate

voice was calm yet cold as she added, "If anyone lays a hand on Kariana again, they'll end up

other women exchanged nervous glances,

regaining its strength. "You all

think you are?" The woman with the blonde curly hair hissed, her expression twisted with fury. "Do you truly believe that you are someone special just because a prince rescued you from your hellhole? Do you really believe someone's going to come to rescue you?

ready for any move. "I don't need anyone

had been standing nearby, was wide-eyed with shock. Fiona was more than just a healer-she moved like someone who had been on countless confrontations before. She might not be an expert at fighting, but she had trained in the past. "You'll regret that!" the first woman, Miss Arlena, snarled as she recovered and made another move to strike. Fiona was prepared to counter, her muscles tensing when a loud bang

entire room froze, every head snapping toward the

His expression was unreadable, but the power in his gaze was

lowered themselves into deep bows, their bravado evaporating in an instant. Fiona hesitated. before lowering her head as well, cursing inwardly. Why now? She thought. Why does he always show up when I don't need help? Elijah

Highness?" Arlena lifted her

the palace hall and disrespecting the prince," Elijah said as he turned towards

Harming a healer?

things, but she was certain she

Highness, this is not fair! We came here to talk, but this she pointed

woman-