Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 91

"Envoys?" Elijah lifted an eyebrow.

"Yes, Your Highness, it seems that these people were from the council and the crown itself," Regor said. "They carried supplies and announced who they were from the moment they arrived."

Elijah sneered. "Not even a day after the attack, and they are already looking for ways to control Fiona. How pathetic."

Then Elijah stepped out of the Chief's house, he saw the two envoys waiting for him under the dim light of the village lamps. They straightened at the sight of him, bowing respectfully

"Your Highness, one of them greeted, "I any Council Envoy Marek, arul this is Envoy Janos. We bring supplies from the council and the crown, and we hope to support Lady Fiona during her stay here."

Elijah's eyes narrowed as he watched them, his posture calm. He hadn't missed the council's timing-too swift and calculated for his liking. He could almost feel the strings they were attempting to attach to Fiona with each supposed gift.

Marck continued, glancing toward the house. "We must mention. Your Highness, that the house Lady Fiona is staying in may not be secure enough. We believe additional guards should be placed around her""" Elijah's gaze hardened, and he took a deliberate step forward. "Are you implying that my people are incapable of protecting her landed like a stone, and the envoys exchanged uneasy glances. His question

Janos quickly shook his head "Of course not, Your Highness. We only mean to ensure both Lady Fiona's safety and yours. Extra precautions. nothing more

Elijah's jaw clenched as he considered their words, "No. Guards swarming the house will only alarm the villagers and make Fiona seem untouchable

sa figure separate from the people. That's precisely what you're aiming for, isn't it?"

The envoys faltered, their composure slipping slightly. Marek regained himself, a polite smile crossing his face. "Your Highness, are you concerned about what the villagers think of Lady Fiona's safety?"

Elijah's eyes narrowed, his expression steely. "Are you suggesting that your guards are capable of protecting her where mine cannot! That's a bold assumption," he said, his tone cold as he studied them. "Let me remind you that this council you serve was more than willing to cast her to the wolves. Now you want her under your watch!"

He didn't wait for their response. Instead, he let a surge of power roll off him, filling the air between them with a palpable tension. Marek and Janos paled, the weight of Elijah's presence pressing them back as they fought to maintain their footing "Scram Elijah ordered, his eyes dark with warning

Meanwhile, Chief Jaren's expression was tense as he stepped into the modest house where he'd been staying. The room was dimly lit, the low murmur of voices stopping abruptly as two villagers looked up at him with expectant faces.

's going on. Chief" one of them asked, glancing toward the direction of the supplies stacked outside "Where did all those supplies come from!"

of tea, his movements calm but deliberate as if choosing his next words carefully. "First, tell me

Darek, nodded. "Yes,

began slowly. "Were brought here by envoys. Sent

named Elara, frowned "Envoys? After all this

"It might

of the attack on Lady Fiona. Or," he paused, his gaze shifting between else. They say they're here to 'protect her, but that's not the only reason." forward, his brow furrowed "You thank they're

Barrk leaned for

And we all know The council anpinion on Lady Fiona lui't been favorabile. Elara's eyes

"Eortly" parmesaidi

control her, or perhaps even force her back in the palace.

11:32 AM

Chapter 91

like guards, but they're here to serve the council's

glancing at Elara. "So, what do we

voice steady. "Spread the word. We only trust Lady Fiona and His Highness Elijah.

Prince come here on their own if the council didn't send

outsiders

about it-if the council had truly backed them, they'd have come with a full guard, provisions, and more supplies from the start. But no. They came on their corn, and they've done more for us in these few days than the council has in years. This was Lady Fiona and Prince Elijalo's decision, not the

here now because of

hardening. "No. They're here because

influence. People see her as their healer, their hope. The council doesn't like that." He glanced between them, his expression serious. "Mark my words. This fin't about

look with Elara. "Alright, Chief. We'll tell the others. Only Lady Fiona and His Highness can be trusted. The council's envoys stay

be cautious. We may be their hosts, but we're not their allies. The council thinks

occasionally reaching for a hand or glancing over puke, her care focused. After a quick assessment, she directed them to specific healers, guiding those with signs of poisoning toward the

back to Marek, brow furrowed. "How can they afford to heal this many people?" he muttered.

didn't look at him, but gave a curt nod, eyes fixed on Fiona "The council isn't concerned with cost here," he replied. "Just focus on why we're

as she asked a few questions, then directed her toward the infirmary, assuring her assistance would be provided. Janos shook his head his tone laden with skepticism as he watched Fiona. "She hardly even rests," he noted. "It seems almost

glanced back at Fiona. "She's a Rosenthal. Remember that. Her family was blessed by the goddess herself, or so the stories say. Healing is in their blood, and the people. they believe in that lineage. The two envoys stood quietly for a moment, each wrapped in his own thoughts, watching as Fiona moved through the crowd, her kindness apparent as she spoke to the villagers. They murmured her name in gratitude, their faith in her clear. After a pause: Janos glanted

Fiona's presence among the villagers, the subtle aura of authority she commanded without trying. Finally, le gestured toward the crowd. "Focus on why we're here, Janos," he said, ushering the other envoy