Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 81

In the council chamber, twelve figures sat around a circular stone table, each carrying the weight of their title and opinions. At the head of the table sat King Nicholas, his posture tense. In contrast, Queen Lyanna sat opposite him. her expression controlled as always. The council members-a diverse gathering from regions near and far-fidgeted, whispered, or glared at each other in hushed anticipation

"We cannot ignore the threat of open war," argued Councilman Lacson. "The Lycans are not idle threats. If offering them what they seek avoids bloodshed, we should strongly consider it."

King Nicholas's jaw tightened. "And at what cost, Councilman? Giving Fiona away will not placate them. They see her as a weapon, a pawn to strengthen their power. Do you think that offering her up will truly cul their ambition!"

"It would, at the very least, buy us time," countered Councilor de Luca, a silver-haired man from the southern territories. "Every delay grants us a chance ta prepare, to perhaps negotiate for a truce. War now would be catastrophic for our kingdom and beyond." Queen Lyanna nodded in agreciment her gaze steady as she looked at the King. "De Luca is right, Nicholas. We are not prepared for a full-scale assault from the Lycans. The damage to our people would be severe"

A younger councilor. Amir from the eastern countries, shifted in his seat. "But if we give them Fiona, what next? Do you truly believe they will stop at one demand?"

"Precisely" interjected Lady Mariya Weeson, her voice cold. "We have no assurances this would end anything. Fiona is a Rosenthal, yes, but she's one of us now. She has proven her value."

Councilor Harrington a broad-shouldered man from the northern territories, placed his hands on the table. "Let's be practical here. If Fiona were such a prize, keeping her here would serve us better. If her healing abilities are as powerful as they appear, she's more valuable as an ally than as a hargaining chip"

"We don'l need allies" Queen Lyanna cut in. "We need peace. Her presence here endangers everything we've built. I'm not saying it's ideal, but would you have us risk everything for the sake of a single healer!"

Nicholas's gaze Inrdened as he looked at her. "She's not a 'single healer Lyanna. She's a Rosenthal. Her abilities have c

changed the game. Do you honestly believe the Lycans would honor a truce if we handed her over!"

"Perhaps not" admitted Councilor Tanaka, folding his hands. "But at the very least, we wouldn't provoke their wrath by keeping her. Sometimes sacrifices must be made

"A noble idea, Tamala" Lord Harrington shot back. "But I don't see you

u volunteering anyone from your region as a "sacrifice."

"Enough!" King Nicholas stood, pressing his palms into the stone table. "I am the one leading this kingdom. And I am telling you now-I refuse to sacrifice Fiona like a lamb to the slaughter"

The room

fell into tense silence. Councilor Zhang, a reserved figure from the eastern lands, cleared his throat. Then, Your Majesty, what is your propou!? If we're not to offer hier up, how do you suggest we prepare for the inevitable conflict?"

to assume isolation

would ally with us in such uncertain times" asked Councilor Hanae, leaning forward. "Who would risk angering the Lycans?" He cleared Is throat The Tyrans have been around for hundreds of years. They have been hiding, yet they have slowly built a solid

Nicholas straightried, looking each council member in the e eye. "Then we show them what's at stake. We make it clear that Fiona's abilities are no longer hadden, no longer a secret. We let them see

said, tapping his fingers on the table. "But it

would

pressed into

even larger target. She's already at risk. Parading

conflict isn't coming. I'll take whatever measures necessary to protect

ullers viubly hesitant. Nicholas

more. Fiona's

care apparet in this kingdom, and I will not waste

Chapter 81

someone from walking into the meeting hall. This clearly failed as the door still

members turned sharply, startled by the sudden entrance. However, Prince Elijah strode into the room with an infuriating smile on his face that immediately grated

what is the meaning of this!" Queen Lyanna asked, her

"Hut 1 believe

""Prince Elijah"

Nicholas's warning

"You are not to involve

Elijah continued, unyielding.

slipped, a flicker of shock crossing her face before she collected herself. Councilman Lacson's eyes narrowed, his fingers tapping restlessly on the table. "This changes things, Councilor Weeson remarked, her gaze fixed on Elijah, studying him. "If you are indeed married to her, then you've bound. the royal family to the Rosenthals in a way we

them in the eye. "That's why I'm asking to be included in this meeting. Decisions about Fiona's fate directly affect me

Luca, leaning back and folding his arms. "But in light of this connection, perhaps he should

in reluctant agreement, while others,

with visible reluctance

a member of the royal family" Queen Lyanna's fingers tightened around the edge of the table, her expression neutral but her gaze sharp. "Are we

unflinchingly. "Yes.

your

ir union

Counior Hanae cleared his throat. "Then the prince's involvement may be warranted, he conceded, reluctantly. "As this matter has now become. familial it would seem" Gounelor Zhang nodded in