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?"

across the table. "We can no longer afford to assume isolation will protect us. The

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 foundation. Until now, no one even knows if they were able to build a kingdom and where it

at stake. We make it clear that Fiona's abilities are no longer hadden, no longer a secret. We let them see the potential she brings, not

members shifted uncomfortably. "It's a bold plan," Councilor Amir said, tapping his fingers on the table. "But it could make

lyran would see this

pressed into

make Fions an even larger target. She's already

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

ullers viubly

more. Fiona's

long, he commued. "I we give in tow, it's only a matter of the betore they demand in abalının care apparet in this kingdom, and I will not waste them. If we are to face

Chapter 81

guards tried to stop someone from walking into the meeting hall. This clearly failed as the door still

strode into the room with an infuriating smile on his face that immediately grated

of this!" Queen Lyanna asked, her

said, pausing past inside the room. "Hut 1 believe this matter concerns me more

""Prince Elijah"

King Nicholas's

room. "You are not to involve yourself in

Elijah continued, unyielding. Fiona

shocked glances, each one processing Elijah's words. Even Queen Lyanna's composure 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

held his ground, looking each of them in the eye. "That's why I'm asking to be included in this meeting. Decisions about Fiona's fate directly affect me and by extension,

and folding his arms. "But in

through the council. Some nodded in reluctant agreement, while

with visible reluctance

only fair the prince participates. We're not merely debating political strategy anymore. Were speaking about a member of the royal family" Queen Lyanna's fingers tightened around the edge of the table, her expression neutral but her

gaze unflinchingly. "Yes.

your

ir union

he didn't deny it. He gave a single nod, prompting murmurs from council members who were still processing this unexpected turn. 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