Contract With The Alpha King by Brey Mitchylle

Chapter 113

Lady Mathias sat in the carriage, the rhythmic clatter of wheels on the dirt road blending with the murmured conversations of the healers seated. opposite her. She held a delicate porcelain teacup, sipping its contents calmly as the healers spoke in hushed tones. "She's barely alive," one of the healers said. "The poison is unlike anything I've encountered before. It's almost sentient, resisting her natural healing

abilities at every tum.

Another healer chimed in. "Even if she does survive, the damage may be irreversible. Her body is fighting two battles-one to heal and another to contain whatever is coursing through her veins.

"Do you think she'll ever wake up?" Lady Mathias:

asked, her gaze sharp as she studied the healer.

The man hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "If she does, it will be a miracle. Her current state suggests the poison is still active, though weakened. But there is no telling how long she can withstand this."

Lady Mathias leaned back, swirling the tea in her cup thoughtfully. "Interesting A healer, reduced to such a fragile state." She allowed a small smile to play at her lips. "Perhaps the gods have a sense of irony"

Another healer shook his head. "She's a Rosenthal If she were faking, we'd know. The extent of her injuries makes such deception impossible."

Lady Mathias's smile faded, her eyes narrowing slightly as she set her cup down on its saucer with a faint clink, "Nothing is impossible, dear Especially when desperation fuels the act." healer.

The camage jolted as it transitioned onto smoother cobblestones, signaling their approach to the palace. Lady Mathias shifted her attention back to the window, watching as the grand gates loomed ahead. Despite the Prince's insistence that Fiona remains in the village, Mathias couldn't help bur agree, in her own way, with his decision.

The palace, after all, was far more treacherous than any rogue-infested forest. The Rogue King, for all his ferocity, was predictable. The Royals and the Council? They preferred their weapons hidden behind smiles and etiquette

The carriage came to a halt, and Lady Mathias stepped down with practiced elegance. She made her way to the Queen's private garden, where Queen Luna sat alone, a delicate teacup in her hand and a tray of untouched pastries on the table before her. The scent of lavender and freshly cut roses filled the air, masking the tension that seemed to accompany every meeting in this place

"Your Majesty," Lady Mathias said, bowing slightly as she approached.

Queen Luna set her cup down, her sharp eyes glancing up at Mathias. "You've returned. I trust your visit was enlightening, she gestured for the Court Lady to take a sit..

Lady Mathias took a seat opposite the Queen, folding her hands neatly in her lap. "As expected. Your Majesty. Lady Fiona's condition is dire. The headers are convinced she may never wake again."

eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "Do they now? And what of this poison? What do

resilience seems insuficient against it." queen Luna ler

picture, Your Majesty. The healers did all they could, but

smirk widened, she took a delicate sip of her tea before setting the cup down with

Mathias confirmed. The items were presented as recommendations from the healers, just as you requested. No one will suspect their true

laugh was sharper this time, her eyes gliding with satisfaction. "Good. It is only fitting that Lady Fiona receives the best care, after all. Her survival-or lack flierrot

village was.... admurable, if not naive, Queen Luna waved a dismissive handl. "Let him

"And

the more satisfying when it

resolve. "If the recovers, then we will simply adjust. But for now, let the poison do

rose gracefully, bowing her head once more. "As you

Let them believe I am the one holding everything together." "Of course, Your Majesty, Mathias said, a faint smirk tugging at her

who cannot heal herself, she murmured. "How tragically poetic" She chuckled softly, the sound mingling with the rustle of the wind through the

She stepped back, her hands clasped in from of her as she glanced toward Fiona's motionless form. "You haven't

acknowledge her, his gaze fised on Fiona. His expression was unreadable,

yrl to come.

Rio said, stepping forward. "We understand your concern, but you must take care of yourself as well. The healers have done all they can for now. Staying here without rest won't change her condition." Still, Elijah remained silent, his jaw

glance

at

the tea

be strong, to think clearly. You can't do that if you refuse away,

to step

flinch slightly. He didn't look at them, his focus entirely on Fiona. "Leave," he said. Carissa hesitated, her gaze darting

leave," Elijah

if to protest, but one look at Elijah's rigid stance made her think better of it. She nodded reluctantly and followed Rio out of the room. The door closed softly behind them, leaving Elijah alone with

Fiona's shallow breathing. Elijah stepped closer to her bedside, his hand reaching out 1

locked on her pale features. "Now you're making me look like

features that seemed too still, too lifeless. He was about to speak again when he caught a flicker of