Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter

43

"Alright, we have been walking for quite some time now. Can you at least give me a clue as to where we're going?" Fiona asked, glancing at Elijah's back. They had just gotten married that morning, and now Elijah was leading her through the maze at the palace. The maze was dense with tall hedges, each path twisting and turning in a way that made it easy to lose track of direction. Fiona felt a bit disoriented, unsure of where they were headed.

"You know... this maze is disorienting me," she added, a small hint of frustration in her voice as she trailed behind him.

Elijah glanced over his shoulder, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He seemed perfectly at ease as if he knew every turn and twist like the back of his hand.

"I used to play in this maze when I was younger," Elijah said casually, his voice calm. "I would hide here from my father whenever I didn't want to deal with the royal duties. It became my escape."

Fiona raised her eyebrows, surprised by the confession. The thought of Elijah as a boy, avoiding responsibilities and hiding in the maze, made him seem more human, and more approachable.

"Is that why you brought me here?" she asked, half-joking. "So we can hide from everything?"

Elijah stopped suddenly and turned to face her. Before she could react, he pulled her toward him, his hands gentle but firm. He leaned in and pressed his lips softly to hers. The kiss was brief-just enough to send a flutter through her-but he pulled away almost immediately, a teasing smile playing on his face.

"If I told you right

way, it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?" he said, his tone light but affectionate.

Fiona blinked, still caught off guard by the sudden kiss, but she smiled back, shaking her head. She glanced up at the sky, noticing that it was beginning to get dark. A soft dusk was settling over them, casting shadows through the maze, and a small knot of worry tightened in her stomach.

starting to get dark," she said, her voice betraying a hint of

"It won't happen. I know exactly where we're

leading her deeper into the winding paths, the tall hedges towering over them on either side. Even though the maze felt more daunting as the light faded, Fiona followed him

of getting lost, she

was still, except for the gentle ripples caused by the soft breeze. Tiny bees hovered just

reveal a table set for two. Candlelight flickered in the middle of the table, casting a warm, inviting glow that reflected off the surface of the water below. The surrounding air was fragrant with the scent of roses, their delicate perfume wrapping around Fiona like

this. The careful thought behind. every detail, the beauty

soft, steady,

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nodded, unable to trust her voice at that moment. Without saying anything else, they began walking toward the bridge, Elijah guiding her with gentle assurance. As they crossed, the soft sounds of the water lapping against the bridge's wooden posts filled the quiet air,

candles flickered in the gentle evening breeze, casting a soft glow that made the entire scene feel like a dream. Elijah took his seat across

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beautiful," Fiona said. She had so many things to say, so many emotions

gardens, planted its first roses... designed this seating area and everything around it. "Including

mother... as a gift to me." Elijah held Fiona's hand as he added, "Not even my father is allowed to

the King in the maze. "Not even