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

falter. "It won't happen. I know exactly

and sure, that reassured her. He continued walking, leading her deeper into the winding paths, the tall hedges towering over them

but his presence alone made her feel safe. Despite her lingering fear of getting lost, she kept her steps steady, her trust in him growing with every turn they took. And

forever, they arrived at a clearing in the maze, and Fiona's breath caught in her throat. Before her lay a beautiful lake, its surface reflecting the deepening twilight. The water was still, except for the gentle ripples caused by the soft breeze. Tiny bees hovered just above

leading to a small covered seating area in the middle of the lake. The structure was simple but elegant, with soft drapes tied back to 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

first time anyone had treated her like this. The careful thought behind. every detail, the beauty of the setting-it overwhelmed her. A lump formed in her throat, and she felt the sting of tears behind her eyes. She wanted to thank Elijah, but before she could find the words,

voice was soft, steady, and filled

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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

setting around them. The candles flickered in the gentle evening breeze, casting a soft glow that made the entire scene feel like

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so many emotions she wanted him to know, but all she could say

Elijah said. Surprisingly, his voice was calm. "She created those gardens, planted its first roses... designed this seating area and everything around

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

She thought about meeting the King in the maze. "Not even in