Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 112

Court Lady Mathias stood gracefully in the center of the room, her long, elegant robes flowing as she moved closer to the bed where Fiona lay motionless. Her silver hair was pinned immaculately, and her gentle smile seemed carved from years of practice. A practiced hand adjusted her cloak, a deliberate gesture that drew subtle attention to the opulent brooch pinned near her shoulder-a symbol of her influence.

"When Queen Luna heard about the incident, she immediately sent the best healers she could find," she said, her eyes scanning Fiona's still form. "It is a tragic incident, one that has saddened us all. The court hopes for Lady Fiona's swift recovery"

To his surprise, pretending came easier than he had anticipated. All it took was summoning the memory of the raw despair and fury that had gripped him the moment he realized Fiona was gone.

"The rogues will pay for this," he growled. "They attacked without mercy. Fiona was left barely clinging to life"

Court Lady Mathias inclined her head slightly, her fingers brushing a loose strand of hair back into place. "Indeed, Your Highness. Such barbarity must be addressed swiftly. However "She glanced at the surrounding walls of the camp, her lips pressing into a faint, sympathetic smile. "One cannot help but notice that this place lacks the security befitting someone of Lady Fiona's importance, Surely, the palace would provide a more suitable environment for her recovery"

Elijah's gaze flicked toward her, his jaw tightening. He had anticipated that the Queen and the council would eventually send someone to confirm Fiona's incapacitation. But he hadn't expected them to act this quickly. What caught him even more off guard was the choice of envoy-Court Lady Mathias a trusted confidante of the Queen and the wife of a prominent council member.

said

"This camp has served us well. The villagers needed me here, and Fiona-she wanted to be with them. To protect them," Elijah sa

"And yet, Lady Fiona lies here, gravely injured, Surely, she would wish to recover somewhere safe, where she can regain her strength without the looming threat of further attack.

into fists at his sides. "All she wanted was to help the villagers. yet the rogues had taken her instead," he mumbled just enough for the Court lady to hear. Then he turned towards the older woman. "She bled for

a mother who was talking to her child. "Your Highness, no one questions Lady Fiona's bravery. Coming here, knowing that the rogues had been attacking this area, is enough proof of that. But bravery alone cannot heal wounds, nor does it ensure safety. The palace healers would provide her with the finest care, and the Queen herself would see to it that her

were carefully chosen, each syllable layered with subtle insinuations. This is only one

her well-being. And for yours." She stepped back, her eyes darting briefly toward Elijah

Mathias continued, "Your Highness," she said, tilting her head slightly. "The court is always concerned about the rogues. But you know how politics can delay even the most urgent matters. The important thing is that Lady Fiona is cared for now. The past cannot be undone, but we can

a strand of hair from her forehead. "I failed her," he said quietly, his shoulders tensing. "I should have stopped this before it happened." "You did everything you could, Your Highness" Mathias stepped closer and placed a gentle hand on his arm. "But now, it is time to think

themselves while I hide in the palace!" Mathias's cyri sparkled with feigned understanding. "You are a protector, Your Highness. But even protectors need rest and allies. Let the court help you carry this

tured sharply, his expression unreadable. "11 consider it,"

Jong pa

now, Fiona stays here.

"Of course, Your Highness. The decision is yours, as it

back, casting our last glance at Fiona before motioning to the i about preparations anel incatments, their movements precise

they started checking on

had brought. They

is always at your service" Court Lady Mathias said. "I will let the healers do their job. I will be

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