Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 98

"Lady Fiona, here are the things the villagers wanted to give you as gilis," Merra said with a smile. "I told them you asked not to be given any gifts. but they insisted. Most of these are fruits-rare and definitely something you haven't seen inside the palace before. Fiona looked at the basket. Indeed, it was filled with fruits. They didn't have to do that, she said, sitting inside the makeshift tent. The surrounding air was heavy with the earthy scent of freshly cut grass and the faint aroma of brewed herbs:

The tent was simple but functional-wooden nakes secured thick canvas wall and the rond let in slivers of light through gaps in the fabric. Inside, a low wooden table sat at the center, adorned with a steaming teapot aid a few mismatched cups. Around the edges of the tent were baskets of supplies and gifts from the villagers-woven mats, jars of preserved fruit, and bundles of herbs.

She had already asked them not to give her gifts, but it seemed none of them listened. When she came back from meeting the envoys, the tent was already half full with fruits and other things that she could rat. Fiona shook her head.

Merra stood by the table, sorting through one of the baskets, Fiona took a sip of her tex, its warmth spreading through her as she allowed herself a brief moment of rest. Her gaze drifted outside the tent, where Elijah was issuing instructions to his men. His posture was tense, his eyes constantly scanning the perimeter of the village. He was alert, every movement calculated as though he were expecting something-or someone.

Fiona didn't want to distract him. Instead, she glanced back at the basket Merra was sorting. "These fruits are beautiful," Fiona said, gesturing toward a bundle of golden berries she had never seen before. "I've never seen anything like them"

"They grow deep in the forest," Merra said, smiling faintly as she continued her work. "The villagers think they bring good luck. They insisted you have them."

Just then, the tent's flap rustled, and a young woman stepped inside. She carried another basket, this one overflowing with wildflowers and more golden berries. Her movements were calm, almost practiced, as she set the basket down near the entrance. Her gaze swept the tent briefly before settling on Merra

"Where should I put this?" the woman asked casually.

"On the table, please," Merra replied, gesturing toward the far end. "We'll sort it out in a while."

The woman stepped closer, placing the basket as instructed. Fiona observed her quietly, something about her presence catching her attention. Her movements were fluid-100 precise for someone simply delivering a basket. Her eyes, though warm at first glance, held a sharpness that made Fiona feel as though she were being studied.

Still. Fiona kept her expression composed, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her teacup. She didn't want to alarm Merra or Elijah, so she said nothing, sumply watching as the woman lingered a moment longer than necessary, Fiona's gaze flicked briefly to Elijah outside, still engrossed in his duties, and then back to the woman

The air in the tent shifted suddenly.

A sharp hiss startled Fiona Her attention supped to Merra, who was frozen, her hands halfway to the basket she'd been sorting. Behind her, the young woman had an arm around Merra's neck, a thin, glinting blade pressed against her throat.

clinked softly against the saucer as she set it down with

Fiona. Her grip on Merra was firm, the blade steady against

flinch. She scanned the tent, noting the positioning of the tables and baskets. There was little cover, but the opening of the tent was just a few feet away. If she could

eyes filled with panic, but she didn't struggle. Fiona's calmness seemed to steady her, though the tension in the room was palpable. The woman tightened her grip, her gaze flicking toward the tent's entrance as if assessing the chances

waver. "If you harm her, you won't leave this village alive.

her confidence unshaken. "Then let's make sure it doesn't come to

She needed to

eyes flicked toward the table, where one of the herbal bundles was tied with a thin conl. Slowly, she slid her hand toward

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Chapter 98

said,

her voice calm despite the tension

her gaze bore into

maintained her silence, Fiona spoke again. "Let

tried to speak, but the woman suddenly pressed the blade tighter against her neck,

smiled. "You wanted me, so why don't you

Slowly

THIE

woman narrowed her eyes at Fiona as if she'd anticipated this. "Get up, raise your arms,

her hands as instructed, her movements calm. Her eyes never left the woman holding the blade. Merra's safety

blade didn't falter as she motioned Fiona closer. Once Fiona was standing before her, the woman shoved Merra to the side. Merra crumpled against the table, her body limp. Fiona's breath hitched, her gaze darting

replied, a cold smile on her lips. "I poisoned her. A small dose enough to knock her out. If you want the antidote. you'll

was skilled, and calculating. Fiona kept her expression neutral, but her mind worked to memorize every detail-the placement of the blade, the woman's posture, and her tone. She didn't notice the woman hurt Merra aside from when the blade drew a

do you want?" Fiona asked. She

need you to make this look normal, the woman said, gesturing toward Merra. "Sit her up in the