Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 90

"AHHHHH!" Queen Lyanna's fury filled every corner of her chamber as she threw another crystal glass against the wall, the shards scattering across the floor. Her eyes darted wildly, rage radiating from every inch of her. The attack on Fiona in broad daylight was an audacious, unforgivable act, but it wasn't the brazen assault alone that enraged her-it was the consequences. Her fingers clenched tightly as her mind filled with the image of the villagers rallying around Fiona only fueling her rage. "Who would dare?" she muttered, pacing furiously. "Who would be so utterly stupid to attack her right there, in front of everyone, where the peasants and soldiers could all see! Now they'll talk-talk of her as if she's some kind of martyr!"

She grabbed a heavy vase and hurled it toward the door, the impact sending fragments flying across the floor. The mail nearest to her flinched, stepping back with wide eyes, but another, younger maid gathered her courage and approached, concern etched on her face. "Your Majesty," the maid began hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Your hand, it's bleeding" She motioned toward the Queen's hand, which was streaked with blood from a small cut on her palms

Queen Lyanna's gaze snapped to the maid, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "You think I care about that?" she spat, shoving the maid hack. The force of the push sent the yosing woman stumbling. "You think a mere serpich concerns me?"

The maid, stunned and frightened, barely had a chance to regain her footing before Queen Lyanna slapped her hard across the check. The sound echoed in the tense silence. The other servants looked away, none daring to step forward or intervene. The maid whimpered, her cheek red and stinging, but remained silent, her gaze cast downward as she held back tears.

Lyanna tumed her back on the girl, her hands shaking as she looked around the room, breathing heavily. They'll think of her as some kind of saint now! Every single peasant, every single guard, they'll spread stories of her bravery, of her selfless healing" She scoffed, a bitter laugh escaping her. "A healer, of all things! And they'll think she's risking her life for them."

She paced again, her steps quick and sharp, fury simmering just below the surface. "Whoever did this-whoever was idiotic enough to stage an attack in broad daylight has done nothing but increase her influence! Now the soldiers, the villagers, they'll all be saying how noble she is, how she "risked her life" for their sakes." She seized another glass from the table and threw it against the wall, the shattering sound punctuating her words.

Her breath came in heavy gasps as she finally stopped, her shoulders rising and falling as she glared at the empty space before her. "Whoever orchestrated this has ruined everything," she hissed, her mind racing. "Now they'll believe she's essential. Now they'll treat her like some irreplaceable figure."

The remaining servants dared not move, their heads lowered as they avoided her furious gaze. Queen Lyanna's anger was an uncontrollable storm, and they had no desire to get swept up i

p in it.

Queen Lyanna's blood-streaked hand tightened as a maid timidly approached her from behind. The maid's head remained lowered as she spoke. "Your Majesty, Councilman Lacson is here. He.. be requests an audience."

Lyanna's nostrils flared, her expression unreadable for a moment before she let out a frustrated sigh. "Fine," she snapped, brushing past the maid and sunding our of her study, her steps echoing down the corridor.

held a flicker of apprehension, though he quickly masked it as she gestured for him to follow. They walked silently until they reached the gardens, where she signaled

Lacson began. "Your Majesty, several council members reached

was only yesterday that half of them were clamoring to hand her over to the Lycans She looked back at him with

Lacon nodded.

seen something none of us can ignore-her influence is spreading faster thai anticipated. Every camp she vinis, every villager slir helps.. it leaves a mark. They see her as a savior. Your Majesty, and the coumed fears that influence could disrupt the balance. So they re suggesting we summon her back

she studied him with a calculating look. "And do they realize that pulling her from the camps now would be oliattest Fiona luas altrady visited two of the gates-the North and the East. The villagers there would see her withdrawal as a betrayal. The trimmauang cathups, those in the South and West, would feel abandoned Her

face paded slightly "The

in a humorless socile. "We'd die seen as indiferem to the antering of

martyr of abandonment in their eyes,

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HM

Chapter 90

glanced away, considering her words. "But Your Majesty, if we allow her to continue unchecked, her influence will only deepen. The council

to make her a bargaining chip with the Lycans" She shook her heard, scoffing "Now they want to control her, last they've given her just enough time to gain the people's trust. If she continues this charade of 'selfless healing' in all four gates, she'll have the entire border believing she's their champion. And

Majesty, what do we do? If we let her continue, we're strengthening her hand. If we summon her back, we risk sparking anger

hardened. "We can't remove her outright, not now. We council to send additional envoys to each camp-trusted individuals who

governs them, that Fiona is merely a helper, granted permission by the council to act under our watch Councilman

our will"

cold satisfaction. "We'll let her continue, but under careful scrutiny. And when she's done, the people will know that it was our wisdom, not her influence, that brought relief to these villages." She leaned back, her gaze piercing. "Make sure the council members understand their role in

respectfully. "Of course, Your Majesty. I'll see to it that everything is arranged."

see her as a 'benefit." She waved a hand dismissively "The council will handle this.