Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 60

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Fiona folded her arms as she stood in the garden, staring at Elise, who was clearly hesitating to speak. "Why did you want to see me, Elise?" Fiona asked, without hiding the irritation in her voice. "I'm not offering you tea, so spit it out." She didn't want to see Elise, but Kariana thought Elise's presence would attract attention from other werewolves walking in and out of the infirmary,

"I didn't come here to argue," Elise said, her voice flat, uninterested as usual.

Fiona let out a sigh. She was tempted to roll her eyes but refrained. "Then why are you here?" she asked. "Surely, you didn't come because you missed me?"

Elise scoffed, her lips curling in disdain. "Miss you? Don't flatter yourself, Fiona. If anything, life's been a lot better since you left. At least now I don't have to clean up after your messes."

She wanted to argue and ask her about these "messes" she was talking about. Was being different considered a mess? Fiona was tempted to start another fight with her sister, but she didn't. Instead, she just stared at Elise, waiting for her to say more, to tell her what she really wanted to say.

Elise shifted slightly, her eyes scanning the garden as if avoiding Fiona's gaze. "So, do you like it here?" she asked abruptly.

Fiona found the question strange, her brows knitting together in confusion. "Yes," she answered slowly. "I do. Why?"

Elise didn't answer immediately, her lips pressing into a thin line as she seemed to gather her thoughts. Seeing this, Fiona crossed her arms, her patience wearing thin. "Elise, what do you really want? Just say it. You might not know this, but I am working in the palace. I need to go back to work soon."

After a beat, Elise finally looked up. "Do you know why there's no other Rosenthal outside the clan?"

Fiona stared at her sister. "Isn't it because our dear clan leader-Father-kills anyone who dares leave?" she answered before she could properly process her thoughts.

Elise's eyes widened, and for the first time, her usual mask of indifference slipped. "What?" she stuttered, clearly caught off guard.

Fiona chuckled darkly, watching her sister's reaction with grim satisfaction. "Are you really surprised, my dearest sister?" she asked. "Surprised that I know about Father's plan to kill me? His eldest child?"

Elise didn't respond immediately, her mouth opening slightly before closing again as if searching for words. Her silence was all the confirmation Fiona needed.

"I know," Fiona said simply, shaking her head. "I've known for a while. It's no secret to me that Father would rather see me dead than out in the world, living my own life." Her eyes flicked up to meet Elise's, daring her to deny it.

something. After a long pause, she finally spoke. However, this time, her voice seemed quieter than before. "I didn't

genuinely

turned on her heel, walking away swiftly without another word. Fiona stood there, watching her sister disappear

spot where Elise had disappeared. This entire conversation left her with more questions than answers, but worrying about it now would

aside, knowing that her sister's sudden warning wouldn't solve itself in an instant, With a

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Chapter 60

Fiona turned away and started back toward the

would keep her mind occupied. At least that was

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she forced herself to focus on the patients and tasks at hand. By the time her shift ended-earlier than usual, thankfully-Fiona felt mentally drained but relieved to be done for the day.

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before-were lined up from the door,

moved to step aside, Regor appeared in front of her, bowing deeply. "Greetings to

a

stomach twisting with discomfort. "Don't call me that," she blurted

from the staircase. "It's only fitting, Fiona," he said with a smirk, descending the stairs with his usual confident grace. "After all, you are the one

is all this?" she asked, motioning to the rows of servants. Didn't they agree not to announce their wedding yet? What

"They're here to prepare you for the ball tomorrow," he explained, his tone light as if this was completely

ball isn't

grin widened, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You'll understand

unimpressed. "You enjoy

slightly, lowering his voice just enough for her to hear.

convinced but knowing that pushing him for answers wouldn't get her anywhere. "Fine," she said, though her tone was far from enthusiastic. "I'll play along. But if this turns into some ridiculous spectacle, I'm blaming

hand gently brushing her cheek. "I'll take full responsibility," he promised, his

the head maid stepped forward and gestured toward a side hall. "Mistress Fiona," she

curiosity rising with every step. She still wasn't entirely sure what Elijah meant by "preparations," but as she entered the large room ahead,

small army of servants descended on her. They moved quickly, efficiently, without a word, ushering her to a cushioned chair in the center